Wok of Love (2018)

It pays to ignore negative reviews and just watch it yourself sometimes

I loved this drama!! It makes you crave sweet and sour pork like crazy. Junho is SEXY AS HELL here and he shows off his superb acting chops again and again. He isn't an "idol actor" - he's an actor. Period.
The FL was completely adorable and grew into a fierce, opinionated, and talented woman and partner for the ML. I loved loved loved them as a couple. I also loved how the bromance developed, and how much love and trust there was between the men.
I'm not sure why commenters are saying there wasn't adequate character development - we must not have been watching the same drama. The characters at the beginning were not at all where they ended up at the end. There's not really a spoiler here to say that the gang turned into real chefs at the end, because that was a main point of the drama to begin with. The secondary romance was also sweet and a pleasant surprise. No spoiler here either, but there was a twist in the middle that was heartfelt, sweet, and extremely touching.
I loved the supporting cast and we could clearly see growth in all of the characters...except one. I hated the mother with the fires of a thousand suns. She was a Horrible. Selfish. Person. I actually found myself screaming at the tv whenever she came on. She started the drama selfish and entitled, and ended up being selfish, entitled, bratty, dumb, and just plain mean. She wasn't evil like other K-drama mothers, but that didn't make her meanness and selfishness any less easier to take. Gah, I hated her.
Sure, this drama wasn't perfect. I wished for a wee bit more of a resolution for one of the main characters at the end, and it's hard to fathom ex-spouses as ridiculous as the ex's of the main characters'. (I've already mentioned the mother.) There were a few plot holes, but let's be honest, what K-drama doesn't have a few plot holes or characters who drop out of sight? That said, any time you get three main characters who all sparkle on screen, a passionate romance without too much melodrama, some amazing-looking food, some very satisfying payback, and the CUTEST KITTEN EVER...I've got all I need.

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hits and misses in this one

I have to say that all of the food scenes were an orgy for the senses, and they made me want to scout out the nearest good Chinese restaurant. The bromance between the two male leads was fun to watch, as their friendship developed. I didn't care for the female lead at all. I was hoping that she would kind of grow on me, but I found her smiling/smirking to show up at times that were very inappropriate. I felt like she was playing both men and that her emotions weren't totally invested in the male lead. And don't even get me started on her parents! The male lead really tried to step up, but the female lead just let the parents walk all over them. There's being respectful, and then there's being a doormat. And the mom saying that if they went to work in the restaurant, they would have to move out of the house? It wasn't even her house! Good kisses (though few and far between) and a happy, though rushed, ending, considering how many episodes I had to sit through.

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WARNING: THIS DRAMA WILL MAKE YOU HUNGRY! SO PREPARE YOURSELF!
This drama has many random things, like: Romance, delicious food, drama, comedy, love triangle, betrayal, friendship, family, marriage that go wrong, second lead syndrome, revenge, gangsters, cooks, cook gangsters, "action" (don't take it very seriously), a weird/funny horse (YES A HORSE)... And you know what? Everything was amazing, everything was well written/made.
The drama is super refreshing and will give you the feeling "What the hell is happening???", what made it so funny.
I NEED TO TAKE A LITTLE OF MY TIME TO TALK ABOUT THE HILARIOUS AND UNFORGETTABLE CHARACTERS:
I've never loved a leading actress so much. Loved her honest character and loved the actress. She made me feel everything just with her eyes, I know this can sound weird, but I love seeing her cry, she's so emotional and pure.
Junho!! Loved him in "Just between Lovers" and seeing him as a sexy cook was great.
Jang Hyuk played the lovely gangster, who I fell in love with.
In conclusion, you can see the love triangle created, and I'm sure you will suffer for second lead syndrome, just like me, but honestly that didn't make me feel sad at all, because these 3 leads have the best friendship ever and there's no fights for the girl or jealousy and yet there is the awesome bromance<3
IT'S A FUCKING DOPE TRIO!!!
And we can't forget the support roles, who were hilarious and made the drama complete. I really appreciate seeing Jo Jae Yun in whatever he's in, he's amazing <3
THE ONLY THING I HATED was the mother of the female lead....so annoying and sensitive...
IF YOU ARE THINKING IF YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS DRAMA OR NOT, DO NOT HESITATE AND WATCH IT!!
ONE OF THE BEST DRAMAS OF THE YEAR!

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What really is the charm of the whole series I think, are the two main guys. They are the most interesting and entertaining. You definitely want to root for them. And what's even better, is their BROMANCE. It's beautiful, it's heart-warming, the kind of deep friendship that's very nice to witness. Their bond and their struggles are which really kept this show going in my opinion.

The sad part though, it's only about 60% of the series.

The other part are the disappointing romance and other petty misunderstandings and drama... aaand the girl's story...

I really LOVE romance, and I noticed in other reviews that people actually liked the romance here, but I just couldn't see it good at all. I have to say, it might just have been better to abandon that part and just focus on the guys' friendship. Just that setting in itself how a very talented but betrayed chef is sort of forced to just join these gangsters to take revenge and how they get to know each other and work together against these bad guys could have had more potential to just focus on in my opinion. It would have been clearer, more wholesome and just simply easier and more entertaining to follow.

Also the main girl is not lovable for me, for example she is very dishonest, lies a lot (like terrible lies), and at the same time she really hates it when someone lies to her. Ok. She is this typical woman, you know, when you never know what's on her mind (if there is anything...).
Also let me just ask if a person can really be a player subconsciously? Even if she is a dummy dum, I really don't think so. You shouldn't flirt or give off signs, and then pretend that you absolutely did nothing. At times she does act like a human being, trying to show some human like emotions, and she does get better by the end, but most of the time she is just an alien to me. She feels off, weirdly written, directed or acted out. Nothing really makes sense with her story, even if they tried to make her quirky, it's too much for me. This girl and the romantic parts are very low here in my book, nothing very heart-warming, more like hair-tearing. (but maybe that's just me)

BUT!!
Thankfully not the whole show is completely about her, and that saved it for me and made me keep going.

The story is quite simple, but engaging, you want to see the good win and the bad lose. Very black and white in that way, but it's fun to sometimes just watch something not too complicated. The side characters are okay, some are even good, but not getting too much screen time, which is a pity I think, they seemed interesting, could have deserved some stories of their own.

This tries to be a decent show, has its potential, but it falls shortly behind a 7, which is not good enough to me.

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Wow
This was the right delightful,cute , romantic, comedy, noona drama to watch

Although it was a little bit like a recipes book which made it a little longer than it should be

But it was really fun, amazing and made me hungry many times LOL ?

This drama had the perfect aspects
Bromance, comedy , romance

What I hated a lot the love triangle
I really felt with pain when jang hyuk saw ryeo won and jun ho kissing eachother
I couldn't stop myself to scream

I wished he found another woman but they made it open end if he is going to meet the Veterinary doctor again or not

I hated the FL's mother the most
She is the most selfish , annoying woman I've ever seen
And by the way
did the writer or the director indebted to her or what?
She was acting 3 roles in this drama

First time to watch jun ho in a drama
I have to say I loved him so
He was a brilliant actor
He succeeded to deliver me every tiny feeling
He made my heart jumped many times during watching

The FL character was amazing but sometimes annoying
She is optimistic and alway smiles
Which is really good but sometimes she couldn't stop smiling even in serious situations which annoys me a lot

Jang hyuk and his gangster group were the most cute gangsters
Jang hyuk was the most kind, fair , warm hearted , Manish , funny , loyal & cute gangster I've ever seen ❤️??

This was very heartwarming drama which gave you the perfect butterflies with the most cute innocent ML
No nonsense drama, no separation, no tears Except for jang hyuk T_T

I rated 9 instead of 10 because of jang hyuk only
Highly recommended ❤️

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Came for the story, stayed for Jang Hyuk

Overall this is a cute show. The best part about it is the food and, most importantly, Jang Hyuk. First the food, it made me want Chinese food all the time. I love shows that are based on food (Dating in the Kitchen is highly recommended). But the highlight is Jang Hyuk. Let me just say the FL is a fool!! Who wouldn't love a bad a$$ like that? This was the first time I've watched any of his works and now I'll search out a lot more. He does most of his own stunts which is extremely cool and he's so attractive. He does have an odd laugh and sometimes he's over the top but overall he's one of my current favorite actors.

The plot sounds really interesting and entertaining. Unfortunately, it's largely forgettable. I finished watching this show a few days ago and the only thing that sticks out is my confusion over why the FL would chose the ML. The chemistry between the two didn't happen until the last part of the show. But she was pining away for that man at the beginning. Also Jang Hyuk's character was a stand out. Other than her lack of judgement, the FL was good. Her smile and attitude were bright and easy going. I can understand why both men would like her. The supporting cast was great, very entertaining. But have I mentioned Jang Hyuk, yet? In the end, Jang Hyuk and his band of thugs are what carried the show.

I do recommend it but it isn't a high priority show. It's funny and entertaining but not to memorable.

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I could not give more than 6 for this and it deserved better

If you would have removed that useless character that is the mother and her self-centered selfishness, I could have been on board 100%.
Not only is she selfish but she pushes (or tried to) her daughter to be the same: an empty shell that marries for money.
Disgusting attitude (for lack of better word)

If you can make abstraction of this person (she really irked me anytime she was on screen) the drama is pretty enjoyable. Could have been done in half the episodes (yes it was draggy and the plots were pretty similar).
Thank to the acting skills of both ML, the very endearing FL, plus the gangsters (adorable) they carried the drama.

Would I rewatch it? No, but I had a pleasant time. Would have given this a higher score but the selfish mother dragged this down a point.

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its a foody type kdrama

wok of love (2018)

First thing I will say about this drama that is from my opinion this is the best drama. I will not write any spoiler so you can enjoy this drama even after reading this review.
This drama attracts foody kdrama lovers, because this drama contains so many tasty dishes. Offcourse the main lead actor ("Lee jun ho" aka "seo poong") is cheff in this drama. The lead actress ("jung ryeo won" aka "seo woo") is daughter of rich person. One day "seo poong" got fired from his job and "sae woo's" dad goes bankrupt, and then frustrated "seo poong" and "sae woo" meet their fate, and story begins. But unfortunately they meet a Ex-gangster ("jang hyuk" aka "chil sung") and then series goes with this trio. "seo poong" open his own restaurant. "sae woo" wants any job so she works at "seo poong's" reasturant and "chil sung" is loan shark who gives his shop on a rent to "seo poong".
This drama drama contain many action scenes because there is already a gangster in this drama, "sae woo" is also pretty, and "seo poong" is cute cheff who's dishes are awesome they looks great and tasty also. there are many funny scenes in this drama. gangster "chil sung" is good at fight but he's man of culture who never hit children and women. he's soft person from inside.
there are romantic scenes are there too. There is a love triangle between "seo poong" "sae woo" and "chil sung". But whenever there is love triangle in drama that makles a drama perfect in manner of romantic genre.
Supporting actors also done their role perfectly in this drama.
If you are a foody person then yes watch it. after watching those dishes definitely you will be hungry.
Im not adding any spolers here so you can enjoy your drama.

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This show's romance arc pissed me off

Ok so...full discloser I think Jang Hyuk is one of the best Korean actors that ever lived and I like him in every single thing he's ever been in. I also came into this show fresh off watching A Beautiful Mind, Shine or Go Crazy, and Tell Me What You Saw...specifically because I wanted to watch literally everything with Jang Hyuk in it. So I was definitely jaded from the start. It's also definitely not a genre I typically enjoy or seek out...boring romance dramas...meh. So my review is super super one-sided and unfair. I'm 100% aware of that.

Basically, I hated this show. I hated that the lead actress ended up with the shallow young pretty boy instead of the much more interesting and (in my opinion) attractive secondary male lead (Jang Hyuk). I was super mad at her for making such a shallow and uninteresting love choice. She was a decently written character with a decent amount of depth and she went for the eye candy. The eye candy lead actor's character was so lame and shallow and undeveloped. He's basically this crybaby brat who in other dramas would easily have been the failed third point of the typical love triangle. He's basically the guy who's around usually to show you what a great and desirable person the lead is. I hated this character. The actor is fine in other dramas, but this character in this drama was literal trash.

Almost certainly I would have had a different opinion about this drama if the lead actress' character wasn't such a predictable boy-toy chasing idiot (aka if she had fallen for the bad boy gangster (Jang Hyuk) instead. But as it stands, it was a STRUGGLE to get through this entire thing and I hated every minute of it beyond episode 3 or 4. I would literally never watch this again.

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This show was difficult to finish. I feel like most people watched it for Jang Hyuk, who always does a great job. It seems really funny and sweet at first, since it tied together familiar actors from Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, Chief Kim, and Jealousy Incarnate. At times the interactions felt very random and cliche, and as much as I love a good love triangle, it was just so disappointing to see. The leads lacked chemistry, and I wish they had chosen a different female lead. After a while, I only kept watching for the cooking/eating itself (I also really loved the technical aspects, such as "knife skills"). The competitions felt similar to what you would see in the anime Food Wars, but you could tell who was going to win, even with the tug-of-war. The world felt very small and predictable, but I like surprises. I was hoping this would top the other dramas I listed, but sadly it didn't come close.

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This review will be short and sweet. I watched all episodes.
It started great, then if faded away in the middle (still good) but it had fine ending (rushed but filling)
If you are in mood for relaxation after a stressful day - watch this drama.
If you want to learn few tiny things about Chinese cooking - watch this drama.
If you like bromance - watch this drama.
If you want a plot to cry, live it, or get excited about - skip that drama.
At the end, I would not watch it again, but I definitely would sum it up that this drama was great after hard working day because it made me relaxed and brain free :)

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great elements. to each their own?

started off strong slowly declined and later i just wanted to get over it. as soon as i started it, i began to really like it! very funny and quirky, two great male leads, fun gangster characters and interesting storyline about revenge.

however as we continued the show (ep 12 onwards) they slowly drew back from what i was enjoying. chil seong focus, the bond between him and his boys, the good humor, the “revenge” started to weaken and you no longer believe anyone even cared about it (even though they hammered on it at the beginning). you don’t believe the ceo to be a good villain either 2/3 into the series because of what they reveal. the ex wife also disappointers without a word even though she was dating the ceo, somehow.

instead they gave us more of sae woo’s selfish and incredibly annoying mother. they kept giving her more focus as the show went on. i was also annoyed how sae woo and her family acted like poong was not allowed to reprenand people who make mistakes in his kitchen. he is their boss, if someone doesn’t do their job right he can tell them they’re doing a bad job. seeing poong bend to them constantly was very frustrating to watch.

the woman cheol sang was seeing around (3 times) was never seen again which was sad considering they were already developing a story there! not even a hint at the end!

the development of the series left me wishing that they had taken a better route and worked on their plot + execution more.

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