definitely unique, unconventional, but problematic
an actually heartfelt, adorable and unconventional drama with unconvential plots, settings and characters. nicely produced with good music and generally such a feel good. its a shame it was laced with controversy and genuinely problematic plot details. however, must applaud the genuinely different approach to story telling and all the unique social issues addressed. would have been a 10/10 for uniqueness, definitely not like the average or traditional kdrama. good acting and portrayal of genuinely unique characters, and lovely production with the cartoon-ic feel to it, much like youre reading a webtoon. actually lovely if not for the controversy and problematic instances. 11/10 for trying something unique.Was this review helpful to you?
Perfectly acted by all. Kim Yoo Jung is head-to-toe perfection. What a face!
I have a doctorate in English and have also taught film at a couple of universities. I've been watching K-dramas for years now and without question the acting in Backstreet Rookie is phenomenal, and the story is often very funny, exciting (cool fight action scenes), emotionally meaningful (sad and deep moments), and visually stunning (the female lead, Kim Yoo Jung, is the most beautiful face in K-drama and a head-to-toe goddess, and the actresses who play Yeon Yoo (K-pop idol from the group SECRET) and Eunbyul (K-pop idol from Laboum) are also superb visuals. The actress who plays Yeon Yoo is also a first rate actress. The phenomenal actress who plays Saetbyul's best friend is a hilarious scene stealer, as is the actor who plays Daehyun's "Reggae" friend. This K-drama manages to be very romantic without being sexual. Up to episode 10, there was only one kiss in episode 1 and another in episode 9, yet I'm really interested in the romance of the leads. I think people who've experienced the webtoon should simply enjoy this K-drama for what it is: its own separate creation. I've noticed people who've seen the webtoon first sometimes negatively (and I think unfairly) critique this wonderful K-drama incarnation, not properly understanding that any film adaptation is free to differ from its original source, since it is a separate artistic creation. I would imagine people who see the K-drama first would probably be disappointed with the differences in the webtoon as well, and that would be unfair to the webtoon. Just enjoy this wonderful drama on its own merits. Again, the acting is absolutely first rate, and each episode advances the story splendidly. After the latest episode, the story is getting even more involved. Love the older actors who play Daehyun's parents as well. But the real star in this K-drama is the gorgeous Kim Yoo Jung, Saetbyul, who has grown up from the most adorable child actress to a stunning "off the charts" adult Korean goddess. She has that same "grip" Catherine Zeta Jones had in "The Mask of Zorro", where you just smile whenever she smiles, and find yourself falling in love with her like a silly teenager again, no matter what your age. And what a talented actress! Everything is done perfectly!!!Was this review helpful to you?
Good drama
Good drama feel good watching it .it has good feel to it and I will be beautiful voice of the world is one of the world is one of the world is one lucky enough is one thing I have been hiding in his own and family and I am saying he is not that I can get the best of luck in the same situation and family and friends and family welfare and family welfare and development of the world and friends to be a good time for the past few months I think it will be beautiful but i really can't wait either of those who is the one I think it is a good time to explore and friends with the direction of you IWas this review helpful to you?
Good Enough
" Backstreet Rookie " is an okay drama.One should watch it keeping in mind that this is more of a comedy and light-superficial drama, as well as that there were some controversies when it came to some scenes or plotlines. That said, most of the drama was a fun ride. The two main characters were interesting and the leads had chemistry, even though the romance was boring and it didn't have the traditional road.
The side characters were entertaining as well. As for the family drama, it was just enough to keep things interesting for a while. The whole vibes of the drama, in addition, with the action scenes, the webtoon refrences and the colourful background were all a nice touch and were handled masterfully.
However, the final episodes were draggy and boring, not to mention predictable. The whole drama with the ex was just overused after a while.
So, overall, five out of ten.
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Story:
Since the beginning, it feels like the plot is trying to build up to something. And like the fool that I am, I really thought there was going to be some sort of big revelation. Yet the story falls flat. 6 episodes in, it looked like the plot was finally going to pick up, but those expectations were met with disappointment. The story simply relies on slapstick humour and references. However, I must say that the drama was enjoyable enough for me to watch the entirety of it. This goes without saying that this is probably a personal preference. For others, this kind of plot might be highly entertaining,
Acting/Cast:
My favourite character is without doubt Jung Saet Byul. Despite how young Kim Yoo Jung is, she displays some phenomenal acting and transmits emotions like no other character in this drama. Strong female lead but soft on the inside, she will capture your heart and shake it like crazy. In terms of the character played by Ji Chan Wook... I have to confess that I have never seen a drama with him before, but from what I've seen in this one, he hasn't left a strong impression on me. Perhaps it's because the character is underdeveloped or relies simply on his looks, but I simply could not connect with Choi Dae Hyun. Regarding the character of Yeon Joo...had I not known Han Sun Hwa used to be an idol, I would have genuinely believed she has been in this acting game for some time now. All the emotions and feelings this character encompasses, she delivered perfectly. I mean, she even made me hate her.
There is nothing else to say about this drama. It simply did not meet my expectations and all the hype it was building up to. It was a victim to an underdeveloped script and questionable character choices, which can understandably put many people off from watching it. A shame that a plot with so much potential ended up being a hollow-bunny.
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If you want a light drama, that would make you laugh and be inspired at the same time, this is the best series for you. The story was simple. It was not the usual K-drama full of twists and turns, rather it shows the authenticity of life. It shows that life is not easy, but we must go on and live to the fullest. It also shows the different values of various people based on how they grew up.
Jung Saet-byul and Choi-Dae hyun are both admirable characters. Saet-byul, though a reckless and troublesome teenager before, grew up to be an independent and hardworking lady. She perseveres and always puts others first before herself. She puts actions into words and knows what she’s fighting for, despite being at the disadvantage. On the other hand, Dae-hyun is the embodiment of a good person, trying to make ends meet. He is very honest, handsome, humble, and a good son to his parents. Despite, being virtuous and handsome, he lacks the confidence and courageousness to be himself.
Overall, the series was great. However, despite being a rom-com drama, the romance between Saet-byul and Dae-Hyun was lacking. There should have been more time for romance between the two of them. Dae-hyun should look at Saet-byul more as a woman, rather than a subordinate or an employee.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama is not for you if you expect a lot of romance and kiss scenes
Ok, so I have a lot to get off my chest. I apologize in advance if my words make no sense, I wrote this on impulse out of frustration.This drama is understandably controversial concerning Eum Moon Suk's character (the ML's best friend). The character's portrayal is extremely ethically insensitive and the drama has received extreme backlash because of it, and rightfully so!!
Also, a lot of people has reacted negatively to the actions of the FL, which (to me) is somewhat understandable - but you also have to consider the FL's character development.
Sure, in the beginning she pursued the ML despite him having a girlfriend at the time (and that's IS wrong, don't misunderstand), BUT, my point is that she grew as a person throughout the series. She matured! This is literally a slice of life drama, wouldn't it be more strange for the characters to be completely flawless from episode 1? The important thing is that she grew and matured as person, and we get to see that throughout the drama.
The non consensual kiss in the first episode, between the high school FL and the adult stranger ML, was however extremely questionable, that I won't deny.
HOWEVER, the one thing I simply cannot wrap my head around is the controversy regarding the age gap between actors of the main couple. Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung have a 12 year age gap, some might find that crazy and some might not care. Everyone's entitled to an opinion - but COME ON people, they are both adults! ADULTS! and they are ACTING! If you don't agree with the age gap (which you have every right to), you're free to watch another drama that you are comfortable with.
I just can't accept the fact that the controversy regarding their age lead to us not seeing another kiss scene between them. NOT EVEN IN THE LAST EPISODE. Like bro. This feels so unfulfilling. Sure the drama still cute and wholesome, but I desperately waited for that reunion kiss. BUT, not only that - they teased it, but then just didn't go through with it... SO FRUSTRATING.
Ok, so now my actual opinion about the drama:
There's a lot to dislike about this drama, but there's also a lot to like. To me, watching this drama was an enjoyable experience, it's funny, cute, wholesome and just my taste. It's not too heavy.
Likes: The relationship between the FL and ML is both wholesome and playful and both of their's relationship to the ML's parents are also very likeable. The actors are also phenomenal, but that you already know. The characters aren't bland, they have personalities, and they grow throughout the drama.
Dislikes: I disliked the second couple's relationship as a whole. The ML's best friend is a problematic character in itself, but I wouldn't have liked their relationship even if he hadn't been written the way he was. Their relationship was just over the top and unfunny. They really tried WAY too hard with the comedy when it came to those two. I don't think i ever watched a full scene between the two of them. The fast forward button came in handy. Also, I didn't like the special effects in the fighting scenes, but that's not very important to the series as a whole. I just think it was a way of making the fights not too serious, it's not supposed to be a serious or heavy drama.
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A promising concept undone by poor performances and some discomforting elements
An earnest small underdog businessman taking on the world with the help of his family should be an easy sell. Throw in a young, strong female lead and it's hard to imagine how it goes wrong. But "Backstreet Rookie" finds a way. It's not that it's not a mostly enjoyable watch, but there's vast wasted potential here that with a better cast and steadier direction could have been realized.As for the strong points, Kim Yoo Jung effortlessly switches gear from bubbly youngster to driven achiever to smitten woman. She has the charm and talent and all the other attributes to take on more challenging roles. Kim Sun Young always delivers and her quieter moments with Kim Yoo Jung's Saet Byul are gems. The scene stealer is Seo Ye Hwa who has a marvelously vibrant character and crushes it.
The rest of the cast ranges from uninspired to grating. Kim Min Kyu might not be award-winning leading man material but he's better than he shows here. The overwhelming issue with "Backstreet Rookie", however, is Ji Chang Wook who is legitimate leading man material but airballs this performance. In more subdued moments, he exhibits the charisma and intensity that makes him an A Lister. But through most of "Backstreet Rookie", he's indulging in overplaying the character and the result is more clownish than comic.
Not that better acting would have solved the loose ends that crop up throughout the story. Dae Hyun's sister and husband appear early and seem to have some importance. But they rarely appear. Do Sang Woo is the villain but he is neither rehabilitated nor punished. He simply vanishes. Saet Byul's younger sister has a promising arc but it needed more depth.
As for the uncomfortable elements, it's certainly not a novel concept to have a much younger love interest for the main male character. But this relationship seems to be approaching serious red flag territory especially with a flashback to Saet Byul's youth days. The Dal Shik character by Eum Moon Sook though is really raising red flags. It's not blackface but there's, at minimum, a nod in that direction. With the growing international appeal of Korean culture, this is a bad look.
Overall, not a show that earns any sort of recommendation but should put Kim Yoo Jung on the shortest of lists for leads in better vehicles.
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This review may contain spoilers
the good, the bad and the controversial
THE GOODJi Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung
Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's new k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
I am gonna be honest with you guys, I love Ji Chang Wook. So much so that I was counting days for him to come back from the military. So it’s very hard for me to accept that I haven’t liked his previous drama Melting Me Softly.
I was really dreading this one since they announced it because of the age difference between Wookie and his co-star Kim Yoo Jung. But that is just my personal issue and not at all a reason to not watch the drama. Kim Yoo Jung and Ji Chang Wook are both very talented, very good looking people who light up the screen when they are in it. I have really liked Kim Yoo Jung’s past dramas like Love in the moonlight and Clean With passion and in this drama as well she is as lovely.
Her character is of a short-tempered alpha-girl who takes no-nonsense and can kick people’s asses if required. Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's new k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
I have never seen Wook in a comedy setting quite like this, his character is funny, simple, kind-hearted, a little dumb guy who can’t fight for himself.
He is such a talented actor that when he is on screen it’s hard for me to see him as the Wookie I have seen over the years playing characters who can kick asses of 30 men without breaking a sweat. In Backstreet Rookie, there is no Ji Chang Wook there is Choi Dae Hyun.
THE BAD
Style and Makeup
Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's new k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
Here is my problem with the style and makeup team, you have two really good looking people on earth as your main lead and you decide to style them in really bad clothes and terrible makeup?
Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's new k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
Like????? Have you seen Ji Chang Wook?? That man can look good in a potato sack but then you put him in big XXL size clothes he is swimming in them and dark circles to show he didn’t sleep?? I mean, he even looked hot when he was frozen for 20 years in Melting me softly. I am personally offended. And then there is this weird red makeup around eyes whenever a character is drunk. BAD. I don’t even want to talk about the nose bleed whenever someone gets hit (and there is at least a handful of character who gets hit in every episode, which, eh) and the way the side characters are being styled.
Writing
Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's new k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
There is so much wrong with the writing of this drama that if I deep dive in it it will be a 1000 words of just me critiquing everything about it but I ain’t got no time for that (I mean I do but I am lazy and no one cares).
Some of my main issues with the drama:
Bad double meaning dialogues.
Physical fight scenes where characters can’t even have a normal human conversation without hurting each other.
Domestic abuse as comedy scenes, where a wife is beating up her husband or Kim Yoo Jung’s character is hitting drunk, sleeping Ji Chang Wook so much that he gets nose bleed when he wakes up the next day.
Worst of all, sexist, racist character (more on that below.)
The first time Jung Saet Byul and Choi Dae Hyun meet, Dae Hyun is drunk and Seat Byul is a 19-year-old high schooler and for no reason, I can understand, she decides to kiss this random drunk 20 something man she doesn’t even know without his consent and everyone is supposed to be swooning over it? She is even wearing her school dress. As an adult, I understand the problem here but what about the majority of teen audience watching this drama who might not get why it is wrong for a grown man and a teen girl to be romantically involved.
Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's new k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
Dal Shik’s (played by Eum Moon Suk) intro in the drama is him drawing an erotic webtoon and flies living in his dreadlocks. Unfortunately, it does not get better eventually. There are so many problems with this character and even if I overlook everything, the dreadlocks and cultural appropriation is still unacceptable.
Not only that they decided to give this character dreadlocks they made it look so dirty that the flies live in it. It is insulting and hurtful to people. If you think this is just a style people like to do and it is not about race then please educate yourself. I am not attacking actor Eum Moon Suk, he is just playing a role that someone wrote as spoof and others went along with it. His character in Fiery Priest was my favourites every time he was on screen he made me laugh. Moon Suk is a talented actor and he doesn’t need this look to make a scene funny, he could have had normal look and still made the audience laugh.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Let's talk about Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung's k-drama Backstreet Rookie aka Convenience Store Saet Byul. Everything that's good, bad and controversial about this drama and if this drama is for you?
Despite all this, I don’t think this drama is so bad that it can’t be watched. If you like fun rom-com and can overlook all the problems above, you should definitely watch it. I am also watching it in the hope that it gets better eventually. As a long time, Ji Chang Wook fan, writing this review didn’t give me joy. I wish he would take better scripts from now on. He deserves better. All these actors deserve better.
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Worth watching!
Sincerely, I'm dissapointed with the low score it got.Long story short: it's a slice of life drama with comic scenes and some really good life lessons
The only reason I see for the low score is that people came with expectations of something else (even after the first episode), being a kdrama wanted more drama(but it isn't that overdramatic type) or didn't finish it.
Gave it an 9.5 score and I would recommend it to watch to someone that wants a light rom-com without exagerated drama or complicated storyline. The only thing exagerated are the effects of the fight scenes, but if you want a light show to watch it's as good as it can get.
The only reason I didn't gave it a 10 is subjective, like most opinions posted in reviews, and that's because of little things that I didn't like, but I still binged most of it.
Conclusion: Give it a try!
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It’s a family drama with little romance
If you want intense romance with steamy kiss scenes, this isn’t the one. I consider this drama is more like family drama with laugh, cry and bit of romance. I enjoy it very much.I usually read MDL reviews after I watched to compare with my own reviews. It’s really funny there are reviews that are totally opposite of mine. So it depends on our own likings, I guess.
So I recommend to watch it if you like family drama. As long as you enjoy it, other opinions don’t matter.
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This review may contain spoilers
This drama starting was good till 5 episodes . After that I felt, there is no chemistry between the main leads. Their acting was great but this kind of story line is not my cup of tea. ..
I just loved the female lead story but hated the male lead and his girlfriend story .
....
But I hope ji Chang will not choose these kind of drama's again
....
About other couple , I think they getmore screen space then leads but surely their story is much better than main leads story .
Pros of these drama
1) you will be in love with female lead . She is neither a naive nor a stupid female lead. She is a 21st generation girl who is responsible and lovable
2) this k-drama will teach you many good things
3) a modern type of drama
Cons of this drama
1) many controversy made itself a barrier as there are some scene which can hurt human emotion
2) I felt male lead is stupid he can see every wrong doings but still ignore them
3) not much screen space for main leads
: But on a positive note , this drama may not the best one but it is still worth watching as it can teach you many lessons.
P.s- I love ji Chang wook
But I hope he will not choose these kind of drama's again. I am missing his dramas like K2 , healer and suspicious partner
Hope he will get more fandom from his next project
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