Joy
United States
I'd heard many mixed things on the drama, and the actors involved. But I will say this, it definitely exceeded expectations. I think Taecyeon did a nice job in his role, unlike what I'd heard.
I think the chemistry between him and So-hyun played out well on the screen.
What I loved the most though, was the "ghost of the week" theme. Some weren't emotional or in depth, but then others were.
This show has no fear of stepping onto topics I haven't seen much in dramas (mostly because I've watched mainly rom com's) It had story lines of domestic assault victims as well as child abuse victims. I think those story arcs were done with a grace that made it both emotional and gave them a feeling of being real.
While it does have some of dramas biggest cliche's and troupes, I think it did it in a way that was true to the story and so it made it less frustrating than in other dramas.
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The story line was kind of unoriginal, yet fresh and I think that's because of the actors that were cast.
I never expected Song Ji-hyo to move me to tears and make me re-evaluate parts of my life, but she did. I'd only ever seen her on Running Man, so her performance really surprised me.
The dynamics of family and reconnecting after a tumultuous relationship and divorce really hit home for me in this.
I think that the characters were developed well, and I seemed to find a redeeming factor in all of them, even the ones I thought I'd hate forever.
The chemistry is good, not just between the leads, but between all the characters. How Chang-min interacts with his ex in laws and the hospital staff interact with eachother.
I'd strongly recommend the drama to anyone who hasn't already seen it. I've seen it twice myself.
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The mash up of Kang Ha-neul and Nam Ji-hyun was one I was kind of nervous about, but it blew away my expectations. While I liked the adult couple less, there were flashbacks that filled my need for the teenage years.
This drama is emotional, but does drag on towards the end.
The main conflict isn't very original, but I think is portrayed in a way that makes it seem fresh.
The character development was impressive and the chemistry between Ha-neul and Ji-hyun was off the charts. I would totally watch another drama, of any variety, with those two as leads.
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I recommend this drama for people who love rom coms.
First and foremost. THE CHEMISTRY. There is a level of familiarity between our leads, almost from the beginning. They bicker a lot, but come to an understanding (and almost affectionlike) relationship rather quickly. Even throughout advancements in the plot, this doesn't change, and I think that's the nicest thing to see.
On top of the leads you have one of the best bromances I have ever seen. I think the friendship between Ji-woong, Joon-sung and Young-ho might be my favorite friendship in my drama viewing history. They're tough with each other, but do it in a way that shows that they care, more than if they were to actually say the words.
There is also a great commodore between the boys and Joo-eun. Even in the beginning when they were around to simply try and get rid of her, they still treated her with respect, and that only grew as time went on. The friendships, all across the board, were a very high point for me in this show.
The plot was good as well. It didn't dwell on a "fat" girl that wanted to transform herself. By all means, that exactly what she did, but it was more than that. She wasn't just looking to have her pretty face back, though I think she looks beautiful before AND after, she was doing it for herself and after learning of her hypothyroidism, was doing it for major health benefits.
I really like that the guys didn't mock her weight (with the exception of a couple ignorant looks and statements by Young-ho).
I also liked that our female lead (Shin Min-ah) was a strong person who always stuck to her morals, no matter what. Her character didn't change after the weight gain (except for maybe her self-consciousness) and didn't change after she'd lost it again. She didn't have a damsel in distress attitude (except for when she actually was in distress or danger) and always spoke her mind, offending people be damned.
On the other side, you have a strong male lead who is actually vulnerable and extremely soft hearted. He takes on almost a fatherly role within his friendships and it works.
Wasn't too keen on the second leads, but they served their purpose and even had some redeeming qualities to them, which is more than I can say for other second leads.
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