This review may contain spoilers
A Veritable Brand Fiesta
This was a show extolling the 'virtues' of big corporations in a world that is dying because of the excesses of capitalism.
But let's leave politics aside for a moment. Even if the product placement wasn't oppressively in your face, this show lacks any cohesive plot or character development that might give it any appeal. It's popularity seems to be more about the actors than the story, or perhaps the notion that it depicts a 'progressive' modern image of South Korea.
There are so many issues with this show. I found that the FL had no character development at all - she was apparently perfect to start with. The ML, on the other hand, was ridiculously imperfect and arrogant and had to be TAUGHT to care about other people by the FL.
Some things were really over the top:
1. The ML had no experience at the job (he spent years studying) but he was made the president of the hotel after ONE event.
2. No one in the entire hotel could provide the ML any clues about his mother's disappearance for decades, but the FL found out about her almost effortlessly in a matter of days.
3. The ML had almost nothing to do at work (where he was apparently given a challenging leadership position) except fall for the FL. And he fell almost immediately. Granted, without his immediate interest, the plot would not have moved along, but it felt forced and uncomfortable, built on superficial interactions.
4. The FL's ex-boyfriend was such a stereotype. I can't understand the purpose of his role except to make the ML look good in contrast (since the ML was quite a trainwreck himself, to begin with).
5. They found, forgave, and moved on from the disappearance of the ML's mother in one episode. Wasn't this a major plot point?
6. The FL discovered and implemented her lifelong dream in one episode.
7. In 32 years, the ML made NO friends and had no relationships, not even bad ones. Really?
Almost every episode made my roll my eyes in agony at the complete lack of originality or depth in the script. It's pure bubblegum fluff, trite romantic tropes, and grating brand promotions, built entirely on the looks of the main leads. The only reason it got 2 stars is because the main leads' acting was half-way decent. Give it a miss. You won't have lost anything.
But let's leave politics aside for a moment. Even if the product placement wasn't oppressively in your face, this show lacks any cohesive plot or character development that might give it any appeal. It's popularity seems to be more about the actors than the story, or perhaps the notion that it depicts a 'progressive' modern image of South Korea.
There are so many issues with this show. I found that the FL had no character development at all - she was apparently perfect to start with. The ML, on the other hand, was ridiculously imperfect and arrogant and had to be TAUGHT to care about other people by the FL.
Some things were really over the top:
1. The ML had no experience at the job (he spent years studying) but he was made the president of the hotel after ONE event.
2. No one in the entire hotel could provide the ML any clues about his mother's disappearance for decades, but the FL found out about her almost effortlessly in a matter of days.
3. The ML had almost nothing to do at work (where he was apparently given a challenging leadership position) except fall for the FL. And he fell almost immediately. Granted, without his immediate interest, the plot would not have moved along, but it felt forced and uncomfortable, built on superficial interactions.
4. The FL's ex-boyfriend was such a stereotype. I can't understand the purpose of his role except to make the ML look good in contrast (since the ML was quite a trainwreck himself, to begin with).
5. They found, forgave, and moved on from the disappearance of the ML's mother in one episode. Wasn't this a major plot point?
6. The FL discovered and implemented her lifelong dream in one episode.
7. In 32 years, the ML made NO friends and had no relationships, not even bad ones. Really?
Almost every episode made my roll my eyes in agony at the complete lack of originality or depth in the script. It's pure bubblegum fluff, trite romantic tropes, and grating brand promotions, built entirely on the looks of the main leads. The only reason it got 2 stars is because the main leads' acting was half-way decent. Give it a miss. You won't have lost anything.
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