This review may contain spoilers
It is so hard for me to say goodbye to Touch Your Heart and I can't help but being emotional right now. I was looking forward to every Wednesday and Thursday because I knew that for one hour straight, I would be the happiest person in this world.TYH doesn't have an original plot, let's be all honest here. A ''cold-hearted'' man falling in love with his secretary, it's is very common, especially for comantic comedies. But as people say, don't judge a book by its cover. Because although the plot seems to be very cliché, it has well-developed story, stong characters, perfect cast and OST which makes it one of the best rom-coms I've ever seen.
I will start with the fact that the first episode is very misleading and it shows very typical characters. Lawyer Kwon Jung Rok -- our main lead appears to be a rude, arrogant, cold-hearted man who only cares about his job. He doesn't pay attention to the people around him and often ignores them. Oh Yeon Soo is a popular actress (not for her acting though), she seems to be very clumsy, foolish and kind of self-centered. And, of course, we have many supporing characters that will probably be the most boring part. The first episode (or maybe the first two) didn't leave a good impression on me. I usually don't like this kind of characters and I thought I will be watching WWWSK season 2. But little did i know back then that Touch Your Heart will become one of my favourite dramas ever!
I believe that what was shown in the first two episodes was on purpose, the writers just wanted to fool us. In episodes 3 and 4, we can already see the development of the characters - Yoon Seo becomes more confident and more responsible, because she realises how important her job is. Althought she struggles a lot, her passion never leaves her and that's the most lovable thing about her character. It is also shown how responisble job Jung Rok has and how busy he actually is which to some extent justifies his cold behaviour towards everyone. Plus he is kind of an introvert one, he doesn't feel comfortable around people and prefers to be alone.
All that development we can already see in the first few episodes. After that, the relationship between Jung Rok and Yoon Seo slowly grows. They start being more comfortable with each other and eventually they fall in love in such an innocnet way. The awkwardness of falling in love, the heart fluttering moments, the jealousy, the hesitation are all here. And the thing I absolutely loved about Jung Rok and Yoon Seo's relationship is that they are always honest with each other. You know, the most annoying thing in some dramas is when someone decides to hide the truth or lies and then let the drama begin, blah blah. There's no such a thing in Touch Your Heart... Or at least it didn't ruin the drama.
Besides Yoon Seo and Jung Rok, there are three more couples in TYH. My favourite one of them is Yoon Hyuk and Moon Hee, they were so funny. I didn't pay attention to Se Won and Yeo Reum, but that was because YR doesn't have much screen time although she is a main character. I loved Se Won and his bromance with Jung Rok though.
Touch Your Heart is a law drama or at least that's what the genres say. But the plot is not focused on the law part, don't expect many intense trials or something. There is one big case that was pulled off very well and some small ones that were enjoyable to watch.
The only thing I disliked is the fact that the writers chose to use one trope that is very common for korean dramas, but I hate it so much. Although it was carried off quite well, it was so out of place or at least that's how I felt about it. But this doesn't really change my opinion about the drama.
The cast was amazing, I don't really have something to tell here. I was so happy to see Yoo In Na and Lee Dong Wook together again, their chemistry was amazing! I know I might be a bit too greedy now, but I want to see them again! Lee Sang Woo also impressed me.
The OST... Oh my, everything about the OST songs was perfect. The artists, the melodies, the lyrics, everything.
This review is getting too long but I tried my best to give a brief explanation about the plot while expressing my thoughts. I have some more things to say, but I will stop here. Overall, Touch Your Heart is a drama that makes you happy. It makes you forget about your stressful life and your problems. It's definitely one of my favourite shows this year and it will hold a special place in my heart forever. I recommend it to everyone, you never know what you'll like. Enjoy your watch!
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1This couple killed it
This drama is about a whole lot more than romance, but I will start by showing some love in honor of the lead couple, Gu Yanxi and Hua Zhi. They were classy in their cuteness and made our hearts flutter with every interaction. The chemistry was undeniable; whether they were adorably close or longingly apart, they were always in tune with each other. They understood each other, supported one another, and sacrificed for the other. From potential enemies to friends to lovers, they became each other's greatest allies. What I appreciate the most though, is the strong communication and the unbreakable trust between them. This delightful duo embodied how love can endure, even in the face of conflict and circumstance.Apart from our leads, the other couples have also left a memorable impression on me, and I truly enjoyed watching how the relationships developed and blossomed. Even when romance did not always lead to the happiest of endings, the stories were touching and, at times, really tugged at my heartstrings.
When Blossoms in Adversity started airing, I had high expectations because of the director, Chu Yui Bun, and the cast. The show delivered even more than I expected. There was a strong theme of female empowerment, and a quote by Goethe came to mind, "The Eternal-Feminine draws us upward". Almost all the women characters had character development for the better, but sadly, most of the male characters did not. Save for a handful, most of the male characters were a disappointing lot.
Zhang Jing Yi's Hua Zhi was solid, and she proved again to be an excellent actress. ZJY portrayed an FL who was plucky, intelligent, precocious, quick-witted, but also very human. With her entire family thrown into chaos when a power-tripping Emperor exiled all their family men, HZ had to grow up quickly. Through HZ's struggles and triumphs, the show provided a lesson: in times of need, we can step up and be the kind of person others need us to be.
I threw shade at Hu Yi Tian in the beginning saying that ZJY was carrying the show, but in the end, I was won over yet again by our handsome ML. He shone in his fight scenes, and his usual stoic expression fit his role as Gu Yan Xi. This ML was also brilliant and was a skilled fighter. As the Commander of the Security Bureau, he was savage with everyone who deserved it but so gentle with the FL and the ones important to him. GYX started out conflicted, torn between gratitude to his uncle and his affection for Hua Zhi. Ultimately, he became a source of strength for HZ as he gradually determined that any amount of gratitude did not warrant the blind loyalty demanded of him.
GYX had background music dedicated to him, one that played whenever he turned up, ready to take the bad guys down, and it was just so bad-ass enjoyable. HYT should consider more historical dramas since this role is my favorite of his to date.
The supporting cast was terrific too, notably Lu Yu Xiao, who showed off how versatile she was. While Caesar Wu did not appear as often as I would like, he nailed his character as the overly earnest, idealistic Shen Qi. Bian Cheng as Shen Huan is someone to watch out for, and as the Emperor who demanded nothing less than everything, Hai Yi Tian delivered a great performance that had all of us wanting to see a painful death for him.
Apart from being amazingly acted, this drama was well-written and nicely executed. I applaud the show for keeping most of us engaged until the very end, throwing in something unpredictable just when I thought I figured out what would happen next. That said, the show didn't fall into the trap of using plot twists for the sake of creating last-minute melodrama.
The pacing was interesting to me in a good way. The plot went through the ups and downs of the characters lives so smoothly and quickly that angsty moments were not that dramatic and happy moments were more like normal events. No one really has an opportunity to dwell on the good or bad. Even with 40 episodes, the show never felt draggy, and best of all, it stuck its landing. I for one, am satisfied with how the show ended. It wrapped up the characters' journeys nicely and sent them off in such a way that left me feeling that this drama was well worth the watch.
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It is about two people who have been friends all their lives. They turn to each other for comfort, for friendship and fun. They have seen each other at their best and worst. They yell, they fight, they comfort and criticize. They are REAL with each other. And slowly they begin to realize that this is not just a friendship. And once they realize that...What do they do with that knowledge? Go for it? Risk their friendship? Admit how they feel to the other person and most importantly, to themselves?
There is no grouchy, in denial chaebol hero. There is no plucky misunderstood girl who is downtrodden but so cheerful in the midst of her unfortunate circumstances. There is no backstabbing b*tch or scheming inlaws. They are just two people slowly but surely waking up and realizing that just maybe, the person they truly are meant to be with might have been there under foot all their lives. The writers make it so fun for the audience to watch it happening. The actors have great chemistry!
Give it a try. The music is a bit lacking. (I have a tendancy to be hard on music scores in my reviews. After the excellent OST of Coffee Prince and Soulmate I tend to be picky!) But I adore this drama...ADORE IT. Warm and sweet and surprisingly passionate. When you watch and realize it is not as quiet as you thought it is such a treat.
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Possibly my favorite melodrama kdrama I have seen.
The story of 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' is something so vastly different than most Korean dramas. It is a melodrama that sublimely incorporates the genres of thriller, mystery, romance, and tragedy of all things--and on top of your not-so-typical antihero lead, it sheds some light on some controversial topics (which will not be named due to this review being spoiler free). The story starts off quite eerily, full of suspense and mystery, and gradually as the drama progresses, the melodrama kicks in while retaining most of the suspense.
I do feel it slightly lost some spark towards the climax due to the script demanding misunderstandings (don't we love those?). Many conflicts could have been avoided if there was better communication amongst the characters. I suppose this can be said for virtually any drama, but it especially applies in this case. It doesn't help that some of the situations aren't fully concluded. I do also feel there were just a tad bit many plot devices used to progress the story. Some character actions just make little sense, and there was either little or no explanation to them afterwards. I at often times felt frustrated by many of these actions, but fear not; it shouldn't detract much from your entertainment, as the overall execution and the story itself are quite beautiful.
Moving onto the cast--they were absolutely splendid. The leads had amazing chemistry, and everything felt genuine, from hardships to happiness.
Seo In Guk plays his first antihero role in Kim Moo Young, and he truly delivers. His character is sharp, mysterious, and conflicting, and much like Jin Kang, I could not help but be drawn to him, wanting to figure out his character, questioning his motives and actions. Moo Young's dialogue was also quite intricate in that viewers and characters alike could draw multiple meanings from his words. I think this was one element the drama and In Guk pulled off especially well.
Jung So Min plays Yoo Jin Kang, a rather strong willed woman who is also very kind, forgiving, and sympathetic. Jin Kang's strength as a character is not what I would classify similarly to a strong female lead, but she is strong because of her ability to endure everything she has experienced, accept it, and move on. Jung So Min conveyed Jin Kang's emotions so vividly well, the emotional pain is visible through her interactions.
Park Sung Woong nails his role as Jin Kang's brother, Yoo Jin Gook, as well. He portrayed the shifts in emotion as the drama progressed very well. I do however, wish his character was better written.
As for the supporting cast, their performances were stellar as well. Seo Eun Soo pulled off a very convincing girl blinded by love in Baek Seung Ah. Go Min Shi as well with the complications in her character, Im Yu Ri. Special mention Kim Ji Hyun whom played Jang Se Ran. She completely took me by surprise, both her acting and her character.
Most of the faults in the cast were largely due to shifts and errs in the script, not the actors themselves. The actors always delivered in their roles, but often there were actions that just didn't make any sense, conflicts that could have been avoided if we applied any spec of common sense to the situations, which leads back to my stance on there being too many (in)conveniences to the story.
The music in this drama was synced flawlessly. If I had to compliment any one thing about the drama, it would absolutely be the soundtrack. The eerie, sinister themes added so many elements of suspense to drama. Sorrowful, yet calming and somehow uplifting music complemented the melodrama and romance all too well, especially 'Lost' by Ahn Ji Yeon. 'Someday' by Yi Sung Yol was the perfect song to end off many of the episodes' suspense, while leaving you craving for the next. And I can't forget 'Star' which was a beautiful addition sung by none other than the 2 leads Seo In Guk and Jung So Min. I feel this song greatly reflects their relationship in the drama.
Definite a recommend from me if you're looking for a melodramatic romance with thriller and mystery! Just take note that this does happen to be a tragedy.
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Best modern cdrama to date
Simply a beautiful drama. It probably isn't the best beginner drama to watch, as much of the content requires having a decent understanding of Chinese culture/slang to truly enjoy at its full value. However, besides that, it's a perfect show from start to finish. Easily my favorite of 2021. PLEASE DON'T MISS THIS.Plot:
The 1st episode was jaw-dropping. Stunningly real and heart-wrenching. The characters struggle so realistically as ordinary people in the huge, overwhelming city of Beijing. Seriously, the first 2 episodes are guaranteed to capture your attention. The small details in each human interaction feel so genuine and natural, not at all like the popular idol cdramas. As the episodes progress, they do so logically without losing any sort of tension or excitement. Although it's a slice of life drama, the characters' backstories, problems, relationships, and small victories leave you wanting more and more. Every characters' own plotline and development tie together so well. ALSO, EPISODE 10 and 11 are INCREDIBLE. Don't worry! The ending is absolutely amazing, though I do think the 1st episode is hard to beat.
Characters:
The "main" character is Qiao Xichen. played outstandingly by Zhou Yutong. She is driven, intelligent, and hardworking, but faces the everyday problems of a white-collar worker in Beijing. What makes her so compelling, though? She makes any of the audience watching her want her to succeed. We want her to win because she's so caring, capable, and good-natured. She's incredibly tough, but she has breakdowns like anyone else. And wow, I was blown away by her crying scenes. I could keep rambling but I'll stop here.
Next is Xu Yan, a girl who's a bit vain and superficial, but in reality just wants to spend her days being loved by her doting boyfriend. She spends a lot of money, and it can be really irresponsible at times. The actress who plays her, Sun Qian, does a great job of presenting this bubbly character, and she goes through some deeply compelling character development. She's not a crazy hard worker like Qiao Xichen, but she has her own earnest motivations.
Being the human sunshine of the group, Hu Jing Jing is the one everyone spills their troubles to. She's the one that holds the group together. Underneath all of that selflessness, though, is someone broken and struggling. I won't say too much, because she's a huge spoiler-y part of the story, but her character is very complex and overall just heart-breaking.
Hu Nan Jia is the big sister of the group, being Jing Jing's older cousin. She's basically the richest of the girls, directing her own company and finding success in her Beijing career. Of course, there is more. She's lonely and has a loss of purpose in her personal life. She goes through a journey of self-discovery beyond the workplace. Her actress, Ren Suxi, is absolutely amazing at portraying her character so natural and believable.
Relationships:
It might surprise you, but the romance in this drama is IMPECCABLE. They are the most realistic yet heart-warming portrayals of romance I have ever seen in a cdrama. My absolute favorite couple is Qiao Xichen and Jian Yifan. Their chemistry is so fresh to watch, and my god is it amazing to see some logic in a relationship. They're both smart and sensible; it's a DELIGHT. The confession scenes were so freaking cute (that hospital car scene omg), and their dialogue just bounces off each other so well. Healthy and HIGH CP relationship from start to end. Next, Xu Yan and her boyfriend, Shen Zichang, are a bit of a different story. They've been dating for years, yet they're still a bit immature and act like those cutsey stereotypical couples. However, it's still fun to watch, and when they're together, it's honestly so dang sweet (episode 12 tho, I CRY). As for Nan Jia, she meets a much younger guy, Ou Yang, and while I thought it was awkward at first, it got REAL sweet towards the end. I support the ship<3.
Music:
Amazing. Moving. Haunting at times, but it truly enhances the feels and acting in the show. It WILL make you cry, and I'm not exaggerating at all.
Rewatch:
I'm not one to rewatch shows, but for this one, I will a dozen more times.
Overall:
This show can be uplifting, powerful, yet brutal all at the same time. It's also surprisingly hilarious, and you will grow to love each character so much. There are so many portrayals of people you won't see in other dramas, because most of them are just regular humans, not like the artificial shells I so often see. Even the minor characters are integral, flawed, and understandable people. This drama will teach you that making a living can be really, really hard. However, you'll still be able to experience the simple sweetness of life, like in the random kind acts of others (the nameless, caring grandma makes me tear up). The show's Chinese title references how people might say, "I'm doing fine" when their parents/friends ask them how they are, even though, in reality, they're not fine at all. Some people fake that they're ok just to put others at ease, but the story tells you that it's ok to embrace difficulty. This drama truly digs deep into this concept. It says that life may not feel fine right now, it might even feel impossible, but one day, when you realize how much the world has to offer, this ordinary, troublesome life will feel more than fine.
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This review may contain spoilers
The hype was worth it
Things I liked:*The ending. It wasn't an open ending. A lot of things made sense after season 2
*Children are also competitors there
*The CG
*How they brought back both major and minor actors
*More flashbacks and backstories
*The game masters also have a heart and are all brave enough to fight without fearing death. They are just enjoying freedom.
*The timeline (Events of both season 1 and season 2 take place around June 2021, in between their respective release dates).
*Kuina's father finally accepted her
*The wish of those who shipped arisu and usagi can sigh in relief now ( Also kento yamazaki and tao tsuchiya now officially co-starred in 5 projects)
A bit of warninng: Don't watch it with parents or probably anyone. There are rotten dead bodies and deformed bodies burnt by sulphuric acid. Naked kyuma and some other scenes.
Story: 10 The story started from right where the season 1 ended. Unlike season 1, there were fewer games that lasted longer than before. Each game has its own suspense and thrill. The CG was as good as ever and the ending was quite satisfactory. Some ppl may complain that they better remembered the days of borderland. But it is better to forget those horrible memories of near-death experience.
Acting/cast: 10 They brought back all the original cast members they needed. Even minor ones like kuina's parents, arisu's brother, the man they saved in the 4 of spades, momoka and many major characters.
Music: 10 The music was on spot and quite thrilling
Rewatch value:10 Might just rewatch tomorrow
The first 7 episodes were action-packed where the last episode was more calm than the previous episodes but the last few scenes were just all we needed after the 2 years wait.
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I did not know a couple of the leads but they were really good and made me believe their characters. Their acting was so natural and so funny when they have to be, and they made me cry at the tender moments as well.
The music was so well suited to the drama.
As for rewatch value, it's a long drama, so maybe in the very far future I will go ahead and re-watch. It's worth it.
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A story that can make you stop breathing
I honestly didn't expect such a storyline. and I know it's sad that it is too short but the episodes which were given to us were perfect from the very beginning to the very end. Anyway, I loved it and I truly hope there will be more and more future series with the main characters. they truly delivered perfect acting and kudos to both.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It's the year 2019, and we still have this kind of dramas..Content of the drama is basic, girl is sick, needs transplant and boy is a match. Boy has a sick grandma who loves him so much, and wants to see him love and marry a girl. When girls asks the boy to help her, boy says okay, but first let get married and have a contracted marriage for 2 years.
Typical contracted marriage turns real marriage plot, seemed fun on Netflix so I said just try it, I mean, everyone needs a bit of cheesiness in life time to time.
But OH BOY
WILL CONTAIN SPOILER AND ANGER AND SHOCK READ AT YOUR OWN RISK
First of all, the reveal is just too big. And it's not a reveal like "boy has been lying because of a misunderstanding" or "a simple white lie started all this". The reveal is that THE BOY IS A FREAKING STALKER, A SOCIOPATH TO THE CORE. I just can't with the sugarcoating. He is wrong. Girl is literally a victim, and still keeps sticking around him. You know just because he waited in the rain outside of her apartment doesn't justify his actions.
Him being kind of a macho at the beginning of the show is not my style, yet acceptable as there are many kind of relationships and people who can get with it. But UGH I LITERALLY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT MORE CAN I SAY ABOUT IT THE SHOW IS JUST WRONG THE PREMISE OF IT IS WRONG EVERYTHING IS WRONG
I mean, girls friend seems clever and protective over her but when the big reveal happened, she didn't even react much? And supported their relationship? Just, why??
And last but least, as the show goes on, that big reveal didn't even matter? They had a conflict for what, like one or two episodes, than moved on to another subject like family issues or something.
Violence, both physically (second leads father beating the leading lady and the second lead, male lead literally kidnapping the female lead, holding her forcefully etc) and mentally (male lead tricking the girl to believe she had a terminal illness, than deceiving her into marriage and then making her fall in love with him etc) was like the main purposes of the show. And they didn't even resolve those issues. The guy can wait as much as he wants in the downpour and get a pneumonitis or anything but that wouldn't make it equal to the punishment he deserved.
THE SHOW IS JUST WRONG AND WISH IT DIDN'T EXISTED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
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This drama hit me like a tsunami of emotions and has left me bruised in so many places I'm in dire need of a strong tonic
I had promised myself to never say this, but rules are made to be broken: King 2 Hearts is the best drama I have ever watched. It is so because it fully responds to what I ask a work of fiction: not just to entertain me, but to make me feel. Deeply.
I suppose it's not for everyone though. It raises issues which require a level of maturity, as well as a huge dose of emotional strength. It plays on prejudices and the rotten nature of politics, sparing no one: the arrogance of the western world, the obtuseness of military regimes, the cowardice of politicians, the corruptive power of money no matter where. But it highlights the best virtues too: loyalty, friendship, courage, honesty, responsibility towards the people we love. This story is the growth of a group of people, from biased to understanding, and most of all is the birth of a king worth of this name.
It's obviously a love story too, but I'm glad this is only partly the focus of the drama. Don't expect a rom-com, or you'll be disappointed. The comedy is there, mainly in the beginning, and it is a clever sort of fun, but it's devoid of the usual comedic tropes, and it always has a black undertone - which I personally adore.
So to me this is a truly romantic drama, in the classical sense of the word, full of awe, suspense and heartbreak. There isn't even an ounce of fluff: if this is what you're looking for, King 2 Hearts is not for you.
Two words about script and direction: the first is one of the most consistent I've come across, never deviating from reality even when the setting is fictional. I am aware some of the scenarios are controversial to say the least, but if you give a look at the way international politics works, you'll see that - alas - it's a lot more plausible than we would like to admit. This said, the writers managed to create an ensemble of wonderful characters who touch the heart, and always thought-provoking dialogues. Direction is splendid, very film-like, playing on grand-angle and close-up shots, on colours, light and dark. The action scenes are believable and thrilling.
Standing ovation for the performance of the entire cast. Everyone has done such a brilliant job, I'm in awe.
Ha Ji Won is wonderful, to say the least. I've read some arguing that a north Korean soldier can't be so girly and trusting in the matters of the heart, but her multiple layers are what make Hang A the incredibly believable character I fell in love with, and Ha Ji Won the awesome actress she is. Besides her doing most of her stunts, she studied the North dialect, voice intonation and poses. The result is a charming mixture of vulnerability and strength which is profoundly feminine.
I'm glad I've really got to know Lee Seung Gi with this drama, because this young man has done an amazing step forward in terms of acting. His performance as the shallow, prejudiced playboy he's in the beginning slowly growing to be a king to be proud of, is mind-blowing. I truly felt all his suffering, doubts, uncertainties, fear… stress. He has gained a loyal fan for his professionalism and for the courage to accept a controversial part which more mature actors had refused before him.
Jo Jung Suk and Lee Yoon Ji have been an incredible revelation for me, both acted so naturally it's almost unbelievable.
Hat off to all the other actors. I was just as involved in their fates as I was in that of the main couple. They all made me laugh, weep (buckets, really), be proud or exhilarated.
Yes, even the villain. It won't be easy for the actor to shrug off the image. He embodies evil in its most horrific, unadulterated form: gratuitous cruelty, the pleasure to see others suffer, vanity and megalomania, all highlighted by a child-like behaviour which is as disquieting as it reduces him to the sub-human this character actually is.
Oh, the music!
A good soundtrack explains the scenes with the notes. When he wrote the score for the 1993 film "The Piano", Michael Nyman said he needed some piano pieces which could speak for Ada, who is mute, and work as a substitute to her voice.
That's what the music in King 2 Hearts does: if you close your eyes and listen to it (I have it all on my i-pod) the music will speak for the scene, and will keep on speaking to you when the show is over. The instrumental pieces are simply perfect and aching. "Two Hearts" begins with the pound of two hearts, hence explaining in a second a title whose meaning I had been pining over for weeks.
Simply beautiful.
I have already re-watched half of the drama and am going through a second (third?) complete marathon. If I gave this a lower re-watch value I'd be a hypocrite. And, believe it or not, it improves on second watching.
There's so much more I'd like to say about it, but I fear I've been wordy enough. I feel a last word of… warning is needed though: be prepared to feel strongly. If what you ask a drama is to entertain you or divert you, don't watch King 2 Hearts; only approach it if you're ready to grow so much attached to these characters, seeing them go will give you an almost physical pain.
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It stars Lee Je Hoon as Lee Soo Yeon who's straight laced and by the book character is matched with Chae Soo Bin as the stubbornly impetuous Han Yeo Reum. All of the complaints I read about the drama were about Han Yeo Reum, and how much people hated her, but I didn't have a problem with her character at all. I think her character is frustratingly ambitious on purpose in order to disturb Soo Yeon's futile attempt at having a quiet and routine worklife. Of course their conflicts lead to some great chemistry and I loved the way the story between them developed. I was a fan Lee Je Hoon in "Signal", but this is my first time seeing him as a romantic lead. I also loved Chae Soo Bin in "I Am Not a Robot", so it was great to see her in another romance, and she did not disappoint me. Together they had cute and comedic moments as well as heartbreaking dramatic moments, and even when parts of the story were weak, their character development was strong.
As for the supporting cast there were characters that were favorites, some who were underutilized, and some who were boring as hell. My favorites in the supporting cast were definitely Kim Kyung Nam as Oh Dae Ki and Lee Soo Kyung as Na Yeong Joo of the security team, who's chemistry was entertaining enough to deserve their own spinoff show. I thought Lee Dong Gun was great, although almost typecast in his role, but because his storyline was compartitively weak I felt like his talent was a little bit wasted. I also wanted to know much more about Mr. Jang who I feel like never got enough screentime for being such a huge part of the story. Then there was Kim Jee Soo as Yang Seo Koon, who seemed like a character I would like in the beginning, but she turned out to be so boring that I'm still not quite sure about anything involving her character. Also, because so much of this drama revolves around work, there's a pretty good ensemble cast feel among the airport staff, which helps make the random airport stories seem less disjointed.
For me, the weakest parts of the drama was the internal airport drama between management, which was too vague to care about, and took up too much time. There are also parts of Soo Yeon's backstory that I wish were better explained, but I still think the parts they did focus on were well done as far as drivng the story and his motivation. With the short episode format there was always enough in each episode to keep me curious and make me want to keep watching. By the end, the story felt like it was definitely rushed, but all the parts of the story that I cared about were resolved (although I'm still not sure if the very end was an artistic choice or an emergency decision).
Would I rewatch this? Yes. I think the chemistry between the main couple is what carries this show, more than the general story, so I would probably still enjoy it with a second viewing.
Overall, "Where Stars Land " isn't going to make it to my favorites list, but it's much better than some of the mediocre dramas I forced myself to finish this year. I recommend giving it a chance, especially if you are a romance fan. You may find out that under it's unassuming appearance is a drama with a spark of something extroadinary.
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Beautiful QUEER REPRESENTATION
I know a lot of ppl didn't understand Shun's personality but I can relate to him so much.. the anxiety and the walls he has built up is so relatable to so many ppl who have dealt with trauma and abandonment issues.I hope more countries do real shows like this again with real people in the community.. this was so needed in these times and I hope we get more seasons in the future.
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1) The first couple was cute but I found them a bit boring and the masturbation addiction really threw me off, as I didn’t expect it to center the first 2 episodes. I liked that they openly mentioned how sex/masturbation compared to some dramas where they hide away from it especially highschool ones.
I kept watching as I didn’t know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised with the second couple.
2) This couple need to have their own drama, the actors chemistry and looks really kept me hook on their episodes. Their plot is good, the fake dating trope was really well done and their end of story really wrapped up well. Their kissing was so much better than some other couples in dramaland, it wasn’t cringy or awkward as you would expect from highschool dramas. Like I already said if you don’t want to watch the full drama episode 3-5 are the much watch and you will not regret it. If I ever rewatch the drama I would be likely to just go back to this couple as I already done twice already.
3) I was slightly disappointed with the 3rd couple, I really didn’t like how the plot surrounded the girl’s weight, (especially the fact that in my opinion she ain’t fat but more towards healthy). Additionally I couldn’t enjoy the 3rd couple to the fullest as the second couple really put the bar high and therefore it was hard for them to keep me as hooked. The ending also left me slightly dissatisfied, but overall this drama is a good watch.
The music didn’t stick out to me so I won’t talk about it as I got nothing to say.
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1A satisfying end... which is rare in the kdrama world as we're all familiar.
The first thing that needs to be applauded is the actors and their masterful acting. Without the acting the plot would've withered as another project with lost potential. They literally breathe the life, the fury, the glory into this drama.As a sequel, it is commendable that the show did not go overboard or underwhelm in any aspect. It was just enough to make you sigh a breath of satisfaction. Lives upto everything the first season built upto and the trailer predicted. No non-sensical plot points which were forced to make the story coherent. It was woven smoothly start to end. They delivered the dramatics perfectly. Their was no unnecessary romantic part which ruined the slow-burn. Despite all the first season's information, there were twists and turns and the thrill was maintained. If anything was over-done, one wouldn't really give this show much of a rewatch value. But the makers took their jobs seriously and made sure that people can come back to this and find hope in the victory of everything good.
People might argue about the amorality of the whole revenge plot itself, but we know that justice does not take place in our world very often, the world is very unfair, and people we know, people around us, and people like us may feel wronged everyday, but what we can take from this as a positive learning is that we all need to come together and help the Dong Eun's all around us by giving them support, and being a friend in their time of need. Of course is doesn't have to be an elaborate revenge plot, but even the smallest effort would go a long way. And at the end of the day what goes around comes around. So it is by each other's support that we move forward, otherwise we'll find ourselves stuck at a point in life which will sooner or later drive us crazy.
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