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This drama was kind of special. I really liked the plot because there were many unpredictable situations (that is what I like about dramas) and especially, I loved the situational humour. In one episode, there was one scene which was so hilarious that I was literally rolling on the floor laughing. I haven't laughed like that for a long time.
I really liked the main female character because she was strong and even though I would probably hate this type of person in the real life (very bad policewoman), I came to really like her. On the other hand, I didn't like the main male character, I prefered the second one, which happens very rarely.
I am a big fan of soundtracks so the music here was quite disappointing but to be honest I din't pay much attention to it as I usually do, as I was more concentrated on the funny side of the story.
This is definitely one of the most hilarious series I have watched so go and watch because it's worth your time!
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Work and (love) life of secret agents
This is the third time I've watched Call of the Country and it still delivers what I asked for, good laughs & action scenes, with insights in human characters & relationships. This show is not just another office romance, character development, redemption drama, or detective story, it's all in one, the Korean comedy-version of the successful BBC series Spooks/MI5.Summary
The main story is about the rookie police officer Oh Ha Na who accidentally interrupts a secret operation of special agent Go Jin Hyuk. Team leader Go has a perfect elite background, he's a stickler for the rules unlike his older boss who's more a people manager. At first Go Jin Hyuk dislikes Miss Oh for disturbing his actions, even thinking she's a snitch who works for the highest bidder in the mafia, but soon he learns she's an original with a good heart, some one he could use in his team. From day one working together it doesn't take long to develop romantic feelings for each other. All goes well until Go's former girlfriend returns to his team, rekindling their unfinished business. The second story is about the developing relationship between Oh Ha Na and a chaebol heir who's dabbling in art trade apparently using his work as a cover for drugs trade. She's working undercover as his secretary, gaining evidence for his arrest.
The Good
I love the dynamics between the main couple. Oh Ha Na seems silly and rash at first sight, but she's more serious than people think, and easily hurt as well. Go Jin Hyuk seems Mr. Perfect but happens to be stiff and unfeeling some times not easily relating to less perfect humans . Also the story about the narcissistic son of a chaebol leader who develops feelings for his secretary, is an entertaining romcom on its own.
The Bad
Personally I don't have anything against this show, but I understand why people complain about the "second lead syndrome" here. The love of the second male develops gradually, taking more episodes, and his interaction with Oh Ha Na is shown more physically. The main leads don't get much screen time for their love scenes. Their love is more talked about than shown, if only in cat fighting scenes between the former girlfriend and Oh Ha Na, making their love more funny and cheesy.
The Verdict
If you don't mind that romance is less important than comedy, and if you like watching series about the work and (love) life of workers in secret service , this is for you. Made almost ten years ago, this show is still very entertaining.
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If you are looking for something intense, bloody revenge or emotional roller coaster –it’s not here.
There is no distressing drama, no mix genre: it’s a classic detective (or spy) comedy with a small, sweet romance without tragedy (“Fiery Priest” is also criminal comedy, but heavy, with tragedy in every episode, and I watch it with fear. “Call of the Country” is a nice change after my dark dramas of 2018).
The acting is great, especially female lead- the cop girl (excellent played by Lee Soo Kyung) is amazing. She is clever, brave, charming and funny. I can’t remember if I’ve seen so good written, NOT annoying heroine.
Has the cop girl a better chemistry with the second lead? No way, the main lead – NIS agent (very well played by Kim Sang Kyung) – is an opposite to her, because he is grumpy, stiff, and everything does by book. They have great interactions, dynamic dialogues and funny misunderstandings. The most interesting is how he tries to keep pace with her. He is forced to do unusually, ridiculous things that even he didn’t think about.
There are also some hilarious scenes and the spies’ family is the funniest idea ever!
If you want to lighten the grim mood or have a funny time I recommend this drama. At present there are some comedy dramas, but most of them are not light – they show serious problems, tragedy in the past and scriptwriters often break viewer’s heart. Then watch this drama and forget about the hardships of life.
It’s a good drama, well directed and well written, it deserves for 8,5 but I enjoy it much, because of the female lead, so I give 10/10.
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Kim Sang-kyung just feels miscast here. He doesn't seem to suit the role to me. My all time favorite Korean movie is 'Memories of Murder' and he is great in that. I've seen him in a couple other movies too, and maybe I shouldn't be so quick to judge since this is the only drama I've watched him in, but I think there are actors more suited for movies, while there are those more suited for tv shows/dramas, and to me he is much more suited for films. He was awkward here, had zero chemistry with Lee Soo-kyung, and even had moments of overacting.
Lee Soo-kyung on the other hand was fantastic. She was super funny and charismatic. It's funny how despicable she is near the start, and yet she changes her character throughout the drama so smoothly, that it doesn't even click till the end how effortlessly and natural she made it seem. That's how good she was.
Ryu Jin was super charming throughout the drama. Even as a straight male, I couldn't help but fall for the guy, ha ha. He was hilarious, and pitiful to the end. I just really don't get what they did with the roles here. So many of the interactions with Lee Soo-kyung's character is often what you would see between the two leads in many other dramas. I usually always find the role of secondary male lead to either be really annoying or even hate with a strong passion (Goong, grrr I had to put a sock in my mouth when watching that show), but that's a strength of the story. It's what a drama is supposed to do, so you feel more of a connection with the leads, but this one pulled the opposite and I just don't get it. And the ending is really quite frustrating for his character, as it seems unjustified.
Horan did quite a good job here for being her only real acting role she has ever had. I wonder why she never took on roles again. Big Clazziquai fan and she is partly the reason I took on this drama. Her character is grating at times, like it should be, that's her job. A little quirky and cheesy in a couple scenes, but nothing big. Overall, I definitely give her a thumbs up for doing quite well in the role.
The supporting characters are fun too, especially the old guys. It's definitely a funny drama no doubt. Some pretty good witty lines here and there too. The story and many scenes have their stupidity flaws, but that's typical for the comedic type dramas.
Overall, worth it for the comedy and interactions especially of Lee Soo-kyung and Ryu Jin, but the roles are flawed when it comes to the fundamentals of good kdrama. I strolled through the last episode not really caring and just wanting it to end, because I knew how it would end and I was setup for disappointment a good midway through this drama.
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