Hope, growth and football
Some dramas entertain you. Some quietly become part of your story. Road to Success was the latter.I almost didn't start this drama because I wasn't ready to move on from Speed and Love. Ironically, another Esther Yu drama was exactly what I needed. What I expected was a football romance. What I got was a heartfelt story about growth.
As a football mom whose daughter recently made varsity, this drama arrived at the perfect time. Or maybe that's why I started it in the first place. I never imagined I'd be enjoying the football matches and learning about tactics.
Another unexpected highlight for me was the psychology woven throughout the story. This drama sparked a curiosity in me that made me reflect on human behavior, resilience, relationships, and personal growth. It added a layer of depth that made the story even more meaningful.
The romance was sweet, natural and mature. Esther Yu and Chen Jingke had wonderful chemistry. I've seen Chen Jingke in Amidst a Snowstorm of Love and loved his character there too. My only wish was for just one more episode of them simply being together after everything they went through. But I understand why the story ended the way it did. The last episode was heartwarming, well written and full of sincerity.
Esther Yu once again reminded me why she's becoming one of my favorite actresses. After loving her in Speed and Love and Love Between Fairy and Devil, I was surprised that I connected with a completely different character just as much. She brings warmth, sincerity, and an effortless charm that makes her characters feel real. How the bestfriend described Wanxing was spot on.
More than the romance, what stayed with me was the message. This drama isn't about becoming perfect. It's about becoming better, through teammates, family, mentors, friendship, and love. It celebrates resilience, trust, teamwork, and believing in people even when they struggle to believe in themselves.
I also realized something about my own taste in C-dramas. I thought my favorite genre was romance.
It isn't. My favorite stories are about capable, warm people growing together.. and Road to Success was exactly that.
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This review may contain spoilers
Took a while to get into but loved it overall
I am a huge Park Hyung sik fan and I've seen SWDBS probably 100 times, which led me to Hwarang and The Heirs. I loved the American version of Suits and got so excited the PHS would be playing Mike Ross's character.Acting was top notch! PHS, JDG and the other actors (except for Ji-Na) do not dissapoint. PHS's acting was so different from SWDBS but so fitting and believable. I must admit though that it took me so many tries and dropped it so many times because it was a bit boring at the start. I tried it again since it's now on Netflix, while on lockdown and guess what, I enjoyed it! I call them my officemates. Oh boy I miss going to the office and dressing up in business attire.. but I digress
The story is similar to the American version so the cases are familiar. I also got annoyed at the start at how GYW made all those mistakes but it did tie up towards the end. The changes that the Korean version made were fitting for the story that they were trying to tell.
Don't count on a love story because there was zero chemistry between YW and Jina haha. But that's fine because I came from the bromance and there was definitely chemistry between Atty Choi and YW. Similar to the Harvey Mike tandem that I loved.
Overall, i enjoyed this series. I loved seeing PHS in a suit and all his facial expressions. I cried towards the end and the ending was satisfying. Must watch!
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