Heartfelt relationships and character growth
Summer Strike is one of those rare K-dramas that feels like a deep exhale. It’s not flashy or fast-paced, but it’s quietly powerful in the way it captures burnout, healing, and the courage it takes to simply stop and breathe.
The story follows Yeo-reum, who walks away from her draining city life and lands in the sleepy seaside village of Angok. What unfolds isn’t just a physical relocation—it’s a slow, emotional unraveling of grief, loneliness, and rediscovery. Watching her settle into this new rhythm, surrounded by strangers who slowly become something more, felt like therapy in drama form.
The chemistry between Seolhyun and Im Si-wan is subtle but sincere. Their characters don’t fall into dramatic tropes—they just exist together, quietly supporting and understanding one another. The show also shines in its portrayal of found family, especially Yeo-reum’s bond with Bom and her grandmother, which felt incredibly genuine.
That said, the pacing might not be for everyone. It leans into stillness and introspection, and the mystery subplot, while adding some tension, occasionally felt like a distraction from the emotional core. But if you’re in the mood for something reflective and emotionally honest, this drama delivers.
Pros:
✔ Beautifully captures the nuances of healing and self-discovery
✔ Strong, understated performances
✔ Heartfelt relationships and character growth
✔ Gorgeous cinematography that complements the mood
Cons:
✘ Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
✘ Mystery elements sometimes detract from the main narrative
Would I rewatch? Yes—especially during times when I need a gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause and just be.
The story follows Yeo-reum, who walks away from her draining city life and lands in the sleepy seaside village of Angok. What unfolds isn’t just a physical relocation—it’s a slow, emotional unraveling of grief, loneliness, and rediscovery. Watching her settle into this new rhythm, surrounded by strangers who slowly become something more, felt like therapy in drama form.
The chemistry between Seolhyun and Im Si-wan is subtle but sincere. Their characters don’t fall into dramatic tropes—they just exist together, quietly supporting and understanding one another. The show also shines in its portrayal of found family, especially Yeo-reum’s bond with Bom and her grandmother, which felt incredibly genuine.
That said, the pacing might not be for everyone. It leans into stillness and introspection, and the mystery subplot, while adding some tension, occasionally felt like a distraction from the emotional core. But if you’re in the mood for something reflective and emotionally honest, this drama delivers.
Pros:
✔ Beautifully captures the nuances of healing and self-discovery
✔ Strong, understated performances
✔ Heartfelt relationships and character growth
✔ Gorgeous cinematography that complements the mood
Cons:
✘ Slow pacing may not suit all viewers
✘ Mystery elements sometimes detract from the main narrative
Would I rewatch? Yes—especially during times when I need a gentle reminder that it’s okay to pause and just be.
Was this review helpful to you?
