I really enjoyed the non-drama of it all; the show handled serious topics and gave us romance to root for but it was never soapy. The realistic nature was very much part of the charm. The deepest moments unfold in the quietness.
The only thing I didn't like (more like abhorred) was the FL's best friend's storyline conclusion. After she rediscovered herself, it was depressing to see her give it all up to return to being invisible.
THE FUCKING WARDROBE! thank you! I feel like I'm going crazy watching all these FLs get dressed in the worst, most drab grandma clothes and people in the show swooning over them. The ruffles, the pastels more fit for a baby, the puritanical cuts... am I watching a leading lady or a tradwife without tiktok? Don't even get me started on the fake Chanel boxy monstrosities worn by women way below 60. My problem is the same, the style must SAY SOMETHING about the character, not about the creators. And show as much or as little skin as you like, but be intentional about it. hell, it's an art form, at least have some style!
I have my own problems with the series but I hadn't seen anyone mention the clothes and I gasped in recognition when I came across your review. If something kdramas hail as important, it's visuals. Anyway, I have 2 more eps to slog through but I doubt they change. Where's a makeover when you need one???
You put into words how I felt about this drama. After watching it, I was so absorbed by the story, I couldn't pull my thoughts to write a review. There are so many little things I appreciated that together made for a cohesive, all-encompassing story. What you said about the unglamorous part of the ascent in entertainment fields rings very true and it's the main reason why I have singled it out from similar dramas. There are no "this is now a romantic scene, cue the music and slow motion", the relationships are explored naturally, along with striving for success. If it was a 12 episode drama, I would be less forgiving about the time spent on the extended, but since it was 10 episodes, it gave space for the other people to shine on their own, while contributing to the main story, in a way of giving them proper characterization and making the world feel very lived-in. And the main romance, although not decentered, was given a space to exist through subtleties; reactions, looks, quiet moments that never felt out of place. Thanks for writing this and highlighting this beautiful story for others to see.
Can you please tell me what foing 'makjang' means? Does it mean something like Soap Opera type or Thai Lakorn…
bingo! it means exactly that. the korean version of a soap opera, like The Penthouse, The World of the Married, Sky Castle and more. Think evil twins, reincarnations, long lost siblings and revenge!
I'm curious, what made you think sanghyeon is competitive? Was it any specific action or his approach to "courting"…
This tracks and thanks for explaining your thought process. I'm leaning towards he liked bonhee and it has to do with the competition but not exactly: he "pursued" her despite knowing she would most likely choose mujin and he seemed the most charmed he's ever looked during their date. on the other hand, if he was thinking about the whole game as a competition, he would have chosen sohyun sooner since he was her only choice and she made her preference pretty clear. That's why I was so buffled by his behaviour; if he wanted to win the Game, he would have paired up with sohyun, if he wanted to win bonhee, he would have made an effort. He did neither, which made for great tv, but so inconsistent.
Also, it surprises me that all he talked to bonhee about was that he wanted to date her. He didn't ask a single question about her (at least in what we were shown), how do you like someone while only talking about your relationship shortcomings? The overthinking vs lack of proactivity you mentioned is a very good point and perfectly illustrates why it took him so long.
And personally, I don't think there's anything to his relationship with sohyun in the real world. I don't see it. She's open, direct and vibrant and I would think she'd want someone to match these traits. Am I wrong? I've watched it twice and the more I observe (while ignoring the imposed production notes) the less I believe this pair.
Im on episode 8, this is the first time i have ever watched a dating reality show; im really liking this one.…
I'm curious, what made you think sanghyeon is competitive? Was it any specific action or his approach to "courting" bonhee? I'm not disagreeing, I'm just trying to piece out his seemingly illogical path in the show
The only thing I didn't like (more like abhorred) was the FL's best friend's storyline conclusion. After she rediscovered herself, it was depressing to see her give it all up to return to being invisible.
I'm gonna rewatch scenes after this review!
I have my own problems with the series but I hadn't seen anyone mention the clothes and I gasped in recognition when I came across your review. If something kdramas hail as important, it's visuals. Anyway, I have 2 more eps to slog through but I doubt they change. Where's a makeover when you need one???
Also, it surprises me that all he talked to bonhee about was that he wanted to date her. He didn't ask a single question about her (at least in what we were shown), how do you like someone while only talking about your relationship shortcomings? The overthinking vs lack of proactivity you mentioned is a very good point and perfectly illustrates why it took him so long.
And personally, I don't think there's anything to his relationship with sohyun in the real world. I don't see it. She's open, direct and vibrant and I would think she'd want someone to match these traits. Am I wrong? I've watched it twice and the more I observe (while ignoring the imposed production notes) the less I believe this pair.