Maritza

It is a truth universally acknowledged amongst drama viewers(at least from what I`ve seen) that mundane depictions of real life work struggles are a boring watch. I did not expect much. But `Midnight Romance in Hagwon` was a lovely surprise.

Before starting all my reviews, I make it a point to thank everyone involved with making a drama happen. From directors, writers, cast, staff, words of thanks go out to you for your hard work.

I will say this outright - I am a fan of Ahn Pan Seok, the director of this drama. He directed some of my favorite dramas of all time(Secret Love Affair, One Spring Night) and his lens once again did wonders on this project. Firstly, I like watching his dramas in the wintertime, as they often feel like a cushy blanket enveloping you, comforting and warm. Add to that a scolding cup of hot chocolate and that is - to me - the perfect way to describe most, if not all, of his projects. This time around though, terrific actors Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon join this combo, and well...I cannot escape my bias.

I really liked this drama. It isn`t perfect, but then again, if you`re going into a Ahn Pan Seok project expecting your usual fare of dramatics...you`re going into it with a wrong mindset.

Here`s the thing. I totally understand when people say they find this flavor of dramas boring. I GET IT. The way these dramas are shot is very rudimentary, the conversations can be meandering and most of the time, they are. There`s not one specific character that you don`t feel conflicted over. The soundtracks are so repetitive and they are always of the same genre. See, I do get it. And yet...all of these things somehow work for me. Thing is, you truly do rarely see slice of life dramas that ACTUALLY feel like real life. And that`s usually their charm. I call it LIFE - KDRAMA EDITION. But when it comes to this drama, and dramas by the same director...we as viewers are aware it is a drama, but at the same time, it does feel like we are observing real people living their lives. We are afforded a glimpse into their day to day as we get passing shots of people going to a station, sleeping etc. and it still feels purposeful, important to the narrative itself. Even though, in truth, I don`t know that those shots would do anything for a casual viewer. It`s the definition of director`s indulgence. And I truly respect it. These days it`s very rare to look at a drama and be able to figure out a specific style. And he almost always manages to involve talented actors who get to, in turn, practice and flex their acting chops with roles that are too seldom found. The acting here is no exception. It is natural, effortless and engaging. I`ve seen many complaints from people saying Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won have no chemistry but I vehemently disagree. I do think the romance could have been more pronounced(it is one of my critiques) but as for the chemistry itself, it was absolutely present. But besides them, I find other characters(such as the director, White Haired Witch, as well as other teachers in DC academy) just as fascinating. They all do have layers and issues ascribed to them and not one of them is entirely terrible. It is a workplace drama through and through, so be aware of this fact. I personally found it relatable as someone who worked in educational spaces, but for those who don`t care much about this flavor of workplace romance, I would stay away. This is where things get spotty. And that is due to the writing.

Speaking of, though I`ve just praised the writing for great characterization, the actual conflict of the story in the last few episodes does land a bit...flat. It is quite realistic in its portrayal of educational systems in Korea, from what I`ve seen, but in terms of actually serving the purpose a conflict should serve, it is rather..meh. Wish I could have picked a better word for it but it is the definition of `meh`. Especially since another conflict with far more weight, is present and could have been deepened for better effect, but that would be going into spoilers. I do wonder if the conflict I mention was meant to be the main one, but halfway through script revisions it was scrapped or minimized. Regardless, due to this, the writing does range from great to somewhat confusing. And the soundtrack... I know some find it annoying, downright torturous, that this is one of the main signs you are watching a Ahn Pan Seok`s drama, but...I`m sorry, I do love it. They are always cozy, indie reminiscent soundtracks that carry a feeling of passing sweetness and add to the actual mood of the drama. And because we are often relegated to a few tracks, they are used with a purpose too.

Perhaps this review was all over the place, yet I do feel compelled to go easier on dramas I think deserve a higher rating, and this is one of them. Truth be told, I understand why people are hesitant/unaware/not keen on this drama. But, as one of the seven people who really seem to like it, if what I wrote so far piques your interest or you are a fan of dramas such as `One Spring Night` and `Something in the Rain`, this is a good contender for those melancholic winter days full of unspoken nostalgia.