I watched four episodes so far, and I have to say, most of the men here seem like possessive little shits. Yes, even the male lead. I am a 30 year old woman. If I was in the FL's shoes, I'd not be happy about a guy I've continuously rejected interfering in my personal affairs and relationships. I mean, he's low-key stalking her from the beginning. Following her when she leaves the restaurant, trying to sneak glances at work, going so far as to touch her lips unwanted, forcing her to accompany him because otherwise 'she will regret it'. And, okay, she eventually thanked him for helping her, but then he calls her up and she tells him to mind his own business, but when he sees her outside, AGAIN he follows her to the club and acts like her personal bodyguard/boyfriend. Like, excuse me? Maybe she would have welcomed flirting. Maybe she wanted to forget. Maybe she would've been happy about a one night stand. Who knows? But it's certainly none of his fucking business. She obviously can stand up for herself and she even has a friend with her, so it's not like she'd be in a predicament. I am so sick of the men (or women) being overly protective or territorial, just because they think it's for the other's own good. The only reason why I'm continuing this is for the side characters and because I am hoping it'll get better once she comes to like him as well. Being cute doesn't give him the right to act like he does.
I do enjoy slow burn romances and all, but the plot summary sounds really boring. Is it all about romance or more slice-of-life, touching other relationships and job struggles and such?
This drama was an absolute gem. I've watched more than 200 dramas and for the past year or so I've had troubles…
If I had to name one thing that could have been executed a little bit better, it would be to explain the merging of their souls a little bit better, especially in the romantic aspect. To those who say the king was in love with only Bong Hwan and not So Yong, I don't think so. Obviously So Yong's soul was there along side Bong Hwan all the time, she witnessed everything and sometimes her feelings and affections would take over. But that was sort of in the beginning. Later on in the drama, it's like both souls become one, there's no way to differentiate between them anymore. I think it was good that they didn't 'overexplain' it, because it made the transition very smooth. On the other hand, it is a little bit confusing. Bong Hwan's feelings for the king are those of deep friendship and trust, while So Yong's feelings are longing and affection. Those feelings combined turn into love. Even when their souls are separated in the end, it is very obvious how each is affected by the memories and characteristics of the other. They adapted certain traits and will certainly be changed forever. Anyway, it's a brilliant drama and I totally imagine Bong Hwan taking up calligraphy and embroidery in the future and the queen cursing to her hearts content and running around like a crazy person at times. They both just brought out the best (and worst :) ) in each other.
This drama was an absolute gem. I've watched more than 200 dramas and for the past year or so I've had troubles finishing anything at all, but I binged this in four days. This was truly a unique watch. Oftentimes when I watch historical dramas after some time I wish for some comedy and modern elements and vice versa. I loved that this show incorporated both, without seeming forced. The way the queen's craziness and modern lifestyle awkwardly clashed with everyone in the beginning but slowly seeped into everyday life at the palace was brilliantly executed, just as the feelings that developed over time between the main couple. All the supporting cast was stellar and some memorable moments truly touched me. Sometimes the comedy does seem over the top, but I think it serves well to balance the dramatic plot (and sometimes boring plotting at court). A lot of people hated the ending, but I for my part understand why it ended this way and feel satisfied. More to that in a spoiler. 9.5/10 from me, I'll surely rewatch it many times.
Its pretty different from dramas that you mentioned. Bcs those 2 dramas dealt with time travel and how the leads…
Yeah, also I would say, while GBC focuses heavily on the main couple and their way to rekindle their relationship, 18 Again is dealing very much with personal growth of all the characters involved, especially also their children who're already in High School. I like both dramas but I think while 18 Again has it's comedic moments, it deals with many serious topics, including bullying and discrimination at the workplace, struggles about divorce and societies pointing fingers... In the latter episodes it focuses more on romance and gets a bit cheesy, but before that, it's more a slice of life. Definitely recommended.
Am I the only one who thinks the 'test' of the handwriting in episode 5 doesn't make any sense? Like... what they show is a sentence where some characters are repeated and look entirely different. But the Unni's team said they only use 57 (?) characters for each font, so each Hangul character exists only once. That means it would be so easy to unveil the written text as fraudulent, because NO two characters look the same when handwritten. There is no way they wouldn't have taken that into account when writing the algorithm. I mean, even I can tell apart a handwriting font from actual handwritten text, if some characters are repeated. No two 'A' or 'R's or even just punctuation looks the same. This is nonsense. I love the series, but this just seems... dumb.
Regardless of what anyone thinks of this drama and it's writing, the representation it provided is unparalleled…
Maybe you should try to watch more psychologically themed dramas. They don't always take supporting cast, but f.e. It's Okay That's Love features a lot of controversial minorities and does so in a much better way in my opinion. I am not saying Itaewon Class doesn't deserve love for including those minorities, but it's certainly not unparalleled.
Halfway through, and this is a great drama, but I need a break. It's just too much all the time. I wished the drama had some moments of respite amongst all the fighting and backstabbing, so we could catch our breath. I need some balance in my dramas, so it doesn't become boring...
it's about the character being in high school, particularly wearing a uniform, not because of the actor.
No one goes to jail because they kiss someone underage, if the kiss was initiated by the other party. Also, if she's 22 now, she was 19 by the time of the first kiss, which makes her of age in Korea and their relationship perfectly legal, even if more had happened than a kiss.
Great review of a most excellently scripted drama and appreciate your pointing out the most brilliant lines in…
Thank you! It's been a while since I watched this drama and wrote the review, but the story and emotions stayed with me until now. This is how I know it's an excellent drama!
Omg that was painfully real LOL Unfortunately, very much agree with you. Although, I guess, a K-Drama boyfriend would be a bit cringey at times. I wish I could pick the best of both worlds, haha
I'm super torn about how to rate this drama. Honestly, the first half was amazing. So funny and sizzling chemistry, and I loved all the characters. And then it sorta turned into half makjang. 1. Super annoying and selfish BFF who gets in the way a NUMBER of times, and she doesn't tell him off. 2. Heartbreak over heartbreak about how she 'cannot be a mother', even though she wants it so. I get it, having a child with your partner is a blessing and magic. But since she loves children so much, and it just doesn't seem to be happening for them: There are so many children out there waiting to be adopted into a loving family. I cannot believe adoption isn't even addressed as an option. 3. The insanely stupid and unnecessary honorary break-up. Urghhhhhhhh, I wanted to tear my hair out. This honestly ruined it for me. 4. Then suddenly, it's not much of a deal anymore. The reunion seems anti-climatic. I guess if it's one thing I can get on board with, it's the sense of realism they kept with most things, especially about the work environment and I guess also motherhood and family. But I missed the spark from the beginning. Even their romance, albeit somehow cute, turned bland after the chase. I was looking forward to an adult romance, but it wasn't what I expected it to be. Too childish in some regards, too fast-paced in others. And while it's not something that makes a good drama, their physical affection wasn't very believable. That one actual kiss we got was like a High School romance. Ack, either way, gradually dropped my ratings from a 9 to a 7, only because I loved the beginning so much.
It is a very beautiful and comforting drama. It's not the kind you fall in love with at first sight, more like a good friend you need to get to know better before you realize it might be love. If that makes any sense to you?
Just dropping by to express my love for this drama. It's slow, very slow, but absolutely beautiful. It just warms you up from the inside. I love how they give importance to even the smallest details or characters that just appear for a second, but you still instantly feel connected somehow. It's definitely not a drama to binge, but it makes my day to watch one episode before going to sleep at night. So peaceful. I hope it stays that way!
I just started watching it and only watched two episodes so far, but I am enjoying it immensely. The tranquility is such a refreshing change from the bustle and hustle of the average K-drama. And the bookstore owner is honestly so adorably cute, I cannot even... His innocence is making my heart flutter. I hope it stays this way!
The only reason why I'm continuing this is for the side characters and because I am hoping it'll get better once she comes to like him as well. Being cute doesn't give him the right to act like he does.
I guess if it's one thing I can get on board with, it's the sense of realism they kept with most things, especially about the work environment and I guess also motherhood and family. But I missed the spark from the beginning. Even their romance, albeit somehow cute, turned bland after the chase. I was looking forward to an adult romance, but it wasn't what I expected it to be. Too childish in some regards, too fast-paced in others. And while it's not something that makes a good drama, their physical affection wasn't very believable. That one actual kiss we got was like a High School romance.
Ack, either way, gradually dropped my ratings from a 9 to a 7, only because I loved the beginning so much.