After watching him in Dominion and Devotion, he gives off that wonderful feeling of discovering a new face, totally hot, with the right acting chops that has you excited for more of his (lead) dramas to come.
I love how authentic this drama feels. This is a drama that doesn't let you escape. It makes you think of the real world and does it in a way that has you empathizing with the characters. For most people, work is what takes up the majority of their time; everything else is a blur. Day in and day out you're caught up in the grind and just surviving and the drama captures this well. I like how organic the leads' relationship feels. They don't start out with anything passionate, which is realistic for people of a certain age. But from the get-go it's like there's tacit understanding and without having to say much they kind of just land on the same page, bringing comfort to each other in this understated, unexpected way. I love how casual their conversations are and yet there's just something about them that makes you smile. Their slow burn strangers to friends to lovers is amazingly done. And the dating mishaps throughout the drama are hilarious (with some sobering exceptions). The script is fantastic. The FL's relationship with her sister and their differing views about love and men are more fun add-ons. I quite enjoyed this drama overall.
I thought this was going to be a guilty pleasure type of drama. So I was surprised to find that it is a well-made drama, grounded in reality, with a steady head on its shoulders. I like how the relationship starts platonic and day by day grows inevitably into romance. I really love the flashbacks. The way he's so shy and awkward and the way he's just crushing on her; it's a fun watch. I like how mature and competent the female lead is, and gorgeous to boot. The feelings on her side may not seem apparent at first. But to me, it becomes glaringly clear when she's upset, how much she cares about him.
I'll be honest it was slow at times, but I feel like it's made to tell a story rather than play with the emotions of the viewers, so I watched with patience. In addition to the couple and their chemistry, great acting all around (e.g., FL parents, SML, FL best friend and her love interest).
The gradual frustration Yumi feels the more she gets to "know" Soon Rok is peak comedy. Now everyone can see how challenging it is to get to know an introvert lol. But it's worth it.
Every time I randomly come across someone wearing baggy jeans and a black hoodie IRL, I am reminded of Jin Zhao and it made me want to watch this drama all over again. He really does look good in black... such an iconic character.
This was sooo good. So funny, super cute. And my gosh, the OST, the cinematography, the interior design. That studio, his place, her place; all just adds to how pleasantly charming the show is. Just like the heroine's style: effortlessly chic, warm, comfortable. And the romance is sooo worth the wait!!
I absolutely loved your review. Your heartfelt expression perfectly captures that emotional connection that this drama had on the viewers. Your description of Jin Zhao's sacrifice had me clutching my heart. That scene in the drama broke me. Thanks for reminding me why I enjoyed this drama so much!
Their chemistry and kiss scenes are next level lol
Yes. The amazing thing is even the non-kiss scenes are fire, like that scene where he literally walks her into the house. It's like the heat is radiating off the screen.
I was completely obsessed with this drama for months. There are batshit crazy villains and character actions that push boundaries. But if you're looking for dark/intense romance with chemistry that's through the roof, watch it. The male lead is outstanding.
In episode 26, after they officially got back together, that scene where they're holding hands under the dinner table and just smiling and so happy they're literally in the galaxy... I think I had a stupid grin on my face the entire time. Sooo cute.
I have to say the scar on his face (or what looks like one) makes him look 10x hotter. I love how this seeming imperfection isn't hidden away. It is especially apparent in certain scenes in his dramas and it just becomes him.
This is absolutely zany and highly entertaining. Some may find the humor silly but for me it's truly comical with some standout characters. It starts out odd, but once you come to an understanding of the world that is structured around, it's just a matter of sitting back and immersing yourself in the chaos that quickly ensues. Also, the romance is surprisingly cute, with emotional depth, and the glue that keeps the overall story together.
I watched this drama about 4 or 5 years ago and it felt like it could have dropped today. Timeless rom-com. Like this was cool before dramas were cool. This is where I discovered Kimura Takuya but it's really Yamaguchi Tomoko that absolutely shines and made this drama for me.
Btw, I didn't know at first that zhaozhaomumu literally means from dawn til dusk. When I found out: mind blown.…
Ohh like the key chain! And I really love the word play on these like metaphors that are interspersed throughout and becomes part of the narrative to their love story.
Upon rewatch, I enjoy rediscovering the OSTs as each appears for the first time in the drama. When the song "It All Started When I Met You" turned up, he looks sooo good in that jacket and she looks really cute in the helmet. They're bathed in this gorgeous glow of sunlight and it is such a beautiful scene and warms my heart.
I'll be honest it was slow at times, but I feel like it's made to tell a story rather than play with the emotions of the viewers, so I watched with patience. In addition to the couple and their chemistry, great acting all around (e.g., FL parents, SML, FL best friend and her love interest).
Now that it is on Netflix, time to rewatch!