Change Days (2021)

Watchable but could have been better

Comparing this to the most similar show I've seen, Exchange/Transit Love, I thought Exchange was better in just about every respect--the production quality, the set-ups, the cast, the emotional investment, the commentators, etc. However, Change Days S1 was still very watchable and entertaining.

But the fact that the couples appeared so dysfunctional, but in the end, every single one of them decided to keep the status quo, makes me wonder how accurately the show depicted the relationships. I especially thought for sure that Min-sun was going to dump her angry, incommunicative, macho asshole of a boyfriend, and also that Sang-mi had so much resentment towards Sung-ho that they were doomed as well. But it turns out that both couples are still together to this day, and Sang-mi and Sung-ho are actually married now. So clearly, there was a lot of stuff between them that the show failed to convey.

Also, even though the commentators were very likable, their reactions and comments were so banal and repetitive, it got really annoying. I don't automatically assume that this is mainly their fault, because it could be primarily the fault of the showrunner/director/editor or other staff that mostly influences the creative direction of the show.

Lastly, I noticed that in pretty much every Korean dating show I've seen, most of the participants speak with a provincial accent, even though they may currently live in Seoul. For example, 3 of the participants were originally from Busan. Even the way they act and eat, etc., makes me think of people who are from outside Seoul. Do native Seoul people not like to go on dating shows or something?

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Compared to S2, this is less toxic, less convincing, but their 'conflicts' are in no way less valid.

Disclaimer: This review might influenced by the fact that I watched this show already knowing the endgame and have already watched Season 2.

Comparing this from season 2, I would say I like the structure of this season better. The format of Season 1 probably had helped the final decision of the couples, with the number of couples and the way they choose dates.

About the final decision, the CC couple had greatly influenced other couple's decisions. I mean if Hongju didn't have that talk with Wooseok. He would probably written the letter to Sangmi. If she also had the secret date with Wooseok, there is higher chance a new couple is formed. (I mean, she definitely said from the first episode, she is just looking a chance to break up with him. ) And if 2 couples have matched, Sungho wouldn't be as 'thoughtful' of Sangmi in that last date with Minsun. Minsun also wouldn't have felt that Sungho is hinting about choosing their present significant other.

There's a part of me that believes they probably were honest, but I would say this show felt more scripted that I thought of other dating shows. First, I didn't think the camping car couple had a believable acting of how they are attracted to each other. Yes, their last date was already bad but the secret date is unconvincing. Second, the memorized lines from the movie and the atmosphere during that secret date was just not leaning toward the possibility of his heart wavering for her. Third, it makes no sense how Minsun came up with that decision. I mean, they had a fight the night before the selection right?

Anyway, they seem to have 'changed for the better' with the last episode, happy ending and all. That's why I think I am leaning more towards the 'scripted agenda'.

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