This review may contain spoilers
Much more than a romance.I must admit that at first I was taken aback in watching this show. I tried one time but ended skipping through the first episode then dropping to watch others. Now I look at myself and think: "Was I crazy that time?". Because that's the only explanation I can think of to skip such a great drama.
Queen In Hyun's Man is original, touching and pretty much everything you want in a drama. There's obviously romance and some comedy, but the plot is much more than your average rom-com, which is pretty refreshing if you ask me. This drama took a path that both surprised and amused me, if it were done in another way I think it could end up as being just another "meh" drama out there.
I really liked how they dealt with the whole time traveling plot, instead of going for the obvious and transporting the MC to the future then trying to go back, they used it not as a mere plot starter, but the main reason to keep it moving. Very clever of them because it allows us not only to watch a modern day drama, but a Joseon era one as well. Two in one.
In regards of acting and characters I have to say Yoo In Na impressed me on this one. The last drama I watched with her, her character/acting didn't impress me at all(just so you know I'm talking about You Who Came From The Stars). But here she shows a very different side of her, playing one of the most unique female leads. Finally a girl who takes the initiative here!! Obviously she wasn't all that perfect, but I think it was just that that made her so watchable and refreshing. Also, In Na finally gained her own 300+ hot scholar haha
Another one that impressed me was Ji Hyun Woo. I liked him in Angry Mom but he was far from one of my favorite actors, now that I watched this drama he suddenly became an actor I'd like to watch more. Not only he is good at acting, but he is great eye candy (which, let's be honest, is a huge plus when we are watching a drama)
I liked the music as well. It was good and not too over the top, bringing feels to the romantic moments, fun to the comedic ones and sadness to the sad ones. It was competent yet far from perfect.
Maybe my only complaint is in regards to the end. Beware of some mild *spoilers* ahead!!
It could've ended earlier actually, giving perfect closure and a heartwarming finishing moment. Actually for a minute I thought that it was the actual ending, but then I saw that it had more episodes. Not that the actual ending was that terrible, it had some loose ends and lack of logic, but it was satisfying for those who favor happier, sugary endings.
But since I'm not afraid of more tragic ones, I felt that the solution to it all felt a little...strange. Also, it would be even more epic if it ended more tragically, leaving an even better impression on me. However I see that the writers decided to go for the easier/lighter path...or else the ending could be even more hated/contested. What really bugged me though was why they had to continue even though everything was pretty much solved.
That way they could've avoided the possibility of a tragic ending and fulfill the need for a happy one.
If it was any other drama, I would've given at least a 8 or 8.5, but I can overlook my dissatisfaction with those tiny things and give a solid 9.
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Story
I have to say, it started off a bit slow- but don't worry since it doesnt last long. This drama is hysterically funny and never a dull moment! This drama perfectly blends both historical and modern dramas together as a man from the past teleports 300 years to the future. The concept of teleporting from the past to the future isn't uncommon so I wasn't expecting too much, but this drama was unique in its own aspect.
The Good
Oh boy- the characters are truly unbelievable- in a good way. Boong Dong and Hee Jin's chemistry with each other are literally off the charts (if you watched the behind the scenes, you could feel their spark smacking you in the face through your monitor). They're super adorable together and its hilarious. What I really love about their characters was especially near the end of the drama where these two characters literally broke my heart as I cried with them.
Boong Dong is amazing- his portrayal of his dedication to the Queen and to Hee Jin is envious as you truly can believe that he sincerely loved Hee Jin with all his heart. Oh man, Hee Jin is one of the best criers out there- BUT only when she's full out breaking down kind of sobbing. By this, I mean that Yoo In Na is sincerely the most realistic person who can full out melt-down crying ever, however I'm not particularly fond of her cries when they're more like sniffles or soft sobs.
Hee Jin's best friend was hilarious at the beginning as she seriously reminded me of my own best friend. Their friendship was truly believable and even when she wasn't a good friend. I started to find her irritating near the end for her choices but as her best friend- her actions were quite realistic so I cant help but give kudos to Choi Woo Ri for her acting.
The Bad
Honestly, there wasn't much that I had to complain about, my only main issue I had with this drama is the pacing. Nearing the middle and end of the drama, it got a bit draggy and i found myself skipping some parts slightly. Also- the romance. When you're in love, it's cute. It's understandable that when your lover goes away- you will cry, however Hee Jin was taking it a bit too far and literally became useless when her love of her life left her. She became an emotional wreck and it had irritated me because she literally could not do anything without the presence of Boong Dong.
The OST was beautiful and fitting for a romance drama. The music had a good mix so it didn't feel like the same songs were playing over and over again.
Overall? I really enjoyed this drama and would definitely rewatch it if I crave for a good rom-com drama that would make me tear up!
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This review may contain spoilers
I mean this story is crazy!Good points:
- Beautiful actors (lol), cute Hae Jin and Boong Do is totally a "player".
- The story isn't too heavy, but not too simple as well.
- The last episode was so sad (OK might be weird to someone who watched it but to me it's sad).
- Perfect chemistry, a lot of romantics.
- Good timing. It's short, 50 mins per ep and only 16 eps.
- It keeps me stay the night (I mean it's really interesting I can stay up till 2:00 AM to watch it through)
Shame points: (Contains a little spoiler)
- How the hell could Boong Do receive the call? (In the last episode) I know it was a melodrama afterall but at least it has to be explained. I don't just accept facts though, I want to know how the facts come.
Overall: I freaking enjoyed it. This is a drama that I can keep my patience.
Bonus comment:
If you haven't watched Rooftop Prince, I recommend you to watch it.
I know I shouldn't compare these two, but the first thing I have to say is both have the same style of storyline but Rooftop Prince is a bit heavier while Queen In Hyun's Man has a more perfect couple.
(Maybe because I didn't like the ending of Rooftop Prince...)
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Choi Hee Jin is an aspiring actress, known only for dating Han Dong Min, a famous actor. To get her back, Dong MIn asks the director of a drama he is working on to cast Hee Jin as the main actress, and that´s how she gets her first significant role.
I didn't make a big deal out of Hee Jin's personality - she lets people attack her too easily. There are scenes when someone throws a flower arrangement on her face or slaps her, and she just stands there, reactionless. I know it may be shocking, but momma always told me to not take insults. The character, as well as the actress that plays her, is charismatic, making everyone swoon for her with her sweet and kind gestures - a little bit too much, even. The fact that she complies with everything people do to her annoyed me the entire drama.
The male lead is Kim Boong Do, played by actor Ji Hyun Woo, known for "Trot Lovers", "Angry Mom" and "Risky Romance". Playing Kim Boong Do is what started his acting career since he used to be a guitarist on a k-indie band before that. I didn't know him, and I was utterly astonished by his ability to show every single side of Kim Boong Do's personality - and believe me when I say they are many.
Kim Boong Do is a highly respected government officer, son to a wealthy family - of the Joseon Dynasty. Boong Do is given a talisman by a friend to protect him. The magical object takes him 300 years into the future every time his life is in danger. For being an honest officer and someone close to Queen In Hyun, a lot - A LOT - of people try to kill him during the series' sixteen episodes.
The emotional depth of this character surprised me. In Na's character is so simple, so "childish", that I didn't expect at all the mysteries found deep in Kim Boong Do's personality. In fifteen minutes, Hyun Woo is capable of showing anger, love, fun and then curiosity, not leaving any room for misunderstanding between the reactions of his character. I was very excited to see his acting and, today, I am definitely one of his fans.
This times friendzone is Han Dong Min, Choi Hee Jin's ex-boyfriend. Played by actor Kim Ji Woo - known for his roles in "The Birth of a Family", "Can't Take It Anymore" and "The Return of Hwang Geum-bok". I got to know about him through "Reunited Worlds", and found his acting skill extraordinary - it really made me fall in love with and then hate the same character; I find amazing those actors who can make our opinion about a character change drastically during the drama or movie.
I said above that Han Dong Min is the one who casts Hee Jin as Queen In Hyun to try and win her over, and here is where I explain it. Dong Min is a successful actor and, therefore, has an ego that reaches the moon and back. He thinks highly of himself and doubts the existence of any woman he can't make fall in love with him, and that's the only reason he wants Hee Jin back.
Dong Min is excessively childish. He wants everything to be his way, and if it doesn't happen, then he doesn't want it at all. Eventually, he fights with hee Jin and asks the writers to kill off her character so he doesn't have to act alongside her anymore - honey, the one who cast her was you! He throws several tantrums, getting in the way of Hee Jin's life in a bunch of situations and refuses to believe she is dating Kim Boong Do and not him. I got angry at him from the first second to the last. I don't think the character had any evolution - besides the amount of embarrassment he went through as the episodes went by.
The female secondary lead is Jo Soo Kyung, Hee Jin's best friend/manager, portrayed by actress Ga Deuk Hi, known for her roles in "Queen of Reversals", "Can't Live Without You" and "My Sweet Family". I didn't know her either, but I have entirely no opinion when it comes to her acting skills - I hated the character during the whole thing.
Soo Kyung, to me, managed to be a snake throughout all episodes. Instead of helping Hee Jin go through all the hardships involving Boong Do's time-travelling, she merely calls her friend crazy and sends her to see a shrink. She also thinks Hee Jin should get back together with Dong Min at any costs because for her the only thing that matters is Hee Jin's partner's social status, not who the person actually is.
I can't think of a single action that she took out of love for Hee Jin during the whole story. She even thinks about quitting during one of Hee jin's most difficult moments. I found Soo Kyung a completely selfish scumbag, false and heartless. I couldn't like her at all.
The male secondary lead is Chun Soo, Han Dong Min friend/manager, played by Jo Dal Hwan - known by "The Undateables", "Whisper" and "My Sweet Family". I can't actually pinpoint anything regarding his acting skills because he didn't appear much, honestly.
The only thing I can really say I liked about his character is that many times he scolds Han Dong Min when the latter does something shitty. Other than that, the actor didn't appear enough for me to have an opinion.
From 0 to 10, I would give a remarkable 10 to this drama. Of course, I found some scenes unnecessary, but that happens in every show. After forcing myself to watch it, I didn't leave the seat in front of my computer for the next two days - yeah, I finished a 16-episode drama in two days.
The romance starts out of nowhere, but I found the story extremely well written, interesting, well developed and captivating. Apart from all the scenes involving Dong Min, the rest kept me lingering fascinatingly.
I wouldn't recommend this drama if you're sad - at least, do not get to the final episodes. They are torture, and every ending is more shocking than the one before. I kept crying and with my breath unsteady until literally the last minute of the previous episode, starting from chapter 9. For people who want to watch a historical drama but don't actually have patience with the standard ones, this is really cool - it shows South Korea's past at the same time keeping it interesting thanks to its connection with the modern world.
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I am now looking for my next fix, but after this I honestly am gunna be on a bit of an emotional come down.
On the other hand, while there are episodes that make you almost cry laughter, the comedy aspect of it is very low-medium with bursts dotted throughout.
The relationship between the leads is indeed beautiful, what starts as a chance meeting blossoms into something beautiful, and the sheer intensity of Kims feelings for Hui are amazing to behold that he would risk so much.
If there is anything out there like this in the world I want to watch it.
This is show you should truly not miss.
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I expected so much more from this show! While the acting and the chemistry between the lead pair is very good, it falls flat on so many levels. The character of Kim Boong Do is funny and different, but Hee Jin is just a pretty girl. However, I am a fan of Yoo In Na so I found her adorable. Even Ji Hyun Woo is pretty impressive as an actor. He carried out both the Joseon era and the modern avatar very well at the same time. So that was probably the best thing about the show.
However, at times it seemed too clumsy. The Joseon settings weren't that impressive and there were so many plotholes in the story. While the last episode was difficult to stand, the episodes between 10-15 were simply brilliant. I was very impressed by the executed sub plots within these episodes. But the last one was simply atrocious. I would like to pretend that it didn't exist. It hardly served any purpose and the way he comes back passed as laughable. The story had set me with soaring expectations with the way it was being written until the very end. See- writing a good story is only successful when the ending is just as good as rest of the show. In this case, the hilarity of the last episode ruins the show for me. I would have rated it much higher if they had ended it just as well as they had set me up for. Also, I feel frustrated that all my questions weren't answered until the end. With the constant time shifts, the writers tried to leave out some things unresolved.
So, its rewatch value is very low. I am probably never going to watch this show again entirely. Only good parts were those between In Na and Hyun Woo because they were so adorable together. But I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys cute romance because this show has plenty of that and it does feel fresh compared to other dramas.
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The idea of Gim Bong Do constant traveling through time is quiet interesting. Every episode is worth watching. You don't want to miss even one.
I was hesitant to watch this drama because of unfamiliar lead actor. However, Ji-Hyun Woo has capture my heart with his charm. His not those typical pretty boy K-pop. He has his own way of capturing his audience.
Same goes to lead actress. She's so cute despite her age. The whole plot and casting is just amazing.
The music is just perfect. I recommend you to watch this. You wont regret it.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama is nice and lighthearted and nothing more. That’s one really easy way to describe this. It has a nice story and good acting . This drama makes you feel nice and warm and fuzzy inside. If there was one thing I would change it would be too make the drama more compelling as sometimes it being lighthearted makes the drama a little boring at some points. The acting is nice and sweet, the story is interesting. However, in some areas this drama falls short. I would definitely recommend this drama to you if you want a drama that will not fail you! Was this review helpful to you?
This story reminded me of Rooftop prince which I also loved, with a time travelling lead from the joseon dynasty however in this drama he can go back an forth. And I loved how different the lead couples personalities were, but they still fell for each other.
I'd definitely recommend this to anyone who loved rooftop prince or even anyone who wanted to start getting in to the historical dramas.
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