This review may contain spoilers
Perfect ??
An extremely satisfying drama that got better and better each episode.
I LOVE this drama so much 🥹 After Hospital Playlist, this was automatically a must watch regardless of what it was going to be about, purely because of its predecessor's reputation. But wow - it might have struggled in the beginning to find its footing but once it did, it became a drama that is so strong all on its own with the same emotional core that Hospital Playlist had.
I feel it delivered everything it was offering and exceeded my expectations, especially towards the end. I can understand not liking it and even tuning out in the earlier episodes because I felt too that something was missing in the beginning. What made Hospital Playlist memorable and what keeps people clamouring for a third instalment is the deep bond between the 5 characters.
I certainly had that impression going in this, subconsciously looking for that similar bond and dynamic between the characters but the earlier episodes obviously did not have that. And for good reason, these are people meeting each other and working together for the first time and are also at the beginning of their careers. There's an atmosphere of awkwardness, being unsure and out of their leagues, all of which seem to be the opposite of what Hospital Playlist was.
But if you just carry on watching, these exact things that made it seem awkward and disconnecting are the exact tools that made it so endearing to watch later on. Where it felt like the director/writer didn't seem to know what to do with all of these in the beginning, the second half felt impressive because it became visible how intentional all the details were. They knew exactly what they were doing and reminded me once again that these are the people behind Hospital Playlist. The main characters' evolution, the hurdles they faced and their relationship with the supporting cast created this warmth that made the Yulje universe what it is - a familiar warm space. Being surrounded by difficult and real circumstances but having supportive, competent and people willing to learn and grow made it feel like a place you can feel safe in despite the worries.
I even liked how they portrayed the annoying characters, Eun Won & Joon Mo because what they portrayed really do happen in real life. You can't always win against them but having people who'll support you makes it that bit better and also you learn how to face them over time.
The main leads are perfect. GYJ is amazing in this, she really nailed her character. She was just a joy to watch, from being the annoyed, can't be bothered character to being competent and passionately in love at the same time, she portrayed OYY so perfectly. One of the best characters for me. SSA's character felt a bit ambiguous in terms of where her arc was going but the times when she had the emotional scenes always got me. And the end episode which really rounded off her character's arc and development was so perfectly executed. I felt like that cemented the start of her growth and identity in her field and her portrayal was so convincing, I was so happy for that mini something in the end for her.
KYS's portrayal of Jaeil is just so adorable and warm, others have said he's got maternal instincts and that's true. He's naturally caring and I could see myself in him in that I also was very unsure and would jump to the worst conclusions. And who hasn't been moved when that scene happened and he looked tearfully at GDW? That was soooo well acted, that might be one of my most favourite scenes in this, it was so subtle but a lot of people would be able to relate I feel.
Regarding HYJ's character, I think KSB took a while later compared to others for me to warm up to her character. The earlier happenings didn't help either but I believe OYY's reaction was a make or break in terms of getting the audience to root for KSB. Thankfully things turned around and I came to adore her character and I love how they stayed true to her and still managed to convincingly show how she's changed and grown. I think it's one of the most satisfying parts of this drama.
GDW - who wouldn't want a senior like him? He's too perfect but he's got the qualities I have seen in others, esp. when I just started working too. The people who made you feel safe and who's got your back. But honestly he is a great senior and not totally a pushover, because you could see how he was willing to be disagreeable when it comes to others (defending OYY, reprimanding her, with KSB and the consent form, and with OYY & PNG).
The romance - honestlyyyyy wasn't expecting the pace with which they went with this! And they did it so well. This was the first Kdrama in a long time that made me feel as I did the first time I watch kdramas. I usually wait for series to finish airing because I hate waiting but I started this in its first week and I ACTUALLY loved waiting each week and reading other people's thoughts, watching edits 😂 in between??? I think that was part of the great experience of watching this drama. The anticipation every week, and honestly, the love line has a big part to play in that.
One of the best chemistry and it came from a drama I didn't expect to have romance. Maybe that's why it was great? Anyway, the writing, the build up, the direction and ofcourse, the acting, was PERFECT. One of the most satisfying romance ever, nothing was forced and no annoying issues that's pulled out of thin air. This was perfectly executed and the actors are amazing. GYJ's portrayal of OYY in love was so satisfying and impressive to watch. The way her eyes and her whole demeanour changed when she looks at GDW looked so natural. And the way GDW was holding back was so respectful and matured and I absolutely love that bus stop scene. I think I was just smiling the whole time when they were finally dating. I definitely didn't expect GDW to act that way but they both deserve to be so utterly in love and not hold back. They really deserve each other, both so sure of their feelings and very committed.
I love how they showed their sincerity - OYY rejecting DH and being steadfast, GDW giving her time to see if she really does like him or if it's just the 1st year sensitivity talking but willing to take responsibility once he did give in (openly showing affection and thinking of their future - eg saving for marriage).
KSB & Jaeil's romance was unexpected to me because I just didn't see it coming but reading other people's observations of the small details was quite amazing. I was one of those that thought Jaeil liking her seemed out of nowhere and just because o f her being a fan but when he started to show he does like her, I could see the vision and started to see how adorable they are together😭. I mean, Jaeil is naturally caring and I remember him spraying something on SB's clothing and wiping it without being even aware of it but SB noticed. That was so sweet.
PNG and TGO - sooo cute! The other romances obviously are just starting to come to life and it would be nice to be able to see that. I love our main leads together, their personalities just mesh so well. So different but they just let each other be and are comfortable in that fact. I will miss them being in the lounge discussing, eating and bickering together. Don't even let me start with their relationship with the professors 🥹. Plus those cameos. It's so nice to see them again but my favourite are Iksong & Gomgom couple's cameos, DJH!! (so funny lol) plus JW's - I think that cameo was put in so well. The child actress was really good too which made it more touching. Ah remembering OYY's reaction and finding out about her mother, one of my favourite scenes. She expressed those emotions so well, someone bottling things up because there's just soo much to feel if she lets it all out. It was so sad.
And ofcourse, this drama felt more homely and cosy because of OYY's sister and brother in law 😭 I just love all of the scenes with them but especially that beansprout scene lol. Oh, plus the birthday scene. I love how passionately her brother in law was singing to her and how he takes care of her too 🥹. I would love a season 2 not only because there's more to show, but also because I just want to see more of them together 😭.
Overall, watching the drama was an amazing ride. The waiting, anticipation, others thoughts and being excited together made the experience so much more solid. It honestly is such a well rounded drama and it ended in such a high that there are no lingering feelings. It was so satisfying. Like Hospital Playlist, I can just watch this drama season after season. Because it is slice of life, there are many avenues to explore and show which I would love to see especially since this drama was executed so well but it really did cover everything and well exceeded my expectations.
Highly recommended.
I LOVE this drama so much 🥹 After Hospital Playlist, this was automatically a must watch regardless of what it was going to be about, purely because of its predecessor's reputation. But wow - it might have struggled in the beginning to find its footing but once it did, it became a drama that is so strong all on its own with the same emotional core that Hospital Playlist had.
I feel it delivered everything it was offering and exceeded my expectations, especially towards the end. I can understand not liking it and even tuning out in the earlier episodes because I felt too that something was missing in the beginning. What made Hospital Playlist memorable and what keeps people clamouring for a third instalment is the deep bond between the 5 characters.
I certainly had that impression going in this, subconsciously looking for that similar bond and dynamic between the characters but the earlier episodes obviously did not have that. And for good reason, these are people meeting each other and working together for the first time and are also at the beginning of their careers. There's an atmosphere of awkwardness, being unsure and out of their leagues, all of which seem to be the opposite of what Hospital Playlist was.
But if you just carry on watching, these exact things that made it seem awkward and disconnecting are the exact tools that made it so endearing to watch later on. Where it felt like the director/writer didn't seem to know what to do with all of these in the beginning, the second half felt impressive because it became visible how intentional all the details were. They knew exactly what they were doing and reminded me once again that these are the people behind Hospital Playlist. The main characters' evolution, the hurdles they faced and their relationship with the supporting cast created this warmth that made the Yulje universe what it is - a familiar warm space. Being surrounded by difficult and real circumstances but having supportive, competent and people willing to learn and grow made it feel like a place you can feel safe in despite the worries.
I even liked how they portrayed the annoying characters, Eun Won & Joon Mo because what they portrayed really do happen in real life. You can't always win against them but having people who'll support you makes it that bit better and also you learn how to face them over time.
The main leads are perfect. GYJ is amazing in this, she really nailed her character. She was just a joy to watch, from being the annoyed, can't be bothered character to being competent and passionately in love at the same time, she portrayed OYY so perfectly. One of the best characters for me. SSA's character felt a bit ambiguous in terms of where her arc was going but the times when she had the emotional scenes always got me. And the end episode which really rounded off her character's arc and development was so perfectly executed. I felt like that cemented the start of her growth and identity in her field and her portrayal was so convincing, I was so happy for that mini something in the end for her.
KYS's portrayal of Jaeil is just so adorable and warm, others have said he's got maternal instincts and that's true. He's naturally caring and I could see myself in him in that I also was very unsure and would jump to the worst conclusions. And who hasn't been moved when that scene happened and he looked tearfully at GDW? That was soooo well acted, that might be one of my most favourite scenes in this, it was so subtle but a lot of people would be able to relate I feel.
Regarding HYJ's character, I think KSB took a while later compared to others for me to warm up to her character. The earlier happenings didn't help either but I believe OYY's reaction was a make or break in terms of getting the audience to root for KSB. Thankfully things turned around and I came to adore her character and I love how they stayed true to her and still managed to convincingly show how she's changed and grown. I think it's one of the most satisfying parts of this drama.
GDW - who wouldn't want a senior like him? He's too perfect but he's got the qualities I have seen in others, esp. when I just started working too. The people who made you feel safe and who's got your back. But honestly he is a great senior and not totally a pushover, because you could see how he was willing to be disagreeable when it comes to others (defending OYY, reprimanding her, with KSB and the consent form, and with OYY & PNG).
The romance - honestlyyyyy wasn't expecting the pace with which they went with this! And they did it so well. This was the first Kdrama in a long time that made me feel as I did the first time I watch kdramas. I usually wait for series to finish airing because I hate waiting but I started this in its first week and I ACTUALLY loved waiting each week and reading other people's thoughts, watching edits 😂 in between??? I think that was part of the great experience of watching this drama. The anticipation every week, and honestly, the love line has a big part to play in that.
One of the best chemistry and it came from a drama I didn't expect to have romance. Maybe that's why it was great? Anyway, the writing, the build up, the direction and ofcourse, the acting, was PERFECT. One of the most satisfying romance ever, nothing was forced and no annoying issues that's pulled out of thin air. This was perfectly executed and the actors are amazing. GYJ's portrayal of OYY in love was so satisfying and impressive to watch. The way her eyes and her whole demeanour changed when she looks at GDW looked so natural. And the way GDW was holding back was so respectful and matured and I absolutely love that bus stop scene. I think I was just smiling the whole time when they were finally dating. I definitely didn't expect GDW to act that way but they both deserve to be so utterly in love and not hold back. They really deserve each other, both so sure of their feelings and very committed.
I love how they showed their sincerity - OYY rejecting DH and being steadfast, GDW giving her time to see if she really does like him or if it's just the 1st year sensitivity talking but willing to take responsibility once he did give in (openly showing affection and thinking of their future - eg saving for marriage).
KSB & Jaeil's romance was unexpected to me because I just didn't see it coming but reading other people's observations of the small details was quite amazing. I was one of those that thought Jaeil liking her seemed out of nowhere and just because o f her being a fan but when he started to show he does like her, I could see the vision and started to see how adorable they are together😭. I mean, Jaeil is naturally caring and I remember him spraying something on SB's clothing and wiping it without being even aware of it but SB noticed. That was so sweet.
PNG and TGO - sooo cute! The other romances obviously are just starting to come to life and it would be nice to be able to see that. I love our main leads together, their personalities just mesh so well. So different but they just let each other be and are comfortable in that fact. I will miss them being in the lounge discussing, eating and bickering together. Don't even let me start with their relationship with the professors 🥹. Plus those cameos. It's so nice to see them again but my favourite are Iksong & Gomgom couple's cameos, DJH!! (so funny lol) plus JW's - I think that cameo was put in so well. The child actress was really good too which made it more touching. Ah remembering OYY's reaction and finding out about her mother, one of my favourite scenes. She expressed those emotions so well, someone bottling things up because there's just soo much to feel if she lets it all out. It was so sad.
And ofcourse, this drama felt more homely and cosy because of OYY's sister and brother in law 😭 I just love all of the scenes with them but especially that beansprout scene lol. Oh, plus the birthday scene. I love how passionately her brother in law was singing to her and how he takes care of her too 🥹. I would love a season 2 not only because there's more to show, but also because I just want to see more of them together 😭.
Overall, watching the drama was an amazing ride. The waiting, anticipation, others thoughts and being excited together made the experience so much more solid. It honestly is such a well rounded drama and it ended in such a high that there are no lingering feelings. It was so satisfying. Like Hospital Playlist, I can just watch this drama season after season. Because it is slice of life, there are many avenues to explore and show which I would love to see especially since this drama was executed so well but it really did cover everything and well exceeded my expectations.
Highly recommended.
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