However, if this drama is one that could weave its magic for you, it would be a gem not easily forgotten, as it was for me. I held off watching this drama for years even although it was considered by some to be the ultimate in Noona romance - a favourite trope of mine - just because I could not stand looking at Lee Jong Seok and not a fan of Yoon Sang Hyun either.
However, Lee Bo Young and Lee Da Hee captivated me, so after coming off from another disappointing drama, I opted to plunge into this classic.
Story:
As a wannabe legal and courtroom drama, it might come off sorely lacking in many aspects, and many-a-times laughable - but with the many miscarriages-of-justice in real life at the back of my mind - I could not fault the show’s at times wide-eyes idealism when it comes to law and its principles (and I was reminded by a different review that Korean law would be very different from laws in other countries, so bear that in mind when we compare the procedural here with what we gleaned from UK/US shows, which were not always accurate either).
At the heart of this show was its sincere believe in the inviolable notions of truth and justice, a theme threaded throughout, as were other more spiritually illuminating lessons, peppered across the the storyline, which in actuality were catalysts for and vehicles of learning and growth for the characters. I also thoroughly appreciated the beats of comedy dotting the story, which had me chuckling each and every time, as ridiculous as they could be sometimes.
The strength of this drama was not its plot - which was overall quite simplistic and straightforward - but its ability to weave in the disparate bits and pieces of each sub-story to build towards a momentum highlighting the relationships and growth of each of the main/secondary characters, while delivering heartfelt messages, a feat in my estimation.The pacing was also gold, with not many sub plots leading us on a merry chase, as most were resolved within an episode or two at most, which meant not too many unnecessary fillers. Even the extensions were put to good use, fleshing out more of the secondary characters and providing skinships for our main OTP.
Characters/Cast:
The drama excelled in its characters and the development arcs for each, whether they were the leads or seconds, even the minor and villainous characters. Solidly competent acting backed up each, though I was wholly impressed by Jung Woong-In (as Min Joon-Gook) and Kim Hae Sook (Hye-Seong’s mother, Eo Choon-Sim), top notch veteran actors who stole the show even with the little screen time they had.
Lee Jong Seok and Yoon Sang Hyun mollified me with the actings chops they brought to their roles, and made their characters wonderfully lovable and engaging. Still, I had to keep myself from covering LJS’s face nearly the whole time I was watching the drama. I got used to his visuals just as the drama ended and rewatched the series for the ‘love story’ afters, since that was after all the original reason for which I watched this drama (a first for me, to rewatch just after completing a drama, and generally not fond of rewatching except for particular scenes).
Lee Bo Young and Lee Da Hee, while not really wowing me with their acting, did so excellently in the roles they were given that they embodied Jang Hye-Seong and Seo Do-Yeon for me, both of whom were amazing female characters I adore.
Lee Bo Young, with her elegant beauty, had my eyes glued to the screen all the time with her wonderful interpretation of Hye-Seong.
Romance:
I won’t actually categorize the romantic relationship for the main pairing here as a romance, as I didn’t feel any romantic vibes while watching. The progress in the relationship was executed organically in a somewhat low-key manner, excepting the constant comfortable domesticity and skinship. What we undoubtedly have, however, was a love story in the true essence of such.
The beginning of the love story began with a courageous choice, and the progress, marked by loyalty, determination, familial love, sacrificial love, comfort, caring, courage, honesty, trust and acceptance. The dynamics of their relationship were such that each spurred the growth and maturity of the other, nudging them to be better people by the end. After all that, why not a romantic and sexual bond too?
While the life-and-death situations in the show gave our couple the adrenaline to bond over, the reciprocated small gestures of care and love, as well as the honest communication shared, that cemented theirs as a relationship and love to stand the test of time and other ravages. (I never imagined that I would be getting a love story after my own heart in a drama, but colour me happily surprised).
Music/OST:
I did not find the tracks or music particularly appealing while I was watching the drama, but they grew to become favourites after the fact. The listening durability of the tracks were high, and am glad I stumbled upon some good singers and bands via the lovely OST.
Overall, am one of those who fell under the spell of IHYV, and felt extremely fortunate because of it. How often does a story and its messages pierce our heart and mind and do not let go even through the passage of time? Not often (in my case), and hence I treasure those moments when such a story comes into my life. This drama shot into my short list of Favourites after a long, long drought, and the emotional and intellectual resonance from it has been extremely satisfying, if nothing else. Truly a gem of a drama.
My rating is an effort to be more ‘objective’ about shows, and while they might be lower in relative to others, it is not a reflection of how I feel or think about the show. I love IHYV and it comes highly recommended, but it is not a 10 and I can’t in good conscience give it that even if my heart tells me otherwise.
It is also in acknowledgement that loving something and considering it “Daebak!” is very subjective, given the many people who could not get into or enjoy IHYV. The good thing is, though, that there are so many wonderful stories and dramas out there that there is one bound to appeal. Enjoy.
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This review may contain spoilers
In a world where justice is blind, a young man's extraordinary ability brings truth to light.
-------------------------------- ✧✦ Pros ✦✧ --------------------------------• Gripping Premise: "I Hear Your Voice" follows the story of a young man, Park Soo-ha, who can read people's thoughts by hearing their voices. This unique ability sets the stage for a thrilling and emotionally charged narrative that keeps viewers hooked.
• Compelling Characters: The drama boasts a strong cast, including Lee Jong-suk, Lee Bo-young, and Yoon Sang-hyun, who deliver powerful performances and breathe life into their complex characters. Their chemistry and depth make the story engaging and relatable.
• Blend of Genres: The series successfully combines elements of romance, legal drama, and supernatural mystery. This seamless blend creates a multi-layered narrative that appeals to a wide range of viewers.
• Thought-Provoking Themes: "I Hear Your Voice" explores themes of justice, forgiveness, and the power of empathy. It raises ethical and moral questions, compelling viewers to ponder the consequences of one's actions and the pursuit of truth.
• High Stakes and Twists: The drama is filled with suspenseful moments, unexpected plot twists, and high-stakes courtroom scenes that keep the tension and excitement levels consistently high.
--------------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Cons ✦✧ ----------------------------------------------------------
• Lack of Legal Realism: While the legal aspects provide a backdrop for the story, some viewers might find certain legal scenarios and courtroom procedures to be overly dramatized or simplified. However, the focus on character growth and emotional depth compensates for this.
--------------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Characters & Story ✦✧ --------------------------------------------------
• Park Soo-ha: The protagonist with the ability to hear people's thoughts. His desire for justice and his emotional journey drive the narrative forward, while his connection with Jang Hye-sung adds a layer of romance and complexity to the story.
• Jang Hye-sung: A public defender who becomes entangled with Soo-ha and is driven by her own past experiences. Her growth as a character and her evolving relationship with Soo-ha form a central part of the drama's emotional core.
• Side Characters: The drama features a well-rounded ensemble cast, including prosecutors, lawyers, and witnesses, each contributing to the intricate web of legal cases and personal relationships.
--------------------------------------------------------- ✧✦ Conclusion ✦✧ ----------------------------------------------------------
"I Hear Your Voice" is a heartfelt and captivating K-drama that combines romance, legal drama, and supernatural elements to create an engaging and thought-provoking narrative. With its gripping premise, compelling characters, and high-stakes plot twists, it keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the series. While some legal aspects may be dramatized for storytelling purposes, the emotional depth and exploration of justice and empathy make it a must-watch for fans of thrilling and emotionally charged dramas. Prepare to be moved by the power of voices and the pursuit of truth in "I Hear Your Voice."
Regenerate response
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I like the story: +3 (it's perfect score; 1 means I hate it, 2 means neither I like it, 3 I love it)
The fact that this drama will reveal its antagonist in the 1st episode did surprise me a lot. I think it's the only drama did like that. I thought the drama will be boring, since the antagonist have been revealed so early. But, the drama did well. It makes me curious about how the protagonist survive from antagonist's curse since polices and law could not catch him and his evil plan about doing revenge.
I like the cast: +1 +1 (every protagonist has max score: 2)
That "one" is for Kim So Hyun because she is my only favorite korean actress and I can only give "one" from two because she was not the main role. And "one" for Jongsuk. I don't really like him, but since I have watched so many Jongsuk drama, I did not feel strange when I watched the protagonist as the main role. So, I could enjoy the drama.
The drama has humor: +1
I laughed a lot. I love it.
The drama was touching: +1
If I were a girl, I would have cried when Do Yeon found her father was a no-guilty prisoner.
Moral/education value: +1 (If the drama did not have it, I would not give value)
This drama taught me (makes me realize) that humans always hide their lies to keep their relationship with family and friends connected. I learned something called "Law" a lot.
Plot Twist: +0.5
I thought polices would not come to save Jongsuk. But, the sniper team did well to stop the antagonist's (Min Joon Kook) evil act.
.
Total:
3+1+1+1+1+1+0.5
= 8.5
P.s. Sorry, you read my bad English.
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This review may contain spoilers
This was addictively entertaining, but I was groaning at the plot, especially during the last couple of episodes.Even though the Min Jun Gook storyline is central to the whole show and ties the main characters together, this plot was so ridiculous that I wish it could be somehow removed. His motivations and actions, as well as the way the other characters react to him, are so hard to believe that it drags down the whole show.
Lee Bo Young was so charming and fun to watch, that she made up for all the flaws. I would be happy to have a nuna like her. Also, Lee Jong Suk's acting was much better than usual for these typical skinny K-pop pretty boy type roles. He showed a lot of range and sensitivity.
But beyond the deeply flawed Min Jun Gook plot, I wish they had taken more care to portray the workings of the law a little more realistically. So I guess in Korea they don't recuse prosecutors, attorneys, and judges from cases even though they're closely related to the accused or the victims?
Also, I kind of feel sorry for Do Yeon’s birth mom, since she was basically just thrown away like a piece of garbage by the show. Sure, what she did to her husband was terrible, but she did it to give her daughter a better life. It seems like Do Yeon has no interest in her whatsoever even though she’s her real mom. Oh well, maybe she’ll end up hooking up with Do Yeon’s dad, who was also treated poorly by the show at the end, since his marriage seems to be over. Admittedly, both these characters were bad people, but a psycho murderer like Min is treated more sympathetically at the end than these side characters.
Cha Kwan Hoo is a good guy, so hopefully he ends up with Seo Do Yeon or that happy assistant guy in the public defender's office if he decides to swing that way.
If a career in law enforcement doesn’t work out for Soo Ha, he can always become a professional poker player and make billions of won.
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I'm very dissapointed
I was VERY excited to watch this for several reasons. Lee Jong Suk was in it, it was about law and this kdrama is the only one that had so many good reviews on this app, I pretty much only saw 9 or 10. And when I started it, it was pretty good however with every episode my motivation to finish it kept disappearing so I dropped it.For the story - it was nothing special, I've watched a few shoes involving law and that aspect was definitely very weak in I hear your Voice. The antagonist was importing for the plot but he was in every damn episode so it got so damn boring. I'm not sure what the creators were going for it had thriller, fantasy, law, romance, comedy? it tried to have everything but kinda didn't have anything at all. Now for the romance....I hated it. I didn't want the female lead to end up with neither of them. I mean one of them was a high schooler and the other was a very annoying and childish attorney.
Acting/Casting was pretty good I always love seeing familiar faces in older kdramas but I wouldn't say that the acting was something spectacular. Also I loved the side characters way more than the main ones however it wasn't really worth it to keep watching just for some characters that appear rarely.
For music - it was pretty good but like nothing special that stands out.
For rewatching - If i could give it a 0 I would but I cant so i'll give it a 1. I'm definitely not rewatching this ever again however there's a low chance that I will finish it someday but I doubt it.
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Do not watch this, you will regret.
This drama is one of most popular dramas here. I've checked first 5 pages of review, all were positive with 10 and 9. So I thought I should watch this. I was naive... I know I'm not a target audience. I know Korean dramas is different from western dramas and they often overdo with dramatic moments. I know it's more romantic melodrama than mystery/detective. But I steel can't understand, why this shit so popular and so highly rated. Characters are stupid and inconsistent, they driven not by logic or their character, they do mostly stupid, illogical thing, cause author need more drama. Same with events, author doesn't care about logic or realism, he want drama so drama will happen even if it's impossible in real life. Plot is filled with big holes. Every episode i watched, i was asking myself, why characters doing this shit, or isn't answer is obvious, so why they can't find answer, or such events can't take place in real life, how i can believe.Usually I'm not writing reviews for several reasons, but this time i think i should. I'm writing this review, to warn naive people like me, who was lured here by tons of positive reviews. If you can't turn of your brain so you would not be able to cry on unbelievable drama, do not watch this, or you will end up with wasted time and disappointment.
P.S. Sorry for bad English, I'm not native speaker.
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Why are you wasting your time reading these reviews if you could, instead, be watching this.
Stop being stupid and wasteful of precious time.
Watch the drama.
I promise you; you will never in a thousand years find better advice.
Again just watch it.
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I think the popularity is mainly due to the cute male lead who I truly agree was a candy eye to female audiences. The supposed to be funny scenes were not laughter inviting and the romantic scenes were not romantic enough. Somehow I think the main casts were better as sister and brother. They even looked a bit alike.
Anyway, if you are into cute flower boy and noona love type scenes without real plot, this is your movie. But, unfortunately, not mine.
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What makes it un interesting?
The story is stiff
Why did I even start watching the drama?
Good reviews and often on favorite drama list of some viewers
What is intersting about it?
The thrill when the bad guy was threatening them
Why wont I like it?
I dont have that much time to waste watching all episodes fully - i dont find it worthy of my time.
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This review may contain spoilers
It was good but…
Listen, I love a good Lee Jong Suk drama because he’s such an amazing actor imo. This drama was a good watch overall but it a few of the characters were slightly annoying (mostly the main actress at times). The story was cool and different but enjoyable nonetheless. I wasn’t a fan of the relationship they kept pushing on us. I don’t get why they wanted us to ship a high schooler and and (almost) 30 year old so bad. It didn’t sit well with me.I do recommend to give this drama a try though. You might actually like it more than me.
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