My experience in watching this drama was rather disappointing. I am a very big fan of Lee Seon Gyun, and while his performance in this drama was strong, it wasn't enough to carry the entire drama. Especially since I found him and essentially every other man in this series to be sexist and chauvinist.
What century are we in? This series, while modern in overall appearance and environment, is like something out of the 1800s before the women’s movement. I think women are fairly progressed in Korea, but this series leads you to believe otherwise. As a woman watching this series, I grew weary of the male leads putting down and disrespecting the female leads.
What's even more offensive to me is the characterization of the female characters in this drama. The lead female is weak and whiney. She argues momentarily, but crumbles rather quickly and is back to saying "yes chef" to everything that is barked at her. The only strong woman in this series is of course characterized as the "evil b*tch," and is also constantly disrespected and treated like crap by all the male leads.
Lastly, there are a gagle of typical gossipy, meddling women who really serve no purpose at all. Women overall are portrayed really poorly in this series.
To say something positive, if nothing else, the chefs on the Italian team serve as wonderful eye candy.
While this drama is not the worst out there, all the sexism, ignorance and stereotyping wore on me to the point where I wasn't sure what the message of this drama was. I suppose it's purpose is to be a "romantic comedy," but I don't find bigotry romantic or funny.
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