Waste of Time & No Substance
The biggest let down of the year 2024. Doesn't even deserve a final rating of 8.5. It belongs to 7.0 rating category. The first few episodes, well 1 to 2 looked promising but don't be fooled, once you reach the middle of the plot to the last, everything is extremely flat and boring.No character development. No redemption for shitty characters. A bunch of red flag characters. Some comedic scenes aren't even funny but feel so forced. Chemistry between both FL & ML is nonexistent. ML can't act and always looks so stiff and expressionless. The only time ML can get an expression out of his face is when he is pushed to the extreme, but even the emotions he would let out is not even at par with FL acting level.
Cheating and polygamy being highlighted. No girls girl here. If you are in for the junk then feel free to waste your time. Overall, the story itself has no substance. Overly cringey. They used the same old tropes yet still failed to meet a good execution mark. It's mediocre start to useless finish. The ending is completely flat. The worst and a complete downgrade to all romcoms out there in kdramaland.
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Bright start but a poor development of the characters
The start was fantastic! We have a strong story, a female lead (FL) that seems intelligent and ambitious, and a handsome male lead (ML) that is strong, sweet and has his own convictions. We also have good side characters. At the beginning, their stories seem to take almost equal attention as the main story, which makes sense as the series advances.However, the development of the characters is so bad, specially the FL, who becomes very annoying (Min-a is a good actress, is the character who becomes insufferable).
Just when you think the FL is finally evolving and becoming less selfish, she strikes again with another tantrum. The perfect example is episode 10, when the ML really needs to hear from her that she loves him. Well, she didn’t not say it and in top of that, when she realises that Ji-wook was one of the kids her mother took care of, instead of asking for his reasons to hide the truth, she only explodes and says she is disgusted by him. The ML losses all his convictions and he becomes a total FL pleaser, he is immensely patient and always demonstrating his love for the FL, and she keeps being her annoying self.
the FL’s sister/friend and the Chairman’s son had a much better character development… it looks more and more as they were the main characters and not the originals.
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Intriguing show with underlying unease
The storyline revolves around the ups and downs of love, career ambitions, and personal growth. The plot is well-paced, balancing comedic elements with emotional depth, which keeps viewers invested throughout. The dialogues are witty and relatable, enhancing the overall charm of the series. The characters are well-developed, with their individual journeys contributing to the overarching narrative.Intriguingly, the second lead couple's romance emerges as a compelling counterpoint, often eclipsing the primary couple’s storyline. Their relationship is imbued with unexpected twists and a rich emotional tapestry that keeps viewers enthralled. The dynamics between these characters resonate with authenticity, showcasing a nuanced exploration of love that adds significant depth to the overall narrative. This subplot not only enhances the viewing experience but also serves as a poignant reminder of the multifaceted nature of love and connection.
Nevertheless, amid the narrative's many strengths, the female lead occasionally presents as somewhat unlikeable.fThe female lead's reluctance to confront her ex or reveal the truth feels like a missed opportunity for character growth and resolution. By choosing to remain silent, she inadvertently perpetuates a cycle of dishonesty that affects not only her but also the unsuspecting wife. This inaction diminishes the complexity of her character and raises questions about her moral compass, making her journey less relatable for viewers who expect a heroine to champion transparency and integrity.
In a genre that typically celebrates love, commitment, and the simplicity of romantic connections, the presence of polyamory feels somewhat unacceptable. Romantic comedies thrive on the exploration of deep emotional bonds between two individuals, and the introduction of multiple partners can undermine the foundational premise of monogamous love that many viewers expect. This deviation from the norm may alienate fans who appreciate the straightforward charm of traditional romcom narratives.
Despite the discomfort surrounding the polyamory subplot, it does not detract from the overall enjoyment of "No Gain, No Love."
In conclusion, "No Gain, No Love" is a well-crafted romantic comedy that successfully delivers on both humor and heart. While the female lead's character may sometimes be unlikeable, the overall strength of the story and the engaging second lead love story more than compensate for this flaw. With its authentic portrayal of love and relationships, "No Gain, No Love" is a delightful watch that will leave viewers with a smile and a warm heart. Whether you’re a long-time romcom fan or new to the genre, this drama is sure to entertain and resonate with you.
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good watch!
I started this late while it was airing, around 4 days after episode 10 dropped. Within a day, I had already binged all the available episodes and as soon as episode 11 and 12 were released, I had finished it. It was hooking and addicting and I have that hangover feeling you get after watching a great drama lingering.This goes over adult themes many kdramas don't mention which gives it a fresh charm to it. I really liked how open everyone was about sex!
There's many of the common cliches and tropes, but they're done well and still manage to entertain.
This I would say, is a TRUE romcom. The jokes are incorporated into the script well, and honestly it's all really funny. Many people said they were laughing every episode. Even though I wouldn't say I laughed EVERY episode, I did laugh in many of them! Moving on, the romance is there. Do not be deterred by the age gap between the ML and FL, because the chemistry is very visible. I even felt it. This pairing was amazing, they compliment each other so well. Shin Min-Ah is just absolutely an amazing actress with stunning visuals. I really liked her outfits, her hair and her overall appearance in this drama. She really is a star in comedy. Kim Young-dae was amazing here as well. Don't even get me started on his visuals! LOL. I really enjoyed his acting here.
The second-lead couple was also really great. It was nice to see Lee Sang-yi again after My Demon. Han Ji-hyun is new to me and I'll check out some of her other roles because I've grown fond of acting in this drama. This couple also got a lot of screen-time. Their trope is also sorta enemies to lovers?
The characters are pretty well fleshed-out.
This drama has pretty good writing, especially in the first half, and a great ost.
DISLIKES:
I do feel like the ending was pretty rushed in the last episode. For both couples. But the second-couple got more screen time than the main couple in the last episode. And they also get a spin-off, it was sort of disappointing. Nonetheless, it's still definitely worth watching this drama.
The killer plot is a bit unnecessary and the final episodes were not all that good. It felt underdeveloped.
OVERALL:
This was a great watch. The couples both had amazing chemistry, it was funny and it has an amazing plot, for the most part.
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Simply in love with this series!
the real romantic comedy! From chapters 1 to 10, everything was incredible, the plot was fun, light, funny, I started watching because of the trailer and I loved the main characters. The main couple's irritation at the beginning was very funny, the protagonist boy flirting with the protagonist girl was simply wonderful, I simply loved their romance, but then in the last two episodes the screenwriter commits disrespect towards the main couple and the viewer, by including many more scenes of the secondary couple and giving crumbs of 3 seconds in the last episode of the main couple, I was very angry, so much so that at first I was looking forward to the spin-off of the secondary couple but after this disrespect in the last two episodes of no gain no love, I lost the desire to watch the spin-off!Was this review helpful to you?
Recommended
It is an emotional and heartwarming story with lost of funny and sweet moments. So far my favorite k-drama, the plot was one of the most mature, the acting was also very good, it's a warm and relatable story, you can see the great growth in the characters in a very realistic way, I really enjoyed it a lot and I totally recommend it!Was this review helpful to you?
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The best of 2024
God I can't express how much I'm enjoying this show with words. I don't pist reviews that often but lord I couldn't hold it in. I freakin love the plot and story-line. The thing that I enjoy the most is how much it's relatable and realistic, like the relationship between hui seong and her bf. Some parts of it set a good example on people like the CEO and the hate comments.The comedy aspect is on FIRE. I barely laugh when watching show but this one is really good, it keeps you entertained throughout the whole episode. I'm the type of person who has the habit of skipping so many times but with this one I insist on watching the whole epidose from the start to the end without skipping a bit of it.
The acting and chemistry is soooo on point. Y'all Shin Min-Ah is eating and leaving no crumbs, And the ML is hot and funny as well. Things aren't dragging too much and I love how things are moving with an on-point pace, not too fast not too slow. Your brain has the time to function and think about stuff happening. It keeps you on hook and gets you excited for the upcoming episodes.
The story... I've never seen this type of concept before and I'm here for it. the writing is geniussss. The idea is not like something you've watched and seen in other kdramas it is fresh and full of suprises.
And I love how Son haeyong is honest with her feelings, and not acting cringe, I enjoy how mature her character is.
If you are looking for a kdrama with a non cliché story, this is right for you❤️
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don't waste your time on watching this garbage
mid show mid cast mid storyline with mid chemistry ?even side characters have more chemistry than main one force comedy which doesn't make u laugh like 2nd couple chemistry more they were good other this show is jist waste of time and energy maybe spend that time onother shows
no character development main lead kiss scene looks like two wood panel sticked to each other with 0 emotions and intensity, i kind of don't like their acting too if i m not they were in diff. drama too don't remember the name but comparing to that this totally failed to expectations
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Same Old Tropes, Missed Opportunity!
I was very excited when I first read the concept of this drama, about a girl that wants to get ahead but the company only promotes married people so she decides to find a fake groom. That sounded fresh and exciting.I wanted to see more of the struggles of a working class female or females. I was thinking they could talk a bit more about the problems Korean women face with the glass ceiling.
I thought this would be a normal workplace drama, with a woman challenging the patriarchy as she tries to climb to the top or gain recognition for her hardworking. Wait, that was only two episodes of the drama.
It was pretty obvious that he was hiding something & I was praying it wasn't the chaebol secret. After that it's back to the old kdrama trope of chaebol's secret son. Disappointed!!!
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so so drama
the drama is good but that's it. for me, i didn't feel anything even though i love rom-com drama. i almost stopped at 10 eps because it get boring. and i am not gonna rewatch it.one thing i enjoyed is the chemistry between 2nd couple. it was funny and full of comedy.
to be honest, i love their acting. i have seen a lot of clip and edit from social media, it was so funny so i am interested and decided to watch it. but maybe i get so much excited and have a high expectation, so when i watched the full drama it get me boring instead.
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A great start but ended up not so satisfying of a romcom.
Upon finding out his ex-boyfriend was two-timing her, Hae Young (Shim Min Ah) pursues a fake marriage with a convenience store clerk, Ji Uk (Kim Young Dae), to surpass her ex's position at work and to ensure her financial security. Surely, everything goes as planned, until their feelings grow and their past unfolds…I really like how this drama introduced our leads, Hae Young (Shim Min Ah) is a wild desperate noona, ambitious to win against her ex, while her contract groom, Ji Uk (Kim Young Dae) is a realist and very kind-hearted gentleman. I was entertained by their funny banters, butterfly moments and sweet smiles …while it last. Unfortunately for me, their backstory kills the fun of their romance. Also, I’m not on board with the second lead couple, the second male lead especially, was annoying in the beginning and I didn’t buy his character development. I felt a lot of cringe and forced swoon moments. However, I like her portrayal as a talented romance writer but often struggling with her drafts. I think anyone who’s also a writer or likes to write can find her character a bit relatable.
I appreciate this drama for addressing not-so-mainstream topics, like poly-relationship, foster sisterhood and jealousy of mother’s love. These aspects are woven into the story without drag, but they get too dramatic when their past incidents and trauma get involved. I still enjoyed it, but for sure I would enjoy it even more if we get more moments of our lead couple being passionate, enjoying their happy married life.
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Good watch !! Could have been great !!
This started out amazing !!!I absolutely loved all the imaginative scenarios with our leads.. ? The cast delivered 100%..
Then gave lots of angst in the middle (things got crazy & we sort off lost the rom/com part) and finished up just okay… Almost like they gave everyone a deadline and they could barely meet it, so they decided to just wrap it up !!
I didn’t like the ending, feels rushed and just bland.. could have ended better honestly .. you know give us some extended & extra sweet moments, comic relief to ease us from the angst … but nope, jumped from angst to “ok, everybody makeup now, smile for the camera” the end !! If that makes sense … ?↔️? Even if they didn’t want to make it more than 12 episodes, at least extra 20mins …
In total i still enjoyed watching … but could have ended better …
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