Kayosai
Jung Hae In x Jung So Min superiority!
What a cute show!! This is the first kdrama in a looong time that I found myself hooked on week after week. I lapped up all the bonus Youtube content too (that Elle interview had chemistry off the charts). So Min's "Because this is my first life" is my favourite drama of all time, and Jung Hae In is SUCH a treat to watch in romcoms (One Spring Night is probably my favourite of his).
Strangely, it took me a little while to get to the last episode, which felt like pure fluff. I liked the push-and-pull early on, and I didn't even mind the most melodramatic plot lines (which were usually tidied up within an episode or two, much like an American sitcom). I laughed and I cried, which is all I can really ask for.
I was particularly pleased with the exes in the story — I'm glad that they weren't annoying recurring characters, and the way their past relationships played out felt fresh and mature. I wish Seok Ryu's reason for leaving the US weren't so complex though — the burnout would've been enough, and that would've made for a stronger and more realistic statement than all the other circumstances that were revealed afterwards. Another choice that I didn't love was Dan Ho's family circumstances. This is a drama with Jung Hae In, for crying out loud! Erase the stigma and become more accepting of death, divorce, etc. instead of presenting the most tragic backstories ever.
Another thing that disappointed me (surprisingly!) was the chemistry. There was so much potential early on (that pool scene? omg!), and weirdly, even more chemistry in some of the interviews. But when the love really got rolling, we were treated to some awkward closed-mouth kisses. The teasing and banter evaporated, and was replaced by overly sweet honeymoon-phase talk. At least we got glimpses of the couple coming back to earth by the end.
The set was pretty, and the foreshadowing was good. I enjoyed the drama overall, but I wouldn't call it a memorable, all-time great... which is too bad, since these two actors have the chops to provide that kind of impact. The script was a bit.of a let-down in that regard (or maybe some of the directorial choices were off). Either way, this drama was solid and satisfying, but with minor adjustments, could've soared to another level.
Strangely, it took me a little while to get to the last episode, which felt like pure fluff. I liked the push-and-pull early on, and I didn't even mind the most melodramatic plot lines (which were usually tidied up within an episode or two, much like an American sitcom). I laughed and I cried, which is all I can really ask for.
I was particularly pleased with the exes in the story — I'm glad that they weren't annoying recurring characters, and the way their past relationships played out felt fresh and mature. I wish Seok Ryu's reason for leaving the US weren't so complex though — the burnout would've been enough, and that would've made for a stronger and more realistic statement than all the other circumstances that were revealed afterwards. Another choice that I didn't love was Dan Ho's family circumstances. This is a drama with Jung Hae In, for crying out loud! Erase the stigma and become more accepting of death, divorce, etc. instead of presenting the most tragic backstories ever.
Another thing that disappointed me (surprisingly!) was the chemistry. There was so much potential early on (that pool scene? omg!), and weirdly, even more chemistry in some of the interviews. But when the love really got rolling, we were treated to some awkward closed-mouth kisses. The teasing and banter evaporated, and was replaced by overly sweet honeymoon-phase talk. At least we got glimpses of the couple coming back to earth by the end.
The set was pretty, and the foreshadowing was good. I enjoyed the drama overall, but I wouldn't call it a memorable, all-time great... which is too bad, since these two actors have the chops to provide that kind of impact. The script was a bit.of a let-down in that regard (or maybe some of the directorial choices were off). Either way, this drama was solid and satisfying, but with minor adjustments, could've soared to another level.
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