Into the Ring (2020)

Hidden Gem of Romcom

The reason I start this drama because I like Nana acting from The Swindlers, I think she's one promising idol turned actress. And for Park Sung Hoon I know him from Psychopath Diary, Falsify and Gonjiam Haunted Asylum. Both of them haven't act as main role before and the theme of this drama is politics which normally not my cup of tea, so I start this drama with Zero expectations.

Honestly the first 2 episode is kinda boring, but I keep going for the sake of Nana acting (she's really all out as Se Ra) Thank God I didn't stop as the story gets better and continue captivating with fast paced, no dragging problem. I'm really glad I find this hidden gem drama, it's so long since I find drama which I am looking forward to watch each week.

Chemistry both ML are overflowing, they act like lovey dovey couple, and they kissed like real life couple (which i find rare nowadays, most of actress just stand still and stiff when being kissed).
And I like how they show affection not only in Drama but through interaction in personal Instagram! Where else we get to see skinship from actors in their personal instagram without being shy or afraid of negative comments lol.

Actually I feel the ending kinda bit rushed, but I still give it overall full marks consider I really enjoyed all Sera and Gong Myung relationship.

I definitely treasure this drama and will rewatch it in the future for all the sweet moments of Sera and Gong myung ❤️

Read More

I'll be honest, I decided to watch Into the Ring because I heard Nana was starring as the main role. As my first Nana drama, I did not know what to expect, and let me just tell you that I was shocked. I went from watching because of Nana to continuing to watch because of the amazing cast, story, and characters.

Story:
Politics is a genre that I never mind watching. As someone personally interested in the matter, I am always up for a political drama. But with drama's, I usually find the political side either lacking or too hectic. For Into the Ring, I saw a perfect balance, which I loved a lot. I loved how it was not obvious how every issue would turn out, and I love how each politician was portrayed. I found myself laughing multiple times, and even shedding a few tears here and there. For me, there was a perfect balance of everything, and nothing went overboard.

Characters:
The thing that made me love the drama the most was no doubt the characters and the relationship between them. Starting off with the leading lady, Goo Se Ra. From the first episode, I already loved Goo Se Ra. I loved how passionate she was and how she never gave up. I was happy to watch a character that would keep trying instead of breaking down and cry when things don't go her way. The leading man, Seo Gong Myung, was another character I cherished dearly. I loved how we got to see how Gong Myung transition as he starting helping Se Ra. Which speaking of, Se Ra and Gong Myung were such a cute couple to watch. I loved every scene they were in, even before they starting dating. No doubt one of my favorites couples in kdramaland. For other characters, Yoon Hee Su and Kim Min Jae were two characters that I could never decide whether I like them or not. Despite my personal feelings, I think they were good characters and brought a lot to the drama. Cho Maeng Duk, the "villain," was another interesting character to watch. Although his character infuriated me multiple times, I do think he was a great character with how he was set out to be. I loved the relationship between Se Ra, Han Bi, Woo Young, and Ja Ryong, which speaking of Ja Ryong, he stole so many scenes he was in! Overall, all the characters stood out and made the drama what it is. I also applaud all the actors, especially Nana and Park Sung Hoon. They portrayed their characters flawlessly and I couldn't imagine anyone taking on those two roles.

Other:
As someone who took a film class for my senior high school year, I'm all too familiar with camera angles. From the first episode, I'll admit it was weird seeing camera angles I've never seen before, but after a few episodes, I grew to love them. I thought the angles complemented what was happening very well, and I think it was an interesting addition. Personally, I wouldn't change anything about them, as I cannot imagine this drama without those fascinating angles.

Final Thoughts:
Into the Ring is no doubt one of my favorite dramas of the year and one of my favorite dramas of all time. Every week, I found myself counting down to a new episode, and when I saw one had been subbed, I would immediately stop what I was doing and watch it. I hope people don't ignore this underrated gem because of the political side and instead give it chance. If you're hesitant to watch this drama, I'd say go for it. You never know, you could be pulled in by the characters, plot, relationship, or everything wonderful this drama has to offer.

Read More