7
77
3
Interesting characters & plot with a unique red flag male lead....but lacking romantic chemistry
Subjective Gut Rating: 8.25
Red flag male leads were ‘hot’ in 2024 and this trend might continue into 2025 so far. I wonder if I would like this drama less if I were to watch it back in 2016. Yoo Jung (ML) is not a likable character and would be considered a super red flag that you need to run away if you meet him in real life. But since this is drama-land and grey characters are ‘in’ and more acceptable and favorable’, I had an enjoyable time watching this very controversial drama.
I quite enjoy the interesting individual characters in this drama. Aside from Baek In Ho (2ML) played by the ridiculously handsome Seo Kang Joon, and Kwon Eu Taek, played by the ridiculously adorable young Nam Joo Hyuk, I would say none of the other characters are truly likable. However, I still like male lead, Yoo Jung. I am always curious about what he’s scheming up in his cunning mind and how he’s going to make someone pay for mistreating him or his loved one.
Park Hae Jin is incredible in this drama. He could be manipulative and calculating with evil eyes one second, and then in another moment, becomes smitten and shyly in love with Hong Seol. The only bad thing about him is that Park Hae Jin looks way too old to play a college student. Kim Go Eun as our female lead Hong Seol did pretty well too. Her character isn’t super likable either and is somewhat awkward. There’s no way I don’t love Seo Kan Joon when he’s so handsome and plays such a lovable character as well. As viewers, we witness Baek In Ho’s growth and character development, and can’t help but cheer him on every step of the way. A young Lee Sung Kyung playing the crazy and loud Baek In Ha is quite a sight to behold. I have to admit she brings some fun into this drama. Unfortunately, she’s a little too annoying for me to love and I feel that Lee Sung Kyung overacted. If she toned it down a little, I would have loved her craziness.
Despite liking Park Hae Jin and Kim Go Eun’s acting individually, the chemistry is just not there. I like the writing of the characters, but not the romance. It’s hard for me to believe they would fall in love. Kim Go Eun has better chemistry with Seo Kang Joon, but I am still rooting for Yoo Jung as the male lead to be with Hong Seol. Hong Seol and Baek in Ho seem more like great buddies who are super comfortable with each other. So, no second lead syndrome for me.
“Cheese in the Trap” is not a romantic comedy and it touches on some darker mental health issues. I think it did an OK job in showing us some of the family background history, and how each character unintentionally and unknowingly hurt each other, or being manipulated by others. Seeing how every relationship and the development of events are interconnected, was interesting to me, and a big selling point of this drama. However, I can see how others are dissatisfied and might have expected something different.
Overall, I have a pretty good time watching “Cheese in the Trap” even after avoiding this for years due to its lower rating and mixed reviews. I’m glad I watched it because of the Clown Bingo challenge, otherwise, I would never have picked it up. I ended up liking this a lot more than anticipated. Despite a somewhat disappointing romance, if you are interested in a different kind of love story with a real red flag male lead, this could be a unique watch.
Completed: 2/12/2025 - Review #543
Red flag male leads were ‘hot’ in 2024 and this trend might continue into 2025 so far. I wonder if I would like this drama less if I were to watch it back in 2016. Yoo Jung (ML) is not a likable character and would be considered a super red flag that you need to run away if you meet him in real life. But since this is drama-land and grey characters are ‘in’ and more acceptable and favorable’, I had an enjoyable time watching this very controversial drama.
I quite enjoy the interesting individual characters in this drama. Aside from Baek In Ho (2ML) played by the ridiculously handsome Seo Kang Joon, and Kwon Eu Taek, played by the ridiculously adorable young Nam Joo Hyuk, I would say none of the other characters are truly likable. However, I still like male lead, Yoo Jung. I am always curious about what he’s scheming up in his cunning mind and how he’s going to make someone pay for mistreating him or his loved one.
Park Hae Jin is incredible in this drama. He could be manipulative and calculating with evil eyes one second, and then in another moment, becomes smitten and shyly in love with Hong Seol. The only bad thing about him is that Park Hae Jin looks way too old to play a college student. Kim Go Eun as our female lead Hong Seol did pretty well too. Her character isn’t super likable either and is somewhat awkward. There’s no way I don’t love Seo Kan Joon when he’s so handsome and plays such a lovable character as well. As viewers, we witness Baek In Ho’s growth and character development, and can’t help but cheer him on every step of the way. A young Lee Sung Kyung playing the crazy and loud Baek In Ha is quite a sight to behold. I have to admit she brings some fun into this drama. Unfortunately, she’s a little too annoying for me to love and I feel that Lee Sung Kyung overacted. If she toned it down a little, I would have loved her craziness.
Despite liking Park Hae Jin and Kim Go Eun’s acting individually, the chemistry is just not there. I like the writing of the characters, but not the romance. It’s hard for me to believe they would fall in love. Kim Go Eun has better chemistry with Seo Kang Joon, but I am still rooting for Yoo Jung as the male lead to be with Hong Seol. Hong Seol and Baek in Ho seem more like great buddies who are super comfortable with each other. So, no second lead syndrome for me.
“Cheese in the Trap” is not a romantic comedy and it touches on some darker mental health issues. I think it did an OK job in showing us some of the family background history, and how each character unintentionally and unknowingly hurt each other, or being manipulated by others. Seeing how every relationship and the development of events are interconnected, was interesting to me, and a big selling point of this drama. However, I can see how others are dissatisfied and might have expected something different.
Overall, I have a pretty good time watching “Cheese in the Trap” even after avoiding this for years due to its lower rating and mixed reviews. I’m glad I watched it because of the Clown Bingo challenge, otherwise, I would never have picked it up. I ended up liking this a lot more than anticipated. Despite a somewhat disappointing romance, if you are interested in a different kind of love story with a real red flag male lead, this could be a unique watch.
Completed: 2/12/2025 - Review #543
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