This review may contain spoilers
Top Form is one of the best series of 2025.
There are very few dramas of any genre that I have wanted to start watching again immediately after I have finished the series. Top Form is among that handful. It was a wonderful production from the casting to the soundtrack and everything in between. The only thing it lacked was a much better script and storyline. The music enhanced the emotions and complimented the scenes rather than detracted from them. This in and of itself is a rare feat.
The chemistry between Boom and Smart on screen was palpable and this pairing was magical. It felt real and raw, messy and intense. It often felt as if they forgot they were being filmed during their scenes and were just being themselves. Their expressions, words and touches were so realistic, I felt like I was intruding on their intimacy. Although Smart is younger and relatively new to acting, his portrayal of Jin was full of emotion, intensity and maturity. Boom has age and experience in his corner, but this was truly his breakout role and he showed that he was a true male lead, full of complexity and emotion. Once Jin realized the depth of his feelings for Akin he was unstoppable in his pursuit for love and this sometimes felt a little too obsessive.
This drama was not by any means perfect, but was really, really good. I found some of the storyline distracting at times, such as the introduction of Naru and his inclusion in The Sexiest Man vote. Really? It also gave us some insight into the world of actors and the demands the industry and fans place on them. It is not glamorous, but cutthroat and manipulative. Thankfully our leads managed to shine through all of these setbacks. The stalker incident should have been written more critically and not treated as a dust up. The sabotage and manipulation by SIGMA, as well as the homophobia deserved more attention and accountability in the plot. None of this was acceptable, and was definitely criminal.
I also ugly cried a few times during the series. Obviously during the angsty scenes between Boom and Smart. I am a sucker for good romance and a happily ever after. I found myself tearing up in the last episode when they got caught up in a sensual moment. The emotions on their faces and the background music were beautiful. I’MIN’s Fallen City was absolutely perfect. Kudos to the production team!!
The chemistry between Boom and Smart on screen was palpable and this pairing was magical. It felt real and raw, messy and intense. It often felt as if they forgot they were being filmed during their scenes and were just being themselves. Their expressions, words and touches were so realistic, I felt like I was intruding on their intimacy. Although Smart is younger and relatively new to acting, his portrayal of Jin was full of emotion, intensity and maturity. Boom has age and experience in his corner, but this was truly his breakout role and he showed that he was a true male lead, full of complexity and emotion. Once Jin realized the depth of his feelings for Akin he was unstoppable in his pursuit for love and this sometimes felt a little too obsessive.
This drama was not by any means perfect, but was really, really good. I found some of the storyline distracting at times, such as the introduction of Naru and his inclusion in The Sexiest Man vote. Really? It also gave us some insight into the world of actors and the demands the industry and fans place on them. It is not glamorous, but cutthroat and manipulative. Thankfully our leads managed to shine through all of these setbacks. The stalker incident should have been written more critically and not treated as a dust up. The sabotage and manipulation by SIGMA, as well as the homophobia deserved more attention and accountability in the plot. None of this was acceptable, and was definitely criminal.
I also ugly cried a few times during the series. Obviously during the angsty scenes between Boom and Smart. I am a sucker for good romance and a happily ever after. I found myself tearing up in the last episode when they got caught up in a sensual moment. The emotions on their faces and the background music were beautiful. I’MIN’s Fallen City was absolutely perfect. Kudos to the production team!!
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