Doona!

I don’t know what to say

So I usually love a story with a glittering beautiful heroine with issues and her love story with someone who is a commoner or not the same level as her. Some of my most iconic ones are Roman Holiday (Audrey Hepburn), Notting Hill (Julia Roberts, Hugh Grant), Indian Woh Lamhe (she is a damaged star just like Doona and this is a tragedy). To summarise many of these stories do not have a happy ending but for Notting Hill, and I like in this genre, tragedies, comedies and melodramas too.
If I compare this to woh lamhe, that was so raw, the heroine in that was so damaged and did so many things but the male lead also equally matched her.
Here in this drama, it was just showcasing the female lead and if you read MDL comments, you realise many just watched this drama because she looks great. That’s exactly what should not have happened, this should have shown the damage. Also the male lead is such an amazing actor usually but here he was so flat. Even if you compare with queens gambit for instance and Anya Taylor is very beautiful in real life, in none of the scenes was her looks highlights so much as her emotional trauma and her love for chess.
I just fast forwarded this drama. Again woh lamhe I watched first in 2007 I think and I still remember it shot by shot. This is not memorable to me, and bogged down with poor acting (male lead), poor direction too since the director chose to focus on the female lead without brining out the best in everyone else.

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AESTHETICALLY DEEP !

Before you read this I hope you are not a fan of the writing because I in the most certain way possible am not !

I guess the plot line is very clear. A shining star crosses path with a person who aspires to lead a normal life. Both of them belong to what we may call "Different Worlds" and most obviously pique each other's interest. Share some time and paint each other in a color we call "LOVE"!!!
This most basic explanation doesn't really give scope for you to fall for the characters but the characters end up being a part of you as the story unfolds. Then even their seemingly meaningless actions find meaning!

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LET ME TELL YOU ONCE - THE ENDING IS NOT WHY I RATED IT LOW !!!! (spoiler)
To be honest there was no apt ending to some happy ending would have done , to some sad, even tho I am a big - NO OPEN ENDINGS PLEASE kinda person I still believe some stories are better off incomplete because that's what completes them !
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But there lie oceans of depth that the aesthetics unfold and the story doesn't stay true to !

To put it normal words ....this drama was made for a way darker story , way deeper emotions and was most certainly made for the depths that is couldn't touch ! There had to be more I feel that yearning ... that so much more was to be there that so much more should have been focused on .

Messy characters, unreasonable behavior, screaming, crying, everyday desperately fighting to hang on to life , clinging to that last string of hope, being abandoned, feeling neglect, treating other person unfairly in hope of healing yourself this had all it took for a drama to be in depth perfect !

TO MENTION - the actors did a great job !!!

SHOULD YOU WATCH - YES , MOST CERTAINLY YES !!!!

--------------------------SPOLIERS AHEAD------------------
What went wrong ....I know how she felt when she was abandoned , I could see it in her actions in her behavior but not in her story . I do feel the story did injustice to the actor who beautifully held on to what she was given.
the person who abandoned doona ...what did he offer to the story ?
what role did he play...if he did not come back even then the impact would have been the same ...they what did that brilliant actor do on screen ? waste some screen time ?

what were the side character there for ...there was clearly no time to develop their story ...why waste screen time ? just let them out of the frame . I'll be good with one less couple meaninglessly falling in love.

they did not develop the last 2 eps ...they just rushed to end ...i'd rather see the main couple idle on my screen than see some random underdeveloped side characters ! thankyou !

also it would have been a treat if they introduced a therapy angle like imagine if the FL was getting professional help and still was a mess ....ofc people around have a role to play even after professional help ...I would have loved for the ML to be that ...it's not a love interest's responsibility to heal you of your past trauma ...but ofc they can help and support !
ML doesn't have to be ....THE KNOW IT ALL THE ONLY SAVIOR !

Also I know the ML wanted to be with her desperately but was there anything the plotline offered him ? no it was just a 2 sec drinking scene a 3 sec work hard for your goal and a 5 min drama of why they shouldn't call out DOONA's name or he'll feel bad . LIKE FUCKING SERIOUSLY ? you made him in all fucking 8 eps to ruin all of that complex nature with jus a 5 min 5 sec clip ...?

I am not asking you to give me a reply when doona asked him what he was doing for them but atleast give me (viewer) a reply ...show me fucking how desperate he is to be with her ....
--------------------------------- Done Ranting ! -------------------------------------

all in all ...THIS DRAMA IS SO AESTHETICALLY PLEASING , there is so much more than what meets the eye ....give it time ...time to get under your skin and you shall be a new person by the end ! let it grow on you ....spend a weekend with the main characters ...skip the side characters if you want ...do not let the ending bother you ....and you have your treat !

will add my fav quotes in some time ....
till then pls do give it a shot !
HOPE YOU ENJOY !

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Where is this hot and toxic?

There were so much reviews Like " oh wow, toxic hot powerful, Drama" - so i gave it a try.

And it was...
Quite average.
The main leads chemistry
was just not there, felt flat.
Doona was like "a baddie", but not really, if you watch the show you know what i mean.
The love story... I don't know- was just not something that blew my mind away, with acting, connection or originality.

The kpop thing was cool, but the potential was quite wasted, as the relationships between the characters, this topic was not shown in depth.

The ending was okay. I think it suited the flat relationship of the main characters and it is the most realistic ending, under this circumstances i guess.

The visuals and doona were pretty, music was okay.
Side couples were mediocre.

All in all - pretty average, would not watch again.

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Why this drama is one of the best of the year, and it's not an exaggerated thought!

I have never written a review but I felt the need to do this one today. I hope to do fairly well.

I think it is the perfect drama for the rainy season that is going on right now.

From my point of view, it makes you meditate, it is simple, but at the same time, it leaves you with a feeling of heaviness in your heart and you can't stop turning it over in your head.
For some reason I have felt comforted myself when I listened to Won-jun speak, and in some way, it has made me reflect as a person because of the character he has.

I think the story is perfect, I would not change anything, because I really liked how they developed it. The only reason this drama is not a 10 for me, is because I would have liked them to delve more into Doona's life before meeting him, otherwise it is perfect.
And for the detractors of the ending, I have to say that I think that what they wanted to tell and how they did it, was phenomenal. If you remember, Doona explained to him that only when her career stabilized could she be with him and he knew that for society to "accept" him he had to be an "adult", that is, graduate, settle down and get a job, as it is dictate on the standard that exists in society. That is why I think the ending has accurately captured how they have fought and achieved the "requirements" to be able to love each other.

I also want to emphasize that both the cinematography and the soundtrack of this drama are exceptional.

We must also talk about the level of the performances of both Bae Suzy and Yang Se Jong. She has never seemed like a bad actress to me, but I think she nailed it this time. And what can I say about him, I have been eagerly awaiting his return.

I hope this simple, although a bit short, review helps you.

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Doona! A Introspective Review

Doona! felt like a perpendicular line at the moment the lines cross.

I think the story was woven amazingly and felt realistic enough compared to other romantic dramas. The ending while sad and unfortunate felt more real. I know a decent size of people watch dramas as a form of escapism, I do to, but the show made me confront some feelings of reality that was hard to ignore.

Ultimately if I could point anyone to a poem that could capture this show I would point towards 'By Chance' by Xu Zhimo. I won't copy it here because that would spoil the show but feel free to read it yourself if you don't mind.

To conclude, I highly recommend you watch the show but if you can, make no real expectations or assumptions, so that the story can be appreciated more.

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Open Ending not a sad Ending

The ending of "Doona" left me emotionally stirred and profoundly moved. As I watched the final moments of the series, tears welled up in my eyes, and I found myself weeping unabashedly. It was a testament to the storytelling's power to evoke genuine emotions and the connection I had developed with the characters.
This visceral reaction mirrored the deep empathy I had cultivated for the characters throughout the series. It wasn't merely a drama on a screen; it felt like a part of my own experiences. Their struggles, hopes, and unyielding love resonated with me on a profoundly personal level. I wept not out of sorrow but out of an overwhelming sense of connection and understanding.

The denouement of "Doona," the beloved Korean drama, has sparked spirited debate among fans. Some have lamented what they perceive as a melancholic conclusion, but I submit that the series indeed culminates with an open ending, an artistic choice that leaves the door ajar for myriad possibilities. It invites us to ponder the power of unwavering love and the ongoing journey of the characters.

In this denouement, it is crucial to recognize that the story does not merely come to a close but rather leaves its protagonists at a crossroads, poised to embrace the uncertain but hopeful future. Far from a sad ending, it is a testament to the intricacies of human relationships, where the road ahead is obscured, and the outcome remains hidden, much like life itself.
The central theme of "Doona" is the resilience of love, an enduring emotion that defies temporal constraints. The two main characters are seen diligently striving to be together, reminiscent of the struggles that unfold in real life. The beauty of this open ending lies in its mirroring of the authentic human experience, where the culmination of our journeys is yet to be unveiled. It is a reminder that love is an ongoing, dynamic force, an ever-evolving narrative that continues to unravel with each passing day.

To label this ending as sorrowful would be a myopic assessment, for it captures the essence of the human condition. The uncertainty it encapsulates is not merely a narrative device, but a reflection of life itself. As long as the enduring flame of affection remains ablaze within their hearts, there exists the promise of a future replete with possibilities. Thus, "Doona" concludes not with a finality, but with the ever-present potential for a beautiful, unwritten chapter.

The ending's poignant beauty, with its open and uncertain nature, struck a chord deep within me. It made me realize that life, just like this story, is a mosaic of emotions and experiences, often leaving us teary-eyed, yet profoundly appreciative of the journey. As the credits rolled and my tears flowed, I found solace in the notion that "Doona" had, in its own unique way, mirrored the complex tapestry of existence, leaving me with a heartwarming and tearful reminder of the power of love, hope, and the ongoing nature of our own stories.

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Don't Watch this if you have read the Webtoon, If Not You are good to go.

As someone who has read the Doona Webtoon I can clearly say this is nowhere near the Original work. The whole freakin story has been changed.

But if you watch this as a independent story this is quite good till the last episode.

The Drama is hugely dependent on Suzy and Yang Sejong who did their part of the job brilliantly. You can just watch this drama solely for their chemistry.

Another good Thing about the drama is the Visuals they left no frame incomplete, every frame was like an artwork.

But if you really want to know about Doona and Won Jun just read the Webtoon it's just on an another level of storytelling and characters just make sense.

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REFRESHING!!!

First of all, let's just say, I'm surprised!!! Why? Because I thought that this is going to be a typical fairy tale drama, but no, it isn't!!! Let me say one thing for those who want to watch this show, and they have huge expectations. FORGET THEM ALL! It's not a typical love drama, and it's not even a feelgood drama. IF you watched 'Crash Landing on You', you will have almost the same experience, and it's not a coincidence because both show made by the same director! This is not a fantasy where everything is good and there are rainbows and cute puppies.😅 This drama is REAL as it gets. If you hate one or more characters because of their decisions, I'm not surprised. BUT if you ever loved someone, especially when you were young, you will understand why this show is a fantastic representation of “young love” and young people in general. Sure, we could say, Doona sometimes willful, violent or just don't care about anyone else but herself. That's only the surface! This drama showed us how fame can ruin a person's life, and not everything is as it seems, and maybe you want to watch TV shows because you want to escape from reality. If you want to do that, DON'T WATCH THIS DRAMA! Like I said, this isn't a fairy tale!

The characters are real, Doona too. The whole Idol part of the show just scratched the surface, to be honest, because being a celebrity is way worse than we have seen in this show. So, I'm not that surprised that the ending wasn't a typical Disney fairy tale. BTW, the ending. If you want happy ending, you have to pay attention!!! Again, YOU HAVE TO PAY ATTENTION, because the director purposefully blended every scene together perfectly, so you have to think twice or even more if you want to know what happened, especially in the second half of the season. He sprinkled a LOT of info and little scenes in the intro and in the episodes where you can find clues how the show really ended! Honestly, I bow down for the director because in my lifetime (36 years) I didn't witness a creative directing like this too many times!

My only problem with the show, is that it's too short, 9 episode nothing. I could watch 9 more. I hope there will be a second season, because if we don't count the minor issues and the short season, this show could've been perfect.

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Fallen star done right

This is another one of those dramas that just draws you in and before you know it it is over...

To be honest we have seen this type of story before in several dramas, all rated highly by me, and all loved in their own little way. This drama does not have a lot to add to the lot of dramas of this type story wise even if it does have a slightly different angle and has the star fall a bit deeper than most other dramas do.

HOWEVER it does have Suzys amazing acting, singing and all round awesomeness.

It also has really beautiful cinematography a bunch of lovely friendships and extreamly few moments of annoying.

The biggest downside of this drama is it leaving me wanting more, as well as the high age of the actors supposed to play 21 yearolds (not very believable, sorry). However the acting, chemistry, kissing, emotions are all spot on and I loved pretty much every second of watching the interactions between the leads and the second female lead.

Definitely a drama worth watching for all those who can appreciate watching falling star dramas and can handle some darkness and spunk.

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Doona! — Snooze me Please

📝 Review (WARNING: Potential Spoilers — I’m Not Saving You from Emotional Damage)

Honestly… what hype? This was slow, bleak, and excruciatingly boring. The FL is a walking red flag parade, the ML has zero chemistry with her, and the plot? Weightless. Just a boy falling for a girl because she’s “pretty,” while she toys with him for absolutely no reason. Not being cookie-cutter doesn’t excuse making your audience want to gouge their eyes out. Every episode dragged like molasses.

Even the supposedly “interesting” cast couldn’t rescue this snoozefest. Some reviews claimed people “didn’t understand it,” but I got it—and still wanted to throw my phone across the room. This one’s going straight onto my DO NOT EVER WATCH AGAIN list.


💭 Final Mood:
“Boring, tedious, soul-sapping… and somehow painfully smug about it.”

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DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME !!

This is my take on the drama I’ve got a lot to say about it, just to be clear this is my own opinion and I understand everyone won’t agree and have different opinions especially since I know others have attempted to watch this drama and found it boring and sure I get it but for me I absolutely loved it. The cinematography was my kind of aesthetic and the songs were giving melancholy but it also gave the feeling of peace at the same time. Ever since the first episode I was hooked and I never found it boring in fact I found it intriguing. To me it felt so organic and real mainly because of the main character/s and their story. I’ve read on a reddit post someone said it felt more like a character study than a K-Drama and I agree. To me it felt so different from the K-Dramas I watch that it felt like a breath of fresh air apart from the several love interests introduced in the drama for the male lead and some cliches. The reason why I agree that this drama is more of a character study is because it mostly centres around Doona (of course it’s the name of the series) and who she is, it shows her past, her struggles, the problems she faces and how it has affected her negatively. However that’s not the main reason why I was so intrigued in the first place. I was interested because the drama tackles mental health issues and mentions the abuse Korean Idols go through within the industry, it shows awareness and it’s one of the reasons why the actress of Doona (played by Bae Suzy, I love her) picked up the role because she related to the character. Now aside from all that I enjoyed and deeply loved Doona and Won-Jun’s (Yang Se-Jong) love story, there was amazing chemistry between the main leads in my opinion and they did a fantastic job portraying their characters. I love their relationship dynamic in the show where they come from two different worlds, a soft hearted, innocent and serious boy in university meets a famous Korean idol who puts on a tough exterior but is actually broken and struggles with mental health. He fell for who she is and didn’t try to “fix” her, he was always there for her and became her safe place and she needed someone that just loved her for who she was. Whilst Doona fell for how genuinely good and sincere he was, he was different to the people she met in her life and Won-Jun needed someone who was bold and got him to loosen up, they were a perfect fit. For me this show really hit the spot and it’s definitely my favourite K-Drama in 2023, it’s definitely high on my list. Regardless of the ending which for me was a good ending and quite realistic, at first I wasn’t sure what to feel all I know is everyone should take it easy on idols, with media nowadays they aren’t given the freedom they deserve as human beings and aren’t even given the right to date the person they like without a camera in their face or being judged and hated for it.

Anyways I should probably stop I still have a lot to say but I’ll just say this, if you think this is your type of show to watch based on what I’ve mentioned then of course I highly recommend you to watch it but if it’s not, then don’t waste your time.

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