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Cute but cliche, had potential to be better with more character development
It was pleasant to watch and quite short since it's only 12 episodes. The acting was fine (IU performed much better in when life gives you tangerines), nothing extraordinary, the chemistry ok, the visuals great and the music quite good. The story however was average and with many plot holes, which could have been resolved with more character development. While I was watching the show I was wondering about many things that maybe I got wrong or maybe they didn't explain so well. Like why was the SML so obsessed with the FL when he never expressed his feelings towards her (and probably didn't want to earlier since she was an illegitimate daughter and probably wanted someone with more credentials). Why was the father so unloving towards the FL but still gave her the position of CEO? Shouldn't he have a more straightforward attitude? Why did the former king want to quit? I get that he was oppressed but we don't get to know him well enough to understand it. And I don't understand the main villain at all, his efforts seemed rushed and over the top. Oh and I really dislike the fact that after the marriage the FL that seems to be very powerful and determined, suddenly seems scared, weak and in need of a savior... As I said it was a good show, but that's about it. I know it's longer and older, but in that "modern day kingdom" and "fake marriage" categories I prefer Goong.Was this review helpful to you?
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Not bad, but could have been a lot better
So overall it's an enjoyable drama if you like office comedies with a bit of investigation and slice of life. The pros are the extraordinary acting, especially of the roommates of 301 and the boss of the FL, the actually quite funny moments and the whole undercover plot that is almost an archetype but can't go really wrong. I get that Park Shin Hye does not look like a 20 year old, but that's also part of the fun, since everyone seems to feel uneasy about her being so young while she seems to be in her 30s. Now let me explain the cons. My biggest issue is the romantic subplot between the FL and the ML (if I can call him ML since his presence was quite unimportant). Even though they seemed like they haven't gotten over each other (they didn't have any other relationships for 9 f*king years O.O plus they still got and cherished each other's hourglass), they had no chemistry and really no role in the story. It would have been much better to not have this subplot at all. Or even better for the FL to have someone else in her life, or even progress her relationship with Albert. It saddens me that there are such powerful characters like the girls from 301 and they all don't have any romantic interest, as if being independent and being in love are polar opposites. And the other major disappointment for me is that the plot seems quite forced. I get it that it is meant to be a comedy above all, but we are talking about huuuge amounts of money, but all the main characters seem to value ethics first. I get it that there must be SOME characters with this mentality, but having almost EVERYONE stand by these values, even the two sole heirs of the Company who were already filthy rich and could have maintained their status, seems a bit of a stretch. Somehow everyone is (or becomes) miraculously righteous and everyone gets what they deserve at the end. Even Go Bok-hee must get some mild imprisonment just to get the meaning across that if you embezzle money you must be punished. Anyway sorry for the long review, it's just that I feel quite disappointed cause this drama could have been sooo much better with almost 0 effort! Anyway I still recommend it, don't get me wrong it was not a bad drama, just didn't reach its full potential!Was this review helpful to you?
A mature drama worth watching
A very interesting plot, kind of a slow burn because you can not be sure about what will happen next. Maybe not the best drama ever but had great performances and interesting twists! I also enjoyed that finally Korean dramas are less "innocent". I mean that most of the times you can be sure about the couple that ends up together simply because they share a kiss - it's like a seal of true love. In this story not, the protagonist is far from being innocent and perfect, as she's already married to another guy. In this drama you can enjoy the story of a mentally mature independent woman who focuses on the goal of getting revenge from the people that destroyed her family (as well as the families of many others). Be prepared though, it's a long unhappy road and sometimes you might wish for a better outcome. I also enjoyed the ending, as I believe it was the best that could happen. It was a form of the ancient Greek hubris-nemesis-atis-tisis. Overall I recommend it!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Outdated and infuriating
Pros:Cast
Music
Cons:
Really outdated story and characters that are obnoxious and unbearable. At the beginning you feel kinda sorry for the FL but then you get mad about the situation and how she never stands up for herself (with minor exceptions). Not every FL should be a powerful feminist, but this is just too much. You can't even feel empathy for the "good" characters because they simply seem pathetic.
The story is average at best.
The romance is really forced. At the beginning the FL seems to like the second ML but she pushes him away without even explaining why.
To put it simply: Don't bother, just watch something else.
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