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MY PRECIOUSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Shopping King Louie was an interesting watch, for sure. Despite the cliches and the obligatory break-ups, I still really loved the drama and its over the top humor. The less interesting parts like the politics and evil schemes happened extremely quickly and were over before I could remind myself that I usually hate those kinds of scenes. During the gloomy part of the drama, the atmosphere was still really fluffy and light, which was a very big plus for me, and I tend to feel very down when the atmosphere in a drama is depressing. While I was extremely annoyed by the “I’ve always hated your guts” speech that Bok Sil told Louie, it was never brought up again, to my great relief and extreme confusion. I have to commend the writers for pulling the double amnesia stunt, because the episode that followed was so entertaining and cheesy that my insides practically melted. The main leads themselves were extremely entertaining, especially Louie, who proved to me that femininity can be extremely attractive in a guy. While the last 4 episodes were mainly filler and contributed pretty much nothing to the plot, I somehow still enjoyed myself watching them. This drama had my absolute favorite most incompetent viillain and one of my favorite second lead romance, if only for the extremely childish farting scenes that happened between the characters. I would recommend this drama because of the pure joy I felt watching it. As long as you don’t take it too seriously, you can have lots of laughs while viewing this wonderful drama.Was this review helpful to you?
Delightful little gem
This was a delightful easy watch. Kind of feel-good, with small warm-hearted moments and humorous tidbits, all neatly weaved into an overarching story.Even if some things feels a bit dated, and there are some familiar tropes, they are not so domineering that they spoil the overall impression.
One of the things that made me really like this drama is Louis' sincere and whole-heartedly love for Bok Sil. Even if his character was a bit "over-the-top" silly sometimes, he was very like-able (if you've seen Prison Playbook some of his "moments" and body language reminded me of "Loony").
Brief synopsis from my memory:
Chaebol grandson Louis has lived a protected and spoiled life after his parents died when he was small, living abroad killing his time shopping. When his grandmother suddenly falls ill, he rushes back home, but ends up in a car accident on the way to the hospital, and is then assumed dead.
Rural girl Bok Sil has lived a simple life in the mountains taking care of her elderly grandmother. When gran suddenly passes, Bok Sil leaves for Seoul to find her younger brother.
She looses all her belongings, and ends up penniless in Seoul, her only source to money being a ginseng root which she manages to sell to Cha Joong Won, a boss in Louis' family company.
Bok Sil then crosses paths with Louis who has lost his memories, but is wearing her brother's clothes. She then ends up taking care of him in the hopes of him getting his memories back, thus helping her find her brother.
They develop a deep bond, but Louis is not the only one falling for Bok Sil – so is Cha Joong Won.
Will Louis regain his memories, and will Bok Sil find her brother?
The cast:
The main leads were convincing, and acted with emotions and sincerity. As mentioned already, I found Louis to be a bit "over-the-top" sometimes, but the portrayal and acting by Seo In Guk was spot on. Another character that was a bit exaggerated for my liking, was Cha Joong Won. How Yoon Sang Hyun managed to portray this character so convincingly I consider a testament to his acting skills! LOL.
Nam Ji Hyun who gave life to Bok Sil did so very satisfactorly, making her actions and emotions seem very genuine.
There are a lot of other well-known faces in this production as well, pretty much all delivering strong performances.
All in all I found this to be the drama I didn't know I needed to watch - overall nurturing positive feelings.
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Subverts from chaebol meets poor girl story and puts in interesting and quirky twists and characters
They have good chemistry but not amazing chemistry.They don’t have the slow build up of romantic feelings. I feel like they already broke the wall of romantic gestures from the get go. So when they kiss, it doesn’t feel as romantic.
There’s a lot of funny scenes so I was never bored. But they weren’t laugh out loud funny. It was just little chuckles.
They revealed everything too early. 2nd half felt like it dragged a bit.
However, the good thing about this drama is that it always manages to be funny throughout a lot of the show because all the characters even the evil ones are somehow really quirky. The ending made me cry because it was so heartwarming.
I would not rewatch because I now know what happens and the romantic scenes were not romantic enough but overall it was a good watch.
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The characters are so funny and I love them all,I don't feel the chemistry between the main couple,but this doesn't matter much 'cause the characters are so cool that I keep watching even though this.Louie and Joong Won are the best in this for me,I could watch an entire drama just with these two LOL. About the story,I really like it,has a lot of cliches but they go well with this type of rom-com drama,what I like the most,was that the couple doesn't break or fight all the time,always they will resolve a hard time quickly. The childhood plot is not my favorite,and I think SKL doesn't need this plot,but at the same time, this plot is so cute,that I will pass this time!
The actions are the best,the quest really did a good job!!
So,if you are searching for a fresh drama that will make you forget the reality,this is a good option,is really easy to start linking this one and I highly recommend it to rom-com lovers! you will laugh a lot with this drama too,so get prepared
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I thought it will be very amazing drama But with sorrow it disappointed me a lot
The story was ok
The romance was cute the comedy was nice
EXCEPT the character of the two main leads
There is a huuuuuuge different between being kind and being foolish
And a huuuuuuge different between pure, innocence and mental retardation
Specially in guk actions and attitude
There is no conflict in being kind and have a strong character
Both were very weak in a very annoying way
For the first time I saw a chaebol with that weak character
How could he deal with his business that way
And as a man he was depending too much on his girlfriend
I continue hoping there will be character development at some point
But when I reached Ep 10 I lost hope already
And the end was very frustrating
For no reason the writer decided to make the grandmother die
And the end was Open for every side story except the main leads
The writer left them all running in a circle
Endless hope of love with someone who loves another one
😭😭😭😭
REALLY ANNOYING
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No one is cartoonishly evil with no hope of redemption. The main girl is strong and delightful till the very end; she suffers no lack in dimension nor does she become a wet napkin over time. Louis is depicted as painfully spoiled yet never acts like he is superior or entitled; that is super refreshing to see when dealing with rich boy/poor girl love trope. The love and affection they have for each other is innocent, pure, and adorable. Most of the loose ends are tied up nicely at the end. The music added to the scenes perfectly, and often played up for comedy.
Overall, it's not some amazing and unique story BUT the characters are refreshing, hilarious, and endearing and it will be very hard to say goodbye to them at the end.
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most cute drama ever
I like this drama because of its cuteness, and the best thing about it is how some unrelated people become so close to each other over time. Unlike other dramas, this drama is not all about revenge self-satisfaction. If you learn to forgive someone, life can be more beautiful. Lastly, the honest and pure love between the main characters made my day. The music is also perfect. The acting of the main leads and supporting characters are excellent. the whole drama is full of happiness, freshness, smile, and cutenessWas this review helpful to you?
Funny and Awesome
I love everything about this series, funny, innocent love and dramatic all in one... love watching it all over again... Seo In Guk is a great actor I love his facial expressions, and so other actors... This comedy romance Drama made me relax , laugh, cry like crazy... thank you to the writer, production and actors and crew... hope to see more of this kind of series... funny, dramatic and with lessons to be learned...Jan - Los Angeles, I love everything about this series, funny, innocent love and dramatic all in one... love watching it all over again... Seo In Guk is a great actor I love his facial expressions, and so other actors... This comedy romance Drama made me relax and laugh, cry like crazy... thank you to the writer, production and actors and crew... hope to see more of this kind of series... funny, dramatic and with lessons to be learned...
Jan - Los Angeles
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"fluffy" escapism but The amount of flashbacks can be disorienting
I have watched this 2 times, this is my first review 1/2020[update will follow this review]
I watched this because I read reviews that said it was light on the drama & a relatively easy going "fluffy" escapism series. now that I've seen it I have to agree. I rank it up there with Love Cuisine in the light hearted category, but not as "fluffy" as Love O2O , which I consider to be the ultimate easy going, no stress drama series! There are 4 negative things about Shopping King Louis that keep it from being a 10.
1) music: English is my first language , so the English songs were really, REALLY cringey, annoying, & embarrassing .
2) main couple plot stalls completely somewhere after episode 13 & suddenly the plots of most all the side characters are focused on (but alot were un resolved!). This diverted the momentum & the last episodes seemed to drag on.
3) unattractive eating: the characters stuffing their faces in messy way-disgusting, not cute.
4) the plot points you are most interested in are not satisfactorily resolved.(specifically the ending)
Rewatch value: I would/ will : & I bought it!
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2025 Updated Review:
Yes, the English songs DO still annoy me, especially when they are used at odd times for example: Sinatra's song My Way, was not appropriate for a memorandum montage for the character it was used .
The amount of flashbacks can be disorienting & sometimes I started an episode & wondered where it was in the time line as new episodes do not pick up where the last episode left off.
The last few episodes try WAY too hard to make connections for the lead couple . Sadly, though the end is sweet it doesn't leave you on an emotional high.
Seo In Guk is brilliantly engaging , they just didn't let him "evolve" enough/ Regardless , the leads are a delight & a treat to watch. Seo In Guk especially expresses himself extremely well.
read on if you want to read
****Spoilers*****
Louis hits his head an alarming number of times-it was like" ah let's have him hit his head & get back a few more memories ! [Yikes!] Yoon Sang Hyun, (the second male lead), starts out as the best second lead of any drama- recognizing that he is NOT "the One" before the leads figure out they are in love,& he seems to take it like a man & be on thier side until the writers decide they need more episodes, so they make him pathetic, goofy & hastily give him a female lead doppelganger for his very own at the end.[By the way, He CAN sing !!]
I could have stopped happily when the whole group was in Busan at the dock where emotions are high
WHO hit the burglar over the head with the hammer? & the burglar was not trying to hurt Louis, he was (should have been) looking for Louis' treasure box. Also, Louis never really seems to become an adult . Instead he comes across as a bit mentally challenged, like he's seems stuck in 6 year old mode,(though his body IS very manly & he does want to be intimate.) .There is a happy ending as there is a proposal "of sorts", but there is no grand romantic gesture or soaring romantic ending, just a quiet ah, isn't that cute moment.
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Too cute to miss
I absolutely adore this k-drama, its just too cute to ignore!The main couple are so refreshing to watch and louie is so sweet and adorable like a sugar cube!
The acting in this is very well done and the story is something I had not watched before this one (for once amnesia DOES NOT RUIN EVERYTHING!!!). Even the supporting roles stories kept me wanting the next episode ASAP. Although very unrealistic to real life it is low key what everyone would want to happen to them. I love the fact the main couple persist through all the difficulties they face and continue to strive!
It is one of the very few k-dramas I have rewatched, I cannot praise this enough go and watch it now!!
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Both the main characters are new to living life like ordinary people.
I enjoyed aspects of this drama that I usually wouldn’t highlight (sad times, separations, secondary characters). In comparison, I didn’t enjoy the usual factors such as bromance, romance and family in this drama. Louis’ shopping talent entertained me and Bok Shil’s simple personality also made me smile. I wasn’t interested in the main couple all that much, but was more keen on the overarching story. Maybe it’s because I wasn’t expecting much but I was pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns of the story. I found the secondary characters (Ms. Heo, Mr. Kim, the office workers and even the mothers!) worthwhile and was interested in the bad guy schemes and machinations. The good thing about this show is that it wraps up each character and each concept neatly so it feels the drama comes full circle. A lot of this show is really natural. Things actually make sense.
Seo In Guk
Louis is a spoiled but a trapped character. And more so that the usual obligations of a male heir. He obviously compensates for his lack of living with shopping. He’s sad, he’s like an object that he buys. I liked the parallel. He doesn’t have a rebellious personality.
“I can’t make grandma sad.”
He just had no opportunity to mature with everyone spoon feeding him.
“Why does my grandma keep me locked in?”
“It’s because you’re precious.”
Louis lives in France so I’m glad he keeps talking in a spattering of English, French and Korean.
He reminded me of a puppy. His scared whimpers is particularly hilarious.
Bok Shil
This character gets a gold star for never being fazed. She is probably one of the few heroines that doesn’t make a fuss about skinship.
She’s also a wonderfully tragic actress. Her brother was a brat but her love and sorrow for him had me in tears.
Romance
“Why are you so timid?”
“I’m afraid of being alone.”
Oh my gosh. These two are hilarious and cute and dynamic. They’re funny because they are both so over the top at simple pleasures such as the sauna and the market. The best thing about this couple is they’re not shy about skinship. They’re snuggly and cuddly as friends. The couple really excels in doing romantic things without drama. They’re so comfortable with each other whether it be dancing, or holding hands, piggyback rides, or any close proximity. They’re not awkward at all and just smile at each other brightly like the whole world is awesome. Their first kiss was the best.
“I love it here.”
“Me too.”
It’s refreshing to have an innocent hero.
The pair have a simple trusting friendship that is straightforward and honest. It gives the show a lovely vibe without any contrived fights.
“It feels awesome to have someone on my side.”
BONUS: Their kisses were very mutual.
Cha Joong Won – second male lead
Despite his peacock tendencies, Joong Won is a decent person.
As the drama goes on, you can see how he doesn’t put people into a box and how if someone has the audacity to ask him for a favour, he’ll do it. It was amazing to see as much as he hated Louis’ sense of entitlement he also understood it so perfectly.
“Louis lived apart from his family for a long time, so he needs love and care more than average people. Treat him well.”
My favourite thing was how all the other characters made fun of him by imitating his throat clearing habit.
Ma Ri
“You’re the Mother Theresa of Goldline.”
Ma Ri's suffering at the hands of In Sung was funny for me too the way she was so freaked out by him but kept hanging around him.
Ms. Heo
This lady that I only knew from the gentle character in Reply 1988 is actually a really great personality in this show. So much fun! I probably only liked her because she was the sweet Sun Young and I find it hilarious to see her being called Ms. Double Axe in this drama. The flashback to when she was young is perfect and really shows how Grandmother Choi is such a great person that can see past people’s outer layers.
Mothers
I appreciated the silly spin on the mother’s perspectives of how they viewed people.
“You should also get a nickname so we can hang out.”
The mothers’ schemes in this one were more innocent and funny rather than evil mean-spirited. They are not set in their ways. The drama also showed their relationship with their respective husbands and it felt more real and meaningful that most other dramas I’ve seen.
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Louie had everything to be the emotionless, brooding chaebol, but fortunately he steers away from that trope and is actually a very cute, clumsy and adorable lead. I praise Seo In Guk for his performance here, because if not played well this character could've easily turned into a spoiled, petty brat, but the actor really portrays him with a lot of charisma. Bok Shil is also nice, she's a bit too naive sometimes, but she's also not just a doormat who lets everyone walk all over her. There's some annoying secondary characters, the only ones I liked were the butler, his love interest and Louie's grandma.
The story flows nicely most of the time, but I'll admit it gets a bit boring at some points towards the end. The plot was also full o cliches, although I wasn't too bothered by them. The OST is okay, I didn't really think Tiger Moth fit in well in the scenes it was played and although there's some disney songs that I love, I think it lacked more of an original, quality track.
Overall this show is pretty good, specially if you're looking for a light rom-com that you can just shut your brain off and appreciate.
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