Romance blew the mission and the logic !
The premise of this drama involved secret agents, shady odd jobs and conflicting loyalties when tested. Initially, I thought this would be one of those spy series where the hunter falls for the prey. But this was an unapologetically sappy love story wrapped in a slightly unhinged espionage plot. I was expecting "mission impossible" vibes but make it a BL, but what I got was "mission emotionally compromised".The above is not technically a complaint because the drama made it clear in episode 1 what it wanted to be.
Our leads Da Hei and Xiao Bai come from two very different worlds and are forced to live together. Da Hei is our neighbourhood hire with a tragic backstory where he is collecting funds for his little sister's treatment.
Xiao Bai comes from a long line of secret agents (family business if you may xD) where expressing emotions is a crime, and he is sent here to spy and report on Da Hei.
But what happens when you put two handsome boys together? We all know the answer!
The romance between them was the highlight for me. They had this awkward adorable chemistry that builds with every episode. There is something very genuine between them that made me actually enjoy this even though the plot seemed to be a bit logically weak.
Coming to the whole spy plot, it was barely convincing. There was no structure or realism. Surveillance tactics were very questionable and it looked more like a dramatic group chat project rather than an investigation by an "intelligence company". It was more of follow your heart and wing it!
I stopped expecting logic from the drama and it made me actually enjoy this but the number of plot holes was amusing at times.
The side characters felt mostly like props to the central romance. I found their presence more situational than essential. Some are tossed in for comedy, some for a little backstory but none of them felt fully emotionally cohesive to the plot.
The acting was decent from both leads and their chemistry was believable. The rest of the cast also did well considering how little they had to offer. The production doesn't look cheap but again could have done more on the spy side to make it more believable.
Overall, this was fun but a mess. Recommended if you don't mind a romcom flimsily disguised as a spy drama and are willing to suspend disbelief and logic while watching.
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My review could very well end here, and you'd get the gist. Nevertheless, a simple comparison would be unfair towards this drama and decisively too flattering towards the other two.
There are at least 3 reasons to prefer Sungkyunkwan Scandal (after 4 years I've finally learnt to write this title) to other gender/bender, flowery boys scenarios:
1. The female heroine is intelligent! How refreshing. Not only she has a well working brain, but she doesn't let anyone trample all over her. Her goal in life is more edifying than simply get the guy. In this sense, SKK is way more modern than many K-dramas set in today Asia.
2. Directly related to the above, the flower boys are actually nice people! They overcome prejudice, value friendship and don't go around grabbing the girl's wrist at every turn.
3. Everyone is MUCH better dressed. I'd say colours and costumes are a huge part of this drama's charm.
This said, the drama is not flawless. I believe its main weakness lies in the way conflicts are resolved. While highly interesting and thought-provoking issues are raised - gender equality, homosexuality, eastern vs. western philosophy (Confucius vs. Socrates), the power of knowledge and others, they aren't in any way resolved and at times are very superficially concluded. Mind you, not that a tv-show could ever give us the answers to such essential questions, but even in the enclosed world of the narration some plot threads should have had a conclusion but didn't. We are left to wonder when and how the packet has been so prettily wrapped.
Also, the pace is uneven. The drama is somehow divided in groups of episodes, each developing and in a way closing: the entrance, the tournament, the scandal, the treasure hunt etc. The love story is charming in the beginning, drags in the middle and gets very charming again by the end. I wish they had shortened the angst - which works very well for the male lead who's facing a true conflict, but makes the female suddenly annoying - and given more space to their delightful romantic banter. Even the ending could have been better elaborated and conclusive, had they cut short on the middle anguish.
All in all, however, this is a lovely, funny, feel-good watch. The acting is fine enough, since it has no pretence of greatness. Don't expect stellar performances, they are all a little stony at times, but they look young and pretty, so one is ready to forgive them.
Not surprisingly, my very favourite character here - Yeorim - is also the best acted one. I've sit through the whole drama waiting to see what he would say next and what new outfit he would wear.
Music is, for me, the true sore spot. I appreciated the insertion of modern rhythm on a period setting because the drama is meant to be "timeless". The instrumental pieces are nice, albeit forgettable. The "lover song", on the other hand, got so much on my nerves, my watching partner and I retorted to muting the sound whenever it played (and it played every single time our lovey-dovey pair was together). Have you ever tried watching a kiss in complete silence? Well, don't try: it's terribly awkward, proof that the right music makes up for 50% of the emotion. Since we couldn't have romance+music at the same time, we hummed a tune ourselves.
This review comes after a second watch. I had seen this drama back in 2011, but was distracted by other things at the time and basically couldn't remember a thing. Watching it in good company was a funny and entertaining experience I am ready to recommend.
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I was attracted by the synopsis and the lead actors so I decided to give it a try without any sort of expectations.
2) Storyline/Plot:
This film's story wasn't special but it was interesting to watch, the general concept was something that would make you attracted.
Positive points:
*This is the type of story that fits the majority of viewers because it has an appealing concept.
*Main Genres:
--->Action: it was present in many moments and many turns; this element made the film enjoyable (I wouldn't imagine myself watching the movie if there wasn't this element) plus the action scenes were nicely made and very believable.
--->Humor: this film was hilarious but not too funny so don't get your hopes too high. Funny scenes were present every once in a while which made the storyline lighter.
Negative points:
--->Romance: it wasn't heavily present, actually we don't get to see a lot of romance in this film, it was superficial and not very interesting (except a little at the end). However, it doesn't ruin the general story but I can't possibly call this "A romantic film".
Story: 8.5/10
3) Acting/Cast:
*Gong Yoo:
This actor's films/dramas are always interesting to watch. Here, it wasn't any different; his role was a "cool" role that kept things enjoyable. His action scenes were nice too: great kicking skills.
Speaking about the character, I would say that Kang No-young's personality was sometimes mysterious and indifferent yet it can become warm and caring at some other points.
*Kim Sun Ah:
In my Dictionary, she has always been a good actress who knows how to deliver emotions. Here, I saw decent acting skills and some nice action moves.
The character was the strong girl type, it was really funny sometimes and super serious at other times. Chun Jae-in's school girl mode was greatly done, I liked everything she have done as a high school girl especially the way she reacted with her surroundings.
*Other Cast: The acting wasn't bad plus the choice of characters was nicely done that's why I have no complains about the supporting roles.
*Relationships:
--->Friendship : I liked that concept here even though it wasn't that deep but it was good enough to make you interested.
--->Chun Jae-in's relationships with her uncle and the police departement members was hilarious sometimes and enjoyable most of the time.
--->Romance: Due to lack of romance in the storyline, there weren't much chemistry to talk about.
Cast: 8.5/10
Acting: 9/10
4) The ending:
The romance was fixed in the end but this was your usual rom-com ending; the sort of ending that anyone would love to see on screen.
The ending: 8/10
5) My impression (How did it affect me):
The feelings I had while watching this:
*Some anticipating moments since I wanted to know what will happen next.
*Some excitement moments during action scenes.
*Entertainement moments were included too.
*I don't think there were any boring moments during the film; only some slow moments but they didn't last for long.
*Is this film memorable: yes, I think it can be considered as a memorable film although it isn't special.
My impresion: 8/10
6) Overall:
*If you like action films with a slight of romance then you may want to watch this.
*If you like strong female leads and cool male leads then this is for you.
*If you're into undercover films then you would like this.
Overall: 8.5/10.
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All around, I think that acting was stellar. Kim Sun Ah was wonderful as Yeon Jae. I loved the progression of her character. She went from a frumpy office punching bag to a woman awakening to life to a serious, proud, sad woman, determined to live her life the way she wanted. There were countless moments while watching this where her emotions came across and just blew me away. Lee Dong Wook; he was rather stiff at first and that stiffness was obviously more than his character's chaebol, "all dead inside" persona. But I expected that because the man has been away for two years. As time went on, that stiffness went away and I breathed a little sigh of relief. Uhm Ki Joon (Dr. Poopy Suk) was probably one of my very favorite characters in this drama. Watching his character growth, watching his steadfast friendship as Yeon Jae's doctor was joyful and heart wrenching. All of the side characters, Yeon Jae's mom, her best friend Hye Won, the Tango class crew...Her friend Hee Joo...They all had meaning to her life and to the plot. Well done.
My only nitpick is Im Sae Kyung. I'm not sure if it was Seo Hyo Rim, the writer or both, but her character was a one dimensional terror of a witch. I wish they would have helped me have sympathy for her. I know they tried to give her that in telling her history but for me at least, they mostly failed.
This plot completely revolves around her diagnosis of fatal cancer so I'm not giving anything away. Knowing that is your starting point challenges the writer to fill in the questions of what now? What will and must your character go through? This show had some very heavy moments, and it should have. They were dealing with death. But those heavy times made the small triumphs, the happy moments and the love connections, both romantic and familial that much deeper. The writing of this was so smart. It seemed so realistic that this is what a person would go through when told they have cancer and not long to live: The denial, hope, determination, heartbreak, panic, desperation and anger; Yeon Jae and those whose lives she touched felt them all. Every phase of Yeon Jae's journey felt right to me. It was hard to go through with the characters in points but necessary and didn't drag out too long.
The cinematography was beautiful. I loved the music; the love theme for Yeon Jae and Ji Wook was lovely. I liked the light "French inspired" soundtrack during happy times and many other songs too. They all seemed to fit well with the story. I loved the color palet and design of the sets especially Yeon Jae and Ji Wook's homes. I want to hang out at the Tango place. Also, I want Yeon Jae's wardrobe! She had some awesome clothes.
The message of this drama is simple: To live your life to fullest and to be true to yourself. To find happiness for yourself and those you love and most of all; finding hope, even in the face of death.
I recommend this! You will laugh. You will love the passionate moments between the two leads as well as the light comedic moments. But you MUST have tissues handy!!
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The characters are really deep and well-developed in spite of the entire theme being them Karuta players. I love the main girl and her passion and determination for the game was really inspiring. I also loved the dynamics between her and her friends and watching them practice and bicker was very nice. The way these characters come together and decide to go the Nationals was amazing.
The romantic aspect of the film wasn't much but I enjoyed whatever they showed. When the movie gets intense, they also throw in some anime humour which saves it from being too much to handle. I think this film can serve as an inspiration for anyone regardless of what goal you are aiming for. It also shows how not just talent, but perseverance and taking care of your health while working toward your goal is equally important.
The main actress is really pretty and the main actor was also cute. I don't know any of the other side actors but they also did good jobs of their characters. Like I said, a big traditional side to the film exists and that makes it way more intriguing to watch. Like in the poster, the costume of the main girl was very beautiful to look at. So there's an aesthetic value attached to the film.
I think(?) there's a sequel to this film which is MUCH NEEDED because the ending left scope for a lot to happen. I think this has convinced me to read the manga and watch the anime because I've clearly not got enough of these characters. There's also a lot more story that can be told and I want more- so yeah.
I am super glad I didn't pass it up because that would've been such a waste. Hopefully by the time the subs come out for part 2, I'll have read the manga and I hope there will be more romance. The leads are so cute that I-can't-even...... Go watch it. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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Those who Are Fated to Meet, will Meet
Phenomenal!Masterpiece! Perfectly delivered!I rarely give a drama perfect 10 but this one really deserves it. I watch this one as it was highly recommended by Avenue X, this was so much better than I expected.I won’t write a long review, here are some of the reasons why I like this one so much;
1.Brilliant plot
The plot caught me by surprise as it was so beautifully written.The plot is really innovative, interesting and hooked me from the first two episodes.The storyline is very complicated and mind-blowing but it is super satisfying as well. Avoiding spoilers was a right decision for me as the plot has many twists and turns, wouldn’t enjoy that much if I have read spoilers.
The plot is well-delivered, I got the message it wants to deliver as well.
2.Superb acting
Haven’t watched much of Taiwanese dramas before, so I don’t know who is Alice Ke. She is really good, maybe one of the best acting I have ever watched as well. She has to play two characters with totally different personalities, one being easy-going and the other very introverted. Yet she portrayed both characters flawlessly, what surprised me is that with a slight alteration in hairstyle and makeup, her looks became so different. This drama alone is enough for her to be in my Favorite actresses List.
Greg Hsu, the male lead, is really superb as well. He looks so much like Deng Lun and perfectly played alongside Alice Ke, with brilliant chemistry.
Other than the leads, supporting casts are also not bad.
3.Ost
So,Wu Bai’s Last dance was played so many times, as it plays a key role in time travel.It was a famous song even before the drama was directed, so it is good of course.
Shi Shi songs are good too, Miss you 3000 is probably the best ost of this drama.
I recommend skipping opening and ending songs as it contains spoilers.
Overall
It is a really masterpiece and you shouldn’t miss a rare gem like this.It became my 2nd favorite after Nirvana in Fire. This is 100% recommended and you wouldn’t feel like you wasted your time by watching this.
I feel like even if all the contemporary Chinese dramas combined, it won’t be as good as this one.
Kudos to the drama and production team for producing such a phenomenal drama.
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Yumi’s Most Complete Chapter, Yet the Shortest
This is probably the only series where I’ve appreciated each season more than the last, which makes the long wait since Season 2 feel worthwhile. That said, my main concern with this installment is its length. It’s difficult to understand why the relationships that weren’t endgame were given two full seasons, while the one that ultimately defines Yumi’s journey is comparatively brief. After such a long hiatus, you’d expect the final relationship to receive the most narrative space, not the least. This imbalance stands out and leaves a sense of incompleteness.Setting that aside, the season itself is exceptionally well done. Among all three relationships, Sunrok is the only one that truly feels compatible with Yumi on a deeper level. While her dynamics with Woong and Babi had clear chemistry, this one feels more grounded and emotionally stable. Even before the story confirms it, there’s a natural sense that they are well-suited to each other. In hindsight, the earlier relationships feel more like necessary stages leading her toward this more mature connection.
What distinguishes Sunrok is his restraint. In previous seasons, romantic progression was often driven by active pursuit, even symbolized through the cells attempting to enter Yumi’s heart. In contrast, he doesn’t impose himself in that way. His calm, measured, and respectful approach allows the relationship to develop organically. This understated quality makes his character feel more realistic and gives their dynamic a strong sense of authenticity.
Another notable aspect is the shift in perspective. Here, Yumi is the one who develops feelings first, while Sunrok is the one who ultimately confesses, creating a dynamic that feels like she fell first but he fell harder. In earlier seasons, she was more reactive, responding to the emotions of others, but now she takes clear emotional initiative. This progression adds depth to her character and aligns with the overall maturity of the narrative.
The primary drawback, beyond the structural imbalance, is how briefly their relationship is explored once it becomes official. The buildup is thoughtfully executed, but the resolution feels somewhat condensed. Given how strong their dynamic is, it would have been worthwhile to spend more time on this phase. That said, this season delivered some of the most genuine butterflies I’ve felt in a while, moments that felt just as exciting for me as they did for Yumi.
Overall, despite its pacing limitations, this season stands out as the most mature and emotionally grounded installment of the series. It may not have the same immediate intensity as earlier seasons, but it offers a more refined and realistic portrayal of growth, relationships, and self-awareness. It works as a fitting continuation of Yumi’s journey, even if it leaves you wanting more.
And if there happens to be a petition for a Season 4 with them, please send me the link immediately. I’ll sign it, promote it, and probably recruit others too.
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Don't Think of Interrupting My Studies
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A Must Watch Hidden Gem
To be honest with you, I came to watch this for Lai Edward and Wang Run Ze because I've seen them together with the same roles in a different drama (A Little Thing Called First Love). I didn't expect much thinking it would be a typical school romance drama. I was surprised by how complex the plot is being only the first episode. But if you're looking for a romantic-based school drama, I don't think this one is for you. It surrounds the plot of growing up and facing dilemmas, romance lingers as well but isn't as developed. The plot twist, in the end, is worth it. It answers everything!The plot is a little bit cliche with time travelling and I was looking forward to its uniqueness and it didn't disappoint. The story is complex and was driven by both the characters and the plot itself. I personally can't think of any characters that are unlikeable or had underdeveloped stories. Everyone was equally important—Mr. Wang was just as important to the plot as Lin Xiaoran or Nan Xiangwan. Their friendship with each other is strong and healthy, and so are the love tensions between the characters which is rare in most dramas but I'm glad we're straying away from romanticized toxic relationships :)
The female lead, Nan Xiangwan's development surprised me the most. In the first few episodes, she comes off as arrogant and self-centred who only wanted to achieve her goal, to get back to Class 2 because of that, I understand why people are discouraged to continue—no one wants to watch an unlikeable lead. But as time went on, she becomes more 'human' who is shown empathy, she helped her classmates find a way out of dilemmas and problems. She still stayed to her true nature with her goal in mind yet helped her classmates as they face dilemmas. She's one of the strongest female leads and if you were to take out the male lead, she'd still complete the drama. The male lead, Lin Xiaoran started off as an alpha who makes a lot of impulsive decisions. He later grew into this person who thinks about what he's doing because of the female lead's presence.
The music is beautiful, especially Xiangli Xiangli! This is definitely a much watch. It is everything a cliche drama is not. There are no heavy misunderstandings and every single problem is solved, there are no plot-triggering characters and both the leads realized their love over time.
Overall, as much as I'm not a rewatch-er, you'd definitely catch me watching this again (and yes, I was teary-eyed).
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I don't really like stories where you can't figure out why the guy likes the girl, so when I read the synopsis of this drama I was worried this would just be weird wish fulfillment and there would be no reason for the guys to like her. I was pleasantly surprised in that respect. First of all, even really dressed down, the actress is very pretty. I think it's realistic that people might notice that. Secondly, even if she's not very friendly, we as the viewers get to see inside her thoughts which are frankly hilarious. I like it when she is insightful and sarcastic (only inside her head) and the things she imagines make me laugh every time. I think the two guys are attracted to her in part because she has an introverted, guarded personality, and they like the moments where she lets her guard down.
I just wish the leading men were better developed, especially the younger man. I think there is substance behind the character, but you're left to just guess at it instead of seeing it.
Naka Riisa is worth mentioning here because this character, while still comic relief at times, was a more mature character than I've seen her play in a while. She handled it well.
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This isn`t the best JDRAMAS have to offer ¬ Though you`ll think that because of all the top lists
The purpose of my review basically boils down to the headline: This drama is in ALL the top lists recommending Japanese dramas to viewers- and they are utterly WRONG. And this mess shouldn`t be blamed on being an adaptation - That`s too much leeway. A Story To Read When You First Fall in Love, Love Lasts Forever and Hans Yori Dango are all dramas adapted from romance drama material. Only, these cases had caring writers who fixed what was wrong(if anything) and added to people wanting to see them. That`s why it`s called an ADAPTATION, not shot-for-shot(or panel-for-panel) remake. I`m well acquainted with the original mangaka of this drama and most of her work(because she has been working for a long time) is grounded in the popular points of the past, when readers weren`t really that concerned with how creepy even the whole premise is. Most of her male leads are exasperating, arrogant and on-the-nose willful, so I wasn`t surprised by that going into it.What I am surprised about, however, is, though I haven`t read the manga, I`m familiar with her stuff enough to know that the writers probably stuck to most of how things were in the manga. And if my hunch is right, let me ask:Why?Love Lasts Forever`s Kairi was, in the manga, very possessive, manipulative and overall overbearing. However, the drama`s version doesn`t even possess a fraction of those misgivings and that`s thanks to very talented writing team. So what happened here?A drama can retain the feelings of the manga without having to abide by every plot point and reason. In fact, if you see that the material you are supposed to ADAPT is too outdated for your audience, then fix those elements accordingly. I am really struggling with director`s vision here. Now, onto the acting, which was serviceable, but overshadowed by absolute godawful character building. I`ve seen this drama a few months ago and I just kept thinking, Why would these two end up together?Why is he such a nonce and a whole stalker?Why are we abandoning her wanting to be ambitious and forward thinking, to turn her into yet another female lead won over by constant following and borderline harassment?There is absolutely no connection or chemistry between the characters here. I finished this drama feeling both weirded out and worried for those who put this in their favorite Japanese dramas. Just...don`t.
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By making the ghost, Shin Sun Ae, the second female lead instead of the female lead the show immediately opened itself up to a storm of problems. Our main male lead, Kang Seon Woo, falls in love with the ghost-possessed version of the female lead first and because of that fact the viewer is left wondering throughout every subsequent interaction between the two leads whether he actually loves Na Bong Sun for her own qualities or loves the version of her that is actually Sun Ae. This confusion both on the part of Seon Woo and the audience completely destroys the validity of the romance between the two leads. What's more the writer did little to engender Bong Sun to either Seon Woo or the audience based on her own merits. Sun Ae is clearly the more fun, kind, and lively of the two women and Bong Sun is so painfully shy for the first half of the show that she is almost entirely devoid of personality. The show's choice to stop clearly showing the audience when Bong Sun is being possessed versus when she isn't was also executed poorly. Bong Sun's personality, as she becomes less shy, starts to resemble Sun Ae's too much. There were times when I could not tell which version of Bong Sun I was watching in a scene. Was she possessed? Not possessed? Is Seon Woo in love with Bong Sun? With Sun Ae? I certainly didn't know and still don't.
Another issue was with the virgin ghost character in general. Shin Sun Ae's motivations at the beginning of the show boil down to just one thing: sleep with someone. When she attempts to seduce Seon Woo he rejects her advances and yet she just keeps going. It made me so uncomfortable to watch as she pretty much sexually harassed him after he very clearly told her no. It was creepy and should not have been included in the drama. If the tables were turned and he was harassing her no one would have found this plot point funny. It would have been seen as downright villainous.
The acting wasn't terrible but it also wasn't Park Bo Young or Jo Jong Suk's best work. Overall this drama was a failure. It made me uncomfortable and I regret watching it.
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Are we getting a 2nd season?
I am only talking about this remake, and there's no comparison between this and other versions because I haven't watched them, but this felt incomplete and needs a second season for sure!- Story wise, it is not an original story and I've read many books with the same story-line.
Did I predict this ending? DEFINITELY NO. NOT AT ALL. It didn't even cross my mind because that's the worst case scenario in a romance story. Bro who wrote this?!!! We need to talk. Seriously, if that's it and there is no season 2, it is the worst end to ever happen to such story!
*I dislike the miscommunication trope the most, this drama relied heavily on it, and it was left unsolved which angered me a lot. I understand the female lead feelings and how hurt she was, but the male lead kinda did his best (he wasn't the most amazing husband but he tried) and he deserved to have a proper closure with her at least.
- Acting wise, I think the cast was decent and really had potential.. I know because I have watched other works for most of these actors/actresses and they were great, specially the male lead and the female lead. I guess the short episodes were unfair to them. And most of the side characters were kinda pointless.
*Tokito Yuki for example, I don't understand what his role is in the drama, his scenes were actually good but he needed more time for his character to develop!
*Nakabayashi Taiki is probably my fave here. Watching him was so much fun and this role fit him really well!
- I don't talk about the music usually, but this one had great soundtracks. Yes I am obsessed with them since I started watching this drama! These are by a boy band called "One N' Only" and I highly recommend checking them out!
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Wow. Just wow. It starts off kind of slow, but when it picks up..good golly does it pick up. The story revolves around revenge, then moves from that to just standing up for whats right. Pretty much from revenge to Good Vs. Evil. Really really well written, I loved it. End was good aswell. Not a major love store here guys, if you're looking for that move on along. I, myself, usually watch only romcoms, but this...this is really good.
Characters/Actors::
Actors performed really well. Hats off to Kim Kang Woo though, really well played psychopath. Right till the end. Every role he played was played really well.
Music::
I have the OST on my playlist, its freaking amazing.
Rewatch::
I dont.
OVerall 10/10 Awesome!
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A Refreshing Side of Cho Seung Woo - Divorce - Class Difference and Social Issues
I love Cho Seung Woo as the corky Hwang Shi Mok in the Stranger series. It is the best he has ever done as an actor. Still, I would be remiss not to enunciate how much I enjoy him as Shin Sung Han, a great pianist turned divorce lawyer. I've never seen Cho Seung Woo like this, which could be why I greatly appreciate the character. His approach to the role of an uncle, friend, lawyer, and brother is brilliant. It suits him so much that it's hard to separate the actor from the character. I love how each episode addresses or tries to shed light on different divorce scenarios, and even though it's viewed as evil, sometimes it's a necessary evil. More importantly, I love SSH's approach to it.I commend the writer for Shin Sung Han, but all the credit goes to Cho Seung Woo for embodying such an intelligently funny, creative, caring, simple yet complicated man driven by love, grief, and the need for justice. It's not just Cho Seung Woo that shines in this drama. I love his tight-knit friendship with Jeong Moon Seong and Kim Seong Kyoon, how they feed off each other while at the same time always being acutely aware of each other's weaknesses, strengths, and pains, no words needed, knowing when to give each other the space they need and when to be each other's comfort. Truly each other's extensions. They are an accurate depiction of what and how friendship should be. I love it.
Many people try to hold on to a union for the wrong reasons. Some people do it solely for their children. Some do it because they think divorce will make them a failure and their family and society will ostracize them. Some even do it because they don't believe they can survive financially. The easiest thing to do to solve a problem is absolutely nothing. But, when one does nothing to appease family or society, that doesn't make the problem disappear. No one goes into a marriage thinking they will divorce. However, certain things in a marriage, be it gaslighting, cheating, or abuse (physical, mental, emotional), are unforgivable and require a divorce for the mental health of all involved. Getting a divorce, especially in a society such as South Korea and others like it, where it is considered taboo, has to be one of the most complex, if not the most frightening, decisions; I admire Divorce Attorney Shin for trying to convey in their special way that these are all pitfalls and misconceptions that stand in the form of progress.
I loved this drama's journey, but most importantly, I loved the ending. Yes, it was very K-drama-like, but I still liked it a lot. As much as Divorce Attorney Shin is about the social issues and suffering that arise from a hierarchical institution that, without thought or consequences, openly accepts social discrimination regarding different class marriages, divorce, custody issues, broken family relationships, parenting rights, and gender stereotypes, it is also an inspirational, dramatic story about adults and children struggling to live their mundane lives with these inherited issues. But rather than give in, they fight to be the change they want to see happen, to find their own way to a happy and fair life with the support of friendships and family ties that transcend blood relations.
The drama touches on many social issues, but none more important than the inequality perpetuated by the influence of historically structured social class differences that drive inequality and remain a hindrance to change. But the core of the story for me is the friendship between three friends who have a stronger bond than blood, which is the charm of this drama. I like that Shin Sung Han's final battle was not just about winning but about righting the wrongs adults made, yet a child was paying the price, one that was very personal to him. I will admit I thought the drama should have taken a much stronger stance towards the Vietnamese wife and the stepmom rather than backtrack on its strong message with the different cases it portrayed early on. I hope the message this drama tries to convey gets across, regardless. Yes, it's a work of fiction, but as far as I am concerned, there is always some truth in every fictional story.
Kudos to all the actors -- the adults but especially the child actors, the little men of this drama Kang Hyeon-U and Seo Gi-Yeong, who are mature far beyond their little ages, suffering in silence to protect those they love. They put the adults to share. Lastly, I would be remiss not to praise Noh Susanna, who was brilliant as Jin Yeong-Ju, the materialistically socially obsessed evil stepmom and wife who couldn't escape the influence and, worse, the trap of class hierarchy. I will miss Cho Seung Woo, but I hope to see him in Stranger 3, where he shines the most if the K-drama gods allow it.
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