Love Untangled

Set in nostalgic late-1990s Busan (1998), Love Untangled follows 19-year-old high schooler Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo), who has long considered her frizzy, curly hair her greatest insecurity—a barrier she believes stands between her and true love. Her plan? Get a sleek straight perm before confessing to the school’s most popular boy, Kim Hyeon (Cha Woo-min). But when she rescues transfer student Han Yun-seok (Gong Myung) from drowning and unexpectedly befriends him, her “Operation Love” unravels in the most delightful and heartfelt ways .

Strengths & Highlights

90s Nostalgia

The film is drenched in nostalgic charm—cassette tapes, pagers, camcorders, and analog cameras transport viewers back to a pre-digital era where handwritten notes and awkward phone calls defined young romance .

Authentic Chemistry & Cast

Shin Eun-soo delivers a vibrant, earnest performance as Se-ri, capturing the hopeful awkwardness of teenage love. Gong Myung brings sincerity and warmth as Yun-seok, their chemistry pulling the story beyond predictable tropes. Supporting roles, including Yoon Sang-hyeon as Seong-rae and Kang Mi-na as In-jeong, round out a believable circle of high school pals .

Heartwarming Simplicity

Though the storyline embraces familiar rom-com territory, its restrained, kind-hearted execution feels cozy and comforting. There's little by way of high-stakes conflict—no bullying, illness, or sabotage—just the gentle embarrassment and authenticity of teenage love unfolding with humor and care .

Emotional Resonance

A later plot twist involving heartbreak and family struggles adds emotional depth. Following a painful separation due to personal trauma, Se-ri and Yun-seok unexpectedly reunite in a sweet, emotional climax—on a blind date of all places—leaving viewers with a hopeful sigh .

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A refreshing take on teenage insecurities....

"Love Untangled" isn't just another teen rom-com; it's a vibrant exploration of self-acceptance. The film centers on a teenager grappling with insecurities about her naturally curly hair, embarking on a quest for the "perfect" look to win over her crush. However, this journey transcends a simple confession; it's a poignant exploration of embracing imperfections. The film beautifully illustrates the struggle to overcome insecurities and recognize that what we perceive as flaws can be our most beautiful attributes.

The movie's strength lies in its relatable portrayal of teenage anxieties, offering a heartwarming narrative of growth and self-discovery. The protagonist's evolution, set against a backdrop of strong friendships, resonates deeply.

Shin Eunsoo shines in the lead role, her energetic and bubbly personality perfectly capturing the character's journey.

"Love Untangled" skillfully blends nostalgia with a modern perspective, offering a delightful watch that celebrates individuality. It's a testament to the power of self-love and the beauty of embracing one's true self. This film is a must-see for anyone who has ever questioned their worth.

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Love Untangled: A Mess of Everything, but Special in Nothing

Sorry guys, I don’t know about others’ opinions, but I honestly expected it to give “Lovely Runner” school vibes or even something like “20th Century Girl.” Sadly, it was nothing like that, and I was totally disappointed.
It felt like the makers tried to pack in everything—love, friendship, love triangle, school life, college life—all at once, which made it feel messy. I especially felt bad for the second ML. If the FL already realized her heart was with the first ML, then why go as far as calling the second ML out for a proposal? She could’ve just dropped the plan.
Honestly, I lost interest halfway through, and the movie just didn’t feel special to me. 😞

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Honestly, when I first saw this as a trailer, I thought it was going to be a total dud. In the end, I decided to give it a chance because of the great cast and I don't regret it. It was kind of an emotional roller coaster, where I got angry, laughed and cried. I never thought that this particular movie would win my heart and I'm so glad I watched it, because it's going to be one of my favorite movies at the moment!! The description, trailer and title alone don't tell us as much as the beginning of the movie, which is priceless. I rate it 10/10, as does the love triangle and the great ending that made me cry with joy. So, even if it doesn't look very appealing, give it a chance, it's worth it!

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"Love Untangled" Silly Yet Surprisingly Enjoyable

“Love Untangled” is a light, cute movie with an extremely silly plot. As a curly-haired girl, I couldn’t help but laugh at how dumb some parts were, but knowing Korea’s beauty standards, it weirdly made sense.

Plot & Themes:
The story is very extra and definitely cringe-worthy, but honestly, that seemed to be the vibe they were going for. If you’re expecting a deep or realistic plot, this isn’t it, but if you’re in the mood for something playful and over-the-top, it works. It gave me similar feelings to True Beauty, fun and charming for some, but secondhand embarrassment for others.

Cast & Characters:
The cast was surprisingly solid. At first I was worried about the age gap between the leads, but their chemistry turned out great and my concern faded quickly. The FL has an energetic, bubbly personality, while the ML is a poor traumatized kid from Seoul—and together they just click.

Ending & Pacing:
I wasn’t a fan of the ending. The sudden departure felt unnecessary—I would’ve liked to see more of them actually dating. It didn’t ruin the whole thing, but it left me a bit unsatisfied.

Recommendation:
Would I recommend it? Honestly, it depends. If you don’t like cringy, absurd vibes, this really isn’t for you. But if you’re okay with campy, exaggerated fun, you might enjoy it more than you’d expect. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a nice watch if you go in with the right mindset and don't take it too seriously.

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Love Untangled is a movie that gives you a warm, good feeling and a little nostalgic

At first, I wasn’t sure about the male lead; his character felt a bit flat, but as the story unfolded, his acting truly impressed me. He brought out the emotions of friendship, love, and growth in a genuinely heartfelt way.

Shin Eun Soo was the main reason I started watching, and she didn’t disappoint. Her performance was heartfelt and natural, making the story feel warm and relatable.

What really touched me was how the MOVIE captured the beauty of youth, that stage in life where friendships are pure, love feels new and unforgettable, and every small moment shines. It reminded me that sometimes the best parts of life are the simple joys of being young, free, and in love.

A sweet, healing drama that leaves you smiling and a little nostalgic.

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Cute Movie

What a lovely, adorable movie. Definitely a story for a light weekend. Not too serious or heavy with a happy ending.

The late 1990s feels & astetics was nicely done. The trope of falling for the cute guy while the new transfer student comes in and slowly steals your heart...nicely done.

Also, the FMC's relationship with her hair is a real thing many girls, all over the world, can deal with at one time in their lives. I liked her realization that she didn't have to change her hair to be liked.

Also, the cameos of Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi were fantastic. 😘😘😘

I'd definitely watch it again for that nostalgia factor of the late 1990s teenage, dramatic romance movies.

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