Completed
Yanchen
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 4, 2019
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Simple, Cute, and Easygoing.

While it's not perfect, this drama is definitely amongst my favourites, and I love it so much that I have re-watched it 6 times, and I will most likely re-watch it even more in the future. Although I probably view this show through rose tinted glasses, I will try my best to be as objective as I can be.

STORY:
Nothing overly dramatic or crazy happens, it is simply slice of life. The drama is more focused on the characters and their relationships, rather than having an extremely complex story. I've always been someone who cared more about characters than story, so for me this wasn't a problem. However, if you prefer gripping and complicated plots, you may not appreciate this show so much. It does have its interesting plot points here and there, but nothing too intense or unexpected.
'Weightlifting Fairy' also has its own share of clichés like every other drama out there. However, none of them made me gag or feel too annoyed. It definitely felt more self-aware than plenty of other dramas, and even makes fun of some clichés. As for the pacing, I felt that they did a good job, however the pacing did feel a bit rushed towards the final episodes.

CHARACTERS:
The characters are possibly the show's strongest point. 'Weightlifting Fairy' features a fun, humorous cast, with plenty of interesting characters. I especially admired this drama for writing in an unconventional and unique female lead. Bokjoo is a weight lifter who is strong, honest, and is able to stand up for herself. She is also shown to have both a more masculine and a feminine side, which I felt made her more three-dimensional. She has her flaws here and there, but is overall a great and likeable character. Meanwhile, Joonhyung isn't your typical cold and detached male lead. Instead he is playful and charistmatic. He also has his own set of flaws, but I do feel that his character was a bit too perfect at times (he has the looks, personality, popularity, and talent). Despite this, he does not feel flat, and he has plenty of moments that make him more humane and realistic (when he giggles over Bokjoo's texts, and when he cries about his mother).
While the most developed characters are obviously the leads, the side characters are also shown to have distinctive personalities. Most of the cast is likeable, or develop to later become more so. Even the evil 2nd lead had her chance to develop as a character and redeem herself. Overall, I think that they did a great job with the characters in this drama.

RELATIONSHIPS/ROMANCE:
The friendships and romantic relationships are quite sweet, especially Bokjoo's relationships, which were genuine, accepting, and heartwarming. One of the things I liked about Joonhyung and Bokjoos's relationship is that they didn't fall in love with each other at first sight. Instead, they fell for each other as they got to know each other as friends, which I felt was more true to reality. Their chemistry was through the roof, and they showed even their most vulnerable sides to each other (Bokjoo's slump, Joonhyung crying, etc), which again made their relationship 100x sweeter and more genuine. One thing that did irk me, however, was the jealousy in the last few episodes, as I felt that they were made to handle it extremely out of character. (eg. when Bokjoo made Joonhyung have to walk on eggshells around Shiho). I'd have expected this kind of petty drama more in a high-school romance k-drama than in a drama set in university such as this.
However, where the show really does fall flat is the side romances, as most were highly underdeveloped. Obviously they would not be developed as much as the main couple, but most of the side romances just felt unnecessary and rushed. One relationship is even randomly added in near the end and is left without a proper conclusion, which made me wonder what was even the point of adding it in.

ACTING:
Although I'm no professional when it comes to acting, I didn't feel as if anyone's acting was out of place. The cast had good chemistry, and I felt that their acting was believable to the the point that I often forgot that I was watching a show. While I do agree that Sungkyung, who is very thin and pretty, being casted for a character meant to be an "average looking" weightlifter did make Bokjoo less believable, I think that she otherwise portrayed her character perfectly. (The same thing could also be said for Sunok.)

PROGRESSIVE?:
Don't get me wrong, I don't think that this show has some ground-breaking and incredibly deep message, it is simply a cute romantic comedy. However, a few things stood out to me as I watched it. An example is how Joonhyung goes to a therapist through the show. Despite having issues, he gets professional help instead of letting it turn him into the typical "cold male lead with a troubled past." There is also the underlying message of accepting yourself, in how Bokjoo finds love, despite originally viewing her career and masculine tendencies as setbacks to romance. Having rarely seen these in other romcoms, I enjoyed seeing these in this drama.

In conclusion, the show does extremely well with its likeable and interesting cast of characters, and features good chemistry between them. It does fall a bit with the pacing at times and the side romances leave more to be desired. However, I still feel that the pros heavily outweigh the cons. 'Weightlifting Fairy' is nothing revolutionary, however I feel that it is a treat for those who love romcoms. Overall, it's simple, sweet, and perfect for people looking to fall for a great cast of characters and escape from the dullness and drama of everyday life.

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Completed
Joy M
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 17, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10

MUST WATCH!

This is one of the very first romantic comedies I watched early on when my KD addiction started. I must say that any rom-com I watched after just doesn't compare. Lee Sung-kyung was amazing, she was very believable as Kim Book-joo - a daughter, a girlfriend, a friend, a student, a roommate, and of course, a weigh lifter. The development of the romantic relationship between KBJ and Jung Joon Hyung was phased right, not too slow nor was it too fast. There are so many sweet and memorable moments with them. The chemistry if the entire cast is magnificent and it's evident that they like working each other.

I could watch this series over and over again and it will always be worth my time.

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Completed
Krys
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 25, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 10
I've rewatched my favorite scenes in this drama more times than I can count. Not only is the romance sweet, but I have personally never seen a romance quite like it.

Although she was naturally pretty, Bok Joo was also plain and more than a little awkward. So watching a golden boy like Joon Hyung not only recognize her outer beauty (without needing her to have a makeover), but caring much more about her work ethic, loyalty, personality, and all around awesomeness was so refreshing.

There sweet and supportive relationship was a ray of sunshine in a sea of manipulative and frustrating romances. And for that reason, along with the overall joyful feeling I got from watching this entire drama, I will always come back to this show when I need a smile.

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Completed
Jhonny_Santos
1 people found this review helpful
May 24, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 6.0
Story 6.0
Acting/Cast 6.0
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 6.0
O enredo não é tão interessante ou chamativo, a atuação tbm não é lá grandes coisas e é bem padrão mesmo, não tem muito destaque para ninguém (personagens), as piadas não tem muito o que falar, afinal nenhuma me fez ri ou foi até mesmo interessante, nem mesmo a que geral sempre comenta "MESSI" os acontecimentos tbm são bem previsível, um cara boa pinta é um dos melhores atletas da escola, e óbvio q ele teria uma ex e o melhor de tudo ou não, louquinha, louquinha, é um dorama pra vc desliga a mente e de pouca ou quase nula profundidade, mas não tem nada de errado em gosta, visto a nota incrivelmente alta que ele possui e é um dos queridinhos da galera, no mais é um dorama água com açúcar!

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Completed
Phil
1 people found this review helpful
Jul 16, 2018
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0

Overall- 9/10

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo was a great drama to watch, no doubt. It was enjoyable from start to end with our entertaining Bok Joo keeping us company for the entire series. Bok Joo and Joon Hyung is a slightly unusual yet cute couple to look at, especially towards the end of the series when everything blossoms.

Story- 7/10

The story was OK. In my opinion, the weakest part of the drama. Too many plot conveniences, repetitive storyline, and slowish development. Other than that, no major problems or plot holes evident. It was smooth throughout.

Characters- 10/10

Kim Bok Joo was obviously my favorite character as the protagonist, with the most focus and development. This drama really showed everything about a character so well. She is such a lovable character overall with starting with her cuteness and ending with her masculinity. The male lead, Joon Hyung, was good as well. His playful nature got to be very compatible with Bok Joo as time went on. Not to mention, the important side characters were excellent too.

Acting/Cast- 10/10

The cast was excellent. I respect Lee Sung Kyung for gaining weight to act as Bok Joo, from her model figure. Her acting skills were on point. I enjoyed her funny scenes and tomboyish nature as a weightlifter. The male lead, Nam Joo Hyuk, was good as well, and in the drama, I saw them work well together very comfortably. The supporting cast did their job as characters who weren't useless who weren't entirely useless.

Music- 8/10

The music overall was cheery. I liked it, the theme matched well with the story. Though it was nothing extraordinary. Soundtracks were good but there was nothing to take home to.

Enjoyment- 9/10

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. It was a great drama with a few shortcomings, mostly in the plot.

Rewatch value- 9/10

I would definitely rewatch this drama in the future as I enjoyed the first time watching it. I don't see any reason why no other than the OK story.

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Completed
Sky
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 20, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 10
In the beginning, the drama was very average and there is nothing too romantic going on. But as it goes on, you just wished that they realized they like each others. Like I asked myself, "OMG when are they going to date for real?" This drama is definitely one of my favorite this year. They are like the cutest couple.
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Completed
James Bond
2 people found this review helpful
May 29, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
Even though the concept of the story has been seen before many times, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is in its own way quite extraordinary, and can easily get you hooked.
I can't think of any aspect of the show that I disliked, everything just falls into its place perfectly, from the cast, and their phenomenal acting, to the music and atmosphere. The numerous comical, romantic, and heartwarming moments, as well as the sad and compassionate ones can make you instantly fall in love with the show.
Weightlifting Fairy wouldn't be the same if even a tiny detail would change,but what truly gives this show it's shine is Lee Sung Kyung's masterful performance. As the show is mostly about her relationships with the people around her, she gives a unique melody to each one of them. It makes you want the show to have a lot more episodes, just to see the simple things in it, such as the late night talks on the rooftop, or the walks around the campus. Because of all this, and much much more, it is clear that she was the perfect person for the job. Of course, besides her, all the other members of the cast did their parts amazingly.
However, what really made this show exceptional for me, was the fact that it can make you laugh in moments that are not purposefully made to be funny, and almost any scene can easily put a smile on your face. Therefore, it is without a doubt one of the best shows I have seen, and would highly recommend it to anyone.

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Completed
bambamby
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 11, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I have to say 2016 was the most cute year in dramas to me, Love O2O, shopping king Louie and now.. Weightlifting fairy Kim Bok Joo!
Okay, okay I have a crush in Nam joo hyuk and Lee Sung-kyung since years ago. You can hate or love them, but on this drama.. they gave everything. * Hands up*

About the drama:
Cute story, cute romance, and fantastic cinematography. The colors in every image are a pleasure to my eyes.
Most important thing on this drama apart of actors/actresses perfomances, are the way writers made the story. A real story, where the characters grow up together but most important, where they know support, admire and treat each other.
They are relationship goals? Hell yeah!

No suffocating triangles where the leads feed this,NO.
No makjang or amnesia stuffs, or idk dramatic things what only happen in other universe called TV, lol

But..
Lot of love and emotions.
Cute relations.
Funny moments
and lot of adorable clips where you will remember at least, a crush, a relation, a friend, a laugh or the youth we were or are leaving behind!!

I recommend a lot this drama, you will enjoy from minute 1 to the last minute, and this will be hard to forget. (I can't believe I kept watching a drama all this long without fall in depression while waiting for episode lol)

Thank you kim Bok Joo, Thank you Joon Hyung, be happy together my babies!!! I will keep you forever in my heart.

... And remember , a powerful relation where both grow up (in every obstacle ) and overcome everything together in this thing called life is the best option always.. !!! Cherish people who always will support or stay next to you :D ..

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Completed
Mina
2 people found this review helpful
Feb 20, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 1
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
if you haven't watched weightlifting fairy yet, PLEASE DO. Probably one of the only dramas i ever watched from start to finish without skipping. WFKBJ is such a precious drama, that shows you love, friendship, family, growth and youth without all of that cringey-ness dramas tend to have. I think people might be a bit put off by the premise... but seriously, this is soooo down to earth.. everything about it is PERFECT. i would not change it in any way except to add a sequel

STORY
I gave it a 9.5/10 because I wish it was longer :( I mean 16 episodes is pretty typical but I love this drama so much and really didnt want it to end. I kind of wanted to see more of the other characters too like maybe see them both adjusting to lives in their professional school.

ACTING/CAST
the development of the two characters is so natural and done so well. you can't help but fall in love with lee sung kyung and nam joo hyuk (please date already). you will be fully convinced of the love between the two leads. also I love the friends of the leads. they played and acted their parts very well, it makes you wish you had friends like that. I also really love the relationship between bok joo and her dad... it's so precious

MUSIC
on point.

REWATCH VALUE
I would definitely rewatch this. in fact i'm rewatching it right now. the relationship between nam joo hyuk and lee sung kyung gave me soooo many feels, and i literally just cannot get enough.

OVERALL
10000000000/10
like i said earlier, if you haven't watched it yet, then please do. it's definitely very different from your usual drama. and lee sung kyung is ridiculously pretty regardless of how dressed down she is and her acting is actually soooo good, im super surprised. i am literally in love with her. i am unable to find another drama that can compare to this.

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Completed
Vera
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
All 10/10 it might seems to be a little too much but really, it isn't! This drama was the most beautiful and heartwarming drama that I ever watched! The chemistry is more than on point! They even had a kiss that wasn't on the script, please!

Normally I hate rewatch drama or whatever because I think that it's wasting my time to watch other dramas, but on this one I really think that one day I'll be watching it again.
I knew that Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk were amazing actors but they really show to us all and more that they are capable to do in the acting world!!
The music was perfectly well with the drama I even saved some of them to my phone,so energetic... I love it.
About this drama all I have to say is that you who is reading this review should go as fast as you can watch it, otherwise, you'll be missing the sweetest drama of your life!

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Completed
ko-korean
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
I needed a drama like this and I didn't even know it. I am so pleased with everything. The plot is really unique compared to other dramas. As a college student it was so fun to see that atmosphere and environment in the drama; I could relate. The love story of Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong was everything to me. Their relationship is so realistic unlike many in other dramas. They started as friends and then fell in love. They are truly relationship goals. This drama just gave so many feelings. I completely recommended. It is a must. It is a pity that the ratings were bad in Korea because this drama really deserves attention.

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Completed
shivangi
2 people found this review helpful
Jan 12, 2017
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 10
Some stories don't have to be grand to appeal to viewers, and this is one of such stories. The drama is an apt picture of the daily lives of university students, the carefree age, immature emotions and the journey of growing up is all in this drama. Kim Bok Joo a weightlifting fairy and Joon Hyung a swimming hero will totally make you fall in love with them. This drama will also teach you the importance of family, friends, teachers, love and life. It is a must watch, a very simple, sweet, romantic and happy drama. Its probably one of the best thing that has ever happened to dramaland. The acting of the characters is perfect and realistic, the storyline is smooth and muisc is great too. You will certainly fall in love with it, and you will totally be fangirling over the couple so bad, don't even think twice and please just go for it. All the best!

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Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016) poster

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  • Score: 8.8 (scored by 107,514 users)
  • Ranked: #185
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