To Trot or Not to Trot?

Currently Watching: Trot Lovers

What’s it about?

Previously famous singer Jang Joon Hyun (Ji Hyun Woo) becomes a struggling artist overnight. In a bid to release his comeback album, he strikes a deal with an entertainment company: his comeback album will be funded if he grooms Choi Chun Hee (Jung Eun Ji) to be a proper singer.

What could go wrong? Well, Joon Hyun is not really fond of the trot genre. What else? He and Choi Chun Hee don’t really start out on the best of notes. Joon Hyun is compelled to assist Chun Hee given his condition and when these two are thrown together, hilarity and romance ensues.

Add to the scenario Mr. "acting president" of Shine Star, Jo Geun Woo (Shin Sung Rok), who seems to have been smitten by the charm of Chun Hee. There’s also Joon Hyun’s pricky ex, Park Soo In (Lee Se Young), whose love to excel by absolutely any means is fuelled by her mother who’s well… let’s not talk about it.

There you go. Your love square’s ready.

The plot has now thickened and relationships are laid out clearly (unless of course Park Soo In makes a sudden U-turn and wants to rekindle old feelings for Joon Hyun out of pity).

Why should you give it a chance?

Long story short, here are some pointers as to why you might find yourself hooked to it

Ø  Character development: Like most kdramas, Trot Lovers is no exception. We see our lead change his ways of living, his notion of life, his attitude towards life and others and all these changes are somewhat a result of our female lead’s influence.

Ø  The chemistry! The chemistry is intriguing. The whole love-hate sequence played along perfectly with both the leads. This journey saw a trainer who looked out for his trainee and an equally enthusiastic ‘student’ and the dynamics can comfortably be said to be nectar sweet.

Ø  The plot is not the least bit dragged (as of yet). All the plot devices are perfectly used and the incidents into which both our leads are “thrown” are always engaging and deliciously entertaining to watch.

Ø  The ensemble is one that will have you double up and in fits. The supporting characters really live up to their name and literally ‘support’ the whole show brilliantly. They have their own little love square. A near-perfect balance exists between seriousness and humor and this balance is maintained courtesy our supporting characters.

What I didn’t find good?

1. Ø  Some antagonists’ acting is not up to the mark. For instance, Joon Hyun’s show-biz rival makes his hate very obviously fake and that isn’t easy to digest.
2. Ø  Unnecessary lack of communication: Well, this happens in other Kdramas too, and it does nothing but fuel a viewer’s frustration. Situations that can be nicely dealt with by talking things out are wasted. But then again, what is a Kdrama without a fair share of frustrations?

The ensemble, like me, must have caught many others’ attention. How do I describe them you ask?

President Jo Guen Woo (Shin Sung Rok):

I like how he just invites himself to people’s homes.

Loan Shark guys (Jang Won Yeong and Yoon Bong Gil):

Loan sharks? No. Fairy godmothers? Yes.

Tae Song (Son Ho Jun): 

Korean Allan Cumming anyone?

Pil Nyeo (Shin Bo Ra): 

Definitely the Queen of misunderstandings!

Byeoul (Yoo Eun Mi): 

I decide who gets to be with Eonni.

The Coach (Kim Yeo Jin):

a dollar for every pep talk and sometimes even free of charge. Open to anyone

President Jo’s dad (Yoon Joo Sang): 

Nominee and the sure winner: Oscars award for the funniest facial expressions