Into the Ring (2020)

Excellent show

A delight. The build up to the romance is subtle and slow burn, it's not the kind of show that got my heart fluttering right away, but here slow and steady wins the race because the leads are such lovable characters and watching their chemistry build was fun. Their dynamic is so wholesome, sweet, and funny. No dumb tropes to deal with either. No noble idiocy break ups, no sudden trips abroad, no contrived miscommunications, just lots of cuteness and mutual growth and supportiveness.

Thankfully the plot is accessible even if you don't know know anything about Korean politics. The practical and emotional stakes of the various issues that come before the district council are clear, and the show does a good job depicting the small victories and petty corruption of life in local politics with a lot of heart. The only thing I wish the show had dove deeper on was the relationship between the ML and his father.

The heavy use of fish eyes lenses and extreme wide angle shots were bold creative choices that paid off well. The director did a good job of visually emphasizing to the audience the offbeat nature Goo Se Ra's personality and the distorted perspective made comedic scenes funnier and office scenes more intense. I also love the super vivid color palette and how many close ups we get of the main actors' faces, allowing them to really shine as performers. Watching this makes me lament Nana hasn't done more rom coms because she's obviously extremely well suited to the genre. She's such a force of nature here.

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I love each of these characters, I love the main leads. Watching their cute scenes makes me wonder, am i watching a real couple or they were just acting. Because it felt so real!

I love the story as well, usually, the man would be the strong-minded one. While in this drama, it’s the opposite. About the pace of the drama, I think I’m fine with it, it's not too slow nor too fast.

I adore how NANA portrays her character, she's cheerful, she did not give up when it seems like she's not favorable to run the office.

While the man leads, he might seem like he’s not a strong character but he is! It just that’s how he appears as. I love that he always be there for her, when she runs the office.

When IRL, the woman is portrayed as the one behind the success of the man, this one is the opposite.

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Best Drama I've Ever Watched

I've been watching kdramas forever and Into The Ring is one of the only ones that kept my interest the entire time. I didn't find myself skipping around and every plot point was interesting.

The FL was amazing though honestly at first I didn't know if I could watch her for long. She's over the top and blunt but to a realistic extent. The ML was also amazing with his interesting backstory and chemistry with the FL. I loved every character that came on screen and found myself sympathizing with even antagonists. Characters were also flushed out and every character had a clear propose and wasn't just there to fill up time.

The camera work in this drama is phenomenal too! So many interesting shots that add layers to what you're watching, especially when paired with this shows beautiful music.

The one thing about this show is that, at least for me personally, this show isn't focused on romance as they are on what people do for those they care about. The overall story of this is more based on politics and the tone is overall the average person vs the government. Especially towards the end I felt like the focus shifted away from the relationship and more towards the other plot points but I felt it worked very well.

I would urge anyone to watch this show even if romances aren't typically your thing! It's definitely.a show many can enjoy!

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That’s what we need!

What a gem! Super well made, great cinematography, witty, full of subtle emotions and bold colours. All characters are brilliant, great acting all around. Most importantly, there was minimal use of tropes - thanks goodness! The storyline was delivered neatly, with no need for sausage filling.
This drama is super smart, and I will be looking out for more such good work coming from the writers and directors.
This is the kind of drama we need, enough of tired (and tiring) formulae. Let us use our brains, let us laugh out loud. Let the characters have personality.

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An actual kdrama that is made for young people

I know the bar is extremely low for rom-com kdrama. But Into the ring is probably one of the winning horses in this genre. I don't know how much popular it is so can't say exactly if it's underrated or not but it deserves more attention for sure.

As for my quick review, as I mentioned earlier bar is extremely low but Into the Ring took some tropes and subverted them in a way that feels special.

1) Characters are not fucking virgins or sexually allergic.

2) Ex bf/gf or potential other love interests are not dramatically great/bad people, Neither they act out of character.

3) The vibe is extremely " muted " be it drama or romance. I don't have the right way to explain it but this show does a thing where they build up to a moment just to let the moment pass and focus on something else. It's a risky thing to do because it could ruin the pacing and flow. But it makes the show feel realistic and relatable. For example - They will show you characters fighting for election and it's extremely serious but 10 minutes later, it's been 1 week since the election and they are just vibing now and the election is irrelevant. I think succession does this too a lot.

4) The characters have lots of conflict and stuff, they don't fix it and none of the characters try to fix the other person. But the show does a good job keep it subtle while treating them as a real human with human problems.

5) Finally a fucking kdrama that doesn't look like wet cement and shit. I don't know why they use that yellowish Colour palette. And most of the time the camera usage is so boring that it looks like shooting a skit on stage.
But Into the Ring team probably had lots of fun on editing. The zoom focus for dramatic effect and then the cinematography around just a normal conversation scene are some of the biggest pleasures I have in kdrama. ( Minus Stranger & My Liberation Notes)

For flaws, the only problem I had was " Repeat scenes " like I know why they did that but it was so "spoon-feeding ". I mean I get it, 1 hour show you have to complete the runtime so you will add 5-6 minutes of filler. Also if you reveal something on ep13 which is hinted on ep2 then you have no choice but to show what happened in ep2, I wish shows do it in a way that it doesn't feel so stuffy.

Nevertheless, it was a very good show. Probably one of my favourite considering how much I drop highly acclaimed kdramas. An actual show that is made for young people.

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Get over a rough start to get to the greatness of this drama

Well, it's a political drama. So you know there are bound to be corruption with the higher ups. No surprise there. But don't let that stop you from seeing the great things this drama has to offer.

Let me first off say, yes the female is a loud & opinionated character, but that's what makes her so special. She stands up for herself and for all of the other voices that can't be heard. Normally I would be annoyed with characters like this but this one, I just like it. I like the determination in Goo Se Ra. It makes sense because it's about her running for a seat in the district seating council. She has to be loud. She has to make herself known because remember she's just an ordinary citizen with no political background. While her motive does seem selfish at first because of the money, she does try her hardest to make an impact not just to her fellow council members but also the district she represents.

I just love how big the support the ML & FL have for each other. I just love all the moments of Seo Gong Myung being supportive to Goo Se Ra and vice versa. They just know when to be there when one of them needed each other. This is why there are so many romantic, sweet, and cute scenes further in the drama. They are the couple of the year for me. Some may be annoyed by Goo Se Ra's friends and family at first but trust me, they get on board with Se Ra after seeing how serious she wants this. They are very supportive and loving and you'll get use to them as you continue watching.

I applaud the writers for returning the minor characters that was from the beginning. Examples are like the Son Eun Shil, the candidate who dropped out in the beginning only to return in the end to win chief position and the girl who got fired because Se Ra wanted her old job back after being let go. Even though it's minor, it gave closure to these characters and for me, I consider this as good writing as this was thought very well.

Some setbacks I had with this drama:
- The last 4 (30 mins) episodes seemed very random. The plot seemed to flow well until the last week of airing. All of the sudden, things are being thrown at us that just didn't make sense because the past several episodes didn't lead up to it. Not even a hint that this (ex: election campaign for Chief) was going to happen.
- 2nd leads seemed very useless. I just didn't see the importance of their character. Yoo Hee Soo was a confusing, annoying, bothering second lead who you couldn't tell if she was friend or foe because her character was all over the place. Kim Min Jae didn't have much a purpose in this drama either other than being Se Ra's ex. At least his character went in a direction where you could tell he was becoming a better person.
- Ending was good but not my preference. I would've liked it ending with Goo Se Ra and Seo Gong Myung together but at least it make sense on how it end.

But besides that minor setback, definitely give it a try. If you want romance, there's a good amount of it between the leads once you overcome the first several episodes. It paints a good message: Even though there may be a lot of political corruption, it takes one to not have that mindset and make a good difference and change in many people's lives. It also takes one to be that support one needs to make a better change to the world.

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One of the cutest.

Hi guys. I actually have done watching it a long time ago but decided to write a review now, so basically this review solely based on what I remember (or maybe the impression I get from this drama?)

So, most drama will have a break up towards the end right, but this drama NOT! I'm gonna give a ⭐ for that.

Second, if I remember correctly, their relationship is healthy too. Not to forget about, they are so cute together. I mean, the ML confession is so cute "I waste lot of my time searching for this place because of you" (something like this I guess) I wanna cry😭😭 like, he is kind of punctual and strict with time, but he spent his time to search the girl secret place (based on 1 picture for a few hours, dang it🥲). Another ⭐ for the effort.

The FL was bubbly and easy going. She is beautiful too😭😭😭 I cannot forget the way she bring a whole town to support and vote her😂 The ML on the other hand is kinda reserve and cold kind of male lead. But he is actually very caring towards FL. He is cold but not a jerk. Just kind of shy? For visual wise, I actually think he kinda cute and handsome. Not your usual flower boy for sure. One ⭐ for the cast.

For the plot, just like I said, I watch it a long time ago so I don't really remember it now. I think it's not heavy at all, just some light politics (touch a littleeeeee bit of discrimination against woman in politics). You can see the journey of the FL to get the position. There are some up and down, but still enjoyable. Anyway, it's easy and fun to follow. Because I like a light drama, so a ⭐ star for it.

The ending was cute and funny in my opinion😂they are not married or something but it's relate with FL job. Anyway, it's fun in my opinion💘😂 one ⭐ for it.

+ A lot of fluffy moment too.
+ You might find the FL hair a bit messy, but her face save it all LOL
+ They don't have love triangle. For misunderstanding, I think they might have, but just a light one maybe? (Or maybe doesn't have at all? I dislike silly misunderstanding and the fact I still really enjoy this drama, maybe because it doesn't have misunderstanding)

I cannot remember what I dislike about this drama, so I won't write anything about it.

I think that's all. If you aren't sure whether to go for it or not, maybe try a few episodes when you have nothing to watch? It's sure going to be a fun ride. Enjoy!

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And The Honorary Genre: Political Jokes

Never thought politic and comedy could be mashed into one, but here it is!

Into the Ring shows a story about an eccentric, honest, sweet and perhaps a bit naive lady named Goo Sera, who, by some chance, became a member of a council in her own ways which will make you grimace and smile and shed a tear. In this council, her adventure, filled with comedy-laced-action begins. Now she must balance her life as a council member, a daughter, a friend, and a girlfriend. It was serious, but hilarious. Sometimes you'll think you've never seen a stronger woman than her, sometimes you'll just wanna shake her so hard so she can think straight.

Meanwhile, Seo Gong Myung, our main lead is such a gem, such a sweetheart. I'll marry him in a heartbeat, and maybe after you watch this, you will also find him super lovable and be as lovesick of him as I do.

Also! The member of the Council are all packed with their own personalities, which makes this drama all the more alive and fun to watch. Good one, this!

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Great combination of Political Satire and Rom-Com.

নায়িকা প্রচুর সৎ! প্রচুর নীতিবান। এতই সৎ আর নীতিবান যে তার জ্বালায় কেউ শান্তিতে একটু অপকর্মও করতে পারে না! যেখানে অন্যায় দেখবে, সেখানেই নাক গলাবে, প্রতিবাদ করবে, সিভিল সার্ভিস অফিসে কমপ্লেইন করবে। এজন্য তার নামই হয়ে গেছে ‘কুইন অব সিভিল কমপ্লেইন’! এরজন্য প্রচুর ভুগতেও হয় তাকে। গ্রাজুয়েশানের পর থেকে এখন পর্যন্ত ১০ বার চাকরি গেছে তার। সোশ্যাল গাদারিং-এ কেউ তারে পাত্তা দেয় না। এমনকি ৯ বছর ধরে প্রেম করা বয়ফ্রেন্ডের সাথেও ব্রেকাপ হয়ে যায় তার। চাকরি, প্রেম সব হারিয়ে সে এখন বেকার, পথে পথে ঘুরে আর পার্ট টাইম জব খুঁজে!! 🤣🤣
নায়ক পঞ্চম গ্রেডের সিভিল সার্ভিস অফিসার। অর্থ মন্ত্রণালয়ের প্লানিং এন্ড বাজেট সেকশনে কাজ করত। কিন্তু প্রচুর ঘাড়ত্যাড়া। সিনিয়রের সাথে বেয়াদবি করায় তার ডিমোশনাল বদলি হয় সিভিল কমপ্লেইন অফিসে। এখানে তার কাজ হচ্ছে কাস্টোমার সার্ভিস এক্সিকিউটিভের মত। লোকজন ইমেইলে কমপ্লেইন করবে, সে তাদেরকে কমপ্লেইনের উত্তর দিবে, হালনাগাদ তথ্য জানাবে।
নতুন অফিসে নায়কের জীবনে একটাই বিষফোঁড়া- কুইন অব সিভিল কমপ্লেইন!! তার দিন কাটে, রাত কাটে নায়িকার করা নানা অভিযোগের জবাব দিতে দিতে। সে টাইমলি বাসায় যেতে পারে না, খেতে পারে না, ঘুমাতে পারে না। এরই মাঝে নায়িকা একদিন নায়কের অফিসে ফ্রিল্যান্সের হিসাবে পার্ট টাইম জব খুঁজতে আসে। আর নায়ক সাথে সাথে তাকে হায়ার করে নেয়! তার উদ্দেশ্য ছিলো সিম্পল। নায়িকা বেকার বলেই দিন রাত এত কমপ্লেইন করার টাইম পায়। এখন যদি চাকরি-বাকরি কিছু একটা করে তাহলে এত কমপ্লেইন জানানোর টাইম পাবে না! সো, ইউ আর হায়ারড!! 😅😅
কমপ্লেইন আসা তো বন্ধ হলো। কিন্তু এতদিন ধরে যে নায়করে জ্বালাইছে, এটার শোধ তোলা লাগবে না? নায়ক কারণে অকারণে নায়িকারে খোঁচায়, হুদাই প্যারা দেয়। তাও নায়িকা সব মুখ বুঝে সহ্য করে নেয়। কারণ চাকরির বাজারে আগুন। কিছু করার নাই! তাও শেষ রক্ষা হয় না। ডিস্ট্রিক রিপ্রেজেন্টরদের (আমাদের দেশের হিসাবে ধরেন সিটি কর্পোরেশনের কাউন্সিলর আরকি) একটা বিলের বিরোধিতা করতে গিয়ে আবারও চাকরি হারায় সে। রেগে-মেগে সে ডিসিশান নেয়- বহুত হইছে! আর করমু না চাকরি! রাজনীতি করমু এইবার! ভোটে দাঁড়ামু, নির্বাচন করমু! তারপর জনগণের ট্যাক্সের টাকায় আরামসে বেতন গুনমু! গেস হোয়াট, ভোটে জিতেও যায় সে!!! 🤣🤣
প্লট টুইস্ট ১- নায়কের আবারও ডিমোশনাল ট্রান্সফার হয়। এখন সে ডিস্ট্রিক রিপ্রেজেন্টরদের অফিসের সেক্রেটারি! মানে নায়িকা এখন তার বস! তাদের মিটিং চলার সময় নায়ক চা-নাস্তা দিয়ে আসে! তাদের খাওয়ার পরে বসে বসে কাপ-পিরিস ধোয়! মিটিং-এর এজেন্ডা প্রিন্ট করে। মানে বস থেকে কর্মচারী হয়ে গেছে আরকি!! 😂😂
প্লট টুইস্ট ২- নায়িকার ভোটে দাঁড়ানোর পিছনে একটাই উদ্দেশ্য ছিল- মাস শেষে নিশ্চিত বেতন। কিন্তু ওদের ডিস্ট্রিক কিছুটা আর্থিক সমস্যায় পড়ায় সব রিপ্রেজেন্টেটর মিলে ডিসিশান নেয়- এইবার তারা কেউ কোন বেতন নিবে না। নায়িকার আপত্তি কেউ কানেও তোলে না! ফলাফল- নায়িকা এখন ডিস্ট্রিক রিপ্রেজেন্টের, কিন্তু তার কোন ইনকাম নাই! সারাদিন সিটি কাউন্সিলে কামলা খাটার পর পেট চালানোর জন্য রাতের বেলায় আবার ডেলিভারিম্যানের চাকরি করা লাগে তার!!! 😂😂
প্লট টুইস্ট ৩- টোটাল রিপ্রেজেন্টেটর ১৩ জন। টোটাল রাজনৈতিক দল ২টা। দুই পার্টিরই ৬ জন করে মেম্বার। নায়িকা জিতছে স্বতন্ত্র পার্টি হিসাবে। সে একা, ফলে তারে কেউ গোণে না। তার কথার কেউ দাম দেয় না। তারে কেউ কথা বলার সুযোগ দেয় না। তাও সব মাইনা নেয়া যাইত। কিন্তু তারে কেউ বেতনও দেয় না। এত শখ করে ভোটে দাঁড়াইয়া নির্বাচন জিতছে, কিন্তু তার অবস্থা এখন- ছেড়ে দে মা কাইন্দা বাঁচি!! 🤣🤣
এতক্ষণ যা বললাম তা শুধু প্রথম ৪ এপিসোডের কাহিনী। এরপর বাকি ১৬ এপিসোড পর্যন্ত নায়িকার স্ট্রাগল, নায়কের সাথে তার খুনসুটি, ধীরে ধীরে তাদের কাছাকাছি আসা, প্রেমে পড়া, তাদের দুষ্টু-মিষ্টি প্রেমের গল্প আর প্রচুর প্রচুর পলিটিক্স! পুরো ড্রামা জুড়ে একটা জিনিসই অনুভব করবেন- রাজনীতিতে ভালো মানুষের কোনো দাম নাই, চিরকাল বন্ধু বা চিরকাল শত্রু বলে কোন টার্ম নাই, সবাই নিজ স্বার্থ হাসিলে ব্যস্ত। অন্যান্য হ্যাপি এন্ডিং-এর ড্রামা শেষ হয় নায়ক-নায়িকার বিয়ে দিয়ে। কিন্তু এই ড্রামা শেষ হয় নায়িকার শপথ নেয়া দিয়ে- আর জীবনেও পলিটিক্সে জড়াবো না!
আগে কোথাও কখনো এই ড্রামার কোন রিভিউ পড়ি নি। ড্রামা শুরু করার সময় তেমন কোন এক্সপেক্টেশানও ছিল না। কিন্তু শেষ করলাম চমৎকার একটা স্যাটিসফেকশন নিয়ে। হাতে সময় থাকলে দেখতে পারেন। নেটফ্লিক্সে পাবেন। অথবা ড্রামাকুল কিংবা কিসএশিয়ানে। জনরা- পলিটিক্যাল স্যাটায়ার কিংবা রোমান্টিক কমেডি। অথবা এগুলোর মিশেলে কিছু একটা।

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It's an odd one and I'm all for it!

A quirky lead with her quirky family and quirky friends gets involved with local politics. The male lead is one tall, hot, adorable and shy labrador. Together they make a fun and engaging couple whose nuances are simply delightful. I'm a big fan of political dramas and light romcoms. This one is just right up my alley. I enjoyed the supporting cast immensely. Nothing too dramatic; the political conflicts were solid and more realistic than most dramas involving politics.

I like how the characters are evenly written. The FL is all colors of the rainbow. She's naive, hopeful, brave, and batshit crazy. The ML is not the typical cold and arrogant but with genius-level competency. He's reserved and competent but not the high-and-mighty type. We've met these types of leads in many other romcoms before but these are well-written and certainly well-executed characters. I also usually sigh when there is a childhood connection but this time it worked well into the story as it gave the relationship a friendly tone, a certain familiarity that only childhood friends have.

Love it!

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