The plot could have been interesting but is very cheesy, and doesn't make sense at times. Small mistakes that get you out of it and doesn't let you jump back in.
I wouldn't watch it again, and wouldn't recommend it either!
Was this review helpful to you?
ESTOY LLORANDO OK
Como les digo que hace mucho rato un drama no me hacia llorar tanto, al inicio quede como con bug mental por que no sabia de que si iba a tratar y me encanto el no saberlo, creo que me entro mucho el sentimiento por el hecho que soy fan del kpop entonces cuando pasaban algunas cosas, pense que eso realmente les podia pasar a los idols , y mas que esta protagonizado por uno de mis bias de EXO, Suho y me dolía pensar en que no los podría proteger, este drama lo deben ver todos es que es hermoso, el ost fue arte, la historia te deja una moraleja bella, en cuanto a el elenco me gusto mucho nunca habia visto actuar ninguno de los dos protagonistas apesar de que los conocia, sin duda lo volveria verWas this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
I decided to watch The Universe’s Star because I needed a light and short drama after going through a long and complex drama such as A Korean Odyssey. And after stumbling on this drama’s blurb, I decided to give it a go.To be honest, I wasn’t too excited on this drama based on its premise. I knew I had to lower down my expectations. I mean, another Grim Reaper drama? I guess Koreans do love their Grim Reapers.
But the poster did an incredible job at luring me in completely into the drama. I mean, look at that poster. Wouldn’t you say that it’s a poster fit for a catchy drama with an adequate length?
I didn’t realize it was Exo’s Suho playing the lead, at first. I actually didn’t bother to check the cast as I know that for a short drama like this, it doesn’t have a lot of budget for a bigger production. And they actually advertised Suho as Kim Jun-myeon, which I think was the right choice. It’s a big step in separating himself from the boy group he was in.
In the first episode, we immediately saw how Byul died. Although it was hazy and unclear, we already got the gist of how she became a Grim Reaper. A few years later, we see Byul as a Grim Reaper who, let’s just say, isn’t a good one. She failed to guide the souls assigned to her as she always let them live at the last minute.
Can I just say that this drama portrayed Grim Reapers a little differently? Unlike the preceding dramas with bigger productions, Grim Reapers are usually portrayed as supernaturals who can transport anywhere, wipe out the minds of humans, and possess incredible fighting skills. In The Universe’s Star, however, Grim Reapers are portrayed as almost like ghosts who have been recruited in a “Grim Reaper Agency”. No supernatural abilities and such. They almost felt like normal people except their invisible to the living. And I think that’s what they actually did.
In all honesty, I wasn’t too thrilled with Ji-woo playing the female lead. She seemed to be too average and lacks charisma. However, I was proven wrong. She was actually perfect as Byul. Her reactions were realistic as it should be. Unlike the female lead in the webdrama, Exo Next Door (who can I just honestly say was bland and unnatural in the webseries). Ji-woo is truly an underrated actress.
And I can’t help but compare the two dramas as it almost have the same plot. Both dramas tell about the love story of a cold-hearted and emotionless famous singer and a die-hard fan who wished to be the former’s lover. And both have Exo members as their leads.
But what set The Universe’s Star apart from Exo Next Door is its originality and complexity. Unlike the latter, The Universe’s Star delivered more than just simple fan service drama. It brought us a mixture of emotions, a well-thought plot and a bittersweet ending. It truly packed a punch for a six-episode drama.
Now, as for Suho, I never imagined that he would go for the acting industry. He wasn’t my bias in the boygroup so I wasn’t too familiar with him. But seeing him in the The Universe’s Star made me like him more. He wasn’t the best actor in the drama. Let’s get that right. But he does have potential. A potential that needs a lot of training and experience. And I can actually appreciate him in this drama as you can clearly see him trying hard as an actor. I was actually surprised by his acting and wondered why wasn’t he cast in a bigger role in his group’s webdrama.
This drama made me like Suho more than I did before. And it made me realize how I, or perhaps some of us, underestimated him both as a singer and an actor. So it was actually nice seeing him explore into the acting industry as it gave him the spotlight that he needed.
The Universe’s Star actually became Suho’s platform to showcase who he is and who he can be without depending on the worldwide famous name of Exo. Also, we can actually hear him sing for himself and not get washed away by the voices of his other members.
The plot was decent. Actually more than decent even with its cliché premise. While there were cringe-y moments scattered all throughout the drama, there were also golden moments. Moments of genuine comedy, fluttering love scenes between the OTP, and heartbreaking conflicts. The backstories were actually brilliant. I was actually a bit blown away since it was supposed to be a light and comedic drama. And even if the heartbreaks were simple and uncomplicated, if you put yourself in the characters’ shoes, it is just as painful as any other heartbreaks. It brought us complexity and depth. Something I wouldn’t expect from a drama such as this.
The writers also did well in intertwining all the characters in the drama. For someone who has watched a lot of dramas before, I could’ve predicted how every character is related to one another. But I wasn’t able to. In fact, I predicted it wrong. And that’s what I liked about The Universe’s Star. It gave us loving characters that grew on us as we go along the drama. And I especially liked the friendship between Byul and the ghost Gak-shi.
It is strange for a Grim Reaper to be best friends with a ghost, considering that Byul was supposed to guide Gak-shi in the afterlife. Both of them shared the same love for the popular Woo-joo, which was so entertaining and funny to watch as even though they’re a couple of supernatural beings, she still act like normal, living, die-hard fans. I adored watching these two best buds so much that when it was time for them to have they’re goodbyes, it made my heart ache.
The OTP was also lovable. They were both cute and, at times, funny. And even if there were a few cringes in their love story, they were also been able to give us heartwarming and heartbreaking scenes. Despite their weak chemistry, the OTP surely grew on me.
Also, the soundtrack was beyond my expectations. As I have lowered my expectations on this drama, I didn’t expect to enjoy this drama as I would’ve had.
If there’s one thing this drama lacked is clarity. There were a lot going on in the drama, and even though they were able to pull it off in six 20-minute long episodes, I wished they would’ve stretched the story more in order for them to fill the plot holes that were left unfilled.
I didn’t dare nitpick the flaws of this drama as I know it would ruin the drama for me. I know that this drama has a lot of flaws, but I was willing to overlook all of them as I did enjoy the drama.
And let me just point out how clever the writers are in coming up with the title? If you haven’t noticed, The Universe’s Star, is the literal translation of Woojooui Byuli. In other terms, it can be understood as Woojoo’s Byul. Cute, isn’t it?
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Not happy ending for me
Why the hell it happend that way ? i dont like sad endings.. i did nit thnk it will hve this type of ending.. but tht is not i gave the drama 7.5 stars.. it becoz she is grim reaper n come to save boy, but even others find she died 7 uears ago there r no any exitements. It would be better boy asked about her life n the way she tochd her in piano room and about the dog, if there somthing small like tht it will be coolAs for acting they are not bad they can make us cry
Music is good
Overall normal drama
Was this review helpful to you?
A first episode unlike any other
This drama has the most perfect length.Secondly, it took double the time to watch the first episode of this little drama for how many times I kept rewinding scenes. The drama has an incredibly strong start but begins to lose that charm towards the end but it's still very good as it maintains the most important thing: It stays true to its roots throughout. The first episode promises powerfully unique characters that have never been delivered by the drama world- ever, and the actors are flawlessly in character. There were no jarring changes or inconsistencies with the characters but somehow this drama lost its initial lustre (perhaps a story issue, or the tells of the imposing shadow of popular cliches rocking the market)
I would have preferred the characters to stay in their characters as in the first episode right through the six episodes. The moody pop-star got all soft and just a bit, lost the essence of his character and so did the chill grim reaper rocker chick who jammed to Sweet Child Of Mine by Guns n' Roses. The rest of the soundtrack remains top-notch throughout the series (except for episode 5 I believe where the typical drama tunes play in the background) with beautiful instrumentals, some Indian twists in one song and brilliant complexity. And something to be mentioned is a lot of the stunning cinematography. Some of these shots will take your breath (quite literally) and not just artistically but symbolically as well.
The heartfelt moments run rampant in this drama and its short length has been handled wonderfully for some parts (leaving out the unnecessary fillers such as the revealing of one's backstory to another character which other dramas tend to prioritize on and run entire episodes together for just one reveal while in this drama the lack of such a thing speaks for itself about the strength of their bond) but seems rushed and over-complicated in much too short a span at other parts (having so many impactful events occur in too close a time frame is overwhelming and therefore pulls you out of the immersion).
For a drama with a 'tragic' ending, I was left rather satisfied upon its completion. Everything fell in place and the story and acting were so real (despite the whole supernatural plot) that you can understand why each thing happens and you're okay with it! They're real people. Grim Reapers, and humans, they're all just people, and you may be able to control things for a while but it's inevitable and for the best that they return to their natural state.
Upon all of the above, just watch it because it is so incredibly short! It's a great drama which I highly recommend. It's something special. That first episode... I won't be getting over it- ever. I will even go as far as to call it revolutionary.
Was this review helpful to you?
You'll laugh then you'll probably cry
I came into this drama not expecting much but it’s now it’s one my favorites. I had seen Suho’s work in How Are you Bread, so I knew he could act. The summary for Star of My Universe makes the show seem very “silly show with an idol protagonist” + a supernatural element.But, in reality we got a fun and somewhat lighthearted show for 80% on the story. Then, once we got close to the ending, this show became deep and emotional. I was not expecting that turn.
The show about the ghost reaper that follows a pop idol made me cry a lot in the end, by actually being a show about consequences, choices and love.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
The premise sounded fun: a rather incompetent grim reaper girl decides to save an idol from dying and much kerfuffle follows. And the drama really is downright hilarious - but! It also deals with death, how one approaches it and deals with it, with the sudden kind but also with the kind that’s years in the making and you need to learn to live with it. And when it comes, you have to go without regrets. That I did not expect from this series, to be punched in the heart so thoroughly.
I also loved how intriguing the relationships were, how all the characters were connected one way or another, through friendship or death - or both. For a web drama this was so well done and plotted! Actually, not just for a web drama, this is simply a really good series, period, and well worth watching!
So, if you have barely 3.5 hours of spare time - it’s just 21 10 min. long eps or 6 30+ min. long, depends on where you actually watch it - give it a try. It’ll definitely stay with me for a very, very long time.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
Have tissues nearby
So very bittersweet. For a three hour drama, it hit a lot harder than I was expecting (just as well written content should!)The leads did an absolutely amazing job. They were lovely together. Combine that with a great plot and a not-really-but-still kinda unexpected emotional sucker-punch and you've got yourself a very enjoyable drama.
The all important song Byul and Woo Joo wrote together was not very good as it was too repetitive, so that was a bit of a let down. But in the grand scheme if things, that hardly matters.
This is a fantastic drama to watch if you're looking for something that you can binge watch in an afternoon, or if you want to take a break from other shows. And, bonus, I think "rewatchability" wise, it holds up too.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Pardon my French but (major major spoilers btw)
Oh shit oh fuck what even was that? I’m pacing my room bc I don’t even know how to contain all these emotions. I totally spoiled myself and knew the ending was sad but holy God it was so much worse than I ever could have imagined. But it was so good at the same time. Like it was better than I pictured it but also way fucking worse. THEY HAD A KID??!! From the way the drama was going I was like ok, they’re gonna have a romance, they’re gonna be “in love” for a few months, she’s gonna die, he’s gonna be sad, but he’ll probably move on in the future and she will accomplish her little bucket list and go to heaven. That’s kinda sad but could be worse. I jinxed it. I totally jinxed it. I was kind of spacing out during the rooftop scene so I didn’t pick up on the fact that she was planning on staying for 7 more years. I thought she was just saying random nonsense to make the grim reaper save her little idol. But she stayed for seven years to save her love and then she took the spot of the grim reaper’s daughter? Omg this is like that Chinese drama (which I won’t name but if you know you know) where her husband died from poison like 5 years down the line. Why they gotta do this to me!? The only way to make a sad ending more sad is by making them live happy lives together only to take that happiness away a few years later. I’m literally tearing up just thinking about her smiling and hugging her kid being like, “it’s my time now” and him just looking at her with tears in his eyes, knowing he can’t do anything and their time together is over. Ugghhhh that cuts deep. I gotta rewatch that, that was so good. On a more negative note, this is what I wrote down before I watched the ending (I write reviews as I go sometimes): “I usually don’t mind nonsensical romances but this one was just too much for me. Their attraction for each other came out of nowhere, and in general, the entire reason why they initially started hanging out makes no sense. If I was a star, the last thing I’d want to do is take the girl that stalked me, stole my dog, broke into my house, and tackled me on stage on a date. That wasn’t enough, however, because she behaved in the creepiest way the entire time she was around him. She openly idolized him, and while that’s understandable, I can’t imagine how you can have a romantic relationship with that type of person. I don’t really understand die-hard fans, so to me the whole fangirl culture is almost like legalized and socially acceptable stalking. I can’t imagine falling in love with someone like that.” Um yeah, and this is the reason why I can’t in good faith give this drama a higher rating, although that ending will always be a 10/10 and if their romance was done better, you bet this drama would’ve been at LEAST a 9. Yeah, overall their romance doesn’t make a lot of sense, and worldbuilding was rather confusing (there’s a LOT of corruption in the underworld, who knew?) but I think I’d still recommend this to others because I love crying and this is a 10/10 tearjerker. If anything, watch for the ending. Happy (sad) watching! :)Was this review helpful to you?
tutto bello tranne il finale.
Avevo voglia di qualcosa di romantico e corto da vedere in un pomeriggio e questo è un drama perfetto.Al inizio sembra strano ma è un fantasy e io amo i fantasy proprio perché sono diversi e perché tutto può succedere bel bene e nel male.Mi aspettavo romanticismo e comicità e li ho ritrovati.Lui un cantante davvero fantastico che non conoscevo.oltre che un bellissimo attore lei brava ma non mi ha fatta impazzire.Carina la storia dei cupi mietitori in giro tra di noi e lei che è troppo buona per questo lavoro oltre che non voler adempiere al suo lavoro se si tratta del suo idol. Rimandata indietro tra una cosa e l'altra si avvicinano e si innamorano e sembra tutto bello poi arriva il finale che ok era quello il patto però non mi è piaciuto.Tutto davvero bello quasi da 10 se non fosse per quel finale.Was this review helpful to you?
