Now I know why this drama is rated too low
I will write the cons first since it's the main point of this review.Cons:
- Too much fan-services: The actor/actress (Ji Chang Wook/Kim Yoo Jung) stares at your eyes literally through your PC/TV/Phone screen
- It's supposed to be a business-related drama, but it's just a gimmick and apparently it's just a setting. The drama doesn't tell you any marketing stuff.
- The cheap CGIs are annoyingly unnecessary.
- The introduction episode doesn't go well. Episode 1 is supposed to show the viewers about the background of the story, characters, and what the drama is about. But, episode 1, unfortunately, became a mere "filler".
- Inconsistent genre. It's like the drama wanted to cover all aspects (action, business, comedy, romance, family).
- The ending is forced to be a happy ending.
- Unresolved conflict: Eun-byul bullying case by her fellow girl group members.
- Problematic story at a glance: It looks like an adult having an affair with a middle-schooler since Saet-Byul hasn't graduated (dropped out) from her school.
- Hang on! You will be pleased with the story after episode 6.
Pros:
- More realistic romance story. (Yo, this is MUCH BETTER than Itaewon Class in term of romance aspect).
- Comedy is there.
- This is family-friendly, no bed-scenes, even you barely find kiss-scenes.
- The family scenes are touching. It might be able to make you teary.
- Love polygonal (more than love triangle), which is good.
- It's Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung that you love, lol. But I prefer Han Sun Hwa (Yeon Joo).
- A single thing that motivated me to finish the drama: Dreamcatcher's Yoohyeon is there!
Was this review helpful to you?
One of the BEST dramas of the year!
In the beginning, I watched purely for JCW. For any JCW fans out there, watching this is a no-brainer. However, as the show went along its course it got more and more engaging. It might just be me but, there's just something about new talents like KYJ and a chill-hop OSTs which really get me coming back week after week. The acting isn't too serious but, the story isn't too tacky.Through my short time of recently getting into kdramas, Backstreet Rookie has a very unique storyline and with top-notch actors leads like JCW & KYJ its not surprising to see that this drama currently holds a position in the Top 10 Most Viewed Dramas so far this year.
Backstreet Rookie is full of some familiar faces but, for the most part, it is a refreshing reintroduction or introduction into laidback rom-com vibes. If you are planning on whether to watch it or not, my answer is simple. WATCH IT. It is very uplifting and with it almost being finished, leaves you wanting more episode after episode.
Was this review helpful to you?
enjoyable & worth watching!
I never thought ill say this but this by far one of the best kdrama ive ever watched, i cant believe its already over. by this time most people are interested in 'its okay to not be okay' kdrama, but im my opinion its a good kdrama but some parts in episodes might be dull from time to times, while when i watch 'backstreet rookie' i enjoyed (enjoyable) it every episodes and its gets me hooked for more. when i first watch this kdrama i never expected this but i got really satisfied by the kdrama even though theres only one kisse and i even what season 2 for this kdrama. i dont usually interested in this kind of kdrama but this kdrama got me hooked just like 'weightlifting fairy kim bok joo' did.this kdrama doesnt deserve the hate they got right now,i really hope theres this kdrama got a lot of attentions from seoul or intern fans. overall this kdrama is 10/10 i never felt this satisfied when watching a kdrama so i can assure you that you will enjoy this kdrama too. Good Job JCW and KYJ! <3
Was this review helpful to you?
Lets start with the thing that's on both of our minds. Backstreet Rookie tried to be a lot of things at once, and that's where it all went downhill. Kdramas are usually bad at handling sensitive topics but I gotta say, this hit a new low. The team (producers/writers) should've been quick on their feet to alter what wasn't working. The fact that they just reduced the screen time of the problematic arc was what pissed me off the most. Like duh, even kindergarteners can do that much. I expect better from professionals who have worked in this field for years. So, I was majorly disappointed when nothing changed.
Ik some of y'all are gonna come at me say that they didn't mean any harm, but its not upto any of us to decide what hurts the sentiments of the people of that culture. Misrepresentation does much more harm than no representation.
If a person from that culture thinks its inappropriate or hurtful, who are we to tell them it isn't? It's as simple as that.
Setting this aside, this drama was kinda a train wreck, yet for reasons unknown, I couldn't drop it. It could be Ji Chang Wook's dreamy looks, or the utter cuteness that is Kim Yoo Jung, or their chemistry, or the fact that there was soooo much RAMYEON, I just couldn't stop! But I gotta warn you, my standards are really low. So, don't hold this in high regard, I completed "Forest" (which has to be one of the most pointless kdramas ever) bc I have the inability to drop any series.
The leads had an ADORABLE chemistry which kept me coming back for more. There were some points where the drama was funny. It was a given bc the drama tried really hard to be funny, sometimes to the point it became cringe worthy and uncomfortable.
The story was really loose and it felt like they did not try to develop it at all. Its the same bs fed to us all over again. The story had so much potential, but they turned it into yet another kdrama cliché... I can't! I have so many complaints, but I'm aware that this was an adaptation of webtoon, so I am just gonna leave it here.
What I actually liked was Saet Byul's character development. I loved the fact that our FL was so tenacious. Losing so much at an young age would be been devastating, but she pulled through with her optimism. She loved so much and so deep, and her love was what made her stronger.
And their chemistry, did I talk about that enough or should I keep going? It was soooo cute!
I didn't like how they ended the drama either, there were too many loose ends and it felt wayyy too rushed. Some characters didn't even get a closing, and it was very disappointing. I don't like what they did to Yeon Joo either. She had the potential to become so much more, but they just made her yet another rich, entitled, bitchy ex-girlfriend. I hate that her relationship with Seung Joon (her childhood friend/boss) wasn't explored either. There was something good brewing there.
Except for the Dae Hyun's mom and Yeon Joo, the other side characters aren't worth remembering tbh.
The music is pretty good, especially in the latter half. I would add at least 1 song to my playlist from this OST.
I am pretty sure I will not be rewatching this, bc this is a one time watch, at best. Watch this drama as filler drama, or if you are a fan of Ji Chang Wook, or Kim Yoo Jung. The only good thing is the chemistry of the leads and a lot of pretty faces. Don't take this drama too seriously, once you start this, you'd know they didn't take it seriously either.
Hope this helped, thanks for reading!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Enjoyable Best Drama 2020
I enjoyed and liked this drama. I have never seen drama like this before but this one is totally unique and different than any others. These two main actor and actress are so attractive, gorgeous. I also liked comedy scenes so much. Especially main actor, I always laughed how the reaction of the his actor look likes such as he smiles silly and so on. I also loved for the actress who have superpower. She is very gorgeous and cute person. Even though, she is powerful, it does not mean she is dangerous. She only used the power to the bad person. I LOVE TO WATCH this Kdrama so much!Was this review helpful to you?
! Even the action scenes of the lead actress is one heck of the makeover they put on They're sync are awesome to watch... Surely one of the comedy drama aired this year.....n
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
ended with a happy ending
Even through backstreet rookie went through so many controversies it ended finally with a happy ending.i guess people took it by heart idk why i guess it's just a drama and it was only for our entertainment .
1.The story was quite a simple and that's a rom-com and also slice of life can't expect more
2.JCW was quite cute sometimes but then felt he was too goofy .
3. JSB having crush for him over 10 years just because he helped her that was too lame reason like then who helps me should fall for him? they should have just given more logical reasons.
4.The fight of YJ and SB was quite interesting at starting but then that was also boring.
5.Nam ji wook part was quite interesting actually plot
6.Fire volcano and aphrodite were more interesting Lol>.<
7.The characters personality were varying every episode and their were many flaws in dramas too
8.The controveries made this drama actually popular
9.screenwriter shouln't have stretched the drama in 15 episode it felt too boring already
It was an adult webtoon and coverted in a drama . people criticize it too much i guess. we should enjoy a drama but not criticize then it's better to not watch it .All the cast and crew member worked hard if can't appreciate then let's also not criticize. overall the drama was not that good SO I CAN'T RECOMMEND ANYONE TO WATCH IT unless and until you are a great fangirl or fanboy of JCW or KJY. the genre of the drama is slice of life i hope you don't expect to much from it. it has some funny and cute moments which make you smile but after sometime it is boring too
~END~
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
It's actually good
I'm new to kdrama and this is actually my first time writing a review, honestly the acting is really good I felt like I've grown into these characters and their personality and the story is honestly an 8 for me it's very good the only thing that's kind off a bummer is that the pacing is quite slow and sometimes I get annoyed that when Dae Hyun is about to say something I immediately think that maybe this is it and 5 seconds later I'll just do a face palm. It's like a shounen anime it's not for everybody because the pacing is slow, but it's extremely satisfying when it gets to a certain arc, but in Backstreet rookie for me the slow pace didn't really match with the climax like i didn't like the way at the end they didn't show saet byul and dae hyun kissing but that's just me lmao, but honestly I still enjoyed it. And there are times that cgi is cringy and makes me curl up out of cringe but as the show progress it disappeared (thank god). Backstreet rookie's random story (like an individual character scene) is kind of a double eged sword. Sometimes I scratch my head thinking why did they even put that scene what's the point? But the good thing about it is it made the characters have more life, as if they were really real. I just wish shone more light on jang mi, eun byul, kang jiwook, etc. Overall I'd give this a 8.5/10 I loved it, I also love the fourth wall breaks the way that Dal sik created a comic about the whole series and at the end it shows the crew and everything. This drama made me smile and laugh soo yess In short I loved it :))Was this review helpful to you?
A “ Backstreet” Away From Ji Chang Wook’s Successful Roles?
In all honesty Backstreet Rookie isn’t an entirely unbearable drama to watch; the story concept ( although based on a webtoon) isn’t anything new from the “ oblivious and good looking” Male lead ( Ji Chang Wook) to the girl with a secret crush ( Kim Yoo Jung) and of course all the overused tropes seen and done before ( idols, bullying and impoverishment to name just several) , however, one of the saving performances of the show was surprisingly offered not through Chang Wook’s performance, but Yoo Jung’s fairly good acting as Jung Saet- Byul. Of course this isn’t to say that Chang Wook is entirely bad here at all. However considering his renowned rep as an actor, it is fair to say that ‘ Backstreet Rookie’ is one of weaker roles to date.On the other hand, there’s no beating around the bush that Backstreet Rookie’s sense of plot development, characterisation, and “ comical” moments were just poorly- written. In between the cheap budget special effects,
the drama has received mixed controversy for its outdated jokes and comedy moments. Whilst some may not mind this others may easily take offence. This naturally moves us onto the second problem of the drama; the actual story progression behind the “ chemistry” behind main characters of Jung Saet Byul and Choi Dae Hyun. There’s no denying that by sourcing its material from the eponymous webtoon, the drama had pretty much already sealed its fate to be inundated with classic romantic trope cliches(especially between the “ younger” female lead and the “ older” Male lead).
In all honesty, this isn’t actually main concern over this “ age difference” behind the pairing. Instead, it is more how the drama actually presented the two characters; Saet Byul’s “ feelings” for Dae Hyun through physically clinging on to him could verge at times upon harassment ( especially considering that he respectfully had a girlfriend) whilst Dae Hyun’s ignorance for the majority of the drama was fairly unbearable to watch. The cliche of “ obliviousness” is of course a classic trope in most Korean dramas, however, whilst most shows actually present the respected lead being able to soon recognise or misunderstand their own feelings, Dae Hyun’s ignorance became fairly insulting for both his girlfriend and respectfully Saet- Byul.
This isn’t to say that he should’ve given Saet- Byul , a declaration of his love and run into the sunset with her in episode one, however, it did become apparent how these misunderstandings occurred for Dae Hyun’s girlfriend and what may have caused Saet- Byul to act the way she did if Dae Hyun was sending off wrong “ signals”. This naturally led a lot of the actual relevant plot being directed by numerous cliches and the sometimes unbearable toxic behaviour of Dae Hyun’s parents at times in the show ( particularly towards still using physical corporal punishment against Dae Hyun even if it was supposedly “ playful” and his mother’s rude comments towards Saet-Byul also).
Respectfully from an acting perspective , the show is a bit of an odd and mixed bag; Yoo Jung is probably one of the few decent actors in the drama, closely followed probably by Ji Chang Wook and then his fellow costars who could have some lacklustre line deliverances at moments ( particularly Kim Sun Young and Eum Moon Suk). In regards to Ji Chang Wook, it’s fair to say that although Chang Wook wasn’t terrible within his performance and certainly added a level of less glamour in his role as a 30 year old man still living at home, his performance in Backstreet Rookie certainly hasn’t been one of his best and most challenging performances ( in comparison to Healer, K2 or even Suspicious Partner ) either.
Backstreet Rookie’s scriptwriting by Son Geun Joo, channels the bygone era of ‘90s and ‘00s Korean movies and dramas where comedy scenes and setups were often seen as the norm . Sadly Geun Joo seems to lack awareness towards changing attitudes in South-Korea in a show which feels neither nostalgic of old dramas, or retro but old-fashioned, clumpy and questionable in parts. The comedy will evidently differ amongst viewers but nevertheless whilst the romance has a slightly cutesy air to it, ‘ Backstreet Rookie’ is the epitome of “ I’m going to watch during a binge watching season because I’m bored” rather than a long-time commitment.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
The Rumors are so Subjective, grow up !
First of all I have to address the reviews stating it is racist, too much of an age gap and very inappropriate.That is all bullshit - Racist? - where? just because Han Dal Shik dresses looks like that doesn't mean he is actually racist critics forget his webcomic he is producing is called - Her reggae boy which coincidentally is related to Jamaica hence he dresses like that, its kind of an ode to his work. Second- Age gap? My god did you forget how much of an age gap was for My love from your star?( I know that was an absolute masterpiece but god be damned I fell in love with a thousand year old man) and now you guys hating on this? remember the setting : Convenience Store owner and a part timer they are able to work now so that critic goes straight to the trash now and it being very inappropriate - man dont be so quick to judge dont hate on something as soon as you see it.
Now the Story was good had me feeling all kinds of emotions after each episode, Acting? very convincing Yoo-Jung was perfect for the role and if i had to put any male actor to play Mr. Choi nothing would top my list than Ji- Chang Wook both of them were made for it, Production was very good never thought anything was out of place and ever since episode 2 where an underage posing as a Uni student got caught man I was suspicious of every transition scene praying nothing like that happens again and OST my god it is so memorable, Kang Daniel did a fantastic Job from now on every love scene i see I'm going to be singing "Something' instead. Love the added touch of the over the top Visual of Saet-byul fighting making it very convincing her emotions.
Overall a very Light Hearted story, I recommend you to start watching it without expectations because this is a Rom- Com you can expect to express every emotion you can possible feel once you start investing your time watching it, very convincing cast, OST is something to remember and the over the top fighting scenes was a good laugh and I am just going to leave this here but damn is Kim Yoo-Jung's visuals is no joke, she actually captivated my heart and made me feel like how I felt when I first fell in love and her acting well no need for me to add to the endless amount of praise she has received from her work but man did she convince me that no one else but HER could have perfected this role and Ji- Chang Wook well what can I say except there is a reason People are heads over heals over this guy I mean his acting skills are top notch and boy both of the leads could not have been played any better than these 2.
Was this review helpful to you?
Disappointed !!
I'm Highly Disappointed !! ? Ji Chang Wook.. Why are you doing this. Just because of him I started watching this drama and end it because of him. Why does he keep doing these kind of dramas ? I can't understand. His character was so dull. I couldn't understand why she was like that. Yoo Jung...I didn't like her role, she was annoying.Plot was So Boring till the end. No Romance, No Music or OST at all... And some annoying characters made this drama unbearable.
If you're a fan of Ji Change Will, you should watch K2, Suspicious Partner or Healer twice instead of wasting your time on this drama.
I'm really feeling bad for him. ??
.
Was this review helpful to you?
Controversy or not, The drama is oddly addicting~
Before I have begin my journey of watching Backstreet Rookie, I remember the time when it was first airing the first few episode where I heard a controversy which did affect me slightly in terms of perception (I was watching It's okay not to be okay at the time). But I wasn't one to exaggerate such an issue so I have commence watching after a few week has passed without bringing in any prejudice and largely ignore the smaller problems others would find.Turns out, the drama was so enjoyable on the comedic level with a fusion of popular culture that exist globally. The amount of references would borderline make the drama "a parody" that you can relate to and laugh alongside the cast. The drama is so different, absurd and out-of-this-world. None of this should ever be taken seriously and watch with a grain of salt is my core advice. The drama became oddly addicting as I wanted to know what would happen next cause every turn can be unpredictable.
I am a believer that the best drama should have a "sound-complex plot" being the way forward due to the number of drama I have watched in the past which is inclusive of every cliche/typical elements I am well-versed in seeing.
Yet, Backstreet Rookie would be the 1 in 5 typical drama that I enjoy fully. The drama delivers what it states to be, a strong-superwoman female lead with a fragile background revolving around a kindhearted, honest male whose dream is to provide comfort to the people in his neighborhood through a convenience store. With many twist and turns, find out more as you feast on your eyes on the visuals and the fun aspect the cast had filming.
What's even more outstanding are the characters acting level where in particular, Kim Yoo Jung (the female lead) can get very emotional with detailed facial expression I caught. Truly I would love to give her a hug and a pat on the back and she is a natural in that field. Her action-fighting scenes were well-performed and I am looking forward for more of her projects in the future. In contrast, Ji Chang Wook play a more laid-back character that is unusual considering his past roles for Healer/K2 (having many actions scene). Although he didn't reach the intensity I have seen in other works, the hole was instead filled with his love charisma and the comfort he provides to our female lead. Him being there for the female lead mentally would uplift her acting. (Rather than downplaying it if he were to play "the fighter kind of role" )
Whenever the leads/minor characters talks about their difficulties and how for the first time in their life, they could receive the warmth and love that they don't expect ever receiving. My heart broke a few pieces too with teary eyes. This is why the casting for the characters was done well, other than the villain who weren't very relevant. The OST list was alright with my favorite being Sleepless Night by Rothy and Something by Kang Daniel. I am sure if I want to laugh one day, I would re-watch the drama but I don't recommend watching with your family because of how it can get awkward with some of the "almost-erotic" like scenes.
My final thoughts for the drama would be about how the drama wasn't able to start on the right foot. This drama was enjoyable for me so it is a pity when it couldn't get the love it deserves. The drama intention was to make you laugh and the cast were doing a honest job. I hope more viewers can give this drama a chance and depending on your sense of humor, you would either like it irregardless of how weird it is or dislike it for the flaws present in the plot. Have a Happy Watching and Wish you all the best.
Was this review helpful to you?
