Wonderful show which flopped its' ending
If you have seen your fair share of rom-coms, this is going to feel very typical especially in the first episode, while they're establishing the characters well. With all that said, there is magic in the script: I feel like the writers want to say about fandom culture or they at least want to touch on it because they represent the fandom culture not only positively, that it's a community, it's a way to bond with people in a way to support the artists you love, but also some of the negative sides which is obsessive tendencies and how those can lead to crossing the line and becoming a stalker. I really love how the writers are balancing the whole fandom culture exploring many different facets of it.The show's big problem that really turned me off was near the end when the show started to focus primarily on the male lead's past and how that connects in such a dramatic way with the female lead. I thought the writers of the show really lost sight of what the show was about and I was hoping the show should have focused more on the fandom side of things because, in the end, the fact that she is a super fan doesn't contribute a lot to the main story, and I was quite disappointed because the portrayal of fandom culture and a commentary on fandom culture part is the thing that I was very excited to watch.
Overall, I really enjoyed Her Private Life, I think it has many wonderful qualities loved the characters, and I love the interactions between the characters. The romance is incredibly mature and I love how they support each other, it is wonderful. All the leads and the side characters, everybody is perfectly cast and doing a wonderful job. The leads have such strong chemistry together. This is a show you could very happily binge or at least I was very happy to binge.
I would recommend Her Private Life to you if you like shows like What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. They both have the same female lead, and she's great in both of them as well as The Liar and His Lover or Touch Your Heart. So if you liked any of those three shows I would give this one a chance.
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This review may contain spoilers
When this drama first started releasing episodes, I was excited, but also a little scared. Excited because I lovedPark Min Young in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. One of my favorite all time drams. Also, I loved the idea of her being an aspiring art museum director by day, but super kpop fan at night - it was something completely new to me and was excited what she did with the role. PLUS; I did see a few clips on instagram and they looked super romantic and cozy. Which plays into why I was scared. I loved her role as Kim Mi So in Sec Kim so much that I had a hard time seeing her play the love interest of someone who wasn't Park Seo Joon.
My final thoughts? I thought that this drama was VERY cookie-cutter. Even though the idea of Sung Duk Mi being this mature curator by day, but super fan by night, was a completely new idea for me, the plot was very obvious and followed a typical korean drama outline. It was safe. It's the same how I felt about Touch My Heart. It was boring. It was cute and good, but boring. I think the only thing that did catch me off guard was that their relationship started off fake as a way for Ryan Gold to protect Duk Mi from the cruel world that keeps punching her in the face...literally. That most of those cute romantic scenes I watched on instagram weren't even "real."
I think this drama had a lot of different drama tropes that made it extremely obvious. It had the random "small world" trope where they had met each other before as kids, but don't remember (and the audience doesn't truly realize until the last few eps of the drama, unless you watch the flashbacks closely). This drama also reminded me of Weightlifting Fairy (Ryan as Kim Bok Joo and Duk Mi as Jung Joon Hyeong). We have Joon Hyeong's character helping Bok Joo's character throughout the drama helping them learn to love themselves as well as find their true self, and then in the last few eps, we get a whole new plot (My Mr Mermaid was also like this - random) with no background information from the previous eps to lead into it, where Joon Hyeong finds out something that literally tears their world apart. I think that is why I liked Duk Mi. Her character was very positive, that it came out a little ditsy, but it was almost like her superpower. She didn't need to do extravagant things to help Ryan with his identity crisis, just being around one another seemed to brighten up their days.
I think my favorite part of this whole drama was the romance between Ryan and Duk Mi. Even though it was a little tiresome in the beginning, and I was totally team Nam Eun Gi, once they got together it was super sweet. It reminded me of my all time favorite cdrama, Love O2O. - once they were together, they refused to get one another go. Given they didn't really have major issues that affected their relationship, but it reminded me of Nai and Wei Wei's relationship where they had complete faith in one another and tag teamed each other's problems. My favorite thing was the little journey they both had when they were falling in love with one another. I think my absolute favorite part (besides Ryan going to a fan event to see Duk Mi's alter ego and falling in love with this side of her) was when they went on a overnight business trip and Ryan got to know Duk Mi, the photographer. He realizes that she isn't this helpless curator who takes the bullet for everything, but a strong artist who knows who she is as a person and no one can take that away from her. Ryan's character was irritating at first - just because you have an identity crisis 3 year prior doesn't give you the right to treat people poorly. Typical trope. But I guess he isn't as bad as some other characters. What confused me was when him and Duk Mi started officially dating, his character COMPLETELY changed where I thought I was watching a different drama. Like even when him and Duk Mi were fake dating, but falling for one another, they didn't act like when they started to officially date. I guess once you have a confession, you start to act differently? You cold and serious demeanor turns to one of a high school boy experiencing first love for the first time?
BUT! I will say, I actually loved Ryan Gold's character more than I liked Duk Mi. I think it might have come from watching her in Sec Kim, but I didn't believe her feelings for Ryan one but. I think Ryan loved her more than she liked him. Maybe it is because I have nothing to compare him with, with his other works, but I don't think it would have mattered. I think this drama was so PG cookie cutter that it shouldn't be compared to the passion in Sec Kim.
Overall, I am happy I finally got to see this drama, but I think I over-hyped it for myself. I loved Ryan Gold, loved Nam Eun Gi as well as felt extremely bad for him for realizing his feelings late, and was shook by Cha Shi An. Which was another decent surprise from this drama. I thought Cha Shi An was super cute (like a kid brother) and wanted to see if he was an idol in real life....to find out that Shi An is played by ONE...one of my favorite artists back in November.
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SO GOOD.
AHHHH omg i loved this watch it kept watchers hooked without having to use stupid plotlines or meaningless drama. I'll say my favorite part of this drama was the fact that the guy was emotionally available and put his problems on the table for the female lead and she was there as a great supportMany times it is the opposite and the female is expected to support him through everything no matter how annoying he really is
0///0 10/10 watch loved the art elements in this drama as well im so glad i gave it a chance i couldn't stop watching also this drama featured a lot of English words and sayings it interesting to see the linguistic change in Korean language and media
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The Struggle of Balancing Work Romance and being a KPOP FAN
I was curious to watch this drama because first of all im a kpop fanboy im a blink (Blackpink fandom) so i want to know how this drama will go. So after watching this i was amazed about the plot because Sung Dukmi (Park min young) is struggling to balance her being a curator and fangirling (kpop fan rather heheheh) as well her lovelife with Ryan Gold (Kim Jae wook). She wants her pivate life which is being a fangirl from a kpop boy group being hidden to everybody so that no one can humiliate her or say gossip about her so i can relate to that, becuase i as a fanboy gives wrong impressions to kpop fans like the media said that we are always obsessed to our idols also stalking them so much that can destroy the reputations of ther idols but not all people are like that, just some of them. I was amazed about the acting of all the actors its really SUPERB hands down, especially i have a crush on Ahn Bo Hyun even though his still a second lead syndrome i still like his acting and also hes so cute i want to have him lmao. I like the chemistry of the two leads very natural and have perfect execution. I like also the comedy side its really funny not gonna lie, the production its ok and the OST and BGM is really great i love it. Very highly recommended whos a kpop fan like me hehehehe…Was this review helpful to you?
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cropn's review - SPOILERS AHEAD -
Currently I am rewatching this drama, which says a lot!This drama I was very interested in considering the title and bio it gave off Netflix, and I decided to watch it. Not only did this drama gave me a great show that I have watched, but also new music! Snapshot by IN2IT has become one of my favorite songs and I wouldn't of found it if it haven't been for this drama.
The characters convey emotions so beautifully that I enjoy watching it without getting cringed or second-hand embarrassment... which says a lot. Their chemistry with each other and how well kept the storyline is, 10/10.
Having that scandal of being the girlfriend of an idol but in reality it was nothing near it, was heart throbbing to watch. I could tell jealousy was being a lingering factor around Ryan and how Deok-mi wasn't actually dating her best friend was shocking but relieving in some sort of way to Ryan.
Deok-mi's character was the perfect role for Min-young. She plays this role so beautifully and very smoothly, unlike other dramas I have watched. It's not forced nor is it unnatural. Ryan's character was also played very well by Jae-wook. He has the mannerisms, looks, and overall attitude for Ryan in a very comforting way.
This drama was amazing to watch and I cannot wait to finish it for the second or third time again. :)
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i personally haven't watched park minyoung's previous dramas, but based on what i've heard, she has great chemistry with every male lead. definitely, ''her private life'' is an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING demonstration of that. after watching this drama you will probably stop wishing for her to marry park seojoon. hello???? KIM JAE WOOK!!!! i'm completely in love with him, and as someone who wants him to be happy, i have to say that miss park is just perfect for him.
now speaking seriously, both actings were just incredible, i'm truly happy kim jaewook will get more recognition after this drama. and you know, park minyoung is already... well PARK MINYOUNG! <3
the support cast was great for me, specially seon joo (i loved the way they showed her relationship with her husband and their kid was SOOOOO cute). i would describe eun gi as support as well, even tough he is casted as second lead.
one thing i can't complain about this drama is the marvelous soundtrack: smile again, help me, floating, maybe... i just love it
BUT. the end (it wasn't bad, but it could've been MUCH better). and all that unnecessary dramatic plot. jesus what was that? i mean, it's like the writers were kind of ashemed of a writing a chessy cute love story and then they thought ''hmmm, i need to add some drama here so it won't look so silly''. well i'm not aggainst that, i personally love to cry over a love story, but no one will cry over that LOL. i wouldn't complain if there were no drama at all (and that would've been better), because after all it's a ROMANTIC COMEDY. if i want some dramatic plot i can watch a drama like mother or my ahjussi. goblin will do too.
after a while the show also stop focusing on her being a fangirl, and well, wasn't that the whole deal?
anyway, as i said, the superb chemistry between park minyoung and kim jaewook saved the whole thing. i would rewatch this drama only for that. but, i would rather look for a good chemistry in a drama i haven't already watched.
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amazing!
if i can be honest, this is one of the most heartwarming and heads down rom-com drama that i have watched.throughout the whole series, i have absolutely loved the chemistry between the main leads. the patience, no misunderstandings, being there for each other and THE COMMUNICATION!! i was so invested in their relationship, the telling of the lovestory between deok mi and ryan gold was absolutely amazing. i loved it from the start to the end and the fact that ryan did not have a problem with deok mi being a fangirl of cha warmed my heart. if i’m honest, i want somebody like that in my life who no matter what accepts me for what i like and doesn’t mind me sharing my excitement with others.
while this is a warm and fuzzy drama, i wish that at the same time, that cha sha in was able to find out who “sha in is my life” was. though, i feel that it was best to keep deok mi’s secret behind closed doors without cha sha in having to find out that his brother’s girlfriend was running a fansite because she was a fan of him, which
would make him laugh for sure.
i have also wished that there was more backstory behind most of the characters, side characters, and people who had continued to carry this story in and out throughout the end. i felt that the disclosure of pain and sad thoughts had taken up most of the few of the last episodes. i wish that they would have balanced a bit of these in between each episode as it had killed off the mood of both comedy and also funny moments.
though i’m am happy that ryan was able to find his disclosure in the misunderstandings of him being “abandoned” and instead, find that he was the boy who was loved by many and including his mother. i’m also happy that deok mi was able to also lift the burdening that her mother had carried for a long time when her family had been in the dark with the death of her younger brother deok soo. she was only young when she was in an accident, it must’ve been really hard as an adult version of her now to take in the pain.
overall, i’d say that i am fond of this drama and i really do recommend! if you are looking for a heartwarming, no misunderstood, no breakup, just a fuzzy and warm couple that are both mature and aware of the patience with one another then i definitely recommend “her private life.” this drama travels around the world of art, family, connections with friendship and the power of love and finding the answers that both leads have been wondering for so long. <3
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Sung Duk Mi is workaholic, sweet, straightforward. She has another side, she is a super fangirl of a pop star, but that doesn't mean she is immature or an obsessive kind of fan. She is a mature woman who supports & loves her idol.
Ryan Gold is a painter who is unable to paint because of his past. He is hot-tempered, arrogant, but if he is wrong he isn’t ashamed to apologize.
I want friends like Seong Ju.
Sung Duk Mi mother is obsessed with knitting & father collecting rocks.
Love Sung Duk Mi & Nam Eun Gir relationship. Their Tom & Jerry fight.
It’s sweet how Ryan Gold helped Sung Duk Mi with her fangirling while she had no knowledge of it.
Everyone's reaction when Sung Duk Mi said that Ryan Gold was a selfish jerk.
I was disappointed when Choi Da In didn't get to know till the end that Sung Duk Mi is his biggest fan.
Celebrities are also human beings, they also have a right to be in a relationship. In Hollywood, it’s okay to date, but I think in K & C industry, fans treat them as gods, which is too much. They also have a right to be in a relationship & be with someone who can make them happy & make them comfortable.
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I also thought in the beginning that this drama going the route of “Touch your Heart” (nice cast, but a bit too silly and simple plot for their skill set). Luckily, as show progressed, it re-gained its seriousness and deepness (for this kind of rom com).
Characters are believable, and fangirling later doesn’t overkill it, just adds sweet and funny notes to the show. I really appreciate that Ryan, while being an artist, is very down to earth - I expected the script writers to make him more irrational for the sake of drama, yet he is always calm, transparent, no unnecessary escalation kind of guy. And Deok Mi’s elegance and beautiful smile - it’s impossible not to smile while watching her.
I also appreciate occasional conversations on art and life (“Things I believed were inevitable however turned out to be coincidence. I thought it was a coincidence, but it turned out to be an inevitability.”)
And well, as everyone already pointed out - the leads are perhaps the hottest couple in Korean drama so far, with amazing chemistry, and oh my these kisses (let’s hope the trend continues for another 6 episodes :) )
UPDATE episode 10 is the most romantic and sweet episode I’ve ever watched in romcoms so far. Can be easily put on a continuous repeat on a gloomy day :)
“Maybe” and “Story of Us” are such beautiful songs, very romantic and touching. Simply vow.
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This review may contain spoilers
Wow i alredy mis them ❤️❤️ I really love this story.. not even bit boring i watched it within 2 days.. actually hardly my smile or sad face go away while i watched this.. this show completely grab me i reallu love it i couldnt give whole stars becoze there r some resons...first reason is there r some jokes too much silly like deok mi s imaginations itz ok that she enterd to imagine world to say hi to her followers but when she chat with rayan, rayan's face paint like lion it is too silly so i can not stand it.. and of coze other one is cindys mom too much silly chracter.. i really dont like her part..
2nd reson is** i really hoped trueth will discovered** 1st truth that shin ah will find deok me is the 'shin ah my life' ? but it never happen so i dessapointed.. and i thought they will say about shin ah and rayan are real brothers it also did not happend ?????
So becoz of this things i have to cut half star ?
As for cast they really did good job and they never let us feel boring.. even small characters did freat job.. actually i like rayan when he smile but not his huge smile with shown teeth ? i love his littel smile...
deok me is great actress but i dont kbow why i dont like her..
And shin ah oh my god i can't believe i did not catch his cuteness in 'korean odyssey' he is really cute ??
Overall great drama
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A romance with level-headed lead characters! WOW
Anyone who has watched enough romance dramas knows that the main couple usually has a disagreement at some point during the series that could be easily resolved with a little bit of communication. For me, this can ruin an otherwise perfectly good show. We all know they're doing it to give themselves another episode or two of conflict before they let the leads settle down and be happy, and I usually find it more annoying than anything else.The best thing about Her Private Life is that the leads act like real adults the whole time. It is so refreshing to see in a show that is otherwise your run-of-the-mill romance drama. Yes, there are quite a few of the usual tropes in this one (contract "marriage"? secret identity? Heck yeah!), but without the annoying misunderstanding ploy to throw a wrench in things, I could find it fun and not contrived and irritating. The leads talk through their problems, guys. It's amazing.
Also, you can't miss the chemistry of the leads here. Like, wooooow. There are no overtly sexy scenes, but again, adults behaving like adults. I am buying whatever Kim Jae Wook is selling, let me tell you.
There are some lows, and they, predictably enough, come at the end once our leads are together (and not arguing, because, you know, they're adults). They clearly felt like they needed to spice up the script with some more tired drama tropes to drag us to the end. You should be able to see what's coming if you've been paying attention, but you might not like it. The bright side of this attempt at creating drama is that both of our leads are still both perfectly level headed while the script is flinging stupid shit at them, so even while I hated it, I kinda loved it. In a different show, that would have been at least four episodes of plot.
Honestly, I might recommend skipping episode 15 and just watching 16 to get the wrap up episode, if you feel like you need it. You could even stop at 14, but then you'd miss the steamy makeout session at the very end, and isn't that part of the reason you're watching this show?
Basically, if you are an adult and you're looking for a fun romance drama that won't irritate you because the entire plot wouldn't exist if the main leads just got their shit together, pick this one. It is everything you want and not too much of what you don't.
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