This review may contain spoilers
A little-known series that’s unfairly underrated
First of all, the acting is excellent—with the exception of the female lead, Jung Ji So. For his part, Lee Jun Young (Jun) displays a wide range of feelings and emotions, shifting between the brooding heartthrob, the workaholic, and the sentimental teenager. On the comedy front, the two Shax juniors, Park Yu Ri and Jong Ho, make an irresistible duo: “Is this a math problem?” “We found A.” “Enough with A and B—talk about C and D.”... I really laughed every time they appeared. One of the secondary couples is likable—almost more believable than the main couple (Jung Ji So really isn’t up to the task)—and La Ri Ma’s character really grabs your attention. As a bonus, there are a few well-executed musical numbers, notably the retro and disco songs in episode 10 and Shax’s performances.
To this we can add the consistency of the performances, which is certainly due to the fact that most of the actors are “idols” themselves—sometimes from the same group—and that they’re acting out situations they’ve experienced or observed. For while the plot could certainly fit on a subway ticket, that’s because the real focus is on the behind-the-scenes world of K-Pop and its agencies. Some critics have lamented the show’s lukewarm approach, but TV series can’t say everything without risking cutting off the branch they’re sitting on : it’s the agencies that provide the necessary and ever-renewing supply of idols to attract a larger audience. However, it’s hinted at well enough for viewers to figure out the rest. Episodes 1 and 2 set the stage, but afterward, subtle details drive the point home :
- trainees being sold from one agency to another,
- filthy apartments (“rats and cockroaches”),
- dangerous dieting practices (“lose 2 kg in 2 hours”),
- pressure to engage in prostitution (“attend a dinner party”),
- the group’s omnipresence and the lack of privacy (the “dorms”),
- persistent debt,
- grueling rehearsal sessions,
and on top of that, for those who have “made it”:
- mindless reality TV shows (“Alone in the Wild”) and other promotional gimmicks,
- intrusive sasaengs (obsessive fans),
- exploitative 6- or 7-year contracts,
etc.
Fortunately, there are also positive aspects, such as being able to make your own choices once you’ve achieved success (La Ri Ma), and the warm camaraderie and mutual support within the group (Shax, Sparkling, Tea Party).
So, despite the flaws, I’m giving it a 10 simply because these characters are moving and will stay with me for a long time.
To this we can add the consistency of the performances, which is certainly due to the fact that most of the actors are “idols” themselves—sometimes from the same group—and that they’re acting out situations they’ve experienced or observed. For while the plot could certainly fit on a subway ticket, that’s because the real focus is on the behind-the-scenes world of K-Pop and its agencies. Some critics have lamented the show’s lukewarm approach, but TV series can’t say everything without risking cutting off the branch they’re sitting on : it’s the agencies that provide the necessary and ever-renewing supply of idols to attract a larger audience. However, it’s hinted at well enough for viewers to figure out the rest. Episodes 1 and 2 set the stage, but afterward, subtle details drive the point home :
- trainees being sold from one agency to another,
- filthy apartments (“rats and cockroaches”),
- dangerous dieting practices (“lose 2 kg in 2 hours”),
- pressure to engage in prostitution (“attend a dinner party”),
- the group’s omnipresence and the lack of privacy (the “dorms”),
- persistent debt,
- grueling rehearsal sessions,
and on top of that, for those who have “made it”:
- mindless reality TV shows (“Alone in the Wild”) and other promotional gimmicks,
- intrusive sasaengs (obsessive fans),
- exploitative 6- or 7-year contracts,
etc.
Fortunately, there are also positive aspects, such as being able to make your own choices once you’ve achieved success (La Ri Ma), and the warm camaraderie and mutual support within the group (Shax, Sparkling, Tea Party).
So, despite the flaws, I’m giving it a 10 simply because these characters are moving and will stay with me for a long time.
Was this review helpful to you?
