Story: (9.5/10)
Suits starts off with Go Yeon Woo running away from the police after almost getting caught making a drug deal, and he accidentally slips into an interview for one of the city's top law firms and meets Choi Kang Suk, the best closer in the city. He takes a gamble and hires Yeon Woo after recognizing YW's photographic memory and his passion for justice and the law. The rest of the series showcases their relationship as the dynamic duo, solving many cases and serving justice together with the help of the managing partner, Kang Ha Yeon, the beautiful and intelligent paralegal, Kim Jina, KS's amazing and talented assistant/secretary, Hong Da Ham, and YW's and KS's arch nemesis, Chae Geun Shik.
Each episode features a different theme and motto, and the different and interesting cases within the episode will relate back to the motto (for example one episode's motto is "everyone gets what they deserve", and the case in that episode relates to that). The drama so far basically features the same ideas and cases as the US version, and there aren't huge differences in the story development and the content per episode. The setting is also VERY similar; the financial district and the amazing office views, and even the tiniest details such as the hotdog stand that Harvey goes to and the little toast/fish pastry parallel in the Korean version, the fact that both YW and Mike travels around in a bike, etc, etc. There are endless similarities that I could draw from the 2 versions, and the Korean remake was very refreshingly different, but also very similar at the same time (if that makes sense).
The only thing I'm unsure about in the drama is how everyone will react/find out about YW being a fraud, and how this will play out in the show, since in the US version, he gets caught and he eventually goes to jail for while and then getting out soon after. I'm not sure how the drama will show/solve this issue, so I can't comment on that topic yet.
**EDIT**: i felt like the show kind of ended abruptly in the last 2 episodes, and the ending was a little rushed. However, considering there was only 16 episodes total, I do understand how it all played out. I'm satisfied, as there were no loose ends, however I do wish that they showcased more of GWY and Jina's ending. Other than that, it ended off fairly well, and also very similar to the US version.
Cast/Characters: (9.5/10)
Choi Kang Suk vs Harvey Specter: ahhh, harvey is my ultimate bias, as I just think he is sooo extremely attractive, not just appearance wise, but also his personality. Jang Dong Gun did an amazing job at portraying Harvey's cockiness, his quirks, confidence, and his raw talent. He's Kang and Ham's (the law firm) ace, their best lawyer, and he definitely lives up to his reputation in every episode, as he somehow figures out a brilliant solution (along with GYW) to every problem that they encounter. His bromance with Yeon Woo doe..... you can really tell that he cares about YW even though he's known to be heartless and very cold.
Go Yeon Woo vs Mike Ross: i have to say that I am extremely impressed with Park Hyung Shik's acting. I've only watched a few episodes of Strong Girl Do Bong Soon, so I can't really comment on his acting there, but in Suits, he did a fantastic job portraying GYW! Especially at the fact that he was able to memorize all those difficult legal terms/definitions and pretty much recite the law. Although GYW and Mike Ross are the same character, Hyung Shik made this character into his own. There are so many similarities between the 2, but I do like Hyung Shik's portray better. The only thing I didn't like in relation to the character GWY was that in the Korean version, there are a few times he just makes (kinda dumb) decisions on his own that Mike didn't, and it was just a little unnecessary to me and it was a lot different than the US version, since Mike Ross pretty much never messes up/makes a mistake (apart from lying about his law degree LOL). But all in all, greatttt character.
The rest of the cast was also a joy to watch, particularly Chae Geun Shik, their arch nemesis. This character is sooo funny and hilarious, he's a workaholic partner at the firm, and he constantly tries to get the managing partner's approval/respect, but he somehow always falls short compared to Kang Suk. He tries extremely hard to make Yeon Woo's life as difficult as possible, always waiting for YW to make a mistake, and their relationship is just so funny to watch. Also the fact that the Korean version also talks to a dictaphone, has an admiration for Kang Suk's secretary, and can sometimes be downright cruel. Kim Jina and Yeon Woo's budding romance is so cute and bubbly too, and their interactions with each other are always a joy to watch, kind of like watching a first love blooming. The managing partner, Kang Ha Yeon, is a total badass bishhh, just like Jessica Pearson. They always put the firm's interests on top and always want what's best for the firm. KS's secretary, Hong Da Ham, is also very much like the infamous Donna, extremely witty and pretty much knows everything going on in the firm and also knows everyone.
Music: (8/9)
The OST is quite good, especially the 2 main instrumental songs that play in the backgrounds during certain scenes. Some other songs play in the more emotional and romantic scenes, but they weren't that memorable in my opinion.
Re-watch value: (8/10)
It's a very entertaining show to watch, however since I already watched the US version, the Korean one has many similarities in terms of content and the cases they solve, so to me personally, I probably won't watch it anytime soon, just because I'm already quite familiar with the plot and storyline.
Overall: (9/10)
If you haven't watched Suits, whether the US version or the Korean one, I highly recommend that you go watch it, especially those who like law shows. The story is quite unique and different, and the cast/characters are amazing and their interactions and their relationships with each other are so dynamic and interesting. Don't miss out on this amazing drama!
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I do have smaller minor issues in terms of Yeon Woo's character and how he tends to flip flop rather than stay somewhere on a constant path, and the story to me dragged along towards the middle, but picked up closer to the end. The last few episodes were a little fast paced and could have been done earlier, but they still worked out pretty well.
In terms of romance or bromance, Kang Seok and Yeonwoo's friendship as well as Kang Seok and Chae Geun Sik's rivalry, and the relationship between Kang Seok and Partner Kang were all wonderful to watch. I felt so so on Yeonwoo and Jinah, but they were a minor cute edition that I didn't mind all too much, though I wish we could have seen a little more of Jinah's backstory.
Overall, I could watch this again from certain parts. It was a really chill watch (til the second half when I was screaming) that I could rebinge anytime. The ending was open ended so while the chances are sim to none for a second season, it could totally be done (and with the great ratings, who knows).
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On another note however, for those of you who are after romance, you are welcome to enjoying an amazing performance by the entire case, experiencing an amazing plot and as well as cracking a few laughs.
All in all, this is a definite MUST WATCH, especially for those who are particularly interested in law.
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I initially wanted to watch b/c of my PHS but his character is so annoying and self-righteous here that I couldn't stand him. I also hated the character of Chae Geun Shik and his teeth sucking was so damn gross and disturbing.
The best thing about this series is lead actor Jang Dong Gun. The man looks good in a suit. This is the first drama I have seen with him and I want to see more. Debonair, classy and all around good looking man!! I loved the clothes too. Great costume designer on the series.
Only the last 3 episodes were really good and that just not good enough!!
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Story: Honestly the writing in this drama is not my fave. I like the concept, but I've sort of personally figured out that in the crime/legal/investigative realm, lawyers are maybe the least interesting to me. Additionally, not the biggest fan of the romance element in this one. The drama really felt split in two. Last, the pacing of the episodes felt way off. Each felt like it was supposed to end in the middle and but also ended on a cliff hanger somehow? Also every episode had low key a ****-measuring contest to see which dude was more manly. Not really my style. Shining points were cinematography and the set. What a view! Wow.
Acting/Cast: The shining star of this drama is the cast and their performances. Hyung Shik is a babe, like always. I have bias against Go Sung Hee from her role in While You Were Sleeping. Chae Jung Ahn stole the show as the secretary. Also, Son Seok Koo = my son. The english? LMFAO. 10/10, I can't wait for more of his leading roles.
Music: Some bangers and some sleepers. My faves were Now by VROMANCE and the main theme which is instrumental.
Rewatch Value: Eh. I liked it and I'm glad I watched but once was good enough.
TLDR; Sukku is my son, please give him praise. Acting in this drama >>> writing.
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pros:
-fresh take on legal kdrama (maybe because it was an American series remake)
-no interrogation room because we all know those scenes are just full of BS
-no CEOs/politicians plotting and scheming shenanigans
-no killings
-PHS's face(those close ups of his face is just distracting in a good way)
-PHS departure from his previous roles( I was not a fan of his previous dramas TBH especially strong woman however this role is a complete 180)
-chae geun sik, probabbly the most likeable villain since Lee Junho in chief Kim
-ms. Hong (TBH, she and atty. chae are the only ones brightening up the dull and grey office)
-there's not much interfering characters which I liked because you can only focus on the main leads and supporting actors
cons:
-the job interview scene on ep 1 felt too scripted, it did not gave me that "AHA" magic moment.
-no character build up for the characters
-I'm lost most of the time on what they're talking about (it gets too technical at times)
-the cases are too normal for a drama. don't get me wrong, I'm all for realistic dramas however for a legal drama that can get too boring, cases needs to be exaggerated a bit.
-it felt like they compressed every suits US episodes into 16 episodes, to me it felt rushed and the pilot episode felt like it was in episode 8 already
-chae geun sik have a better bromance with Kang seok than go yeon woo
-PHS sloppy suits, for a show called suits, c'mon I was expecting a bit more dressed up (I don't remember suits US cast to be that sloppy)
-this is for people with a long attention span, but for someone like me who gets bored easily, I ended up skipping most of the scenes
PS:
I can see Kim Soo hyun playing the role of go yeon woo much effectively (if he's not in the military)
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It picked up the pace towards the end
I found the acting to be quite good in this show, and the overall storyline was okay. But, to be honest, the plot about saving the company was a bit boring, so anything beyond the problems that affected the characters personally couldn't hold my interest for very long. As a result, I ended up taking quite a while to finish this show.I decided to make a final push once I reached episode 12, to finally be done with it, and got excited about the character development and conflicts in the final episodes. So I'd say I really enjoyed the final 1/3 of the drama, while the rest was a bit lukewarm (slow, I guess). Not bad by any means, just not my cup of tea. Stellar cast, though, and I was specially impressed with Hyungsik and how convincing he was in this role.
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This review may contain spoilers
During the first few episodes of this show, I realised that no matter how much I liked Park Hyungsik and wanted to support his work, I couldn't get into it. It has a reallyyyyy slow start, the first couple of episodes are very boring, especially when you've watched the original 'Suits'. It's like watching the same thing over again, however it's not executed as well as the original, this made me drop the show for some months. However after I picked it up again due to sheer boredom, the show got exciting at about episode 8 and I was able to binge it (we all know binging a show means that you're really enjoying it). In the beginning, the characters may not seem as exciting or as fitting with the original American cast, but they grow on you. Now I know why Jang Dong-gun is highly praised for his acting, he is so convincing. Park Hyungsik (the reason I started the show) also impressed me a lot, he proved that he could be dynamic with his acting and his facial expressions were always fitting with the mood. The only main character I have a slight problem with their acting is the character of Hong Da-ham (Donna's character), she seemed to always have the same facial expression and her sass was overbearing at times. The actress that portrayed Kim Ji-na may not have been on par with that of Meghan Markle's Rachel but she certainly presented a different version of the character that was pleasing to see. She did not merely copy the character of Rachel but twisted it to a slightly different character, which I liked. Another character that deserves high praises is that of Ham Gi-taek, I believe that the actor (Kim Young-ho) portrayed the role even better than his American counterpart; Daniel Hardman. I also enjoyed watching the bromance between Yeon-woo and Kang-seok.
The music was decent and fitting with the scenes and it is understandable that the there aren't as many OST's as this is a more serious drama.
I enjoyed the (second half of the) show, it was very pleasant. The tragic moments felt very real and truly shook me, thereby portraying great acting skills by the actors. The comedic moments made me chuckle too. Regarding the ending, I am a bit unsettled at how we didn't get to see a Yeon-woo and Ji-na reunion after he came out of jail. That missing aspect makes their relationship seem less realistic to the audience, considering the fact that their love story was not very convincing anyway. It seemed like Yeon-woo was too focused on his work to put work into the relationship but the writers still wanted us to believe that he was obsessed with her. Anyway, I guess there's only so much that can be fit into 16 hours (if only they hadn't wasted the first 8 episodes with boring scenes). I really liked how certain themes were incorporated throughout the show, that of weakness and 'the rabbit' lol.
If you've watched the original suits, I don't think you'd be missing anything by skipping the first few episodes because it's the exact same incidences and the characters in this one aren't very likeable at first. Furthermore, there isn't much character development in the beginning, so save yourself the time and skip it. However, I would recommend Suits Korea.
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I was unfamiliar with nearly the entire cast so at first I was sceptical about it all, but truly great acting performances from the start assured me that at least acting-wise that this series would be good. I hope to see a second season for Suits (Korean Version) and I also hope to see these members of the cast whilst I embark more on the K-Drama journey. Overall, decent show, I suggest you to watch.
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Average at best.
I didn't watch the American version so I don't have a point of comparison and will treat it as stand alone drama. I didn't like the direction it took and their choice for the final antagonist. I didn't like the inclusion of romance in this one, it felt flat and unnecessary. They tried to add background story to every character but most of them didn't work well. Yun Woo's old friends and grandma, Na Joo Hee and Ji Na's mother, none of them had a meaningful impact. The number of cases were too few for 16 episodes, I was expecting more lawyers shenanigans and less melo fluff. The climax and its ending didn't feel that satisfying. Overall, it's average at best.Was this review helpful to you?
So good I watched it twice.
I don't want to say a lot, because it would take too long to say everything I want to say!This was outstanding. I watched it first perhaps two years ago, and re-watched this weekend. Often a second viewing is less engaging than the first. Not so here.
Well written, well directed, with excellent performances and very good stories, I struggle to find fault with this. I have not watched the US original, but certainly I found these stories original, which always carries weight with me.
I recommend this without reservation.
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