I must admit that I struggled to finish this. I absolutely love J dramas from the 90s and I really wanted to love this, but I couldn't.
It was a very simple story and had simple characters. It wasn't too dramatic, and neither were characters very dramatic or unlikeable. I rooted for the ML, and really loved him. The leads were also sweet. But having said all that, what made this difficult for me to love were a few things -
(1) It was somewhat unrealistic with Konouske barging into Harashima's office whenever he wanted. Dude he is a Chairman for goodness sake.
(2) The most problematic thing about the show - the scriptwriting was weak in that it was too preachy. I appreciate the message that 'money can't buy happiness' but at times, I almost felt like Konouske was trying to force Harashima into accepting this, without being empathetic to Hirashima's values & how he grew up. Yes, Konouske wasn't teaching Harashima anything bad but it was the way that it was executed that put me off at times.
(3) Konouske's character - yes he is a nice guy but at times, it almost felt like he was just being ignorant, and I have zero tolerance for people who laugh & downplay a conversation when the other is being serious. He did that many times. Also, I get that he trusted people, but just signing on someone's debts because you look into his eyes and feel that he can't be a bad person? Dude get real. Poor writing IMO. You can present someone nice and too trusting, without making the person appear dumb.
(4) This could easily have been 8 episodes IMO, with more crisp writing.
Having said all that, it really wasn't a bad drama. Maybe I was too harsh as well. It had a certain simplicity & charm that is missing in today's world. Watch this if you're looking for something uncomplicated, and light.
I'm planning on this one.. Is it worth a binge watch ??
HELL YEAH! I can confidently say that everyone who's been watching this weekly will re-watch it from the start once it is over. It is FANTASTIC, and I doubt there'll be a K drama like this in a long time.
Between this and True Beauty, which to watch first?
They are both very different shows. True Beauty is your typical Korean high school rom com with a love triangle. Its not bad, has its funny & heartwarming moments. Nothing too deep. Had the potential to be more, but its decent.
This one has quirky & honest characters who are adults, the relationships are healthy and teaches you to love yourself. It is really about running on. The writing is fantastic.
Depends on what you're in the mood to watch. Personally, Run On is the best k drama I've seen.
Twice in a row watched Mamiya Shotaro become the 2nd lead...poor him lol
I KNOW RIGHHHHHHHHHHHT :( I always root for his character & it hurts to see him hurt in the end. Why is no one offering him a lead role, he's so damn talented.
Does anyone know old Seo Dan a and yeon hwa are supposed to be? The way people talk it sounds like he is a teen…
I actually like that they never emphasised their ages. It is nothing but a number, and doesn't impact their story at all so why bother with these details
I do think he's the killer, or at least an accomplice to the murders. Riku is very suspicious (there's more to…
You have a valid point. But they haven't disclosed the weapon (and technique) used for the previous killings right, except for one, so maybe there were other techniques, or there is no link at all, and that list serves a different purpose.
For the record, this deserves nothing less than a 10.
I don't even know why I re-watched this recently. I don't ever re-watch depressing stuff lol, and this one would easily top the list among depressing dramas.
Despite knowing how things turn out, it had me crying as bad as I did the first time. This is one of those dramas that takes you to a very dark place, and makes you realise how evil & diabolical humans can be. There is no glint of hope in this one, and whatever hope that you had, it is shattered so cruelly in E9.
Not only the script, but the acting is BRILLIANT, esp by the characters who played Miwa, Tomo & the principal.
This is a masterpiece that everyone should watch once.
4 
9 
2 
1 
1 
1 
I must admit that I struggled to finish this. I absolutely love J dramas from the 90s and I really wanted to love this, but I couldn't.
It was a very simple story and had simple characters. It wasn't too dramatic, and neither were characters very dramatic or unlikeable. I rooted for the ML, and really loved him. The leads were also sweet. But having said all that, what made this difficult for me to love were a few things -
(1) It was somewhat unrealistic with Konouske barging into Harashima's office whenever he wanted. Dude he is a Chairman for goodness sake.
(2) The most problematic thing about the show - the scriptwriting was weak in that it was too preachy. I appreciate the message that 'money can't buy happiness' but at times, I almost felt like Konouske was trying to force Harashima into accepting this, without being empathetic to Hirashima's values & how he grew up. Yes, Konouske wasn't teaching Harashima anything bad but it was the way that it was executed that put me off at times.
(3) Konouske's character - yes he is a nice guy but at times, it almost felt like he was just being ignorant, and I have zero tolerance for people who laugh & downplay a conversation when the other is being serious. He did that many times. Also, I get that he trusted people, but just signing on someone's debts because you look into his eyes and feel that he can't be a bad person? Dude get real. Poor writing IMO. You can present someone nice and too trusting, without making the person appear dumb.
(4) This could easily have been 8 episodes IMO, with more crisp writing.
Having said all that, it really wasn't a bad drama. Maybe I was too harsh as well. It had a certain simplicity & charm that is missing in today's world. Watch this if you're looking for something uncomplicated, and light.
True Beauty is your typical Korean high school rom com with a love triangle. Its not bad, has its funny & heartwarming moments. Nothing too deep. Had the potential to be more, but its decent.
This one has quirky & honest characters who are adults, the relationships are healthy and teaches you to love yourself. It is really about running on. The writing is fantastic.
Depends on what you're in the mood to watch. Personally, Run On is the best k drama I've seen.
I always root for his character & it hurts to see him hurt in the end. Why is no one offering him a lead role, he's so damn talented.
could be anything huge! XD
Too many questions!
I don't even know why I re-watched this recently. I don't ever re-watch depressing stuff lol, and this one would easily top the list among depressing dramas.
Despite knowing how things turn out, it had me crying as bad as I did the first time. This is one of those dramas that takes you to a very dark place, and makes you realise how evil & diabolical humans can be. There is no glint of hope in this one, and whatever hope that you had, it is shattered so cruelly in E9.
Not only the script, but the acting is BRILLIANT, esp by the characters who played Miwa, Tomo & the principal.
This is a masterpiece that everyone should watch once.