Again and again, we're getting underdeveloped snippet-shorts from Korea, that should be producing quality LGBT shows over and over again. We keep being disappointed and go back to Thai/Taiwanese dramas that offer much much more. My Sweet Dear is not an exception to this rule.

STORY:

Talented head chef Do Gun is being challenged by a newcomer chef Jung Woo, and the shitty restaurant owner Laura. Laura decides make both chefs compete for the title of the head chef at her restaurant. Working together brings the men closer and they develop feelings for each other. But the Jung Woo holds secrets, so will the main leads end up together or not?

SPOILERS AHEAD

People, none this makes sense.

Do Gun helped Laura get her first Michelin star. What is the goal of a 1-star restaurant owner? Getting the 2nd star obviously. And not by firing the old chef!! Okay, adding a new one might be a way to go. But Jung Woo's lack of experience is baffling. What is wrong with Laura? She wants to fire Do Gun, so what's the point of this competition? Also, a Korean wanting to open an Italian restaurant chain around the world? THIS is the plot? Are you even serious???

Dear Do Gun, if my boss disrespected me this way, not telling me the head chef that there will be a new employee coming in who might replace me, basically telling me I should start seeking for a new employment, just in case, I'd be completely pissed and hand my notice immediately. Laura has put Do Gun in some sort of restaurant style Hunger Games, and she knew who's winning anyway. She had a nametag ready with Jung Woo's name already, for goodness sake.

And for this whole "romance" thing. Do Gun might enjoy the presence of Jung Woo. But getting so emotional after 2-3 weeks of "romancing" that was constricted to bashful handholding and few smooches? Do Gun being heartbroken because some arsehole turned out to be a liar makes me realise that he's taking this whole thing too seriously. Yes ok, Jung Woo's feelings might be real and there is a real spark between them. But this whole "relationship" built on lies just screams of red flags.

Dear Do Gun, pack up, leave Laura and Jung Woo and stay away from them. Get drunk with your friends, cry a bit about that arsehole ex-boyfriend who stole your job, and that shitty boss who disrespected you, your dedication and your talent, and move on!


CAST:

The only reason ANY of this holds and makes sense is the acting, especially Jang Eui Soo who plays Jung Woo. He'd have a chemistry with a chair, let's be honest about it. Also, he looks great with long hair. I've seen other BL shows with Jang Eui Soo so I know he's excellent. It's a shame that his talent is being wasted on dramas like this one.

On-screen Do Gun, played by Lee Chan Hyung is doing very well too. You can see the quite good engagement with the character. But he can't do much, if the screenwriters are treating his character like a naive stupid child that is used by his boss and coworkers.

Other actors are just a bland mix that cannot shine enough because of a poor writing and a short screen time.


PRODUCTION:

It was an alright produced show, clearly shot during the pandemic. The streets and areas are empty. For a luxurious restaurant, it doesn't have many customers, but I guess there were restrictions in place during the shoots.

Again, too short for any proper character or relationship development. Those Korean short BLs for Viki start seeming like a weekend project. I don't see any dedication or attempts to make it something ambitious. Strongberry also produces shorts, but these are better developed stories that are well thought.

Episodes of this drama are predictable. You know in which episode the main characters are gonna develop "feelings" for each other, when there will be a fall-out, you know the ending. Nothing new. At times I found myself thinking about other things than following the subs and still didn't loose much of a story.

As for the English subs, these were excellent, thanks to team on Viki. First two episodes are free to watch, the rest is behind a paywall.


MUSIC:
I finished binging the show and hour ago and I absolutely cannot recall or hum any of the tunes that were played. I remember them being some basic k-pop songs that did not interfere much and were not annoying. Just boring and bland.

The only thing that stuck in my head was the music box melody which was 'O Tannenbaum', and it made me laugh a bit. Classic German Christmas song as a music box melody. Okay, I haven't seen that one before.


OVERALL:

Predictable. Boring. Underdeveloped plot with holes.

You want a 2021 restaurant-oriented Korean BL drama that is a bit better developed than My Sweet Dear? Try Tasty Florida instead. It's got slightly more reasonable plot. And no music boxes playing German Christmas songs.

P.S. Poor octopus.