Why Am I Here

Rom-Com Gem, Even After Years Later

Watching this six years after the release, and still this one is a gem. Why can't they make Rom-coms like this nowadays? The vibe is really positive. The romance is a bit cheesy, not cringe enough though, but they have clearly choose this spirit from the very beginning and keep this consistenly throughout the season. The comedy is able to hit at the points. The storyline is really excellent, though not flawless, as they able to emphasize the focus on the main leads (they don't even need second lead couple, though I hope there is). I love how they able to maintain this focus and intensity almost all the time. It is a bit off on the last 2 episodes though, but not destructive. The triangle love is quite forgivable because it is not malicious and doesn't seem like a product of hopeless additional plot. I also love most of the characters are very mature. They don't react childishly at something and try to communicate problems to each other rather than making some wild presumptions in their own head and then come up stupid decisions. Both of them always trying to resolve every misunderstandings rightaway and moving forward. This is really a relief because most of KDramas build stories on the pile of misunderstandings nowadays.

Most audience complains that Duk-Mi stops fangirling at some point. To me, she doesn't stop. She just changes her idol.

However, I don't really like the circle of Duk-Mi's friendship. They rarely give good advice when the other is in trouble, and instead just giving support no matter whether it is right or wrong. Duk-Mi doesn't really care when Seon-Ju fight with his husband, and Seon-Ju doesn't give any advice regarding Eun-Gi's feeling towards Duk-Mi. Also I am a bit disappointed on the writing of character Kim Hyo-Jin. At first she seems like the main villain. But after she sees the truth, she neither keeps being the villain nor supporting Duk-Mi. Instead, she just becames a supplementary character that appears as an intermezzo. Director Eom's rejection on the exhibition also resolves easily, making Hyo-Jin's character more useless. She doesn't even have a clear conclusion at the end of the series apart from still working at the museum. Her relationship with her mother, and her employment status after her mother returns to the museum remains a mystery (or forgotten). They should also add the scene of Duk-Mi going to Si-An concert before taking a break fangirling.

I really like both ML and FL. PMY and Jae-Uk play both characters excellently. Even though Min-Young kissing skill still wasn't really good at that time, to me they really have a great chemistry. The storytelling on each piece of art is great and also soundtrack is amazing!

I wanted to give a 9, if it's not for the last 2 episodes. To me the main highlight of this show is the consistency of the pace and intensity. I would still recommend this even for rewatch because up until now, it is still rare to find something like this.

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Great Heartwarming and Healing Rom-Com

The premise of this show is annoyingly relates to me: someone who has been pressured all their live to achieve all of the expectations set by others. Then when they fail, everyone just run and leave them without any shoulder to lean. After we fail we may become hesitant: "if I choose this next, will I become happy?" But life is all about choices. We are bound to go through sadness and happiness. If you can't take it no more, just quit, does not matter what other people think. Thanks to this show to again raising mental health awareness. The story is not just good, but also heartwarming and healing-some. It shows that even you are a successful person, doesn't always mean that you will be happy. We should know that the "perfect life" that we picture in other people may not be really perfect, or we maybe will not fit in that kind of life! Yes there is a lot of misunderstandings in the relationship, but thanks to the writer that the characters always trying to resolve everything rather than putting everything into more convoluted tensions. The sudden breakup is not neccessary, but I think this can be forgiven since the both are not in a good mental state. Comedies seem to be in the right place. I also really like the narrative style. It somewhat shows that everyone has overcome their pains already.

Park Shin-Hye again does an excellent job. However, I really feel bad to the character of Jeong-Woo. His personality is too childish to his age, and he mostly overreacts at everything. Annoyingly, his appearance also looks somewhat much younger than other lead characters, even though they are all should be nearly in the same age. He looks as young as Ba-Da. On the other hand, Nam Ba-Da character is a bit cringe. At first I thought he just jealous with his more successful sister's job, but he is a total asshole. He is heartless and keeps trash talking even when he knows that everyone around him is hurting and in a depression. I always thought that the background for killing someone as "I want them to feel the same pain" is a dumb reason. Especially in this show when Kyu-Min is a doctor with such knowledge, power and money, it will be more reasonable for him to try killing Jeong-Woo in more vicious ways. Even "making him feel worse pain than me" will seems better and more reasonable.

This show most likely has already prepared to end at 12. The premises after their reconciliation are most likely a filler. The pace is slow and the level of importance does not similar with first half of the show. The second lead couple does not get a fair treatment. They get less screentime during the first half, and suddenly increase just when the writer needs some fillers. It neither bad nor destroying though, but it is quite noticable that they intent to add something to fulfill the episode number requirements. They should instead write about Ha-Neul backstory. She was a cheerful person prior to her father's death, but the writer never shows the turning point or why she chose to live an ambitious-autonomous studying life. I was going to mad when they want to send Ha-Neul abroad in the last episode but thankfully it is a twist.

To me, this is a good healing rom-com. I don't really understand why people rarely mention this show when it comes to best K-Dramas of 2024, it's better than some of the shows that they usually mention! You will learn a lot through this show, especially about giving your shoulder to someone struggling and most importantly, FIGHTING!!

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Excellent Spin-Off!

The spin-off from No Gain No Love! This spin-off really shows how good is the second lead story in NGNL. The whole story is excellent and hilarious. HJH and LSY do a fabulous job playing both character. It's great that they made it just into 2 episodes, rather than a series of boring and pointless story. And apparently, this spin-off also explains the reason how Ja-Yeon fell in love with Gyu-Hyun in the parent series.

Though I think they should add 1 episode. It should contain the ending of the novel, since Ja-Yeon wrote the ending after being together with Gyu-Hyun.

I really recommend it! The story is very light and enjoyable. However, I recommend to watch NGNL prior watching this spin-off, so you can understand why Ja-Yeon really hated Gyu-Hyun so much.

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This is How Rom-Coms Should Be

I don't generally write reviews, but I will start with this one really.

This one will increase the standard of rom-coms! The plot is really basic, rich ML boss and employee FL couple. The difference in this show executes it excellently. They don't need silly premises such as ML and FL childhood connections or "FL is being chased by a serial killer". Instead, they use a very basic and straighforward plot, yet unique and entertaining. Since the beginning, I think they have chosen to have more comedy rather than romance, and they maintain the comedy really well thoughout the episodes. I like that all the romance scenes are not cringe and totally enjoyable. Silly act? They were all silly since the beginning so that's not a problem! The OST is really great. The way they put it as Melomance concert is a great idea (and I really like the Se-Jeong version).

Given the intensity of the story that we get from the very first, the ending is a bit let down. I feel that the Yoo-Ra's internet hate comments premise is uneccessary. It makes the last 3 episodes feels bland and lose the grip somehow. I personally think that there should be several stories to be explored rather than to pick that option as the ending. I really want Ha-Ri to have a proper closure with Grandpa. I personally think it is better if they add 2 more episodes. After all, most K-Drama have the same problem about not-so-good quality ending.

Oh, I wonder what is the ending of Be Strong, Shin Geum Hui.

On top of all, I will definitely still recommend this. Very light story and easy to enjoy. So far still my best rom-com series (I don't watch a lot of rom-coms though).

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It's Hospital but not Playlist

If you're a Hospital Playlist series fans and watching this to get the same vibes, you will be disappointed. So please, hold your expectations. While Hospital Playlist series has a more relaxed plot, this show surely has a bold and tense storyline from the very first episode. In HP series, you just watch a casual, yet-not-so-normal day as a doctor in a hospital. In this show there are clearly goal or let's say storyline: they need to survive their first year of residency. So whatever it takes it will be around them and their mistakes as the first year, as well as their desire to give up at any time. And also no band sessions after working hour here! In my opinion, this show is more like Dr. Romantic, but with more laid-back style.

I like the choice of the cast. There are some uncommon faces here, but yet they deliver excellently, just like typical Shin PD's show! Go Youn-Jung is playing with a disgust face towards her job, which is hilarious. Shin Si-A is somehow has the most "doctor" aura between the R1s.

Even it's still good, the first episode is kinda messed up for me. This episode is somewhat dragging and doesn't match any other episode's vibe because of the tensions building between characters, as well as the romance that hit too early in the beginning. Character development is very strong in this show, at least for the R1 doctors. But for me it's not easy to identify Nam-Gyeong's. We can easily identify that I-Yeong is there because of her debt, Sa-Bi is of course trying to be number one, and Jae-Il is trying to hang on amidst his lack of intelligence, but Nam-Gyeong? At the first episode she is boasting about her grades, but throughout the show nothing notable shown. She also seems to prefer enjoying luxurious lifestyle compared to what she gets in the hospital, but it is unknown whether she's trying to quit her job or to hang on. Is she doing all these solely because of Yeo Mi-So?

I love the Hospital Playlist casts cameo. But some cameo scenes need more work so it will become enjoyable. Seok-Min and Seon-Bin's scene is too short and not really impactful. Also no band sessions don't mean that there won't be any good soundtracks!

On top of that, this is still a highly recommended series! If you feel that Hospital Playlist too slow and boring, maybe you should try this one because it has more intense storyline, but still relaxing to enjoy at the end of your exhausting days!

Oh, and I prefer the second season of this compared the third season of HP. Imagine what would happen when they're in R2 year and having R1s under them? The last episode is not fulfilling and left some things kinda hanging. There will a sequel, won't it?

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Hang In There, You Will Meet A Good Person

"Yesterday is over, tommorow is yet to come, today... is unknown"

For the umpteenth time I have to say that this genre is not my tea. However once again, I fall for this show. This show is a story of people with their own hardships, when they are so down and nothing goes in the way they want. They feel like they have to go through all of the sh*ts alone with no one to trust and to hold on. But hang in there, a good person will come, it will be over. The story is about two twin sisters whose have polar opposite personality. Yu Mi Ji is a free spirited and cheerful person, but she doesn't feel to have any life meaning. On the other hand her twin, Yu Mi Rae seems like a decent and smart girl, but actually she is overworked and just barely hanging on. All of these situations are the result of their overbearing mother. Funny enough that their mom is the only one who can't distinguish the twins, while others like their grandmothers, neighbours and even classmates can do it.

Park Bo Young is definitely the star of this show. She exceptionally plays two characters who have totally different personalities. And don't forget Lee Jae In as the young twins, she does a great job. To me, it has been a while since I saw a drama with such chemistry. Bo Young and Park Jin Young have a great chemistry, even when the romance is not someting very ecsatic. I guess that's the correct romance though, nothing you can expect when you start a relationship with someone you already knew for more than 10 years, right? The villains are borderline between okay-ish and too dragging, but I'll take it as okay. The conflicts at the corporation aren't too overcomplicated. I feel the amount of problems is appropriate, compared to the number of episodes. The visual effects are great, they put a lot of double Bo Young scenes smoothly. Additionally, the soundtrack is excellent.

There are some things that are still bothering me. Compared to Mi Ji and Ho Su who already knew each other for long, I feel the romantic development between Se Jin and Mi Rae is too fast, especially Mi Rae is the type of person who shove her feelings. There should be a reason behind it (and I think they both have a past connection, considering this is a K-Drama after all). It is also unknown how does Se Jin notice it is Mi Rae at first, considering he isn't from Duson-Ri and he has never met Mi Ji before.

"Love isn't about winning or losing. It's about remaining on the same team until the very end even if you lose."
It's a shame that the writer choose to translate that quote through misunderstandings and unecessary breakup. Problem is they already have some misunderstandings before. By doing it that way the story becomes repetitive and boring, even when the reasons behind it are understandable. The final episode is beautiful but storywise it's kinda filler. Most of the plot in the last episode don't really impactful to the main story.

On top of that, I feel like this is a good healing drama. There are a lot of lessons we can take from this show alone. This show is worth to watch when you are looking for something to comfort you.

"I'm going to make it out. Everyone is waiting outside."

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The Momen You Give Up, It's Game Over

This show is not my cup of tea, but it ends up in my top 5 kdramas of all time! WHAT THE HELL! This show is, despite has a heavy theme, packed in a very lighweight way. It's really fun and easy to enjoy, like living our highschool life again. A very well pictured students life, full of joy, tears, hardships and pain. The message about living your life and keep fighting to overcome your difficulties hit so hard. Thanks to Ha I Chan comedy is very very hilarious here. They were able to keep the comedy for like 11 episodes, and it was getting heartwarming after that. They didn't even need to add any cliche, just use a simple premise of highschool life (and a little absurd situation of triangle love, watch it yourself and you'll understand). In conclusion, they've successfully shift my laugh into tears and vice versa, in a quick time. It also brings awareness towards people with hearing imparment and their hardships. The soundtracks are excellent too. It very rare to find a complete package like this.

Shout out to all the main leads, what an outstanding performance! I won't believe if Choi Hyun Wook says he was acting, he was basically reliving his old school days. Shin Eun Soo didn't even need to speak, her expression were enough to talk for her and made us understand how she feels. Character developments were really really good here. The chemistry between them is another level, even with the other Watermelon Sugar member! Another good additions to the package!

Now into the things that are off. I don't like the fashion job on this show. Between 1995 and 2023, there should be a big difference in fashion. In this show, everything looks the same, especially the girls. Looks like they were all having the latest hairstyle. The first two episodes are very slow and heavy, I can understand why a lot of audience dropped this early. The final episode is very underwhelming. I wish we could see more about the present reunion, and let them talk about the "missing" story. Also how come almost everyone forgot about Ha Eun Gyeol being in the part of their 1995, when that could be the best part of their life?

Should you watch it? Yes. Should you rewatch it? I rarely recommend a rewatch BUT THIS IS A MASSIVE YES! I solely think the reason why Eun Gyeol and Eun Yu returned to the past was to "relive their missing highschool moments", so you should too!

VIVA LA VIDA, LONG LIVE LIFE!

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IS MESSING UP THE FINAL EPISODE A TREND?

This is the third sequel, and it's still has the same quality with the previous one. Each individual cases are so good, some of them are impressive. This show doesn't have the big case that connects each individual cases and I think it's good since that type of case usually draggy.

We don't need to talk about the cast anymore. The chemistry between the Rainbow Taxi team is just getting better and better. Jang Sung Chul has more involvement to the story this season. They don't potray An Go Eun as a nerd with supercomputer skill anymore which is good and more realistic. Kim Do Gi is more brutal this season, which also good because as a fighter I think he was too soft in the previous season. The writer also decided to remove the romance at all this season. In overall it's a journey between ups and downs, UNTIL YOU WATCH THE FINAL EPISODE.

While the individual cases are good, there are several flaws in this show. They're even more noticeable compared to the previous one. The beginning of this show is quite shocking. It has no introduction. It starts with a case, not even from the introduction of a case but from the middle that it looks like this show is S2E17 instead of S3E1. They didn't even try to build a connection between season 2 and 3, although they set each season in a different timeframe (the deluxe taxi and other taxis changed). This causes a bit unconfortability and confusion during watching. Also I don't like the fact that the cases come to the team out of nowhere consecutively, not from the call. It's not like they want a revenge, but the Rainbow Taxi is making them to take a revenge. Several things which disturbing me for each case: On Ro Mi case, they suddenly forget about her manager which Do Gi crashes out with taxi; it doesn't like he gets what he deserves. On the Samheung Island case, they're firing a shotgun too much consecutively without reloading. This case also has too much plot armor, they don't have a good preparation before going to the island but they survived. As for the final episode, I lost words. What possibly hit the writer's head, or is he joining the trend of messing up the final episode? That final case resolution is underwhelming and quite... makjang? Why does he take a bullet? He has never done it and always has another way around!

This season is a combination of upgrade and downgrade. Several cases has better storyline, but I think they put too much plot armors this time. Still it's a good show, they even have a soundtrack this time. It's also good for rewatch as it doesn't have a big connecting case, so you can do "small watch-ing" case by case.

PS: They should sell that Elements lightstick as merchandise!

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A Treasure of KDrama

"To the things that are already gone, to the time that has already passed, I want to say a belated farewell. Goodbye, my youth, goodbye, Ssangmun-dong."

I'm very very sad when I finished this show. It's like I'm parting ways with my best friends.

It takes 5 years to make something close to this level (Hospital Playlist) and another 5 years to make something with same level scriptwriting (WLGYT). This show is a treasure of Korea. They need nothing to hook me up, no goals on the storyline, just people living their own days. It's the same as listening to your friend's story about his family. And since your friend is the one telling the story, it never gets boring. They able to mix up all the feelings: joy, sadness, desperate, anger.

What a lovely neighborhood they live in, they really care of each other. The scriptwriting is on another level. They bring us through a journey of laugh and tears, often quickly. There are several parts where I laughing so hard while sobbing. Comedy part is also written excellently. On the scene where there neighborhood are gathering to discuss a christmas present for Jin Ju, Jae Myung is asking for anyone to give suggestions. I laughed so hard the moment Jae Myung raises his hand, even though nothing happened yet. This is because of a very strong build up that happens prior that event. They also highlighted everyone excellently: their fears, vulnerabilities, despair, desires, everything. Jung Bong for example, even though he's a bit lack on intelligence, he's the sweetest person in the neighborhood. The casts play a great part in this show, especially the parents. Extraordinary performance for Hyeri too, as a "very loud" Deok Sun.

The earlier episode is quite slow, and painful to see the torture Bo Ra gives to the family everyday. People with zero patience may drop it easily. I also think Dong Ryong is a bit sidelined compared to others. But my main complaint is about the massive censorship of this show in OTTs. The censorship is already on "impacting the main story" level. They removed some TV ads, book covers, posters and soundtracks while they regularly is the part of the story. I heard they also removed some scenes because of the sake of "copyright".

This show hits hard everyone in 25s and above, a lot of messages (and memories) inside. For example the moment Deok Sun says she has no dream, it hits me hard because that's what happened to me around that age. This show is also best to watch with your family. It's my first time to put a perfect score here. Should you rewatch it? Definitely yes.

"If you can hear me, answer me, my 1988, the days of my youth."

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Once again, an astonishing story from Dr. Romantic. This show has successfully hooked me for 3 SEASONS. They are really good on creating such malicious plot. But everytime you think something evil going to happen at "this" point they always able to twist it, because it's all about humans and saving their lifes after all! The storyline this season is more instense than the previous one. But we still can see the thrilling stories from all doctors and nurses in the team. They all have overcomed their hardships once, now they're free to chase their dream. Massive shout out to doctor Jung In Su, he was once "accidentally" dragged to Doldam. But with his hardwork and commitment, he's now the Head of Trauma Center EM. I like this season more because it has less political issue and focus more on the patients and treatments. Dr. Jang Dong Hwa is a good representation of us, how we are shocked, thrilled, impressed and hooked by all of the stories around Doldam Hospital.

They should give second title to this show: The Downfall of Yang Ho Jun. Man has gone from the second-hand of director to being left behind during evacuation.

I don't need to mention, this is the peak performance of the casts across all seasons. Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Sung Kyung performance improve a lot here, to the point of outstanding.

Still there's a flaw in this story. Across the other season in this franchise, this show has the less showcase of the Master Kim's skill. During the shooting incident, it is unknown what is the cause of the shooter to shot the thugs and kidnap doctor Seo U Jin. It is also unknown how he manages to survive the bullet and walk away from the incident. On the day the Trauma Center lost their first patient, there is a shortage of doctors due to Cha Eun Jae being on another operation, making Kang Dong Ju has to deal with three patients all by himself. However actually there is another available doctor: Yang Ho Jun, but somehow they don't page him. Dr. Bae Mun Jung is also originally belongs to Cha Jin Man's trauma team (he joins the preparation briefing), but somehow he's removed and returned to Doldam. The final episode is somewhat makjang and I personally think it's lower on quality compared to the other episodes. The fate of Cha Jin Man is also unknown. I mean he's Eun Jae's father after all and we want to see whether he finally regrets everything, but maybe they're saving it for another season?

Such and intense yet heartwarming story. Even there aren't many more to explore, I think it's good to see another season!

"Don't give up asking questions about why we live and what we live for. The moment you give up on that, the romantic life ends."

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First things first, why this movie is here? It doesn't meet the requirement to be here I suppose?

The story is quite lightweight, animated movie level. It's about an idol group HUNTR/X who is also a demon hunter part-timer. The idea is excelllent to be honest, but the execution relies too much on the music. Like for every problem, the solution is always music. The animation is excellent, but somehow the motion is a bit not smooth. For the cast I prefer to have the actor/actress who do both the voiceover and singing, though the current option is still excellent. Jinu's voice alters a lot between his normal and singing voice.

I have seen a lot of KDramas, they often disappoint us with lackluster ending. Although this movie isn't even Korean, I don't understand why they replicate this "culture". With such great story idea and decent build up, they bottled it so hard. The ending is quite anticlimatic and lazy. Think about it: after winning such big fight, then it's... the end?? I think they didn't show whether Gwi Ma is defeated or not for potential sequel. However, the way they didn't tell us how can Rumi become half-demon/half-hunter is pretty disappointing. Another thing annoys me a lot is HUNTR/X never complete their main songs on screen.

This movie relies so hard on the soundtracks, either existing or new songs all are lit. They have #1 Billboard 100 song and #1 Billboard 200 album now, INSANE! For the lightweight story and catchy soundtracks, it is very recommended for rewatch, escpecially for younger people.

PS: Since it's a US show, I'll give my rating with US standard instead of "suggested overall".

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A Diary of A Family Coping with Struggles

Let me tell you: this drama is not my cup of tea at all. The only reason why I watched it is because the trailer used to keep appearing on my Netflix home. Never have I ever thought that this show will be my best K-Drama I've ever watch so far! The storytelling is a masterpiece. There are a lot of shows talking about life struggle, but I haven't found anything like this one. It's not just a love story (and never just a love story), but it's purely a journey of blood, sweat and tears of Ae-Sun trying to fight her struggle of living under the patriarchial society and stand out for her daughter and herself. And it is a pure unconditional love from Gwan-Sik who always stands out for his wife, her dreams and her ambitions whatever it takes. The whole story doesn't feel dragging at all (or maybe it's because I don't see this genre a lot? I don't know). I love the back and forth plot, it's not confusing and interesting. The narrative by Geum-Myeong also gives additional point of view from her. The whole depiction of the family seems interesting, because poor family in K-Dramas generally are shown as not-so-poor. They usually still have foldable phone, high-end cars and wear luxury make ups. But in this show they do it properly, and it's relieving (they somehow still has camera though).

The entire casts do an outstanding perfomance here. IU has a magnificent job by doing two roles in this show, while Bo-Gum is giving a massive impact as just his presence will give huge spirit of devotion. So-Ri and Hae-Jun also successfully bring the mature atmosphere of endless affection between them two. And not to forget the other casts whom successfully make us through the emotion rollercoasters for the whole shows.

The cinematography is also excellent. You will be pleased with the beauty of the seas in four seasons around Jeju. But more than that, I think the writer wants to relay the message that this scenery potrays the spring, summer, autumn and winter of our lives. They all have their own beauty and storm. The soundtracks are also nice.

Though the story is written excellently, there still some flaws there. The quality of the story seems divided into three part on this show. The first third of the show is really the most outstanding part, it is the part where we see young Ae-Sun coping with all her struggles. Then it comes the second third of the show, the transition part. This is where the story quality goes to a big downfall. The episode about village election is unecessary, not really impactful and seems more like a filler. I understand that they want to highlight the patriarchial society here, but making it as a whole episode is just too much. The story quality picks up in the final third. IU plays two roles in this show impressively, but I can see clearly that she does it better as Ae-Sun rather than Geum-Myeong, thanks to the better story though.

For rewatch recommendation, I'm not really sure though. It is too painful to rewatch the first third of the show. But to let you know, you may look at you family differently after watching this show. This is still a must watch for everyone, because you may not see something like this again anytime soon.

PS: 9.5/10 is the highest rating I've ever given here, and I had never given that to a melodramatic show. Truthfully, I was planning to give it 10/10 if it's not because of that silly village election episode.

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Romance... But Calm?

Seeing what we get after and prior this show, I'll give a massive shoutout to the screenwriting. This show brings a common workplace romance between a heartless and stiff boss with a warmhearted secretary. At first, I thought it is going to be quite dragging as usual, and complicated given all of the conditions that they show in the first episode. However, I didn't really expect that it doesn't take so long before Ji-Yun turns head over heels for Eun-Ho. The triangle love is there but thankfully it isn't threatening. Many thanks to the writer for not overcomplicating things, and that's how most shows should do! Both Ji-Yun and Eun-Ho have mature thought when responding to problems. I even think Byeol is astonishingly mature considering she is only 7.

For the first two episodes, I were dazzled by the shooting technique. The camera movement while filming Ji-Yun and her colleagues movement's around the office is absolute incredible! And the flashback scenes at last episode is just amazing.

I also love the chemistry between Han Ji-Min and Lee Jun-Hyuk, potraying FL and ML respectively. However when it comes to romantic scenes, I somewhat think that ML is sometimes a bit off. Thinking back about it, FL should be the one who is loveless and lack of romantic experience. But somehow I feel Jun-Hyuk expressions are sometimes a bit unnatural and awkward while doing romantic scene such as holding hands or hugging. Also I think the childhood relationship isn't necessarily needed! Yes you can have Ji-Yun having a trauma, but it doesn't need to be related to Eun-Ho. Why do we need it? Is this some kind of KDrama trademark? Also I don't understand why Jeong-Hun doesn't join when they assemble at the bookstore?

The pace of this show is freaking consistent, but the final episode is a bit faster. I think the writer was trying to balance between putting heartwarming scenes and giving closure to all the problems, but in the end nothing really hit the spot. There is no further explanation about what as actually happened to Jeong-Hun brother (apart from he did suicide due to depression). The screentime is a bit unfair to the second lead couple. They are already getting a little screen time since the beginning and as the story progressing, it is becoming less. And in the end, they rarely get romantic scenes. It is such a shame, especially since Kim Yoon-Hye acting skills has improved a lot here. Final scene is really questionable, why does it have to end that way? I personally think that giving longer final episode would solve this problem easily.

While you usually find passionate and flustering office romances, this show is giving a new atmosphere of more calm office romance. Though it's not an oustanding, it's worth watching, since there isn't any stupid and threatening tropes in this show.

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Vincenzo Cassanova is The New Standard

This series is totally exceptional! Honestly, it is rare to find crime drama like this nowadays. The story is outstandingly well written. The tense is high from the very first, and yet the writer manages to keep it up for 20 episodes (additionally, each episodes are very long). It constantly brings us through a roller coaster journey of a war between two "mafia gangs". We are trapped in curiosity of how Vincenzo manages to solve a problem, how Han-Seok will respond or what will come next against Vincenzo. It is good that the writer depicts Vincenzo as an experienced mafia with full of knowledge while his opponent is just a newbie gang trying to act as a mafia, surrounded by people who also doesn't have any knowledge about mafia. Vincenzo is a thoughful and strategic person whose unstopabble and rarely makes mistake.

Song Joong-Ki and Jeon Yeo-Been play both main characters excellently. But apart from them, the other leads are having more oustanding job. Taecyon deserves a shout out after playing a character with two full contradictory personalities, a total dumb intern and a heinous psychopath. Kim Yeo-Jin also plays her character excellently, being a person who is ruthless and greedy. She really gives the spirit to Myung-Hee as someone who doesn't ever want to stop before getting what she wants. Jo Han-Chul depicts a goofy but opportunistic law firm director. Last but not least, Kwak Dong-Yeon does a really great job picturing someone who is stuck between his desire to do a revenge and threat received from his brother. Additionally, the character of An Gi-Seok is totally hilarious.

On the contrary, I am pretty disappointed on how the writer depicts Hong Cha-Young. I am expecting her to become furious and ruthless after losing her father and promising to Vincenzo, but to me she is still too delicate. As the result, her act is occasionally covered by the heroic acts coming from the Geumga Plaza residents. I was expecting to see a show between two partners against the evil, but what we actually get is Vincenzo and his gang fighting against the bad.

Unfortunately, even the unrealistic premise has the tolerance limit. The scene of Vincenzo being saved by the pigeons is total garbage. It looks like this scene is secretly added by an intern. Also I heard that originally this series is set to be 16 episodes. We can notice the story quality drop for the last 4 episodes, even though it's not destructive.

The soundtrack is good, even though they rarely play it. Moreover, I totally enjoy the scores. It sounds like an elegant opera. To conclude this review, this series is incredibly masterpiece. I may take a while for us to see something like this again because maybe Vincenzo is the new standard of this type of KDrama.

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Romance is A Bonus, Second Half Mess is A Destiny

Marry My Husband. The title seems intimidating. At first, I was thinking that I may get a story full of intriguing and complex marriage. It isn't wrong though. However, the writer packs the story so well that makes it lightweight and easy to watch, yet not missing out the point. The lead Kang Ji-Won gets a second chance to fix his miserable marriage and life. Park Min-Young does a savage job in this role. She takes us into the journey of her second life. We already know the ending, and now she comes prepared. But everytime she does something, she always makes us guess: Will she cause a better outcome? Will the ending change? She brings us into this circle and makes us keep wanting to see the outcomes more and more. We keep wondering, will the villain suddenly regret? And the answer is always a no. Yi-Kyung and Ha-Yoon potray these villains excellently. They all seem innocent from the surface, but once an evil will always be and evil. It may need to take a life for people to change, but going through everything only make them more and more vicious. It is all a really enjoyable story... until the writer stupidly adds Yu-Ra in.

The addition of Yu-Ra is no difference than hopelessly adding a serial killer to a romance story. The stories around her seem hyperbolic and unreasonable even in this kind of fantasy genre. The way she messes up with Su-Min's family does not make sense. Same thing with the threat to Eun-Ho. How does he come into her mind? Eun-Ho barely knows Ji-Hyuk! It is just like a hopeless premises that need to be added for the sake of episodes number. Like there is a straight road, but they decided to take a turn to an unpleasant gravelly path. This show might be better if they focus on the main goal and packed into 12 or 14 episodes.

The overall story is pretty good. Although I think Ji-Won should push Ji-Hyuk more to find out his goal. Because she knows that the reason she get the second chance is to get a revenge, so there must be a reason for Ji-Hyuk too. However, Ji-Hyuk always reluctants to discuss about it. And everytime that happens, Ji-Won annoyingly just gets over it easily. The story then hit by a hurricane, again, after Yu-Ra appears. Every character suddenly has a sixth sense, as they all know other people's secrets and what other people are planning.

On top of that, this is a really good show since it is kinda easy-to-watch. It tells us not to be blinded by other people try to sugarcoat everything in front of you. You need to be more cautious, take a step back, see clearly and look wider. When you feel betrayed, fight it. For me, this show is categorized under incorrect genre: it is more like a thriller. Romance? It is a bonus!

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