This review may contain spoilers
I Can’t Stop Smiling.
I never planned to watch this drama. In fact, I only found out about it when episode 1 aired. But from the first episode, it was already so interesting that I decided to give it a try. And I couldn’t stop smiling throughout the entire episode.If you liked the drama Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, there’s a good chance you’ll enjoy this one too, because it has a similar vibe. The female lead is strong, even stronger than the male lead. That doesn’t mean the male lead is weak—they just have their own way of protecting the people they care about.
The storyline of this drama is well-organized and neatly packaged. With only twelve episodes, all the conflicts are resolved. Similar to Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, this drama often breaks the cliché scenes typically found in dramas.
In my opinion, this drama was even intentional from the beginning in breaking stereotypes that exist in our society. For example, the idea that men must always be masculine and aren’t allowed to cry, or that women always need men to protect them. In this drama, Min Ju cries a lot because he’s sensitive. However, this doesn’t take away his masculinity at all—in fact, it adds to his charm.
Similarly, Young Ju’s character always tries to solve her problems on her own. She doesn’t need the male lead to save her. She’s the kind of person who will save herself no matter what. While portrayals of strong female characters like Young Ju are becoming more common in dramas, I think Min Ju’s character is quite new and something I haven’t seen in other dramas.
The relationship between the two leads is so sweet! I love that this drama doesn’t drag things out and wraps everything up in just 12 episodes. But because of that, I’m sad that next week I won’t get to see this adorable couple anymore.
The PTSD experienced by Chan Hwi’s character reminds me of the movie Shutter Island. In that film, it shows how many war veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress like this. I love that this drama explores that topic.
What I also appreciate is that even though this drama highlights the theme of “independent women,” the writer manages not to belittle men. In this drama, we can see that women and men actually complement each other, not compete.
For me, episode 8 is the best episode of this drama. The emotions take you on a rollercoaster in a single episode. I absolutely loved the voice note from Young Ju’s grandmother—it freed Young Ju from her feelings of guilt and, at the same time, freed her grandmother from her own guilt. That voice note liberated them both.
I also liked how the main leads’ relationship transitioned into romance without any over-the-top love-bombing scenes. Instead, they gave us small, sweet interactions that were enough to make me grin from ear to ear while watching.
The resolution for Young Ju’s career conflict was also great, in my opinion. Young Ju is so competent that if she continued working at Jisang, she’d definitely get promoted. But maybe that’s not what Young Ju wants. She’s spent almost her entire life living for others, and finally, she starts living for herself. It’s also reassuring to know that Min Ju is by her side.
I absolutely love all the characters in this drama, including the people in the village of Bae Gok. They aren’t just comedic relief but also drive the plot forward. Their characters are so fresh—not just drama clowns.
Two couples in one drama, and both of them have solid stories. The first couple shines so brightly, but the second couple also gets their moment. I’m beyond satisfied with this drama. Finally, in 2024, I got to watch a rom-com drama that’s truly filled with rom-com moments :) Lately, I’ve been falling for clickbait dramas (if you know what I mean).
This drama is so sweet that I can’t review it in as much detail as I usually do because I was too busy smiling while watching it. Honestly, I think you should just watch it yourself to understand what I mean, lol.
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another kdrama with characters who have potential to be great but falls into the generic ways
the synopsis and the first few episodes really made me excited. a girl boss who puts up a strong front and shields herself but not letting her emotions out and a sensitive guy who protects himself by keeping people at a distance. would make a great story right? but they just made this into a generic romcom
they fell in love too quickly without any obstacles. it would have been satisfying to see the ml wanting to connect with the fl and him being faced with the obstacle of not able to help her emotionally. these things did happen in the show but not as a heavy point in the plot. the writers did the easiest thing by making her grandma pass away, that just simply gave away a emotional opening. it felt too easy. and they started saying i love you way too quickly for me. it felt like 2 days after they were together they were in love.
even the second couple too, just jumping into marriage??? that too when the guy has so much trauma and ptsd???? bro should understand that a marriage will not wipe his problems away, he should try some therapy. they too had the potential to be great but the writers were lazy. i wonder if this has something to do with the situation in korea, with people not getting married.
the villagers and workers were supposed to be an important part to the story and be the comedic relief but i was not able to connect with them so everything relating to them was boring. i didn't find this series funny at all.
they also slightly over-did his sensitivity. wdym he knows the delivery man is sent by the enemy to swap the bottle because he is sensitive. i had to check whether this was a fantasy series cause they way they were showing his sensitivity u would think he had a superpower to read people's minds.
i don't think romcom dramas are for me. was very interested in this initially but after the couple got together it quickly became boring
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A truly a gem among dramas.
Brewing Love is an absolute treasure in the realm of dramas. Right from the opening episode, it effortlessly tugs at your heartstrings with its heartfelt storytelling and delightful characters, each brimming with personality and depth. The charm of this drama is simply unparalleled, making it stand out in a crowded field. The narrative unfolds in a way that is both engaging and heartwarming, peppered with beautifully crafted moments that resonate deeply. Whether it’s the tender interactions between characters or the compelling plot twists, every scene keeps you eagerly anticipating what comes next. I wholeheartedly believe this drama deserves every bit of recognition and appreciation it can garner.Was this review helpful to you?
A Whiff of Beer and Bubblegum
Sometimes a drama lands in the middle ground—not bad enough to rant about, not good enough to rave about. This particular romcom feels like white noise, a pleasant enough background hum that neither surprises nor offends. It’s just there.The story, ostensibly about beer (and maybe a covert PSA for liver transplant hospitals), checks every box for its genre. It’s bubbly, light, and packed with characters whose childlike antics make you feel like you’re watching a cartoon version of adulthood. While the premise is quirky, the execution doesn’t quite pop.
The second couple, though, steals the spotlight with their adorably sweet interactions. They’re a joy to watch and, honestly, more compelling than the main storyline at times. Thankfully, the drama avoids some of the genre’s most tired tropes—no love triangles, no catastrophic miscommunications, and (hallelujah!) no noble idiocy. Instead, we get two couples who actually talk to each other and work through their issues like emotionally intelligent adults. A rare win for healthy relationship portrayals in romcoms!
However, the narrative feels so light it’s almost forgettable. The pacing meanders, and there are plenty of moments where you might find yourself zoning out. The “special forces” subplot? Let’s just say it’s absurd enough to make you question its inclusion. And while the music is cute and inoffensive, it doesn’t leave much of an impression either.
If you’re looking for depth or a strong emotional arc, this isn’t the drama for you. But if you’re in the mood for something breezy and low-stakes—complete with a classic Kopiko ad cameo—it might scratch that itch.
Ultimately, this drama is like a glass of beer on a lazy afternoon. It’s light, frothy, and gone before you know it. Not every sip is memorable, but at least it doesn’t leave a bad taste.
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Watch if you are in need of a sweet Mr. Green Flag Male Lead only
“Brewing Love” is a hybrid business romance + healing romance. The business part focuses on the beer industry - developing, manufacturing and selling. The healing part focuses on our main leads and how they grow and heal each other, even though they are very different individuals.I am usually a fan of business romance dramas, but unfortunately, I was quite bored with the business part. There isn’t a whole lot of excitement especially when it’s about the beer industry. All you can do is really taste the beer and evaluate. The company politics are pretty shallow and the characters/villains one-dimensional. The drama tries to educate you on how to make beer, but it’s not done in an interesting way.
The only good thing about the business plot is bringing together 6 likeable individuals to form a special team. The villagers are also not as annoying as I worried. They don’t take up too much screen time and provide enough humor to bring together the male and female leads. I actually would much rather the drama focuses on life in the village than the business plot. But I do find the special ‘ability’ that Min Ju (ML) has quite unrealistic. You can’t be THAT perceptive to become a lie detector, right?
The best thing about this drama is the sweet romance. If you are in need of an introverted and sweet Mr. Green Flag, this is the drama for you! This is also one of the few dramas that I enjoy the middle episodes the most, when Min Ju (ML) starts to realize his feelings and falls in love with Yong Ju (FL). His subtle flirting also makes me blush! I enjoy learning about their backstory and how one incident changed both of their lives. One to live for and focus on his own well-being, while the other to live for others and forget herself. This is my favorite quote in the drama, "I'll find everything for you from now on, what you like. I'll make up for all the time I spent forgetting you by finding everything for you." Aww…. isn’t that sweet?
The secondary romance is OK. The characters are likable and Baek Sung Chul (as O Chan Hwi) is absolutely adorable without being annoying. However, their relationship roadblock regarding Chan Hwi’s past is resolved too quickly and easily. But I guess if the drama focuses too much on it, it would have become too ‘dark’.
Overall, “Brewing Love” is an average drama for me. If I didn’t like the green flag male lead that much and their sweet romance, I would have rated this lower. I also find the very last episode unsatisfying with a lot of filler. If you are not into this type of romance, I would not recommend this drama for you, as there are many better business romance or healing dramas out there.
Completed: 12/11/2024 - Review #527
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Brewing self-care should be the subtitle
This was a sweet watch though I did get distracted a lot. I loved the topics laced in about mental health (though therapy needed to be introduced), social care/mental health for vets and so much more from a Korean lens, I loved that. I enjoyed our Green Flag of an ML. I enjoyed our FL though her purposeful fake masks did start to irritate me as well (which I know was on purpose). She did well in that.Outside of those great things, including our secondary characters, somehow the story itself felt lacking, and it's hard to put a finger on what exactly was making it so substantial. It's odd. This had all the makings of a strong K-drama. It might have been the chemistry between our two leads, it kind of came off fake (more on our FL's end). I'm not sure. Either way, this is a good in-between watch.
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Simply beautiful!
I have only just started this drama and I find it beautiful! The story simple but endearing. I love the leads and the exploration of their different personalities and the ways they handle their emotions. I really related to the male character lead. He is someone who is sensitive but isn’t weak. He is full of emotion and is truly kind and not afraid to be himself. In a world that tells people kindness and being full of emotion is weakness, this show depicts how beautiful it can be. I like how this drama touches on masculinity and how men who are a bit more on the emotional side, who are a bit more quieter are often seen as weak and not manly enough. Yet the female lead challenges this thinking. I also love how it shows her more tougher side but also showing the need for her to let go and be open and vulnerable with how she feels. I’m great full for a show showing true kindness, attentiveness and not stereotyping male and female personalities and characters. I’m excited to see how this drama evolves and how they bring out the best in each other. I know this drama may not be everyone’s cup of tea but this drama has truly impacted me, in the way they love and treat each other.Was this review helpful to you?
Simple & Healing
I absolutely loved this drama. I started this for Kim Sejeong but stayed for the team and all the village people. I loved all the relationships the characters had with each other; they were always ready to support each other no matter what. This drama teaches you the importance of loving yourself. In life we sometimes tend to move to fast and forget to focus on how we're feeling at the moment. This drama teaches you to pause and understand yourself first. It shows you that life can be beautiful if you surround yourself with the people who love & understand you.I also loved the OST of this drama. Our second couple were just as good as our Main couple .
10/10 I would recommend this drama to those people who are looking for an easygoing yet healing drama without too much stress.
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Cheers to Love!
Brewing Love (2024)================
WHAT I LIKED ::
⎯ ♡ ⋆ A really relaxing and refreshing drama to watch with great pacing
⎯ ♡ ⋆ I loved the fact that they compared sensitivity to the amount of hops in beer
⎯ ♡ ⋆ All the supporting characters were so sweet and lovable
⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ ✧ ❤ ✧ ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯
WHAT I DID NOT LIKE ::
⎯ ✦ ⋆ I wish they would address more of the obvious mental health issues seen here and show some growth for those characters, especially Oh Chan Hwi
⎯ ✦ ⋆ I wish the main couple had better conflict resolution skills for their arguments
⎯ ✦ ⋆ I did expect a little more from the ending
OVERALL,
I am obssessed with this drama, because the whole message is really relatable to me. I cried more than I thought I would, and I learned more about myself too. I came to find out that there are other people out there like me who experience the world the same way I do and that we all have varing levels of sentivity.
Brewing Love filled my cup! It's the best drama of the year, in my opinion.
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Brewing frustration
This is such a poorly written show. It's hard to believe that, with an experience cast and crew, the show producers and writers made made such a mess in setting the show narrative tone.The main storylines are incoherent and intertwined with some off the most basic humor that i saw this year. The suport characters are completely hollow. They just shout and make weird faces. One or two ahjummas are also on Virtuous Business and they were good in this show, because the writers and director created scenes that show their humanity and personality. They are not just screaming cardboard cutouts.
There's also the feeling that something feels off with the main characters due to the erratic story progression but mainly because on some scenes the actors don't have anything to hang on. Sejeong in the "action scenes" does not seem to be in character but just performing some stunt like in some variety show showing her physical prowess. It's a shame to see actors wasting their talent with such shallow roles.
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Beautiful love story
I really like this drama actually sejeong is my favourite n i like jongwon too his so handsome this drama is so beautiful story , acting everything just so perfect i thnk they look very genuine in their role looks not acting they are real life newly couple 😍 please guys watch n support this ship.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
WHYYYY NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT THIS??????
I'm so happy and glad that i watched this show!!! i loved ittttBrewing Love is a heartwarming drama that balances humor, emotion, and valuable life lessons. While the female lead's acting initially felt over-the-top, her quirks quickly became endearing, and the chemistry between the main leads was sweet and satisfying. The second leads, however, stole the show with their adorable and impactful story, easily making them one of the cutest second-lead couples in recent memory. The supporting cast is top-notch, each character adding depth and warmth to the narrative. The grandmother’s death was a particularly emotional moment, leaving a lasting impact and reminding us of the importance of family. Overall, this feel-good drama is a perfect mix of laughter, tears, and inspiration, making it a must-watch for anyone who loves meaningful storytelling.
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