Not your typical kdrama
I understand KJW' character here. She fell inlove with JCW but she was afraid that he might not accept her because she has a lot of insecurities and disappointments in life. However, JCW proved that there is someone who will accept you and love you, just the way you are.Excellent storyline, OST, cinematography and superb acting of the casts. I must say it is one of the best performance of Kim Ji Won and Ji Chang Wook. Their chemistry is also unbelievable.
To those people, who got bored and doesn't like this drama, don't assume that since you didn't liked it, doesn't mean it's not good. Actually, it's way better than I expected especially the outstanding acting skills of the main lead.
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Fun and Frustration of Dating and Relationships!
This is a fantastic series that attempts to put things into perspective regarding dating and relationships. Anyone who has dated or been in any kind of a relationship will almost surely find himself/herself relating to one or more of the six characters (three men and three women).The series is mostly light and humorous with some occasional serious tones. Fortunately, the series is so deftly told that it easily transitions from "comedy" to "drama" without batting an eye.
As anyone knows, dating and relationships can be fun and exciting when they begin, but soon grow into frustration and turmoil the longer they go on. As one character points out, "Relationships are like wars. Easy to start. Difficult to end."
The series is filmed like "The Office" in which a small documentary team follows the characters around and asking questions such as, "Is it possible to have a positive break-up?" or "What does the word "first" mean to you?" The answers are often compelling as well as humorous.
The characters begin to realize some deep truths regarding relationships. Most people enter them to prevent lonelines or because they don't like themselves, and they expect someone else to fill in the "gaps" and "holes" that they feel are dotting the landscape of their lives. Of course, entering into relationships for these reasons means that the relationship is already doomed to fail. Why? Because unless you love your Self first, you cannot possibly share what you do not have with someone else. And the other person soon realizes how unfair it is to be pressured into being the sole source of happiness for someone else.
To be in a relationship means to accept your partner as they are. Eun Oh Lee makes a truly provocative and wise request to Jae Won. "Can you accept me for who I am? I'm a mess, and I have a long way to go before I find myself." Acceptance and awareness of dysfunction is probably the ultimate key to having a successful relationship. After all, relationships aren't about filling gaps and holes. They are about sharing. And ultimate sharing cannot be experienced until absolute vulnerability is attained.
The series is masterfully done, and the actors expertly handle their characters like prime jockeys handling their horses. They bring tears and laughter to a subject that has befuddled nearly every person in every culture since the beginning of time.
My favorite scene is Rin-Yi standing up for herself after her boyfriend basically tells her how he's ashamed of how she lives her life. Shame has no place in any relationship. Don't let people use "shame" to tell you how to live your life. The only real shame they feel is for themselves.
I have seen more and more of these types of series coming out of Korea where the writers are virtually crying out, "Let people be who they are! Stop trying to control everyone and everything!"
Along with the characters, you'll likely find yourself sharing in their laughter, fun, and frustration as Korea continues to churn out the best shows in the world, in my opinion.
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A BREATHE OF FRESH AIR
When I first watched this drama, the first thought that came to my mind was this isn’t your typical kdrama. It used an interview format and the time duration is short (approx, 30 mins each episode) than the usual! While most people would say that the interview format was completely unnecessary, I think it helped the story telling to be more personal and entertaining. The interview format made me, as a viewer, feel like they’re communicating their story to me and because of that, it’s easy to be invested and attached to the characters and their individual stories.Their acting especially the main leads, Kim Ji Won and Ji Chang Wook is GOD TIER. I cannot emphasize on how they carried their characters so damn well and so effectively. Not to mention, their chemistry is INSANE. You could just feel the warmth, the love, the frustration, and the tension between them as a viewer and that’s one of the reasons why I got really hooked from the very start.
Each episode has a story of its own and just leaves you wanting for more in such a way that it really makes you wonder what will happen next because in this drama, you’d never really know what’s in it for you in the next episode, and that’s what I love about this drama cause it strayed away from all the cliches and embraced a refreshing way of telling a story. All characters are flawed that you’d find yourself hating them at one point but ultimately, you’d find yourself loving them despite their flaws because of how real they are. You’d really find yourself relating to one of the characters one way or another because of how realistic the story and characters are. One thing I don’t like about the story though is that it was a cliffhanger.
The drama’s OST and cinematography are brilliant beyond words. I have no words for it other than how sublime it is.
Overall, it’s obvious how much I love this drama. This is the first drama I watched while it’s still on going and I have no regrets about it. This drama holds a special place in my heart and I’m so honored to have watched this drama and I got to witness how it gradually unfolded. Having to watched Kim Ji Won and Ji Chang Wook is a blessing and I hope they can have more projects together soon because they’re just sooo perfect. Hope you’ll give this drama a chance and I hope you’ll love it as much as I love it ❤️
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I loved this drama...
I liked the style, the way the backstories unfolded, the different characters (especially Rini) and also the format with the 30 min episodes. I think that KD Dramas can be a bit long and sometimes include unessesary things (ususally in the last 1-2 episodes ) but here the pacing was perfect all the way through. I would even think another season would be great (and I dont usually like when series go on to more seasons like they often do in the American series) because I want to know more about Minhos character and how that develops, I wanna know more about Rini and also the writer (cannot remember his name now). So I would love another series (30 min episodes again) focusing on those characters.I was totally hooked and fully entertained and thats all I am asking for.
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"How do you love?"
This drama is set up as a web series that answers dating life questions and answers. I'd say it's quite mature, I would not recommend it for a teenager/young adult because this is a set up with real life and realistically flawed people. If you are expecting some fairy tale of a story, this is not for you.To me this drama is a cross between Because it's My First Life and Reply 1997. It's very slice-of-life with some sarcasm and comedy. Each episode is based around a specific dating question, like Reply 1997, and the story jumps around based on that question.
The chemistry between the two main leads was off the charts and my heart was palpitating hard at their every romantic moment. I knew a drama with Ji Chang-wook and Kim Ji-won would be amazing and I couldn't be happier. I was also loving the other characters, their backstories and their chemistry but I agree with some other reviewers that their stories could have been tied up more nicely. Although I was in it for the two main leads who were the definite focus of the drama. I love how their story came about, how it flowed, their focus on the positive and negative. How they dealt with each other and each others flaws. It was amazing and I can't critique anything related to them.
I will say it ended abruptly. I was expecting more but I suppose it kept to their "web series interview" style, sort of. As I said this is not a clean, well laid-out fairy tale story with a start, middle and end. It's about the modern view on dating and different dating styles.
I loved it and was not expecting it to end any time soon, I think I watched the whole thing in 2 days. So now here I am reminiscing and wondering what other good dramas are out there that I could possibly watch after this one.
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A Fun Mockumentary
This one this a gem, besides episode 17, which was a bit confusing to me :DSo what you need to know beforehand. This drama has 17 episodes, but only 16 are related to the key story, while the last episode seems to tease a second season with new main characters or something like that. It is possible they only did that for could because the main character was Shinees Min-ho, but whatever. I genuinely liked that the episodes were quite short.
The story focuses more or less on three couples and switches between past and present time of their relationships. We get to witness how they get together, maybe break up and experience their lives, some trying to get back to one another. All the characters are related to each other somehow. We have three best friends, lovers, cousins, etc.
The series has a Modern Family type of vibe since it is a Mockumentary. The characters are participating in a project, where people talk about their past and ongoing relationships. The other participants can read about the stories of the others, but don't know who they are. This leads to them commenting on somebodies experiences and falling into a discussion.
The acting was AMAZING. I am usually not a massive fan of Ji Chang Wook but here he was very good. His character slightly going insane, the screaming, the mad eyes. It was hilarious to watch. Kim Ji-won really made me hate, like, love and understand her all at the same time. She was truly mesmerizing. For the other 4 roles, they choose a really great cast. At some points I wished we would even get more insides into their lives, but the amount increased as the story developed.
I really enjoyed watching the different developments of relationships and in what direction they were going. I understood why characters hesitated or made their decisions in that way. Furthermore, I also liked the cinematography and the way they included oldies music. I wanted to be a part of this cool group.
In the end there were quite some strings open or rather just opened, and I hope they will produce another season. For one couple, I did not completely understand why they chose to not be together, since they communicated about liking each other.
But overall the drama was fun, serious and full of tension at the same time. As I am writing this now, I genuinely want to rewatch it. (I completed it around February.)
You will see some new sides of Korea and many beauty shots. (a bit cringe but also cute :D)
The last episode was a bit throwing off since I did not know the content was a different one. I thought I would get answers to my questions, but no...
I don't remember them at this point, but anyway :D.
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There is a fine line between a love story and a toxic relationship
The drama has bright tones, cute songs, hopeful stories, and needless to say AMAZING CHEMISTRY. Amaaazing chemistry omg. Ji chang wook's acting is on point too, he really uses all his parts to convey feelings. The female lead was one of the best choices.BUT THE RELATIONSHIP WAS INREDIBLY TOXIC TO A POINT THAT IT WAS ANNOYING. Oh my god it should have been a feel good drama but the only way I would be satisfied would be ML not taking the female leads bullshit anymore. If people think that just because she had some hardships it would give her right to treat like shit to people who loved her, well, there is always an a*hole out there for you to love. Main Lead was weak af too, just like us when we were the victims of an abusive relationship.
I'm going crazy by just thinking it, ugh. Pain and anguish layered with fluffy bunnies.
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Great characters and I was surprised by how several that I found really irritating and/or unlikable, I ended up rooting for, as their real personalities and reasons for behaving as they do, emerged.
The cast were excellent (all favourites) and I totally fell in love with all 3 main guys and a certain shining Police Officer ;)
It was also an absolute joy to have couples behave naturally ~ no gawping eyes-wide-open females in the numerous kiss scenes. No reactions on hand holding that would be more fitting to being groped! Realistic bed scenes (doesn't need nudity to portray sex) and almost all experiences and issues being pretty representative of the highs and lows of falling in and out of love.
I only found 1 character's reaction to breaking up somewhat overdone. A particular scene where a dumped boyfriend was humiliated in public, was a step too far. I absolutely hated her at that point.
The OST is great, the locations varied (surfing never looked so appealing) and even the ending was good... true to life, which is rarely neatly tied up.
I don't feel a second series is needed, but they could easily make one, featuringing the characters whose love lives weren't concluded and maybe a couple of new ones to fill in those that were; I'd definitely watch it.
Very enjoyable and hard to turn off (binge addicts like me, beware).
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Waste of Time
To be honest, one of the worst kdrama ever watched ! The story is very dull and undeveloped with no real ending.I can understand that the drama is trying to focus on relationship and how it should be handled but with that it lose the purpose of being a drama and become more as educated.
I must admit that some parts it was great and made me want to know what would happen on next episodes but i found my self skipping alot later on as nothing is presented and things are goring with useless circle
Anyway i find it not worth watching at all nor i do recommend anyone to do if you are looking for Love story
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Deserve a higher overall rating
I started this drama with low expectations based on its reputation, never actually read the summary or any detailed reviews. However, Lovestruck in the City got me hooked since episode 1 and the hype has not stopped ever since. I understand that the beginning episodes might be repetitive and boring for others, but it was never the case for me. I thought it has got an okay pace, and love the interview format as well -- a small factor but manages to lighten the atmosphere.As someone who is quite picky on K-dramas, I started thi drama as as a break from all the mysterious, thrilling dramas with betrayal and murders on air right now -- not that they are bad, I just prefer romance. Lovestruck in the City quickly became one of my favorites.
The acting is great. I fell in love with Yoon Seon A on the beach, the actress' charm and voice truly suits this image. Episode 2 already got me obsessed with the romantic scenes, and it's been a while since I have watched those scenes without having to skip for the awkwardness and lack of natural chemistry. Though I don't really like how Ji Changwook's character is quite similar to his other works and that this role is a bit underwhelming to his acting career, I still enjoyed the actors in general.
Two really important factors that made me adore this drama even more: The comedy and the music. I love the songs used, especially 'Kiss me kiss me' by BeetleJuice. After searching like crazy when I heard it for the first time, I could not wait for the full version to be released.
In conclusion, such an underrated drama and this rating is way too low. I also tried to watch True Beauty, which has got a much higher rating, but to my disappointment, I could not continue it. I'm really glad I stumbled upon this drama.
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READ THIS IF YOU'RE UNCERTAIN ON WATCHING THIS DRAMA OR NOT
I think the drama brings out a new type of genre/story for K-Drama, after asking around, a lot of people dropped drama due to the "weirdness" of how the story of the drama unfolds (most of them dropped the drama in the second episode).A lot of people aren't ready with this kind of concept yet in a drama, they expected this drama to be like another simple lovely love story. the love story in this drama is the closest thing to reality.
People are confused with the interview IN the drama, and since the drama has approximately 30min/episode, they find it hard to understand (for the on-going viewers). but after I suggest them to keep watching, they started to understand how the story goes, appreciating the uniqueness of the drama, and they ended up loving the drama. so if you want to understand how the drama goes, just keep watching, and I promise you, you will end up loving it.
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Heartbreak in the City
Likes1. The Yangyang scenes were the best. It really made us feel Jaewon and Eunoh's summer romance. Plus the cameos of Lee Sang Woo and Lee Sang Yoon.
2. Ji Chang Wook as Jaewon is whiny and mopey but so cute. How can Eunoh break up with a great guy like Jaewon??
3. Every episode is only 30 mins so it's an easy watch, otherwise i would have dropped this earlier.
4. Great OST! I wish they release the OST with a photobook/poster.
Dislikes
1. Hard to really like a drama when you dont like more than half of the cast. I only liked Jaewon and Gyeongjun. I didnt like the 3 friends, and definitely disliked Sunyoung.
2. Eunoh was horrible. And this drama dragged the whole story about why Eunoh wont tell Jaewon what happened to her. It was so frustrating. I think the better ending was for Jaewon to accept the breakup and find another girl and Eunoh will regret everything she did.
3. The second couple wasnt any better. Rini was a pain and i cant believe she broke up with Gyeongjun and not the other way around. I think Gyeongjun was patient and supported her while she was too selfish.
4. Didnt really care about Geon and Sunyoung. They could not be in the story and it still wouldn't matter.
5. They said there's a possibility of season 2 with Minho's story but i think unless they come up with a better story and better cast, i wouldnt bother watching.
Rating: 7
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