Doona!

Only for people who choose realistic ending

The drama is about a retired idol and a ordinary living boy who shifts upstairs in a home sharing. As the male lead helps the female lead when she is sick, there's the story starts giving butterflies. The female lead is unstable in both life and career but the male lead this hard and maintains his ethics so it was no way that he would've called for such person but, he did in spite of having a long one-sided love.
In the course of time, the drama portraits sadness and the story ends with disappointments in viewers eyes by choosing realistic ending.
P. S : There are wonderful kiss scenes and lots butterflies.
Hope you add in your list.

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IN DEPTH review + alternative endings and where to stop for viewers that dont want open ending

Writing this review freshly after finishing all 9 episodes, everything is very clear in my mind as I binged it all in one sitting. I did not read or even look up the original manhwa or novel (whatever it is called), so I have nothing to compare the drama version to, and I also DID NOT come in with any expectations. Usually when viewers read the novel first they may be more biased since things may be different from the plot in a good or bad way, but I came in with no expectations, just to clarify. Apologize for long review, but I try to be detailed and helpful. It is totally okay to disagree as its just my opinion! Disclaimer: it may seem like im bashing the ending and everything, but I still gave the drama a 7 rating so im not really hating to clarify, rather I am not satisfied. If I were to describe this drama it would be like competing in a race and doing well on the first few laps, then just not completing the last lap. You see, this is a romance drama. Not a healing drama, not a slice of life, not action, not comedy, not historical. Least they could have done was a satisfying romantic ending.

Things I liked:
1. Good romance and kiss scenes. Actually thought they had more and better kisses than most dramas I see nowadays.
2. 9 episodes of like 35-40 minutes (the last 5 minutes are just credits so its not actually 45 min), it can be binged, and even if you dont like it, its a short watch, you dont really 'waste' a lot of time. Also, if you wanted to rewatch for whatever reason, it would be easy.
3. Nothing much going on in the drama other than the romance aspect, which is good as you dont have to give your attention to many subplots. However, the drama is still a bit confusing with plot holes and time skips which I will talk about below.
4. Characters are likable, there's no character I didnt like, and love triangle was not overly annoying. Acting was also good, everyone was pretty good but I just thought the ML acting was okay. Not bad but not good.

Things I didn't like: (SPOILERS AHEAD, but I really think people should read this before watching)
STAR: I am fine with open or sad endings but for this specific drama I can think of more reasons of why they couldve/shouldve been together than not, which is why im so frustrated (see #4). I would also like to point out that this drama really has no plot other than 1. Doona going back to her career and 2. romance. There are only 2 overarching plots, yet they couldn't even make it clear and things were very confusing to me as a viewer (see #2 & 3). There were details left out, no explanations, time skips, some things just dont make sense.

1. Open ending. Obviously not every drama will have a good ending. But we (or at least me personally) watch dramas to escape from reality... why would I as a viewer want to spend my free time to watch a 'bittersweet' ending when they can just give a happy ending for romance, as its literally the only plot. Also, many others argue that it was a 'realistic' ending, but realistically they would and should have ended up together as Doona literally explains they can date after 2 years, which have passed, and they both still have feelings for each other. Correlates with my fourth point.

2. Many plot holes. Like we still dont even know clearly why Doona even left the group, we just know it's somewhere along the lines of being overwhelmed, but we dont know clearly. We dont know if she really couldn't sing or if she faked it (she sings perfectly well in ep8 and also debuts again as a singer) We dont know if Mr. Park (the manager dude) is a good or bad character and his relationship with her. He is such a grey character, and obviously his role is big as he is the one that sends her to the house alone, but we dont even know really if he has a good or bad intent. ML and FL family is not even talked about, which I dont mind but still it counts as a plot hole... like what sickness does the ML's sister have where he has to take care of her. Is Doona being an idol to help her mom out of debt? Did her mom pay back the debt? Also ML's best friend is literally Doona's biggest fan, but he doesn't even know ML and her dated???

3. Time skips (especially in ep8 and 9). As a viewer I often got confused in the later episodes of when events started happening. It's not very clear if it's a time skip to the future or past or present. And this is related to the plot holes, as literally we go from them dating to suddenly being split apart in ep8. Very confusing and it is not really shown when they leave each other. One moment they are in bed together, then the next moment she is already at the idol building, no goodbye no telling each other nothing. In other simpler words: Doona is edited weirdly, it's very oddly spliced. As someone said: "All events move forward in a non-linear pattern, with the story constantly moving back and forth." It would have been better to give better explanations and more straightforward storytelling so the reader is not left to presume or assume or guess on anything. Directors could have used 1 hour episodes or just made it 10 or 12 episodes instead of 9 to not rush things and skip explanations or events. This was a Netflix kdrama, the directors definitely could have changed the length...

4. The ending along with the romance is probably the most important thing, and what I dont understand is in the end, when Doona becomes an idol, she still wanted to secretly meetup and date. The ML has feelings for her obviously, but I dont understand why he doesn't want to. We are not given any reason why either. Okay, whatever, I can look past that... BUT
2 years pass, (Doona literally says they can date after 2 years when she's in a more stable position), the ML is back from the military, they meet again... but they still dont date???? And in the second to last scene, the FL goes to ML's house and they finally talk and hug and say they miss each other and cry. They also could have gotten back together here for a happy and realistic ending??? But no, the last scene they are back to strangers walking past each other in public. You didnt need to add scenes, and im fine with a 'realistic' sad (quote on quote realistic since in the drama Doona says she as an idol CAN date after she is stable as an idol, although in real life idols probably cant date) or happy ending rather than an open confusing ending.

Alternative Endings:
1. If you want sad ending, just stop in ep9 when won jun says he is going to the army and Doona leaves for the train. This is a realistic and sad ending for those that dont care about happy ending. Realistically she is now back to being an idol and cant date, like real life Kpop idols with restrictions on dating.
2. If you want happy ending, stop in ep9 where they hug and say they miss each other. If you end here, it will be like they got back together finally. They are back to dating and the end.
3. Open ending just finish the whole thing, then go back and watch the opening scene of episodes 1,2,6,7,8,9. They meet again at the railroad tracks. And in episodes 8 and 9 they go on a date. You can interpret this as they are secretly seeing each other despite being an idol. OR, the other open ending is that you see in the last scene where they walk past each other but dont say a word but Doona looks back at Won Jun. This can also be interpreted as they have broken up and are chose to prioritize their own careers over love. Either way, they have succeeded in their careers, and isn't necessarily a bad ending. People have heartbreaks in real life too, and not every partner is a marriage partner!

Something I noticed, not a judgement, just something I noticed:
The opening always has some scene where it can be interpreted as an open ending, but I went back to every episode just to see it. They just walk to the railroad crossing, in earlier episodes they are wearing black (keep in mind). In the later episodes we see them cross the railroad and walk to each other. But this time the ML is not wearing black, he is wearing tan suit (arguably this would mean a different day, or maybe they just didnt pay attention to outfit detail and accidentally wore wrong outfit) In the last episode, the opening scene the FL is wearing a cap and different outfit. (this outfit is NOT the same as her ending scene outfit, but the ML is wearing his ending scene outfit. I guess the opening scene would be telling the viewer that they meetup and go on a date. However, you would have to piece every opening scene together to visualize it, which is very hard to notice and do.

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How to like this drama

Had I known about the ratings before starting this show, I probably never would have, but I am glad I watched this. Not because I particularily enjoyed this, but simply because I didn't hate it either. I was so indifferent with this that it was actually a nice relaxing watch in-between.

So, here's a guide on how to like it:
First, look for something calm, but not light-hearted. Not to say there was no message or strong emotions, but they are mostly implicit. In that regard, music, cinematography etc. all blend well into each other.
Second, look for a green flag (but young & inexperienced) ML.
Third, do not mind the FL to be a big red flag. This is not a pretty, beautiful romance story and never was supposed to be.
I really didn't feel the relationship at all and my only thought was "I hope he learns to run fast and far and she finally gets some therapy." Which stirs up the question whether someone is a green flag if they stay in a relationship with a red flag, a question I haven't found an answer to. The relationship does change in dynamics and, depending on your perspective, fosters character development, I just don't think I'd call it character "growth".

Fourth, don't expect the side characters to be more than NPCs, the focus is almost entirely on the progression of the relationship.

Fifth, expect backgrounds and backstories to be implicit, too. I have seen more than a handful of short series so far and some really impressed me with how much depth, understanding and context they were able to provide for several characters in a short amount of screentime. Here, the focus is almost entirely on the present with just small hints on what happened to get both characters where they are now. That also makes it really hard to gain "secure" insight into their motives and you need to use your own logic to connect the loose ends. Still, I wouldn't say the series needs a lot of brain cells, although the very open narration style does leave a lot of space to fill if you feel like it.

Sixth, you really like or really care about idol industry, their lives and the consequences it has to live like they do. The message there is clear, strong and probably all too real.

Last but not least, you don't expect a real "plot" as you are used to, but really just want to follow two people along their way of a relationship that probably never should have happend but takes place around the world on a daily basis.

Overall, this drama is probably very close to reality, although the execution might not appeal to everyone. For me, it just didn't manage to stir any interest, and I do like short and calm, slow dramas with lots of implications and a message. But as I don't care much about idols and have had my fair share of red flags already, it wasn't a message meant for me to hear.

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A flame that burns twice as bright makes everything else seems dull

Doona is my definition of a Traffic Show. Bae Suzy has the titular role and all the marketing is focused on her. It is to be expected if you need to generate as much traffic as possible. This it succeeded, but it also sabotage itself.

Doona is a difficult person to deal with because she has little life experience. She has questionable interpersonal skills and has no filters. Knowing the idol industry, the bulk of her young life would be consumed by training and “being” an idol. This exerts a heavy toll on her health, both mental and physical. It is no surprise that she feels like she is drowning just before her breakdown.

Instead of giving her help and guidance, her manager dumped her in a share house full of college students. This is particularly heartless because he knew she has a crush on him. Is this tough love or punishment, you be the judge.

The start of the show sees our ML moving into the same share house. The ML is stoic and studious. Dull to be honest but he is just the rock Doona needs to anchor herself at this point in time. The start of their relationship is certainly tremulous. Doona holds all the cards. Teased and played him mercilessly. However, over time, she accepts his presence and let her guards down bit by bit. It took a while, but they sort out their confused feelings eventually.

All is well until the manager re-enters the scene. This is not a total surprise because the show hinted strongly that Doona needs to perform to feel alive. She has been channelling her energy into her love life but it is obvious that she can't be a housewife nor hold down a desk job.

I must admit I was worried about the manager’s role as she still has a crush on him and his influence on her is overwhelming. This was confirmed by the scene at the grandmother’s house. I understand why the writer-nim wrote it that way but I do wonder if it can be done better. I'm glad that Doona soon realised that the manager was only using her and ended her crush. However, more storm clouds are gathering.

For a nine episodes run, you would think that there is no shortage of plot materials but the A-plot is so focused on Doona that everything else seems to pale by comparison.

For instance, the ML has 3 separate romantic entanglements in three different stages of his life. The show managed to get all 3 girls to live in the same share house at the same time. You would think that there will be fireworks, but it is quite the contrary.

Both SFL’s have their backstories but they have very little impact on the A-plot. His high school crush should play a key role but by the time we find out about her troubled upbringing and her eventual confession to the ML, it was all too late. She just can’t compete with Doona. Ditto, the other housemates did little more than move the plot along when needed.

That is a shame because Doona is not as captivating as the show would've liked. Yes, Bae Suzy owns the role but her performance can be a bit stilted at times. She has her moments and some scenes are artsy and beautiful, but I won't call it a breakout role.

The same goes for the ML. He is laser focused on his studies and entering the coveted public service. He loves on cue and cries on cue. He plays the noble idiot card and made both of them suffer for years. He even acknowledged that. It is not a strong role. His delivery can feel flat at times. More than once I was willing him to do more, anything.

Now we arrive at the tricky part, the ending. There has been some chatter about whether the OTP reconciled or are they estranged? The show did not give us a definitive answer. However, the following is my take and I’ll die on that hill. ;)

Before I watch the last few minutes of the finale, I would've said that they are done. Both are in pain, but they are getting on with their lives. HOWEVER, after watching the emotionally charged scene in his room my view changed. He apologized without hesitation. He said everything she wanted to hear and more. They both knew that their love each other hasn’t changed. They hugged it out like desperate people clinging to a life preserver. You can't tell me that they walked away as strangers after that.

Yes, of course, anything is possible, but I would prefer to believe that they have learnt their lesson and reconciled. I'm not sure if it is all hush-hush but they can pursue their own goals and live parallel lives like some celebrities and their SO's. They love each other dearly and they will make it work.

BTW, the last scene is ambiguous but it is literally a chance meeting. She looked back because she knew he will be in Japan (as couples do). It wasn't a wistful look. The nonchalance could signal a deliberate separation of their public and private life. It is a "I see you" moment and that’s enough.

I have no doubt it will be the trending show for a while, the hype around Bae Suzy will guarantee that. It is watchable but not amazing. The swoon worthy moments are worth the price of admission. Peace out.

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The Ache Between the Lines

This one didn’t crash into me. It crept in quietly — no fanfare, no high drama — and then stayed. Long after the screen went dark, I found myself sitting in the silence it left behind, not really sure where to put everything it stirred up.

Doona! wasn’t about big movements. It was about the moments in between. The waiting. The misreading. The longing held just behind the eyes. There was a kind of stillness to it that felt honest in a way most love stories don’t dare attempt. It didn’t try to dazzle. It just sat with the ache. And I sat with it.

Bae Suzy absolutely wrecked me. Not with tears or theatrics, but with restraint — that bone-deep loneliness she wore like second skin. Her Doona wasn’t tragic in the performative sense. She was just… lost. And tired of pretending she wasn’t. Watching her try to navigate intimacy without performance, to be seen without being consumed — it was brutal, and real, and painfully tender.

And then there’s Yang Se-jong as Won-jun — who could’ve so easily been forgettable, the “nice guy” archetype played straight. But no. His softness didn’t feel passive. It felt chosen. Intentional. He held space for her even when he didn’t know how. And that hit me hard. Because not every love burns bright. Some flicker quietly, stubbornly, in the dark.

Their relationship wasn’t tidy. It wasn’t designed for swooning. It was built on unsaid things, mismatched timing, fear wrapped in desire. There were so many pauses — not filler, but meaning held in suspension. And maybe that’s what I loved most. It trusted me to feel what wasn’t being said.

Sure, the plot moved slowly. Some would say not much happened. But it did. Everything happened — in glances, in silences, in the way someone reaches for a door and then doesn’t open it. That emotional tension, the restraint, the inevitability of goodbye even as everything in them wanted to stay — it unraveled me.

The ending wasn’t what I hoped for. But it made sense. It honored who they were, not who I wanted them to be. And that hurt more than a tragic twist ever could. It felt honest — like love that meant something, even if it couldn’t survive the timing.

I didn’t expect Doona! to leave a mark. But it did. A quiet one. The kind that lingers in the chest long after, soft and unfinished.

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mid and disappointing

as a bae suzy fan who has been waiting for this drama for a loooong time, i expected way more. ML character lacked development. total waste consdering yang se jeong and suzy have a top tier chemistry. it was a boring kdrama, even though it had potential. i thought it'd be just as good as crash landing on you (as it's from the same director) but definitely not even close. some characters were bland and added nothing to the show. as a brazilian the brazil references were too much and definitely unnecessary and useless. kim jin ju is not likeable and her character could be wayyy better - i liked her friendship with doo na though. premise was good but executed poorly it's a shame.

not a bad kdrama but not the best either. wouldn't have watched it if suzy wasnt the fl

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Great to bad ...

I started watching this series and was instantly hooked on it. I'm not sure why, but it was just so intriguing, wondering how this relationship of an ordinary man would get involved and attached to a well known singing star idol. If you would have asked me to rate this series after the first six episodes, I would have given 10's across the board. It was just that great ...
But seriously, I have no idea what happened. The last three episodes were just horrible. I hate to use that word, horrible, and I've never used that word before in a review, but that's the only word I can think of.
Nothing against the acting or the actors, in fact, they were fantastic. Se Jong and Suzy did a great job at giving us two great performances, Ha Young, too ... but the story just fell apart in episodes 8 & 9.
By the time the last episode played out, I was just counting the minutes until it was over, hoping for a great finish. I wanted to see some conclusion that would leave me feeling like I did after the first six episodes ... but it didn't happen.
..... And the ending? I didn't get the ending at all. I watched the last 10 minutes twice, thinking I missed something, but I still didn't get it. Complete confusion as the credits rolled, along with total disappointment.

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Started so strong then fell flat

Honestly, I only watched doona for bae suzy as she is a goddess and was as beautiful as always in the drama, at first I really enjoyed the drama ex kpop idol and random civilian but then it just fell flat. Better to have the show focused on the side characters then some dumbass mc that couldn't make up his mind. In fact I would rather have that fat dude be the mc as he was entertaining won jun was fucking terrible. How at the end you wanna be a cuck and listen to korean diddy then act sad after you broke up with doona straight dumbass. Don't get me wrong doona was a redflag but she got better won jun on the other hand I couldn't take him seriously with his dumb no face expression during the last episode not saying jack shit to doona. Overall terrible after they were made into a couple to just not end up being together.

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Bitterly perfect~✨

✨9.5/10

So after much thought I think this drama is actually pretty great.It started of normal with pretty light hearted shades but midway through changed into a melodrama. I think I was too focused on the leads but the other love interests had their own stories too. I was afraid the world building would be unsatisfactory cause these short netflix dramas tend to focus solely on the main characters and doesn't bother expanding with different characters and relationships.but it was not the case here.Visualy it is stunning.the actors portrayed the characters well and got me rooting for them.

FL is a fallen star that collided with a university student. For once a character like her was believable.She found peace with him.

ML? He's a warm and caring guy. Though oblivious to what romance is about he was perfect.He actively tried to be there for her made her have a sense of belonging.

From cinematography,acting,story and the OSt everything wrepped up well in a bow. They really did well in showcasing the concept of bitterd romance.
This kept me worried and wanting to see how the plot progresses so it means it's a good drama.

My thoughts on the ending:

Well there seem to be a pretty heated argument about the open ending.
(I respect your opinion. here I'll state mine.)

So I thought it was going to be a pretty bad open ending but IMO it wasn't that bad.
Sure the leads are not dating but at least they still like each other? They like each other but decided to wait for the right time for love instead to focus on their dreams and careers.
That's what I interpreted from the ending.

(I think it's not that bad if they do decide to do a s2 that is. But the problem is that it is highly unlikely.)

In full honesty this drama was a drama that is completely out of my zone. A melodrama?I would never watch it. I was so frustrated during the last half of the drama but that frustration turned in to admiration in the end for how good the writers and actors did to sell us the concept of a bittersweet romance. Though I was emotionally exhausted at the end.

Anyways I'll post enough GIFS about this on feeds so it means I love it.lol

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