BelindaA
This review may contain spoilers
In 1997, I was not a teenager in South Korea, but a five-year old in Europe. Yet, without having had the exact same experiences, the 90s nostalgia hit me hard with this one.
The gadgets (or lack thereof), the music, the hair styles,... it all created such a nostalgic atmosphere, while telling a timeless coming-of-age sory. I loved seeing the squad grow up and go through all these stages of young adult life. Anyone, no matter which decade they were born in, will be able to relate. A lot of shows about teens focus on their love life and rebellion only, which is why I was especially appreciative of the portrayal of Si Won‘s relationship with her parents and the loss all three of them felt, when she left for college. I think every adult who has left the nest or has had their own children leave the nest, will get emotional when watching these scenes.
I loved Si Won and Yun Jae‘s unconventional relationship and his acceptance of her (fan) craziness. None of the other characters understand the dynamic of their relationship, yet they adore each other in their own way.
I think Jun Hee‘s queerness should‘ve been explored more but I understand that Korea just was / is not there, yet. I would have at least liked to see the face of the person who picked him up in the end, though.
The whole production design was lovingly detailed and everything was just so creative and unique. Basing their story around 90s Kpop was a brilliant idea and was made even better by the casting of Sechs Kies' Eun Ji Won as Hak Chan - hilarity ensued.
In fact, The whole cast is pretty amazing. Seo In Guk shines, Hoya is a cutie and the perfect fit for the sweet Jun Hee and Eun Ji is just an absolute treasue. I could watch her read the phone book in her Busan accent and I would be content.
The only thing I disliked about this drama was the character of Tae Woong. I found him creepy ever since he showed interest in Si Won. He was how much older than her??? Plus, he was engaged to her late sister. Yikes.
To summarize, a very touching drama that will make you remember your first love and rebellious teenage years and make you miss the simplicity of the 90s.
The gadgets (or lack thereof), the music, the hair styles,... it all created such a nostalgic atmosphere, while telling a timeless coming-of-age sory. I loved seeing the squad grow up and go through all these stages of young adult life. Anyone, no matter which decade they were born in, will be able to relate. A lot of shows about teens focus on their love life and rebellion only, which is why I was especially appreciative of the portrayal of Si Won‘s relationship with her parents and the loss all three of them felt, when she left for college. I think every adult who has left the nest or has had their own children leave the nest, will get emotional when watching these scenes.
I loved Si Won and Yun Jae‘s unconventional relationship and his acceptance of her (fan) craziness. None of the other characters understand the dynamic of their relationship, yet they adore each other in their own way.
I think Jun Hee‘s queerness should‘ve been explored more but I understand that Korea just was / is not there, yet. I would have at least liked to see the face of the person who picked him up in the end, though.
The whole production design was lovingly detailed and everything was just so creative and unique. Basing their story around 90s Kpop was a brilliant idea and was made even better by the casting of Sechs Kies' Eun Ji Won as Hak Chan - hilarity ensued.
In fact, The whole cast is pretty amazing. Seo In Guk shines, Hoya is a cutie and the perfect fit for the sweet Jun Hee and Eun Ji is just an absolute treasue. I could watch her read the phone book in her Busan accent and I would be content.
The only thing I disliked about this drama was the character of Tae Woong. I found him creepy ever since he showed interest in Si Won. He was how much older than her??? Plus, he was engaged to her late sister. Yikes.
To summarize, a very touching drama that will make you remember your first love and rebellious teenage years and make you miss the simplicity of the 90s.
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