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18 Again korean drama review
Completed
18 Again
0 people found this review helpful
by Suki
May 29, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 10.0
Music 10.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Thoroughly enjoyable and absolutely heartwarming. A definite feel good!

I have had such mixed feelings about this show, that even as I write this, I'm not entirely sure where this will lead. When I completed the show, I was left feeling happy, warm, hopeful, optimistic and absolutely soaked with the sappiness of the romance. But I was also left with this indescribable feeling of.. Something not being.. Quite right somehow. If the way that I just explained it is any good hint, I hope you understand when I say that I cannot exactly pinpoint what didn't click with me. Let's get into the details!

It's no secret what this was a remake of, and I had watched 17 Again and liked it, as a young adult who was hopelessly crushing on Zac Efron (nothing you ever say will ever top the shade I throw at my younger self). I knew when this was picked up that the korean remake will add in a lot of feelings for sure. And it did. Not for the first few episodes though. I was finding it hard to stick around at least till the 4th episode I think. But the way that bonds between family and friends were created and unfolded was beautiful. I smiled through tears and sobbed so many times along the course of 16 episodes. But. But. There were also quite a few side plots that I did not really feel the connect with. Several incidents were dramatized to be lengthier and bigger than they should have been, it got to the point where it felt strained and obvious that something was just being said and done to be a filler. There were many, MANY, strong points in the show but along with them came this draggy, drudgy, aimless parts as well.

When I say that it was hard for me to stick around during the earlier few episodes, the reason I got through was entirely because of the actors. Lee Do Hyun - this man, carried this on his young able shoulders and everyone in the cast helped him in their own ways. This is probably the first time I've seen Kim Haneul in a drama, and it was pleasant watching her, I could see the veteren charm there. And I really think Yoon Sang Hyun shines in such roles (I need to watch more of his works). I also loved, loved Wi Ha Joon's role! He's got such an appealing vibe, suited the role too. But my oh my, Do Hyun! The spectrum of emotions this man showed were so brilliant and memorable. Every emotion, every expression, every dialogue was delivered and FELT. Be it an 18-year old father, or a 37 year old father transformed into an 18-year old kid - I could feel everything that the character was trying to convey. And all that is thanks to Do Hyun. There are great levels of details and nuances in the way he acts out Hong Dae Yeong. The supporting cast is one of the absolute best too!

I adored the OSTs so much! I've got a couple on my playlists now. Only One, Hello and If You have become favorites! The whole album in fact, is a very easy listen, and after having watched the show, each song now has a feeling attached to it because of the show. It's a beautiful OST album.

When it comes to the matter of rewatching it, the chances are quite low. But I definitely would not mind watching this for Do Hyun and to relive some of the interactions between the characters. Have I mentioned how beautifully they've shown the bonds? People travelled full circles to be where they were. Also, this is was such a mix between realistic problems people face in life and love, and a fluffy mushy romantic's dream come true. There were portions that felt real, relatable, and others that felt entirely in-your-face drama like (=never happening in real life, stop waiting for it). What I mean to say is that there was push and pull happening for me when it came to making a stable connection with the drama as a whole.

In conclusion, even though this didn't bowl me over, this in no way, is a drama that should be passed by, please watch it. The actors deserve it, the production team deserves it. It's a beautifully made drama that showcases familial love and bonds in a very heartwarming way. Not to mention, it's got some wonderful background tracks that will be a blessing to your ears.
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