Currently Watching: Ad Genius Lee Tae Baek

Oh Dramaland!! I am so grateful that you have granted us with yet with another one of your prized possessions!! If anyone asked me to summarize my thoughts on the drama Ad Genius Lee Tae-Baek I would reply by saying that not only is it an inspirational story that will definitely stir your heart, but it will also cater to all your needs and expose you to thrilling advertising techniques that is sure to be a fun learning experience for us all. It's got just the right amount of comedy and romance that will cause you to have heart palpitations. 



Why choose this drama?

What can I say, I have a soft spot for underdogs. These types of stories are easier to empathize with and give you a sense of motivation because you use the protagonist's situation as a simulation of yourself doing the best you can to achieve the goal you were set out to do. Nonetheless, even if you haven't experienced what it's like, if ever you were put in a similar position you will still be rooting for the protagonist's success and happiness. 

What sealed the deal for me was the cast. Our protagonist, Lee Tae-Baek, is played by Jin Goo whose performance of the character is authentic and downplayed, a refreshing change from the usual hyped-up-for-no-reason kind of persona. His leading lady Park Ha-Sun who plays the role of Baek Ji-Yoon is an awesome representative of ladies today. She has a backbone and is compassionate towards Tae-Baek. Without her, Tae-Baek would probably not be able to withstand the harsh advertising critics. Park Ha-Sun is so lovable. Her acting is natural and spot-on. She's the main reason why I've taken a huge liking to the drama.

The supporting characters who are otherwise deemed as villains are Ko A-Ri (Han Chae-Young) and Addie Kang (Jo Hyun-Jae). I grouped them together because they have similar ambitions and will go to extreme measures to achieve them. Technically they are main leads as well.



Synopsis:

Advertising Genius Lee Tae-Baek is a straightforward underdog story about a man who, despite having an unappealing educational background and is trying to make ends meet, has an endless amount of passion for advertising. The story sets a foothold in the intense and competitive world of advertising. The drama is loosely based on the biography of a well renowned Korean advertising designer and social activist Jeseok Yi, who wrote the 2010 book Ad Genius Lee Je-seok.



My Thoughts:

I find underdog stories to be very endearing especially when they are done well. What I love about this drama is that the characters are well developed and the dialogues are witty. Usually the guest characters in dramas are short-lived and are used as catalysts to keep the story going. Here they are memorable and are given a good amount of screen time (so far). Having already been piqued with interest for advertising, I watched the first two episodes. The more I watched the more I liked what I was seeing. The plot is surprisingly fast-paced but keeping in mind that the drama consists of only 16 episodes, it makes sense. 

I am happy to claim that every respective actor is doing his/her role justice. There are no miscasts, thankfully. The romance plays with my heartstrings leaving me gasping for air (the exaggeration is intentional). The chemistry between the two main leads is astounding and will have you squealing at their interactions. I'm gaining a lot from this drama, entertainment-wise and career-wise, resulting in me becoming a big fan of the show. It's displeasing to see the ratings  as low as they are, but I'm hoping that the online fan community will increase and that the cast and crew feel encouraged by our support.

My Fellow Netizens! I humbly ask you all to take a break from those melodramas and feast your eyes on this wonderful creation! Why, you ask? You'll find out once you watch it!