Ravi

I started Destined With You without many expectations, and while I ended up enjoying it, the first half really tried my patience. Until around episode 8, both leads were stuck in messy feelings. Jang Shin-yu, a skilled lawyer burdened by a centuries-old curse, was still entangled with his girlfriend Yun Na-yeon, unwilling to end things openly. Meanwhile, Lee Hong-jo, a kind-hearted civil servant who stumbles upon a mysterious spell book, lingered around her crush Kwon Jae-gyeong, a reserved and seemingly perfect mayor’s advisor. This dragged-out love-square made the early story frustrating, and it was especially painful to watch when Jae-gyeong began to flirt back with Hong-jo, even though it was clear her heart wasn’t fully in it.

It was a relief when Shin-yu finally broke up with Na-yeon, though he kept it private out of respect for her request. Jae-gyeong’s character, however, never worked for me—he constantly felt like a forced third wheel, especially in the early episodes.

The show truly improved once Hong-jo became certain of her feelings for Shin-yu. Their romance blossomed beautifully, with heartfelt kisses and intimate moments that made their growing bond feel real.

Side plots like Shin-yu’s mother and the Miss Ma–Mr. Kong storyline didn’t ruin the experience, though they occasionally pulled focus.

Despite its rocky start, the drama delivered: a truly evil villain, engaging conflicts, and unmatched chemistry between Shin-yu and Hong-jo made Destined With You a satisfying watch.