Doona! (2023)

Good but something is missing…

So I finished watching it in 2 days now. I really liked it overall but some things are missing.

I loved the Acting, and how the Drama was filmed. With these Picture in Picture with a slow song it felt like Art, same goes with a lot of scenes in this.

But what I didn’t like was the length of the Drama, it felt too Short. They didn’t engage that much into the main characters Family story, same goes for FMC with her Idol story. They just told it and it was way too short. I feel like if they just put um 60-90min episodes or at least 2 more episodes they could have solved a better ending for this.

The ending is something I still have mixed feelings about. When they met again in the last episode and FMC went into her room after this, there were only 10minutes left into the episode. They just rushed these 10minutes into a unsatisfying unexpected ending.

So overall: This KDrama is good and enjoyable, the first 5 episodes were really good and after that it fell down because of the fast pace. I would still recommend it because of the Acting, feeling and OST. They combined these things really good.

So a 7.5/10 for me, had potential to became more :)

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This drama is marketed wrongly.

I hate open endings in my romantic comedy dramas.

But, this drama is not a romantic comedy like it is marketed as. As someone who never read the webtoon and only watched the trailer beforehand, I was expecting a mostly lighthearted and fun drama with perhaps a hint of "the dark side of kpop". This was not lighthearted at ALL. I even wish the romance part of it wasn't this prominent, especially later on. Certain themes like Doona's depression was just completely overlooked and we didn't actually see her overcome this, which she apparently did "off-camera". Open endings like this, for a drama that is melo like this, is completely fine by me.

Things I liked about this drama;
* The cinematography, it is beautifully shot. Every scene, every location. It feels very much like an indie hong kong movie, but with japanese and korean aesthetic.
* The acting. Suzy has done it again, she is soo good. Doona's apathy and lack of care in the beginning was very well portrayed, it made me curious about her. Even Yang Se Jong's acting, although people are not convinced by it, I am. His character itself isn't very well-written imo, but he acts the part well. The innocent, yet mature guy, who also is selfish in his own way.
* The OST, especially BIG Naughty's "Daylight" is beautiful and embraces the atmosphere of the drama.

Things I did not like;
* I don't know if the webtoon was created by a male writer, but it felt very catered to a male audience. At first, I thought, "Oh, it's refreshing to see the female lead being the initiator and the male lead being the 'innocent puppy' for once." But as the drama progressed, more and more "harem" stereotypes started emerging. Thankfully though, it subdued towards the end, but with that.. the male lead also got more subdued.
* The pacing of this drama was completely off. We have the first 4 or 5 episodes decently paced, where we explore all these themes equally; Doona's life after leaving the limelight, her trauma that shaped her, and her relationship with Won Joon. The last four episodes however, focuses mostly on her relationship with Won Joon, a little bit about her return to the entertainment industry, and a lot about Won Joon dealing with that change. It does not show at all, Doona's struggle returning to the industry regarding why she left in the first place, nor anything about her "overcoming" or dealing with her depression.
This all leads to my final point, which is that... this drama does not primarily focus on Lee Doona, but on the ML Lee Won Joon. This is about him, meeting this girl that is an ex-idol, dealing with his past relationship whilst also falling for this girl who has "a lot in her baggage".. a complicated past AND present, and him dealing with the aftermath of their relationship.

Hence, why I believe this drama (whether intentionally or not) has been marketed wrongly. It is not a romantic comedy, it falls more on the "melo" and "life" genres. Additionally, I don't think Doona is the proper main character of this drama, but rather the focus is much more on Won Joon and his struggle of dating someone that apparently is "from a completely different world".

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Painful to watch as a k-celeb fan

Doona gives you a glimpse of the harsh realities that idols and celebrities face as a consequence of fame.
It was really painful, can't help but imagine the idols I've been following in order to keep me happy, are merely treated as pawns and products by their agencies. That in the process, they lose themselves and just tolerate this treatment just to keep them afloat.

The series was sad, real, and somber, but it also plants a seed of hope that everything will be alright as long as you chase happiness.

The relationships depicted were 10/10. Their dialogues, for being so raw and uncurared, 100/10. Chemistry? 1000/10!!!
What a great comeback for both Yang Se Jong and Suzy in the small screen. OST and scoring was also very good. Cinematography and production design was also.veryyy good.

Overall, what a great binge-worthy series. Finished all the 9episodes in one day.



P.S. I thank Suzy for accepting this project. It was a bit hard for a SayA to watch her seemingly reenacting what MissA's relationship was like behind the scenes.

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Bittersweet Relationship

I come with expectation of bittersweet story, emphasis on the 'bitter', but actually the sweetness is quite profound. Still, it has deepness, like a bittersweet vintage wine. Intoxicating.

The main point is not the plot, but characters. Doona and Wonjun, both feel very complex and very humane. How their intricate thought lead to certain decision, but how easy they change when shaken by each other. Actually, that's very realistic. All support character have their own story, bring lighter feeling. Actors and actresses do their job very very well. All characters feel alive.

My favorite soundtrack is the one from Seori. I can't explain why, but I think that one contain the soul of this story. It really bring mood for the scenes and leaving a somber feelings.

The cinematography done very well. I really love the use of empty space they often use by framing the scenes. It's like looking at old pictures, reminds you of unfinished feeling. Which is very suitable for this story.

I know it has open ending, but for me, it has conclusion. It just done quietly and secretly. They exclude us from that. It feels intimate, and I love it.

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Beautifully painfull

It tries to be realistic, but ends up being a bit cliché.

Loved the chemistry and specially the ML, he is the REAL dream of every girl, forguet about the CEOS, this man here is everything we look for in a partner.
The romance is quite fast paced and toxic af... you see red flags as big as mountains from ep 1, and, its just flows that way.

The FL its not that easy to read and doesn't get on my nerves like others that are or too loud and idiotically possitive or too weak... The other couples are so so...
There are episodes that make you think they are a little too childish, but in that case I think it nailed it... People at 20 are pretty much just big children, at least I was.

The ost is the best part of this series, sweet and sad, romantic and intimate with a touch of tragedy.
The photography, the edition and the atmosphere it creates is what makes it seem realistic.


BUUUUUUT

SPILERS COMING!

THAT ENDING!!

WHYYYYYYY

SO SAD AND AMBIGUOUS...

If I knew I wouldn't started it. Remember Heartbeat? Well... you can guess...

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Boring ML and obnoxious FL

I thought I'd give it a go but the first episode just couldn't keep my attention. Nothing about the story or the male lead made me want to keep watching. The FL, on the other hand, was obnoxious and annoying. I get that she's going through something, but with every word that came out of her mouth my desire to strangle her just kept rising. On top of that, the ML was basically a wet rag come to life, who didn't stand up for himself no matter how nasty she was to him. Say what you want but her shoving her feet on her lap for him to put her socks on like a spoiled princess while she's staring into her phone is not a great basis for a relationship. I'm sure she gets better and the writers would have certainly made sure to give her a tragic enough backstory for us all to pity her later on, but getting through that episode was - for all those reasons - an impossible task for me. The 8,0 rating this show has has convinced me that this site has lost its mind.

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A Captivating Journey into the Depths of Emotion

Doona is an extraordinary Korean drama that thoroughly engulfs viewers in a captivating journey, brimming with raw emotions, intricate characters, and a thought-provoking storyline. From its exceptional cast to impeccable production values, this drama successfully captures the attention and hearts of the audience throughout its entirety.

The plot revolves around Yoon Doona, a talented artist who grapples with her past while searching for her true identity. As the series progresses, we witness Doona’s mesmerizing transformation from a lost and tormented soul to an indomitable woman determined to confront her inner demons. Portrayed by the incredibly versatile Kim Ji-won, Doona’s character is brought to life through a captivating display of internal struggles and personal growth. Kim Ji-won’s performance is truly exceptional, as she skillfully conveys a wide range of emotions with subtlety and conviction, drawing the audience deeper into the depths of her character’s psyche.

In addition to the compelling lead, Doona boasts a well-rounded ensemble of supporting characters. These characters, including Doona’s friends, family, and love interests, are meticulously developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. Each interaction and relationship feels genuine and believable, further enhancing the viewer’s connection to the story.

The production value of Doona is nothing short of outstanding. From the intricate set designs to the meticulously chosen costumes, every aspect of the drama exudes a high level of attention to detail. The cinematography effectively captures the contrast between light and dark, visually enhancing symbolic moments within the narrative. The haunting melodies and emotionally poignant lyrics of the drama’s soundtrack serve as an additional layer, evoking the perfect atmosphere and intensifying the impact of every scene.

Doona successfully delves into a multitude of themes, such as self-discovery, healing, and the profound influence of human bonds. Through its non-linear and unpredictable storytelling approach, the drama keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating each revelation and plot development. The carefully crafted episodes not only entertain but also leave a lasting impact, encouraging introspection and eliciting deep emotional responses from the audience.

This Drama is an extraordinary Korean drama that accomplishes the rare feat of captivating viewers with its compelling narrative, heartfelt performances, and exceptional production values. It stands tall among the best of Korean dramas, providing a genuinely engrossing and resonating experience for fans of the genre. If you are seeking a captivating journey filled with raw emotions and complex characters, “Doona” undoubtedly deserves a place on your must-watch list.

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Doona is a very pretty girl down stairs!

When Doona came on screen, she looked and appear to be like a kpop star,
my eyes were so glued to the tele and absorbed her beauty. What I was expecting
is not what I got but I still enjoyed it. I don't think I have ever watched a kpop Idol
Drama like this as they usually showcase the Idol performing a couple times.
In this case, Doona stopped performing while onstage with the group Dream Sweet
and her manager sent her away to stay low until further noticed as she cause some back
lash with the group and herself. They did not show any deep back story into what
happened but in a nutshell, Doona did not want to sing anymore without explaining
what was wrong with her.

At the house where pretty Doona lives downstairs, Won Joon moved in upstairs.
His friend from high school Yoon Taek also live at the house and that is how Won Joon
ended up living there. First Doona thought Won Joon was her anti fan as he recognized her
the day he moved in and was wearing merch sweater but he got it from his best friend Su Jin,
is a super fan of Dream Sweet and bias is Doona. Every day Won Joon woke up he saw Doona
looking at him, they became friends after a while then Doona started to follow Won Joon around.

Won Joon high school crush started attending the same University and they started hanging out
again. What wasn't clear was that Doona was falling for Won Joon but she was giving him dating advise
how to find out if Jin Joo was into him. But Doona was in fact falling for Won Joon. She made the first
move on him and he felt butterfly from their first kiss but he did not react the way Doona was hoping as
Won Joon doesn't kiss his friend. Their 2nd kiss was the best ( same as on poster when they were outside)
They came clear about their feelings and started dating, but it was long after their romance came to a holt as
Doona's Manager Park In Wook appeared. He advised her to do a comeback just as Doona but she will have
to break up with Won Joon.

Doona did not want to break up but she was kept away from Won Joon with no phone contact.
They met and Doona said if he went to MS after graduation and after 2 yrs they could go public with
their relationship. Won Joon was not confident at the time as he saw himself as a nobody so he decided
to break up with Doona. Won Joon focused on his studies went to MS. They met again at the reunion
dinner at the house. Doona really missed Won Joon alot. He did tell her he missed her too.

In the ending it wasn't clear if they got back together but the hugged and you see both of the in Japan
missed each other in going opposite direction on their separate business. Doona looked back to see
Won Joon but he did not see her. So in a way you can say they started dating again but still was not
fully revealed. When you are watching, do not miss any of the flashbacks scenes or preview scenes
as they are also the answer to how the story concluded.

Overall I gave this a firm 9.5 ratings. No one pissed me off lol. Also loved the Cinematography, very
detailed and show exactly what we need to see. I binged watched it in one go!!!

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Kpop exploitation explored.

NB If you choose this drama because it has a comedy genre I think this is misleading. This is not a fluffy romance. It explores the very unhealthy actions of the victim rescuer dynamic.

This drama highlights what happens when a young girl, who due to earlier neglect by her money grasping mother, decides to become an idol. She is groomed by her manager and eventually becomes a money making product. Along the way she begins to experience crippling anxiety. This is conveniently ignored by her manager until during a concert she collapses. He then bundles her off to live in an apartment that is part of a shared household.

An insight Doona gets later in the story is that the managers deliberate ghosting of her during this mental breakdown is to force her to suffer loneliness and isolation and drive her back under his control.

FL Doona is an emotional red flag mess.
she has no close friends, anger issues, abandonment issues and severe anxiety and depression. She acts out aggression in very inappropriate ways (using glass bottles as a weapon) and has never experienced love.
ML Won Joon enters the story as a student studying for his engineering degree who moves into the share house to be closer to college. He has left behind his single parent mother and a chronically ill younger sister. He has also had an unrequited love with a former childhood female Jin Joo whom he perceived to be out of his league due to her families wealth.

The story depicts the initial misunderstandings and then eventual curiosity and attraction between the two leads. Both actors represent their characters excellently.

The ending is left open for us to choose what happens next and this is very suitable after all the angst each character has faced in this relationship.

One thing I felt was that these two people needed to meet to help each of them to grow and heal. Both show more maturity and better boundaries in the end.

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The latest South Korean drama helmed by the man behind epic love tales "Romance is a bonus book" or "crash landing on you", this story is an elusive reminder that not all love stories are destined for happy ending. An unconventional tale of love has an undeniable charm of its own.


Doon (aka Suzy Bae) appears at the opening scene with lots of applaud ad cheering and soon loops into water. The opening scene does not take time to plunge into the deep sorrow and impending loneliness that has been eating the shining star. Enters Woon Jun, a civil engineering student who does not seem to be bothered by her presence. He harbors a long crush for her childhood friend Jin Joo. Life would have been so easy if Won Joon and Jin Joo had confessed their feelings in time but we all know destiny always had a cruel plan in its sleeve.

Yang Se-jong portrayal of shy yet caring and determined lover- Woon Joon is like the melted butter we need on hot chips like Doona. She is eccentric, vulnerable and highly selfish. But there is a little child inside who is seeking a warm hug fir herself. You can scold her but cannot hate her. The brief kiss at the beginning which put the loner hearts at turmoil to steamy romance which deciphers desires of two young hearts touch today's love chords. We fall in love quick this days, but scares to live in it.

Jin Ju and Woon Joon reminds us how failing to understand what we want makes us lose the person we want most. The warmth that friendship shared throughout is something to be envious of. The vivacious Choi I-ra, one lovely piece of Woon Joon's childhood, her cute banter with other two house mates -Yun Tae and Jeong Hoon gives the much needed break needed in this poignant tale.

If you are looking for a mush romance, then this is not your room. Its a far away tale from Cinderella romance or "celebrity" set up. It is a reality check of hard life which even million heart winner celebrities faces.

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