Coming-of-age fantasy adaptation with a lot of Heart and Realism
Is it possible to have a webtoon adaptation that maintains the fantasy and over-the-top humor, yet still gives you a sense of realism with character development? If so, then I think “Spirit Fingers” might have achieved that.
“Spirit Fingers” started with a combination of realism (a topic I disliked in K-dramas) and also a very over-the-top ML during the leads’ first meeting. But the way they are, sets the tone of this drama in the first episode. The first half of the drama is fun but it’s the last few episodes that really hit me with all the feels and bring me on an emotional roller coaster.
Female lead, Song U Yeon (Baby Blue Finger) is a timid 18-year girl who craves love and attention from her parents. She’s the black sheep of the family as an average girl with two genius overachieving brothers. Her lack of self-esteem is displayed front and center in this drama and honestly gives me a lot of frustrations. But also because of this, her character development felt natural and real. She doesn’t mature overnight. In fact, it seems like she moves two steps forward and then one gigantic step backward each time, all the way until the end of the drama. I like her and I want to shake some sense in her. We have a complicated relationship. LOL
On the other hand, male lead Nam Gi Jeong (Red Finger) is the complete opposite. He’s a little dumb and super confident in himself and his looks. When he turns on his amateur model charm and professionalism, he is a bright shining star. He doesn’t care about anything or anyone much, until he meets FL. I am not going to lie, his over-the-topness annoys me in the beginning. But he has the most beautiful growth and you can see how much he has matured, without losing the essence of Red Finger. He complements FL very well. He is her biggest supporter, cheerleader and self-confidence injector.
The concept of the group Spirit Fingers is interesting. It’s a safe space for a group of kind-hearted and unique individuals who just love to draw. I love the themes they have for each week and look forward to the sets, costumes and the ridiculousness of it all. As I mentioned, “Spirit Fingers” does not shy away from its identity, a webtoon adaptation. It kept many of the fantasy elements and I’m glad the drama embraces it all. I do wish I can get to know more of the individual SP members, and not just Mint and Blue Fingers. I do enjoy their friends-to-lovers arc, but it drags on for a little too long. Some screen time could be dedicated to Black and Khaki, or Pink and Brown.
I also love the girl's friendship. They are girlfriends who care and support each other. They will fight and make up. They will yell and beat up bullies for you, and cry while having honest conversations. There’s no evil jealousy or fighting for the same man. What a lovely trio! The boys on the other hand have a more fun bromance going on. A little less ‘feelings’ but more chaotic ‘counseling’.
As much as I love this drama, it’s not an easy watch. It’s really hard to sit back and enjoy the sweet romance and self-discovery, without wanting to strangle some characters, especially the parents. I understand this is a very cultural thing, but I just wish K-dramas can change it up a little without such a strong focus on bullying and strict parental demands and expectations. There’s some satisfaction in the end with the brothers speaking up, but it wasn’t explosive enough and I wanted to see a little more of the aftermath.
“Spirit Fingers” is not just a sweet romance drama. It’s a coming-of-age drama of our leads. Their journeys of growth come with a lot of speed bumps yet also filled with laughter and lovable chaos. This is a great watch that gives me quite an emotional roller coaster ride of laughter and tears. I felt the drama balances the romance and growth aspects pretty well throughout the drama. I would definitely recommend this drama.
P.s. don’t forget to watch the clips after the ending credit previews.
Pps. I did not watch the webtoon
Completed: 11/28/2025 Review #647
“Spirit Fingers” started with a combination of realism (a topic I disliked in K-dramas) and also a very over-the-top ML during the leads’ first meeting. But the way they are, sets the tone of this drama in the first episode. The first half of the drama is fun but it’s the last few episodes that really hit me with all the feels and bring me on an emotional roller coaster.
Female lead, Song U Yeon (Baby Blue Finger) is a timid 18-year girl who craves love and attention from her parents. She’s the black sheep of the family as an average girl with two genius overachieving brothers. Her lack of self-esteem is displayed front and center in this drama and honestly gives me a lot of frustrations. But also because of this, her character development felt natural and real. She doesn’t mature overnight. In fact, it seems like she moves two steps forward and then one gigantic step backward each time, all the way until the end of the drama. I like her and I want to shake some sense in her. We have a complicated relationship. LOL
On the other hand, male lead Nam Gi Jeong (Red Finger) is the complete opposite. He’s a little dumb and super confident in himself and his looks. When he turns on his amateur model charm and professionalism, he is a bright shining star. He doesn’t care about anything or anyone much, until he meets FL. I am not going to lie, his over-the-topness annoys me in the beginning. But he has the most beautiful growth and you can see how much he has matured, without losing the essence of Red Finger. He complements FL very well. He is her biggest supporter, cheerleader and self-confidence injector.
The concept of the group Spirit Fingers is interesting. It’s a safe space for a group of kind-hearted and unique individuals who just love to draw. I love the themes they have for each week and look forward to the sets, costumes and the ridiculousness of it all. As I mentioned, “Spirit Fingers” does not shy away from its identity, a webtoon adaptation. It kept many of the fantasy elements and I’m glad the drama embraces it all. I do wish I can get to know more of the individual SP members, and not just Mint and Blue Fingers. I do enjoy their friends-to-lovers arc, but it drags on for a little too long. Some screen time could be dedicated to Black and Khaki, or Pink and Brown.
I also love the girl's friendship. They are girlfriends who care and support each other. They will fight and make up. They will yell and beat up bullies for you, and cry while having honest conversations. There’s no evil jealousy or fighting for the same man. What a lovely trio! The boys on the other hand have a more fun bromance going on. A little less ‘feelings’ but more chaotic ‘counseling’.
As much as I love this drama, it’s not an easy watch. It’s really hard to sit back and enjoy the sweet romance and self-discovery, without wanting to strangle some characters, especially the parents. I understand this is a very cultural thing, but I just wish K-dramas can change it up a little without such a strong focus on bullying and strict parental demands and expectations. There’s some satisfaction in the end with the brothers speaking up, but it wasn’t explosive enough and I wanted to see a little more of the aftermath.
“Spirit Fingers” is not just a sweet romance drama. It’s a coming-of-age drama of our leads. Their journeys of growth come with a lot of speed bumps yet also filled with laughter and lovable chaos. This is a great watch that gives me quite an emotional roller coaster ride of laughter and tears. I felt the drama balances the romance and growth aspects pretty well throughout the drama. I would definitely recommend this drama.
P.s. don’t forget to watch the clips after the ending credit previews.
Pps. I did not watch the webtoon
Completed: 11/28/2025 Review #647
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