Funny but lacking some depth
Summary: (some graphic scenes) This is one of the most hilarious romcoms I’ve seen! Along with the heartwarming element (tragic family past), there were eccentric characters, excessive use of English (just because they can), and parody of Korean dramas by featuring a TV show that was nearly similar to the leads’ reality. I wish there were more than 12 episodes and felt the last one was a bit weak (especially romance wise), considering all the hype that led up to it, and felt they could have cut out some graphic portions to focus more on character development and depth of the two leads.
Details: It’s funny seeing poor Shin Ha-ri try to match wits with Kang Tae-moo as she gets entangled in ever spiraling bad situations and lies, like pretty much every heroine in these kinds of dramas. I will never look at the word “archaeopteryx” the same again. Lololol. I felt bad for but also frustrated at the female lead’s overreactions to things, like in trying to prevent certain people from recognizing her. This made for great situational comedy but got tiring after multiple scenes. Sometimes there seemed to be inconsistency in the character personalities (anxious/greedy vs. sacrificial). I think my favorite scenes were when Kang Tae-moo came to Shin Ha-ri’s rescue by helping her save face in a very awkward situation and when Shin Ha-ri comforted Kang Tae-moo through his heartbreak in a sweet, tear-jerking moment between the two.
Critiques: The filmmakers could have fleshed out more of the storyline or plot development instead of spending several minutes on kissing (or other more graphic) scenes. For example:
- the details of both leads’ pasts were explained in such a choppy way
- the one-on-one conversations between the Shin Ha-ri and Kang Tae-moo’s key relative seemed pointless since it never led to a plot twist (like misunderstanding/separation between the newly in-love leads) or even revelation in the storyline
- there was a strange body/hair gesture thing of the male lead that was never explained but just disappeared suddenly
- there were also unrealistic situations like how a character could be heavily injured in one moment and totally fine in the next, or suddenly cured from a psychological condition they’ve suffered for several years.
Those missing types of details irk me a bit. Also, I’m not sure if this is a cultural thing but I was surprised at Shin Ha-ri’s parents’ dramatic reaction to her love life, considering that she was a grown adult with her own career. My Korean spouse did confirm that that kind of reaction seems unusual or excessive.
Because there was less focus on the leads’ depth, growth, or evolution — just more lies on top of lies, the last episode seemed rushed by trying to throw in a dry plot twist leading to an uneventful conclusion that makes it difficult to attach to the characters in the end. I would have loved to see their love story brought back to the location of their workplace (and with that important relative), which was where a lot of scenes (and shaming and shenanigans) took place. Overall, I enjoyed most of this series. They definitely could have fleshed out the story into the standard 16 episodes. XD
Side Note: Kim Se Jeong bares a beautiful, striking resemblance to Kate Hudson :-0 (especially when dressed up as the character’s alter ego)
Details: It’s funny seeing poor Shin Ha-ri try to match wits with Kang Tae-moo as she gets entangled in ever spiraling bad situations and lies, like pretty much every heroine in these kinds of dramas. I will never look at the word “archaeopteryx” the same again. Lololol. I felt bad for but also frustrated at the female lead’s overreactions to things, like in trying to prevent certain people from recognizing her. This made for great situational comedy but got tiring after multiple scenes. Sometimes there seemed to be inconsistency in the character personalities (anxious/greedy vs. sacrificial). I think my favorite scenes were when Kang Tae-moo came to Shin Ha-ri’s rescue by helping her save face in a very awkward situation and when Shin Ha-ri comforted Kang Tae-moo through his heartbreak in a sweet, tear-jerking moment between the two.
Critiques: The filmmakers could have fleshed out more of the storyline or plot development instead of spending several minutes on kissing (or other more graphic) scenes. For example:
- the details of both leads’ pasts were explained in such a choppy way
- the one-on-one conversations between the Shin Ha-ri and Kang Tae-moo’s key relative seemed pointless since it never led to a plot twist (like misunderstanding/separation between the newly in-love leads) or even revelation in the storyline
- there was a strange body/hair gesture thing of the male lead that was never explained but just disappeared suddenly
- there were also unrealistic situations like how a character could be heavily injured in one moment and totally fine in the next, or suddenly cured from a psychological condition they’ve suffered for several years.
Those missing types of details irk me a bit. Also, I’m not sure if this is a cultural thing but I was surprised at Shin Ha-ri’s parents’ dramatic reaction to her love life, considering that she was a grown adult with her own career. My Korean spouse did confirm that that kind of reaction seems unusual or excessive.
Because there was less focus on the leads’ depth, growth, or evolution — just more lies on top of lies, the last episode seemed rushed by trying to throw in a dry plot twist leading to an uneventful conclusion that makes it difficult to attach to the characters in the end. I would have loved to see their love story brought back to the location of their workplace (and with that important relative), which was where a lot of scenes (and shaming and shenanigans) took place. Overall, I enjoyed most of this series. They definitely could have fleshed out the story into the standard 16 episodes. XD
Side Note: Kim Se Jeong bares a beautiful, striking resemblance to Kate Hudson :-0 (especially when dressed up as the character’s alter ego)
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