Destined with You (2023)

The series gets repetitive with no real plot

The drama is interesting at first but begins to get repetive from episode 3 onwards. The ML keeps repeating how he doesn’t want to fall in love with the FL but keeps approaching her. His lines are so repetive that it becomes irritating to watch.

Both of 2nd FL and ML serve no real purpose except as sidekicks whom we already know will not end up with the FL and the ML.

The colleagues in the civil service office, and even the ML’s parents, play filler roles because are not close to either the FL or the ML, so the FL and ML exist in a vacuum.

This drama already has the usual kdrama setup and tropes, and they are excuted quite poorly, which is a shame because both leads are considered good actors.

The usual :
1. Both ML and FL have existing partners/love interests, gradually develop feelings for each other while denying them.

2. 2nd FL and ML, who do not end up with the ML and FL but try to be.

3.. Side stories involving people at the workplace, usually involving a comic relief, nasty boss, gossipy colleagues, or the FL’s BFF

4. Accidental kisses, falling over each other, etc

I hope the drama picks up from now on. I like Jo Bo-ah, but even then the constant repetitive lines when they are bickering are just too irritating.

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A Bloody Hand of Fate Facilitates Love

The story starts with a bloody hand molesting the face of the ML. We later learn it is a curse stemming from some indiscretion in his past life. This made for an interesting start but the story wasn’t as intriguing as expected. This series turned out to be your typical K-drama romance with a bit of sorcery thrown in.

The leads were the saving grace of the series as all the storylines were somewhat messy. Rowoon and Bo-ah Jo looked beautiful together and had wonderful chemistry. Their characters, Shin -yu and Hong-Jo, not only had great chemistry and thus were believable as a couple but were interesting on their own. Shin-yu was smart, funny and caring. And Hong-Jo was passionate about her work, fun -loving, vibrant and intelligent. They were a perfect match as their bickering had just as much chemistry as their kisses. They had some really hilarious moments, but could also be passionate and loving with each other. Moreover, they both, at times, could be annoying and make really stupid decisions but still remained likable.

Though for a while there was the question as to whether Shin-yu’s feelings for Hong-Jo were real or due to the love spell she had cast, it was clear to me that he had an interest in her before a spell was even thought about. The love story in the present was well written and tied nicely to the past, but the story struggled with incorporating the side characters in an interesting manner. The office bullying and romance was boring as was the drama with the SFL. The corruption storyline could’ve been better, but played as if the writers needed something to fill the minutes not focused on the leads.

The stalker storyline would’ve been okay if the story had been better written, but the series implied that he was practicing sorcery. However, it was never apparent whether his spells worked. Moreover he was an individual who was apart of the leads’ past life but his role in their past life was never tied to the present. This was a missed opportunity and a major plot hole.

I did enjoy the budding relationship between the ML’s mom and his BFF. I didn’t need to see them start a romance, and they didn’t. Thank goodness. But I liked the confidence he inspired within her. It’s too bad she decided to stay with her verbally abusive husband instead of divorcing him.

Despite the weakness in some of the storylines, I enjoyed this series. Rowoon and Bo-ah Jo were fantastic in this. I could feel the happiness, the heart break and the love between their characters. This was all due to them giving their all in every scene. Their characters had some awesome hugs and smoldering kisses and one of the best sex scenes I’ve seen in a K-drama in a while.

This show was far from perfect. Nonetheless it was enjoyable and one that I will rewatch.

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the female lead gave me second hand embarrassment

at first the story doesn’t seem that bad with the cliches of past lives and stuff but the female lead just got on my nerves soo much . Now a days kdramas are about strong and smart female charecters. But here the fl didn’t seem to have any self respect or common sence whatsoever. and also I couldn’t really feel any chemistry between the leads. It didn’t even look like the ML was falling is love, It just looked like he was doing all that against his will . and then suddenly confesses his love. and then again saying it had nothing to do with the potion was weird. and the ML technically was cheating on his then girlfriend. They tried to cover it up by making that girlfriend a cheater as well, otherwise the ML would’ve been bashed for it. anyways i rearly have kdramas soo much

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In need of better writers

"Destined with you" suffered due to it's subpar writing.
The plot was intriguing and fun but the way the episodes were written was so done messily the viewers didn't have time to really sympathise with the protagonists/fully engage. But the superficiality of the script was saved by some funny moments and ... the actors. To my surprise despite the negative comments I've heard, Rowoon so a joy to watch, he never felt awkward and he excelled in comedic scenes.

Despite not being a great drama I didn't really find it boring, I only felt pity that it could have been so much more.
Still, not a bad watch 6.5/10

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A Love Story Forged Across Time

This drama is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions! It's got this epic love story between Jang Sin Yu and Hong Jo, with tons of sparks flying. There's a messy ex-fiancée in the mix too!
Their past-life connection adds a whole new layer of mystery, and the flashbacks are seriously intriguing. It's like they were destined to be together, no matter what.
There's also hilarious moments with Hong Jo's coworkers that had me cracking up. Plus, the soundtrack is fantastic and the ending is super satisfying.
Overall, 'Destined With You' is a fun and romantic drama with a bit of everything. Definitely worth checking out!

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Strong Foundation But Still Managed To Lose Its Footing

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I really had high hopes for this one. I love Rowoon (로운); I think he's a great actor. I saw some short clips of this drama that highlighted his portrayal of a quirky character in an unfortunate but comical situation. It seemed very charming. So despite my dislike for the female lead, I decided to give this drama a shot...

Acting/Cast: This is going to sound so harsh...honestly, the only positive in this category is Rowoon (로운), the male lead...and even he struggled. I don't know if it's his fault or the writing or the direction or all of the above, but he couldn't hold the character. It was such a unique character, too, with an extremely distinct personality and it just...fizzled away as the drama progressed. I would catch glimpses of his former self here and there but it only served as a depressing reminder of what once was. Jo Ba Ah (조보아), who played the female lead, wasn't any better. I had really disliked her after watching her ruin Tale of the Nine-Tailed with her horrible acting. At least she had improved in this drama. I was surprised that she wasn't the reason this drama failed. The villains - all three of them - are lame. The side characters tried so hard to be likeable and they just couldn't pull it off. Oh, I almost forgot about that poor 2nd male lead... a K-drama pet peeve of mine -- disrespected 2nd male leads. 1/10

Writing: I'm so sick of the "we loved each other in a past life" trope. It's so over done. It's seriously becoming another huge K-drama pet peeve of mine. The writing and plot started out strong. It was an interesting premise with a dark, ominous undertone. Unfortunately, this all goes away pretty early on in the drama and it just becomes a boring, typical romance...with a stalker cliche. I think it fizzles out around episode 8 or 9. Ugh...the beginning was so good...I'm so disappointed... 4/10

Direction/SFX/Music: This drama does have good cinematography and production quality. This is definitely the strongest category. The OST is decent. Direction though, I did not agree with. Going from unique, quirky, cute, with some creepy and even adult vibes to a cookie-cutter romance. I forgot the ending. It's only been a few days and I already forgot. That's how unimpressed I was. 6/10

Entertainment Value: Getting through the 1st episode wasn't quick for me. I don't know if it was the drama or me. However, after the 1st episode, I really got into the story. I was excited to watch it. I really loved the male lead's character and the dynamic between the 2 leads. I thought the plot itself was very engaging. Then, I reached the 2nd half of the drama and as I continued watching to the end, I experienced all the hope within me slowly shrivel up and die. 4/10

Now I'm sad.
Overall, I gave this drama a 4/10 due to the complete disregard for the solid foundation that had been established in the beginning of the drama.

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Witchcraft, comedy, keeps you hooked throughout, cursed from generations

Critically speaking the series deserve 6/10. The flow of story is pretty random, story itself was weak. I liked the costume design though.

But the reason I gave it 9/10 is simply because this series was not meant for critical assessment. The whole intention was to make the audience take the back seat, turn off cynicism and just enjoy. I would say it was successful in making me feel what it intended to- Romantic!

The chemistry between Hung-Jo and Sinyu was critically lame, yet non-critically adorable, funny and cute. Actor Rowoon and Bo-ah were perfect together. Specially Rowoon showed his acting prowess. He gives brilliant yet subtle facial expressions. I hope he thinks about acting in movies, and on more serious script. He displayed a lot of potential, and can be something really big and global. Bo-ah is the the cutest, I felt like squeezing her cheeks, haha. Hope to see this pair again. Every person in this drama literally justifies their role this is worth it

if you're looking for some

rom-com with main leads in love yet in denial Then this one is for you you won't regret watching it.

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Watch if you are in a kdrama slump!

It's my first time writing a review, and I'm not realy sure how to start, so I'll get straight to the point.
Destined with You is the drama that got me out of my kdrama slump. I hadn't been able to fully finish a kdrama until I watched this one. The plot is intriguing, although the beginning was slightly slow-paced, whereas the last episode seemed rushed. However, the leads have incredible chemistry and are adorable together (there were some cringe moments, though). What's more, there wasn't a boring episode.
What I liked about the drama was the compelling story. To some people, it might look like the typical rom-com - the handsome, cold, but secretly sweet male lead and the lonely cute misunderstood by others female lead, but to me, this drama nailed this type of trope. The side stories were also interesting and entertaining. Nevertheless, I couldn't relate to the female lead's story. I wish there were more references to her past.
Some improvements are definitely needed to make this drama perfect, but overall it's an easy, cute, unengaging watch and when I am in a kdrama slump again I would certainly turn to it.

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A good romantic comedy.

''Destined with you'', became one of the great romantic comedies that dramaland has, even though it is not as talked about as it should be, I believe that romcom lovers should try to watch it, as they will definitely like it.
I believe that this drama has aspects that can make you like and dislike it at the same time, but it wouldn't be a big reason to stop watching it.

In one part, the storyline about a past love and the curse cast becomes a little tiring, and if it could be resolved with obvious things (at least for viewers), this curse could have been lifted long ago and the drama it would have ended in episode 14. So much so that episodes 13, 14 and 15 were more about filling space than having any evolution in the development part of the drama.

However, it is still an interesting romantic comedy to watch, especially because those who like this mix of a fantasy world can be contagious :)

Weaknesses:
- Long and repetitive story.
- Failure to make the protagonist's ex-girlfriend become a big villain (unless that wasn't on purpose).
And that's it.

Strong points:
- Good performance by the main and supporting actors (especially the villain).
- Very nice OST's to listen to.
- Camera cuts and games are very smooth to watch.


The exploration of the romance of the main characters and even the secondary couple was what made me feel a little more comfortable to continue watching the drama, since in the end it made me a little lazy to continue because, as I said, the story is too long and carries a subject to fill episode.

For these reasons, I give the drama a 9.
Finished: 18/03/2024.

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very romantic tender story

This drama really cool and I liked it so much ! All ! Haha the scenes, music, acting... acting is an other things ! Actors played very good on high level! I felt so huge romantic while watching this series )) so much love and tenderness!..
But personally found only few moments I don't like ... about them later ,but at all, the series is pretty cool and warm ! I advice to watch it ! Also well added music which very harmoniously convey the feelings thro ...
Nothing wana say bad , the story is good and Shin Yu with Hong Jo have a real chemistry while playing together )) ( very good acted Rowoon ))) but ...why always good guy falls in a dumb girl ? Lol , she made many mistakes , she too loyal and naive and ain't that smart , she easily believes to anyone and getting in trouble then but Shin Yu falls in her ! This drive me crazy! Why dirictors always made that main lead smart character falls into a dumb girl ?! Or it's a trend in Korea ...? This is sucks , I think this is only one thing is sucks in that drama ! ..
Ps I understand that if a girl were there a smart maybe will not some kinda interesting to watch it bc will b so "ideal " but in same time I think that they can play with scenario to make it too cool with a smart female lead role ..
Also when Shin Yu got stambed a lil, Hong Jo jus looked at him and cried...while she can jus call for doctors quickly ! ..no logic here guys , u can cry when he die but while he didn't u must to save him first!.. this was stupid ...
Didn't like the scenes where Shin Yu jus played with Hong Jo's heart bc of his ideas about Na Yeon and Hong Jo jus .. easily accepted that ...idk what kind girl u should to be but .. normal girl will never "wait " untill the guy were there finish his games with one and comes to u ..no games guys , if u break up u break up ...if u can't handle with one why u looking for another ? That's unrespectable male behavior for a women and females dumbness.. ain't good at all ...
And Kwon Jae ..acted like she's a thing ..."if he didn't marry u, call me "... For me it's disrespectful also , it's like u choose a fruit in the market and if somebody will not buy it u gonna buy it then , ofcoz without really give a choice to the fruit bc the fruit is no soul ...
I understand his feeling too, he gave up but in same time he is not and still waiting for opportunity.. but for him better to forgot her ..like no chance there at all he must understand it ..
This Kdrama has for sure high rewatch ! Enjoy it guys !

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