For those in the comments who consider themselves progressive and advocate for strong female leads, it's surprising how often you criticize female characters while elevating the male characters. The comments about how Ming Tan is "stupid," "shrewd," and "annoying" are stupid, and it's hard to take them seriously when you clearly miss the essence of the story.
Ming Tan is a privileged girl who has grown up learning that reputation is everything for a woman. Naturally, she won't know everything, but she is still kind, intelligent, and stands up for herself. She experiences emotions that she hasn't felt before. Both Ming Tan and Jiang Xu are learning how to navigate a relationship for the first time. Obviously, they won't excel at it. They will show jealousy and pettiness at times, but what do you expect from a show marketed as a romantic comedy? If you're looking for something deeper and more scheming, perhaps you should watch dramas that are promoted as such.
"Oh but its just my preference" is your preference a tendency to hate every female character with a high-pitched voice, or one who doesn't always act tough or scheme throughout the story??
It's disheartening to visit comment sections on mdl and see so many negative remarks about female characters every single time, while the male characters are often spared criticism.
By the way, Bao Shangen and Dai Luwa were the shining stars of this show; everyone, except for those in these comment sections, seems to love their performances. Even Song Weilong did a good job because of his good co-stars.
So, next time you realize you don't like a show, perhaps it would be better to stop watching and refrain from complaining about female characters while praising male characters because trust me it makes you look bad not intellectual
As for your last line, I loved the female characters too, but if they were male, would you still say the same?…
But it isn't! There are no "what ifs" in this scenario.
I like the female characters because they are diverse and have depth (from what I have seen), while the male characters fall short in every regard.
First of all, if this were a male-led drama, I wouldn't watch it. This series was specifically marketed as female-led, and the male characters are poorly written.
I can appreciate flawed characters; I'm not obtuse like some people. However, I can't tolerate misogynistic and abusive individuals being portrayed as romantic prospects who expect women to rehabilitate them into decent human beings.
What some people need to understand is that claiming bad, misogynistic male characters are complex is misguided. In fact, these characters often come off as quite one-dimensional in their views. It is clear that the script and all other aspects of the show have been developed from a male perspective, trying to portray what a female-centered show would be like. While I understand that the misogynistic jokes and story arcs are intended to be comedic, they ultimately fall flat because they just aren’t funny.
Realism shouldn't be a prerequisite, especially since the portrayal of women in business—what I believe this drama aims to depict—wasn't common in the past and was often frowned upon. In contrast, "New Life Begins" has successfully crafted a female-centered slice-of-life romance without turning the main male characters into complete jerks in need of rehabilitation, who require a woman to transform them into decent individuals. Even when those male characters were flawed, they genuinely worked hard to win their wives back. Now, those characters felt complex, even if they were straightforward.
Overall, this drama falls short in almost every aspect, except perhaps for the female characters.
I know the constant hardships that mu dan goes through might be tiring and hard to witness but it wasn't (and still isn't) easy for a woman to defy men and his powerful family during that time. I for one am glad that no matter the hardships she goes through she figures it out on her own
spoiler tag. but yeah at least she realised herself it was obsession and not love. though her character flaw with…
Yeah but I strongly it was because TXN was extremely hardworking and got where she is through hard work while she knew everyone treated her differently because of her dad, so I think she did all of that because of jealousy. Doesn't make it better but I get why she had that superiorty complex with her and only her
Unpopular opinion about Tang Yuhai, I don't actually hate her. I think the only thing she did wrong was constantly trying to mess with TXN for no reason, which was too much. But I don't blame her for using her father's name to advance her career, I mean, it's not her fault she's a nepo baby. It's not just her dad's connections that make her successful, she's actually really good at her job with great networking skills. Even JYH and TXN admit that.
In the recent episodes, she showed she can make mature decisions, like not revealing their relationship and moving on. I can't hate her for having feelings for JYH, but she could've handled it better. Considering they're in a cutthroat business where they constantly compete with each other, so I can't be mad at her for getting ahead.
I don't wanna read the novel BUT the drama is going smoothly for me. They date like how real people date, talk, and actually like how people in relationships do, I am glad that they took the drama in that kind of direction. Yeah obviously men like Ji Yuheng are rare but I like that he has flaws and they didn't make him excel in everything, Tu Xiaoning too, has her flaws but I like that she consistently depends on herself rather than wait for Yuheng to save her which only happens maybe once or twice and both of it was for emotional reasons. They are both capable people, I like that. Both are very opinionated, and kinda of insecure, Yuheng is insecure in his capability in a relationship, and Xiaoning with her job. I like this show so much hopefully they won't mess it up, I love their chemistry so much.
I'm thinking of giving this a go, but 32x45 min episodes is a long haul.I noticed in the genre tag just romance…
I urge you to give it a chance, right now almost half of the drama is consistent with the romance. Its good. Mature characters (who make mistakes sometimes), the comedy isn't a lot but I would say its cute. If you are unsure, I would say wait for it to get to 25-30th eps to watch it.
I really love this drama. It's not often that you find a show where the characters aren't perfect. Both of them have imperfections, but those imperfections don't define who they are. They miscommunicate because of those imperfections. Tu Xiaoning jumps to conclusions but speaks her mind, while Ji Yuheng doesn't communicate what he wants properly but tries to understand and is willing to work on it. Their miscommunication feels real and like something that can happen. I appreciate how they deal with it in a mature way.
Both of them learning to be cooperative of one another is sweet to see actually. I like it very much, I hope it stays this good till the end
@Claire Danes Lamfo she carried the show where 😂 ML carried the show that's a fact for LR Extraordinary - rowoon…
Criticism??? Criticizing someone for their looks is just wrong. And if you're thinking about criticizing Hyeyoon's acting, trust me, you're just embarrassing yourself. She totally carried the show, and BWS did a good job too, but let's be real, the show wouldn't be as popular without Hyeyoon as the lead. This goes for all of her other shows too. You're just hating on her because you're jealous of her because you can't have her male co-stars, who wouldn't even give you a second glance by the way.
@Claire Danes Lamfo she carried the show where 😂 ML carried the show that's a fact for LR Extraordinary - rowoon…
“rowoon was an idol, bws was a model he got awards for it, taecyeon is an idol” okayyy… what does this have to do with acting?!? And where are their prestigious acting awards and critics praising them for their acting?? Please enlighten me, also just a side note, all these people that you mentioned would be disgusted by a creature like you 🥰
@Claire Danes Lamfo she carried the show where 😂 ML carried the show that's a fact for LR Extraordinary - rowoon…
Omg this is so funny!! if the so called male leads carried the show, where are their baeksang award? Where are their grand bell award? Where are the prestigious film critics praising them left and right? where are their acting awards may I ask? Come here and talk shit when they have won half of what she have, you mindless sheep
wtf dude both hyeyoon and woo Seok are the reason plus hyeyoon is acting from 2013 okay and she has so many hits…
Ahh Kim Hye Yoon, the actress famous for getting over shadowed by her male leads. What will we tell these critics tho?? Sky Castle (no male lead) - “Her acting was so powerful and convincing that it was almost frightening," Kang Ho-dong - The Korea JoongAng Daily highlighted her portrayal as one of the most memorable aspects of the show, describing it as "captivating" and "intense," which contributed significantly to the drama's success - At the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards, Kim won the Best New Actress award for her role in SKY Castle. The judges praised her ability to "express complex emotions and deliver a multifaceted performance," which stood out in a drama filled with strong performances Girl on a Bulldozer (no male lead) - “Her portrayal as a "refreshingly honest character study" and commended her ability to convey a young woman navigating a challenging and unjust environment.” Paul Bramhall - “Kim's performance is a realistic depiction of an "irascible, violent 'troublemaker,'" which added depth and nuance to her character. Kim's ability to blend affability and intensity, making her performance stand out is a significant artistic accomplishment” Debashree Dutta from Rolling Stones - “Kim's portrayal allowed her to channel a wide range of emotions, from anger to resilience, making it a cathartic and demanding role. The complexity Kim brought by her character, makes her one of the standout aspects of the film” Jean Noh from Screen Daily - “Kim's convincing portrayal of a headstrong and fierce young woman. The emotional depth and intensity she brought to the character, particularly highlighting the powerful scene at the film's climax” Ilse Van Den Heede - The Jury highlighted her powerful portrayal of Goo Hye-young, emphasizing her ability to convey the character's tenacity and depth. 58th Grand Bell Awards Judge Jury - Jury recognized her "breathtaking, star-making turn" in the film. New York Asian Film Festival Snowdrop (surprise no male lead) - “She managed to stand out despite a large ensemble cast, demonstrating her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors” - “Kim's character was a complex role involving a range of emotions, from desperation to betrayal, which she delivered with precision.” Lovely Runner - "Kim Hye Yoon brings a profound depth to her role in 'Lovely Runner,' showcasing a remarkable range and emotional intelligence that elevates the film's narrative." The Korea Times - "Kim Hye Yoon delivers a standout performance in 'Lovely Runner,' seamlessly blending vulnerability with strength, capturing the essence of her character with an impressive nuance." Variety - "Kim Hye Yoon's portrayal in 'Lovely Runner' is a masterclass in acting. Her ability to convey complex emotions with such authenticity is both compelling and memorable." The Hollywood Reporter - "Kim Hye Yoon proves her exceptional talent in 'Lovely Runner,' where her performance is both deeply engaging and remarkably subtle, earning her well-deserved acclaim from critics and audiences alike." Screen Daily - Film critic Jeong Deok-hyeon, one of the prominent judges at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, praised Kim for her exceptional acting prowess in her role as Im Sol.
Yes, the male characters adds perspective, but the heart of the story has always been Shaoguang and her family. That’s what drives the narrative.
You can’t go into a family drama and then complain about the presence of family drama.
If it were marketed as just a romcom, I’d get the frustration but it wasn’t. Romance is one element, not the entire story.
Let’s tone down the hate toward the family arcs they’re literally what the show is about.
Ming Tan is a privileged girl who has grown up learning that reputation is everything for a woman. Naturally, she won't know everything, but she is still kind, intelligent, and stands up for herself. She experiences emotions that she hasn't felt before. Both Ming Tan and Jiang Xu are learning how to navigate a relationship for the first time. Obviously, they won't excel at it. They will show jealousy and pettiness at times, but what do you expect from a show marketed as a romantic comedy? If you're looking for something deeper and more scheming, perhaps you should watch dramas that are promoted as such.
"Oh but its just my preference" is your preference a tendency to hate every female character with a high-pitched voice, or one who doesn't always act tough or scheme throughout the story??
It's disheartening to visit comment sections on mdl and see so many negative remarks about female characters every single time, while the male characters are often spared criticism.
By the way, Bao Shangen and Dai Luwa were the shining stars of this show; everyone, except for those in these comment sections, seems to love their performances. Even Song Weilong did a good job because of his good co-stars.
So, next time you realize you don't like a show, perhaps it would be better to stop watching and refrain from complaining about female characters while praising male characters because trust me it makes you look bad not intellectual
I like the female characters because they are diverse and have depth (from what I have seen), while the male characters fall short in every regard.
First of all, if this were a male-led drama, I wouldn't watch it. This series was specifically marketed as female-led, and the male characters are poorly written.
I can appreciate flawed characters; I'm not obtuse like some people. However, I can't tolerate misogynistic and abusive individuals being portrayed as romantic prospects who expect women to rehabilitate them into decent human beings.
Hope this helps!
Realism shouldn't be a prerequisite, especially since the portrayal of women in business—what I believe this drama aims to depict—wasn't common in the past and was often frowned upon. In contrast, "New Life Begins" has successfully crafted a female-centered slice-of-life romance without turning the main male characters into complete jerks in need of rehabilitation, who require a woman to transform them into decent individuals. Even when those male characters were flawed, they genuinely worked hard to win their wives back. Now, those characters felt complex, even if they were straightforward.
Overall, this drama falls short in almost every aspect, except perhaps for the female characters.
In the recent episodes, she showed she can make mature decisions, like not revealing their relationship and moving on. I can't hate her for having feelings for JYH, but she could've handled it better.
Considering they're in a cutthroat business where they constantly compete with each other, so I can't be mad at her for getting ahead.
Both of them learning to be cooperative of one another is sweet to see actually.
I like it very much, I hope it stays this good till the end
if the so called male leads carried the show, where are their baeksang award? Where are their grand bell award? Where are the prestigious film critics praising them left and right? where are their acting awards may I ask?
Come here and talk shit when they have won half of what she have, you mindless sheep
Sky Castle (no male lead)
- “Her acting was so powerful and convincing that it was almost frightening," Kang Ho-dong
- The Korea JoongAng Daily highlighted her portrayal as one of the most memorable aspects of the show, describing it as "captivating" and "intense," which contributed significantly to the drama's success
- At the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards, Kim won the Best New Actress award for her role in SKY Castle. The judges praised her ability to "express complex emotions and deliver a multifaceted performance," which stood out in a drama filled with strong performances
Girl on a Bulldozer (no male lead)
- “Her portrayal as a "refreshingly honest character study" and commended her ability to convey a young woman navigating a challenging and unjust environment.” Paul Bramhall
- “Kim's performance is a realistic depiction of an "irascible, violent 'troublemaker,'" which added depth and nuance to her character. Kim's ability to blend affability and intensity, making her performance stand out is a significant artistic accomplishment” Debashree Dutta from Rolling Stones
- “Kim's portrayal allowed her to channel a wide range of emotions, from anger to resilience, making it a cathartic and demanding role. The complexity Kim brought by her character, makes her one of the standout aspects of the film” Jean Noh from Screen Daily
- “Kim's convincing portrayal of a headstrong and fierce young woman. The emotional depth and intensity she brought to the character, particularly highlighting the powerful scene at the film's climax” Ilse Van Den Heede
- The Jury highlighted her powerful portrayal of Goo Hye-young, emphasizing her ability to convey the character's tenacity and depth. 58th Grand Bell Awards Judge Jury
- Jury recognized her "breathtaking, star-making turn" in the film. New York Asian Film Festival
Snowdrop (surprise no male lead)
- “She managed to stand out despite a large ensemble cast, demonstrating her ability to hold her own alongside seasoned actors”
- “Kim's character was a complex role involving a range of emotions, from desperation to betrayal, which she delivered with precision.”
Lovely Runner
- "Kim Hye Yoon brings a profound depth to her role in 'Lovely Runner,' showcasing a remarkable range and emotional intelligence that elevates the film's narrative." The Korea Times
- "Kim Hye Yoon delivers a standout performance in 'Lovely Runner,' seamlessly blending vulnerability with strength, capturing the essence of her character with an impressive nuance." Variety
- "Kim Hye Yoon's portrayal in 'Lovely Runner' is a masterclass in acting. Her ability to convey complex emotions with such authenticity is both compelling and memorable." The Hollywood Reporter
- "Kim Hye Yoon proves her exceptional talent in 'Lovely Runner,' where her performance is both deeply engaging and remarkably subtle, earning her well-deserved acclaim from critics and audiences alike." Screen Daily
- Film critic Jeong Deok-hyeon, one of the prominent judges at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, praised Kim for her exceptional acting prowess in her role as Im Sol.