Yoo Na's Street (2014)

OVERALL
Such a good, different drama! Watch if 1) you feel like everything's the same in Dramaland these days, 2) you're sick of seeing the same kind of main leads, 3) you want to watch a show that's not about some rich chaebol and a Cinderella in the making. Don't watch if 1) you're looking for a well-developed, emotional love story, 2) you don't like stories with many secondary characters, 3) you don't like characters with flaws.

THE STORY
A story like you don't find in Dramaland, with characters that don't typically hang out over there too, and I loved it. I love reserved and down-to-earth Yoona, who is neither naïve, innocent and bright girl nor cold, distant and apathetic (it's usually one or the other); I love open-minded, caring Changman, who is neither a cold and arrogant prick nor a naïve and childish boy. I love how they interact with everyone around them; how loyal Yoona is, which inspires loyalty from others; how empowering Changman is, making others believe that they can aspire for more. I love the comedy, especially in the first half of the drama, and the glimpse into the world of petty crime. There's just so much good in this show. The only downside to it is that although it seemed as though the romance between the main leads and the character development of Yoona would be at the center of the story, they slowly were forgotten in favor of secondary characters and dragging plot elements, so that her changes kind of look incoherent or abrupt, and their love story, bland. The show would have been perfect if it weren't for that *sigh* The ending though, is satisfying, so it's okay.

THE ACTING
I didn't know the main leads before this show, but their acting was good. I liked her more than him, I thought she really had become Yoona. They also weren't bad together *sigh* Such a waste that the romance wasn't exploited some more. Some other actors were also quite good in their roles. Particularly the actress behind Yoonji, she was awesome. Because most characters are realistic, they aren't easy roles, but they were pulled off fine.

THE MUSIC
Just as the story and the characters, the music is sooo fresh. It's not every day that you hear K-country (does that even exist?) or Carla Bruni in a drama, it's so weird - in a good way - and totally fits with the mood. Of course, there's also Leesa's awesome song, Love will find a way. Absolutely addictive. From episode one, it got stuck in my head, and I had no choice but to download it.

REWATCH VALUE
I'd rewatch it, whenever I get in one of those moments in which all dramas just look too much the same. It's like getting some fresh air, without pulling the plug.

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Firstly, let me say this. I have watched over 120 dramas. As many of you know, dramas have many "typical aspects" like rich guy-poor girl, amnesia, someone fainting from cold, main guys who are jerks, love triangles / rectangles etc. I think that this drama doesn't have any of those aspects. It is really fresh and I really enjoyed it. Despite being it a 50-ep drama, I basically watched it in one go and haven't skipped a single scene (which I tend to do). So you can imagine, how good the drama is. However, the drama might not be for everyone, but well you can say that about every drama. Try out few episodes and you will see.

STORY
The story is really unique. In summary, it is about a girl who is a pickpocket and a guy, who tries to make her stop. There are also many side stories, which resolve around gangsters, gold-diggers, thieves, police officers etc. I have to say that I liked the first half more than the second half. The first half was really dynamic, witty, gripping etc. The second half had the same aspects but not as good developed. But the ending was great, it will definitely make you smile :)

ACTING/CAST
The cast was well chosen. I started this drama because of Lee Hee Joon, as I like his acting. He didn't disappoint me in one bit. Another gem in this drama is my beloved Lee Moon Shik. This ahjussi is a real actor. Every role he takes is different. It was my first time seeing Kim Ok Bin, but I have already put some of her works on my PTW list. Really good actress. As for the characters, my favourite character would be Miseon eonnie, I guess. I don't know why, I just liked her through out the whole drama. The child actors were also brilliant.

MUSIC
Music just fitted perfectly. After finishing the first episode, I have put this drama on my list of dramas with the best OST.

OVERALL
My re-watch value would have been 10 if the drama had not had 50 episodes. Funny thing is that, I usually re-watch only my favourite scenes from this long dramas, here, I have no favourite scenes, this drama as whole is my favourite scene. It is worth to re-watch it all. This is definitely one underrated drama, so if you are looking for something fresh, with great character developments, amazing story and brilliant acting, try this drama. You will be mad at yourself of not watching the drama sooner.

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