This review may contain spoilers
Full of Potential, But Struggles to Make an Impact
Pinocchio centers on Choi In Ha, a reporter with “Pinocchio syndrome,” which causes her to hiccup whenever she lies. She befriends Choi Dal Po, a seemingly ordinary boy with a mysterious past and hidden talents, including a sharp memory and eloquence. Together, they navigate the world of journalism while uncovering their own truths.
My main issue with shows like this, especially ones that are nearly a decade old, is their lack of boldness. Pinocchio has a lot of potential, but it’s bogged down by cheesy, overly sentimental moments. It doesn’t fully engage the audience, particularly for a drama that blends revenge and romance.
While the cast is talented, the portrayal of Ki Jae Myung as a murderer feels weak. When he admits to killing people, his brother, Ki Ha Myung, reacts with pity rather than shock or disgust, which undermines the gravity of the situation. The script fails to build enough tension or intrigue around Jae Myung's character and his revenge arc. More mystery, darker themes, and intense scenes would have made the flashbacks and brotherly moments much more impactful.
Ha Myung’s character should have been portrayed as colder, more resolute, and horrified by his brother's actions. This would have created a much stronger emotional core for the show.
Seo Beom Jo’s character, on the other hand, is problematic. His stalker behavior toward Choi In Ha is romanticized, but the show fails to truly highlight the discomfort of this dynamic. If the intent was to make him a stalker, it should have conveyed the anxiety such behavior generates, rather than downplaying it to make it seem less sinister.
Ultimately, the series loses momentum halfway through, with the brothers' reunion becoming less of a focus. Jae Myung fades into the background, popping up only sporadically in the visiting room. This felt like a missed opportunity to explore their relationship more deeply.
In terms of performances, Lee Jong Suk, as Ha Myung, shines once again. His portrayal of the character’s emotional depth, whether in his relationship with his father, brother, or Choi In Ha, is consistently engaging.
Unfortunately, Choi In Ha’s character is underdeveloped, and the rest of the cast doesn’t leave a lasting impression, likely due to mediocre writing.
In conclusion, Pinocchio isn’t a must-watch. However, for Lee Jong Suk fans, it offers a solid performance worth seeing. For others, it’s easy to pass on.
My main issue with shows like this, especially ones that are nearly a decade old, is their lack of boldness. Pinocchio has a lot of potential, but it’s bogged down by cheesy, overly sentimental moments. It doesn’t fully engage the audience, particularly for a drama that blends revenge and romance.
While the cast is talented, the portrayal of Ki Jae Myung as a murderer feels weak. When he admits to killing people, his brother, Ki Ha Myung, reacts with pity rather than shock or disgust, which undermines the gravity of the situation. The script fails to build enough tension or intrigue around Jae Myung's character and his revenge arc. More mystery, darker themes, and intense scenes would have made the flashbacks and brotherly moments much more impactful.
Ha Myung’s character should have been portrayed as colder, more resolute, and horrified by his brother's actions. This would have created a much stronger emotional core for the show.
Seo Beom Jo’s character, on the other hand, is problematic. His stalker behavior toward Choi In Ha is romanticized, but the show fails to truly highlight the discomfort of this dynamic. If the intent was to make him a stalker, it should have conveyed the anxiety such behavior generates, rather than downplaying it to make it seem less sinister.
Ultimately, the series loses momentum halfway through, with the brothers' reunion becoming less of a focus. Jae Myung fades into the background, popping up only sporadically in the visiting room. This felt like a missed opportunity to explore their relationship more deeply.
In terms of performances, Lee Jong Suk, as Ha Myung, shines once again. His portrayal of the character’s emotional depth, whether in his relationship with his father, brother, or Choi In Ha, is consistently engaging.
Unfortunately, Choi In Ha’s character is underdeveloped, and the rest of the cast doesn’t leave a lasting impression, likely due to mediocre writing.
In conclusion, Pinocchio isn’t a must-watch. However, for Lee Jong Suk fans, it offers a solid performance worth seeing. For others, it’s easy to pass on.
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