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A drama where the story just gets better and better
Everything about this drama is different and that's why I loved it.The show starts out good. Then it gets crazy and a bit random. Somewhere past midpoint each episode just gets funnier and better. The last two episodes were just perfect. So give it a try if the first few episodes didn't seem like your cup of tea or confusing.
A lot of dramas have a great start but drag towards the end. I think this is the first drama for me where, towards the end, I genuinely enjoyed each episode more than the previous one and not because of "happy ending" or completion of storylines, but because to me the episodes were better directed and better in content.
I especially appreciated the casting of the minor characters.
The OST is unique and even some songs are hilarious.
If you're bored of the same story tropes and characters and if you want to have a good laugh I strongly recommend this drama.
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This is a drama that could have easily gotten a 10 from me.
Story
The story is one of the strongest aspects of this drama simply because it had a lot of unique ideas and original approaches to them, and second because the mixture of such different concepts was done perfectly and with a nice balance.
First, the main lead suffers from a disease highly uncommon for men to retract (breast cancer), and the drama focuses on his struggle to receive treatment under great pressure. That concept was by far the most original, full of surprises whether comical or dramatic.
The story also focuses in 2/3 of it on a love triangle, a concept constantly used by many romance Kdramas, but here they tried to spice it up by making the two males involved best friends, while the female had gotten over her crush on one and dating the other.
It is also part workplace drama, where all the main characters are working or somehow related to a broadcasting station (reporters, announcers, news casters, directors and sponsors). It gave a nice glimpse on the world of news creation, it was very entertaining and edifying.
But for me, what made the drama shine the most was the romance. It made my heart skip, made me swoon, made me shed tears, and made smile and laugh big time, it was simply PERFECT! Also other than the great chemistry between the OTP, the whole concept of switching places in one-sided crushes, whether through gestures done in secret or words expressed openly, gave a very fresh vibe to the love equation. In the past it was she who was head over heals for him, now it's the other way around.
The drama also featured a side story that involves a relatively large number of side characters. This particular sode plot had its cons and pros, among the pros was the fact that it featured a very fun combination, like two ex-s of the same man who recently passed away, rivals in life and work, both having the wish to bond with their (step)daughter, and even fighting for the same guy now. Where else can you find such a crazy couple! Also, how their characters and relationship evolves was certainly fun to watch, they may have started off as 2 annoying and noisy ajummas, but later they start to grow on you. As for the cons, the whole plot-line kind of developed totally separately from the main plot-line, so the more the main plot-line developed and gained steam, the more you get the urge to fast-forward their scenes. Not saying it was a necessarily boring plot, but while they brought a comedic and near the end a bit dramatic air to the drama, they sometimes kind of felt like a distraction. let me just say that most probably re-watching this drama will involve a lot of fast-forwarding, or at least that's how it was in my case.
Acting
Perfect!!!
Gong Hyo Jin-nim goes without saying shines here as usual. she was funny, lovable, cute, crazy, and sometimes frustrating. I could feel the wish to hug her, pat her on the shoulders, send he a "fighting" yell, and sometimes even slap her on the face, just like how she made her male partners feel at certain moments.
Jo Jung Suk won me over in this drama completely. He delivered a multi-layered character, with many sides to him, perfectly and with great ease. He was believable in every word, movement and action he took (maybe it helped that the writing for his character was one of the best in the drama)
Go Kyung Pyo, did a pretty well job here as well, but I have to be honest, his was not the toughest of characters to play. But he still made me feel for him, and sometimes respect him great time as a character.
Characterization
As I mentioned earlier I found the main lead Hwa Shin (JJS's character) by far the best.
He had his flawed traits of course, but they were all very relatable, and though his character showed seemingly contradicting moments, that in its own sense was the most believable part, he simply felt human, maybe the most in this drama, he felt like he was not just a character on paper but he could actually exist somewhere.
As for our other male lead and third angle of the triangle Go Jeong Wo, he was the perfect rich gentleman, that could have as well easily ended up as the common everyday KDrama chaebol (The guy born with a silver spoon, tsun-dere and hiding a lonely side to him + maybe family issues), but thanks to his friendship with Hwa Shin, this character was given much more deepness. He was a very understanding, kind and open-minded guy who cherishes his best friend above all, and despite the big gap in economic background between them, still makes him feel at home even after meeting in a long time. He simply made me wish I was his pal, for goodness sake.
Pyo Na Ri! Here is a character that most of the time I simply adored and cheered on, and some other times I nearly hated.
She's a strong, independent and hardworking Noona who takes care of her little-bro, and chases after her dreams with all she's got. She's a realistic person, who doesn't live in fantasies, and has a strong sense of her capabilities and aims, bold and always not afraid of expressing herself, whether through words or actions, while at the same time maintaining a strong sense of self-awareness of who she is and where she falls in her workplace. She's a lovable and relatable character through and through, and that's maybe why I couldn't bring myself to hate even when during a certain part of the drama (around episodes 14~20 to be more precise), her character kind of warped and the Pyo Na Ri who always knew how she felt, and never lost sight of what she wanted, her strong will and common sense, just flew out the window, and was replaced by an indecisive and selfish bi**h all of sudden, she was irritating at times, and other times downright obnoxious . It might have been a calculated move by the writer, but sometimes I just felt like screaming at her "Come on already Nari! that's just not so like you".
Writing
Very good script, and highly entertaining story, not to forget a beautiful ending. The pace here was mostly excellent during most of the drama but, I felt like the love traingle tug of war may have lasted a bit too long, it felt kind of draggy and was a source of frustration (thanks to Pyo Na Ri's sudden loss of self-awareness). This particular chunk of the story, I suppose served in giving more sense to the drama's title (other than the incarnate/Hwa Shin pun); because the two main male leads turned into two lumps of Jealousy childishly fighting over a woman, and the full grown-up woman acting dumb like a teenager experiencing her first romance! And though I admit this part had a ton of fun and even hilarious scenes, I nearly hated my favorite female lead! Don't get me wrong but I personally believe that this drama could have nicely fit in a 20 episode format.
Direction
Excellent camerawork and amazing props, but above all what left the most impression on me was something else.
A scene succeeds to be funny or sad thanks to a witty or heartfelt conversation, plus of course the right portrayal and acting from the actors involved, but here this director adds the +alpha factor. combining the right BGM or sound effects, and sometimes making use of signs on screen to express certain notions or feelings of the characters on screen, it was always fun to watch and gave a fresh vibe to the drama.
Music
Another OST full of favorite tracks, especially vocals. Fitting lyrics and scores, as usual (One of the things I really appreciate about KDramas)
So, final say.
Jealousy incarnate is an excellent Rom-Com, unique story and interesting characters with a witty script and full of memorable scenes. Not to forget perfect acting, and a very nice chemistry between the leads. It was by far one of the funniest Rom-Com dramas that I have watched, and would totally recommend. It will make you LOL, cringe, cover face in embarrassment, and make your heart melt and flutter constantly.
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One of my all time faves!
I can't count how many times I've watched this drama and enjoyed it every time. The story isn't something out of this world but they executed it beautifully and the acting never fails to amaze me. Such an awesome cast.You still get the usual love triangles but you won't hate them because its not the only focus of the story. i love both main leads but Hwa Shin's character definitely shined.i couldn't help loving him and supporting him through his ups and downs.Loved the character development of main leads and also the way they delivered the story. You can't help but to laugh and cry from beginning to end. All i can say is watch it!!Watch it and get to fall in love with Hwa Shin's aura and Pyo na ri's cuteness.
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This review may contain spoilers
An underrated gem
This show has it all: romance, love triangles, sexuality, unrequited love, humour, relationships and many more making it my all time favourite kdrama.Story
When I first read the story I didn't think it was anything special just another unrequited love story about a weird woman with no backbone who for some reason is in love with someone who's rude and disrespects her on a daily basis. But when I first started the show I realised it was much more than that The show is about 4 love triangles, which each deal with love (not just romantic), life, regrets and relationships. The show can be quite serious yet deals with these subjects carefully, tastefully and always humorously. I can also say this is the first and only kdrama I watched where I would class it as having an actual Love triangle, not a boy who has been in love with his childhood friend for 10 years but was too cowardly to do anything about it. Both men actively pursue the female lead.
Acting
Hyojin is one of my favourite Korean actresses and I'll watch anything she has been in. She's not dubbed the queen of Romcoms for no reason. I loved her character specifically her growth into a strong minded, opinionated and successful woman.
Jungsuk, what a performance he made me hate him , then sympathises with him and then eventually love him. When he cried I cried too!
Rewatch Value
Rewatch????? I already have like 4 times. This drama made feel all the emotions and I can't stop re-watching.
Also have no clue as to why this show isn't popular internationally.
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This review may contain spoilers
I liked this a lot and really had fun watching it. I want to make this clear before I start ranting.I think the writing is really weak for a drama of this caliber and with these mains. This story would never have worked if we did not have Jo Jeong Seok who could make you fall in love with him even if he plays a brick or a doorknob, and Go Gyeong Pyo who is so lovable and cute you can not help but feel sorry for him here, and of course Ms. Gong Hyo Jin who can make you root for any character she plays and maintains excellent synergy whomever she acts with.
Besides the mains, I think the only characters I liked were Hong announcer and Nurse O. They at least had some semblance of character to them (probably brought to life by their acting, not writing).
When you think about it none of the side characters had any character at all. they were just treated as a cog or a force to move the story in a certain way. they were never given any depth.
Think about Kim Tae Ra. Only reason we do not think how can a mother act this way is because we are used to these kinds of mothers. But unlike regular kdrama mothers she doesn't have any redeeming quality. Because Go Jeong Won is such a nice and kind character and because he lets her mother gets away with things we assume she must also has some good qualities but is there really? Why is he acting like he is her loving mother when nothing she does ever gives us any indication that she is anything but a self serving egoist.
At least with his father they did not tried to coat it with anything and used the father for what he is; a lever.
And not only the side characters. All of the mains have unexplained but assumed characteristics.
If you disregard and ignore Lee Hwa Sin is played by Jo Jeong Seok you'd have a near perfect example of a standard korean drama villain. Just imagine there is no scenes to show his side of the story (and even if you show some, maybe most of them too) he is nothing but a cold hearted and manipulative person with a narcissistic personality disorder.
Only reason we felt the start is shaky but then got into the story is because he is played by Jo Jeong Seok. If he was played by someone less lovable, less approachable then we would have dropped this series in a second. Well probably not me, I love Gong Hyo Jin too..
Why is Go Jeong Won such a good person? nothing in his life or background gives us any reason to expect or believe someone can grow up to be such a person coming from a family and background like his.
A lot of hooks were cast and left forgotten. What happened to mom-crush of Pyo Chi Yeol? He was so cute finding a mom figure in Bang Ji Yeong and then... puff; gone.
A lot of problems with pacing also. Realized who she will pick at 15-16 and waited till ep 20 something for her to acknowledge her decision.
Again; I like this drama. And quite possibly may rewatch it even tho I will get triggered and rage on stuff. Just like I do for most of Kim Eun Suk dramas (Tho so far Goblin is excellent *fingers crossed*).
For me the success of this drama is directly tied to the successful and pro cast and nothing to do with the script.
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This drama is worth of your time
This drama probably is one of the best dramas I have ever watched. It was able to meke me laugh, hope, cry, love and so much more. It explores the true meaning of love with a story that will definetly take your breath away. There was not even a moment in which I have not felt all the feelings that the actors wanted to transmit. The cast was perfect in every single scene and the soundtrack intensified all the emotions I felt. I could not stop shipping the main couple, they are so cute. I love their continuous bickering, it is so lovely. The main couple's love was so deep, I have no words to describe what I felt thanks to this drama. I do not know what love truly is but, if I try to immagine how it is, I would definitely describe it as the love that there is between them.This truly is a drama worth watching.
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This is one of those romcom dramas that really defines what it takes to be a romantic comedy.
In reality, it made more sense on the comedic part of the drama. Sure, the romance was there but I think I had more of a good laugh. JJS did good with the comedic parts and GHJ is GHJ so we all know how natural she is when delivering a character for a drama.
What I didn't really like is the love triangle part of the story. I think they kind of dragged it around a lot and it didn't sit well with me. But the characters made me laugh so it kind of balanced it out, I guess?
Oh, and I also especially loved the storylines of the 2 mothers. That was definitely entertaining.
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Still a great show rewatching after 6 years
I loved it then and I love it now, maybe even more after the first watch and the second rewatch 6 years apart.The love line of the main leads, their careers, relationships of each supporting characters are intertwined perfectly. One of the best K-Dramas ever produced, and I've watched K-Dramas since the hallyu still wasn't main stream.
The plot itself is very interesting. It portrays how people at broadcasting company works. And how the main characters fight for their path while remaining true to what they want in life, outside of their careers.
The supporting characters are all unique and you can't really hate anyone because they are so humane.
The music in each scene are just right and on point.
The actors are very natural, loving each other, fighting each other, and taking care or each other. Their friendship and relationships are lovable.
The only thing I probably don't like is how they left certain back story of the lee hwa shin's family pretty vague, as in what really happened with the family before things turned out this way. It could have been more complete and reasonable to include proper scenes to explain to the viewers.
In conclusion, you can't regret watching this one.
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THE ACTING AND CAST IS PERFECT. I LOVE THE FEMALE AND MALE LEAD. PERFECT CHEMISTRY. AWESOME ACTING.
Music is not memorable at all.
I wouldn't rewatch it just because, love triangle frustration syndrome.
Overall, watching this drama was a pretty good experience. It has some funny moments. Quite a few of frustrating and swooning moments. A lot of tear jerking laughing moments. Pretty good.
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Na-ri's dream of becoming a news anchor constantly bashed by opinions on her age, lack of experience and connection to the higher ups. The development in Hwa-shin's character, his refusal to accept his breast cancer due to his man's dignity. Two mothers love for one child and their competition for her love in return.
Overall, it was a drama that made me cry. The acting was excellent. In my opinion these dramas are better than those viral dramas like DOTS or Goblin, just a personal preference.
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