The golden standard of k-family dramas

Those 65% average ratings didn't come for nothing! If your Korean is good enough, don't hesitate to watch this. It doesn't follow a specific plot but rather lets the actors shine which is why acting is a 10/10 - the creme de la creme of their generations. Soonja (Yoon Yuh Jung), Daebal's father (Lee Soon Jae) and Shimae (Kim Hye Ja) are so, SO close to totally overshadowing the actual main couple Daebal and Jieun (played by Choi Min Soo and Ha Hee Ra - who are legendary and fantastic actors in their own right). Even Daebal's sister and Jieun's brother, who are "just" side characters, shine. Ha Hee Ra of course is a stunner, even in those simple clothes and hairdo, and Choi Min Soo was in his everybody's darling flower boy era - It felt nice to see him not be the tough rough street gangster for once lol.

The story is equally comedic as it is serious (as in "criticises some aspects of society through the pure absurdity of it all") and some moments are very touching too, as well as relatable for people that grew up in conservative households. Some moments hit way too close to home at times for me too. The reason its a 9/10 is because it could be kinda "boring" story-wise, there are no big twists or super emotionally hard moments the actors could flesh out and show their chops - but its not a makjang. It's a family comedy. The more "normal" they are, the better.

Musicwise, nothing really stuck and there wasn't even a proper OST. But the use of songs was just pure comedy - plus, Choi Min Soo being able to sing THAT good was a shock for me. I was legit repeating that scene lmfaooo. He singlehandedly brought the music rating to 6.

Rewatch value - The jokes in this are immortal and universal, and resonate every time I watch it. I've watched this alot of times, even know some jokes by heart, and would yet watch it again when I feel low.

All in all, recommend this to anyone who wants a nostalgic comedy!

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Blueprint K-romcom

So - Shin Ae Ra and Cha In Pyo married IRL after this drama. They've had a daughter, adopted two girls, and are living happily ever after indeed. Cha In Pyo is living his best life as a poet/author, and Shin Ae ra is just chilling, sometimes goes on TV, sometimes just hanging out with her fellow actress mates.

The drama is only 11 episodes long, as opposed to the usual 16 for an MBC Miniseries. I'd have liked some 5 more episodes for sure, more to that later, but, who am I to complain. We're getting 5 more decades of their cuteness, chemistry and bantering at least.

It's your classic, peak korean 90s romcom. You got the bosses, the workers, the beach trips and camp fires, the biker bois and the Ha Soobin wannabes, you got the poverty and the richness all in one. She - Lee Jin Joo, is poor and works at a clothing store in the department store that he owns. He -Kang Poong Ho , is one heckuva rich boi, playboy, whatever.
He's got another woman, Eun Chae, in his life that he technically still loves? I mean they were together before he left to America to study, but she's from a rich fam too, so, yeah, in the meantime, arranged marriage with business profits, and he loses her to his biggest rival and political/financial enemy, Jung Do il. Doesn't stop him from being controlled by his... um... organ though, LOL. The drama basically revolves around how he manages his two women - one that he used to love but can't anymore, and the one that he wants to love. The two meet too - but Jin Joo's but a salesgirl at a clothing store, so she bows her head.

Also here, kudos to the wholesome writing. No jealousy, no bitching, no "take-your-hands-off-my-man". No abusiveness, no makjang suspense, no anger to be let out. They talk with respect. Jin Joo admires Eun Chae's style, fashion, and elegance, while Eun Chae just wishes to live like Jin Joo for a day. Both address each other with respect and a weird sense of affection, knowing that they won't be an obstacle in each other's paths. And even after Jin Joo and Poong Ho share their first kiss, she adresses him as "Director-nim".

Now there were so many topics discussed apart from the enemies - to - lovers trope that the both leads go through. It's the loveless, slightly abusive marriage that Eun-chae goes through with Do-il. The fact that she has a baby and chances are high it's not his. The fact that he forces himself onto her once too often. The frequent leg shots, her characterisation just show her as what he sees her as - a trophy. An object whose emotions are not to be considered. Her character starts out as the one that a watcher is slightly put off by, but in the end, we cheer for her as she finds her path and breaks free.

It's also the queer-coded character of Jinjoo's department leader, who is affectionately called "Madam Ahjusshi". It's the little office romances that kinda get swept under the rug. It's the authentic portrayal of 90s work culture that did it for me.

As far as the plot progression goes, the enemies to lovers thing doesn't drag on too long, I think we can wait some good few episodes before they kiss (they deffo dated after that ngl), especially with the "stealing the department store from the Kang family" plotline needing to be introduced, as well as the many side characters.

As for acting, Shin Ae Ra SLAYED. She embodied Jin Joo to a tee, and I never cringed at any of her actions at all. Sure, there might have been some scenes where I chuckled at Jin Joo's innocence. Like, no way girlie was THIS sheltered LOL. It's again, a testimony to writers and casting directors picking the perfect person for the role. Cha In Pyo was a literal rookie but got a lead role, and it showed. In the first few episodes, man had no emotions in his voice whatsoever LOL. But he saved Poongho just by his vibe. Same to Lee Seung Yeon, who although slightly better on the acting side, also showed an acting progression as the episodes went on. It just goes on to show that uniqueness in looks and casting is so so needed. All it was was the vibe, the aesthetic of the character that none of the lead actors had to try much to channel it.

Music wise, the theme song is an addictive melody, and the warm fuzzy feels and the basically nonexistent tension make it a great drama to watch during the holidays or with friends, best while a bit drunk, just to enjoy the cheesiness of the 90s in fullest.

The drama is so corny, and yet so loveable, which makes it super rewatchable anytime. All in all, it's the k-romcom blueprint that birthed a star couple in Korea.

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Classic gangster drama with peak 90s feels

To be honest I discovered the drama through a FMV edit - it was just the scene of Choi Min Soo running down the picturesque streets of Myeongdong, Seoul with the cops on his heels, and Kim Hye Sun in her adorable pixie cut running behind him. That, and the song, the rock-metal track "Walking To Heaven" by singer Jang Hyunchul is what made me check the drama out.

Honestly, the entire OST album is a masterpiece, which is why the music gets a 10/10.

This was also one of the dramas that gave Choi Min Soo his "tough gangster guy" image that blew him up, because he played Jung Ho with pure finesse. You could really really root for him even if it was morally very questionable. It's kinda hard to see roles being tailormade and written for actors, cuz nowadays it's rather the other way round - 90s superstardom is indeed different from todays. Kim Hye Sun also features in one of her breakout roles as Ji Sook, and it was nice to see the focus on her storyline and how she and Jung Ho go so different paths in relations to the gang. The supporting actors are all neatly casted too, though seeing Lee Sang Ah as a supporting role was a little surprise given her stardom... 9/10.

The story itself... 7/10, was not necessarily anything groundbreaking if you are familiar with gang stuff a la Oliver Twist, yet the suspense was real, the pacing was tight, and I liked Ji Sook's part of the story where it was less suspenseful. For a few moments it felt like "What A Woman lives For". Usually in male-centric themed dramas or films, the women are just eye candy and/or love interests, but here, they really showed her character and fleshed her out.

But the romance is what made me go "hol' up". If Jung Ho was raised by Ji Sook's father this whole time, and he sees him as his son... how can Jung Ho date his daughter? How can Ji Sook even see him as boyfriend material - and the fact that she doesn't actually see him as a man, makes this relationship even more questionable. How can he see the girl he grew up protecting as an older brother, as a woman?

Also, I see that neither this drama nor countless others 90s dramas suffer like crazy from the "pitiful pushover FL" syndrome - I don't see Ji Sook happy with one single decision she makes. She's constantly in pain, or suffering, or sad, or downtrodden/working hard... I get that this was the sentiment of the lower class in the Korean 90s - but can y'all let her smile for once? Kim Hye Sun is one gorgeous woman when she smiles!

Rewatch value - 6,5/10 because there aren't really many "rewatch worthy" scenes except the above mentioned chase scene, and maaaaybe some emotional scenes in the prison as well as the "climax" before the ending.

But all in all, while it isn't necessarily a "Top 50 Masterpiece", it is nice for a little nostalgia trip as well as for the feels of the 90s, of fighting your way through life and circumstances, and always having hope in front of your eyes. Plus, the OST is top tier.

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The very first affair drama set the standard real high...

A topic brushed under the rug or villainised in society : cheating. Because the response is either "wife, its your fault" or "husband, you chose wrong". "Lover" shows the side of the protagonists and that the falling out of love is no one's "fault" or "wrongdoing", it is a human process that can be overcome by right communication and trust, but is caused when society doesn't encourage an emotional connection between people but commodifies them in to a set of formalities. Through the fantastic and realistic acting of the lead actors, one can not only live through all their emotions and thoughts, but also get a glimpse into the society of the Korean 90s and its conservative values, contrasting the financial and cultural progress. The characters are well built, fully fleshed out, and suit the actors to a tee. The music (most prominently Carry N Ron's I.O.U) suits the time well and is nostalgic, although some variety would have been wished for. The story is not predictable - but not in a shocking "plot-twist" way, but a natural, "such is life" way. All in all, for a nostalgia trip as well as for a little educating lesson on Korean society (as well as 90s Seoul Satoori hehe) recommend this!

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