This review may contain spoilers
Unexpectedly hilarious
Is this a terribly outdated drama by 2025? Yes. Did I find it cringey at times? Yes. Did I unexpectedly like it though? Also Yes 😊
Just to be clear, this cannot be seen as a romance drama, because the romance would come off poorly written now. It's a COMEDY and that's what remains with you even afterwards.
I only watched it this year - 21 years after it released and I can see why it became a classic. The comedy is hilarious and Song Hye Kyo is so loveable in her role. I loved the naive, clutter brained but still so loving character she was. I have watched some of her other dramas before this (The Glory, Descendents of the Sun, That Winter The Wind Blows) and yet this role from 2004 stands out somehow. It's also one of the few times she can be seen so carefree. Her comic timing is also brilliant!
But enough about my Song Hye Kyo stanning LOL - the drama also pulls you in other ways, I think the story is unique and especially for 2004 must have been so original. The way the leads come together grows from being forced to naturally willing to be together. I also liked the contrast of Yeong-jae and his friends being so polished, put together and mature. Whilst Ji-eum and her friends are more immature, childish, and in a mess generally.
Yes it is clichéd and terribly outdated in terms of including toxic tropes. I disliked that Yeong-jae was this man who shouted at Ji-eun and ordered her about all the time, even when he knew he liked her and wanted to be with her. He came off as a spoilt brat and a bully to her for majority of the drama. But of course, she had to fall for him instead of the more polite and caring 2ML, just the way it happened in these old dramas. I also disliked that they had to make the 2FL so toxic and unlikeable. It may have been common then but watching it now you can tell it's so overdone. The plot was just going in circles with how ML and 2FL couldn't decide if they wanted to like each other or not, and 2FL comes across insecure with how she only wanted Yeong-jae when he was 'together' with Ji-eun.
That said by the time I finished I unexpectedly did LIKE the drama more than I disliked it. It has a lot of heart and charm to it which is what attracts me. Also several iconic moments, Ji-eun's Three Bears song being one of them. I think I'll still think about these from time to time.
Overall I rate it at 7.5/10. it has higher rewatch value than is deserved for the quality of the drama's story, but I think it's worth it for a funny nostalgic rewatch.
Just to be clear, this cannot be seen as a romance drama, because the romance would come off poorly written now. It's a COMEDY and that's what remains with you even afterwards.
I only watched it this year - 21 years after it released and I can see why it became a classic. The comedy is hilarious and Song Hye Kyo is so loveable in her role. I loved the naive, clutter brained but still so loving character she was. I have watched some of her other dramas before this (The Glory, Descendents of the Sun, That Winter The Wind Blows) and yet this role from 2004 stands out somehow. It's also one of the few times she can be seen so carefree. Her comic timing is also brilliant!
But enough about my Song Hye Kyo stanning LOL - the drama also pulls you in other ways, I think the story is unique and especially for 2004 must have been so original. The way the leads come together grows from being forced to naturally willing to be together. I also liked the contrast of Yeong-jae and his friends being so polished, put together and mature. Whilst Ji-eum and her friends are more immature, childish, and in a mess generally.
Yes it is clichéd and terribly outdated in terms of including toxic tropes. I disliked that Yeong-jae was this man who shouted at Ji-eun and ordered her about all the time, even when he knew he liked her and wanted to be with her. He came off as a spoilt brat and a bully to her for majority of the drama. But of course, she had to fall for him instead of the more polite and caring 2ML, just the way it happened in these old dramas. I also disliked that they had to make the 2FL so toxic and unlikeable. It may have been common then but watching it now you can tell it's so overdone. The plot was just going in circles with how ML and 2FL couldn't decide if they wanted to like each other or not, and 2FL comes across insecure with how she only wanted Yeong-jae when he was 'together' with Ji-eun.
That said by the time I finished I unexpectedly did LIKE the drama more than I disliked it. It has a lot of heart and charm to it which is what attracts me. Also several iconic moments, Ji-eun's Three Bears song being one of them. I think I'll still think about these from time to time.
Overall I rate it at 7.5/10. it has higher rewatch value than is deserved for the quality of the drama's story, but I think it's worth it for a funny nostalgic rewatch.
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