The Good:
1. My favorite part of the drama was the relationship between SB and DH's mom. Those parts make my heart warm and also made me tear up sometimes.
2. The acting of all the characters is good and one of the things that made me stick around.
3. Some of the tributes to previous dramas are funny.
The Bad:
1. As everyone's concern, the age gap between the actors made me wish that they had a platonic relationship more than a romantic one. I think I would have been totally okay, even happy if the main leads did not end up together but instead had a sibling sort of relationship.
2. The relationship between the 2FL and the ML was very long and just did not end. Maybe the main leads would have convinced me more if the 2FL and ML had broken up earlier.
3. The gags and side characters. Some of the gags were overdone and made me a bit uncomfortable, ML's parent's relationship, ML's friend, and FL's friend's characters and relationships being a few.
4. The side characters got sidelined by the end.
Overall:
I would most probably not recommend the drama to anyone, but there are some funny scenes. If you are really really bored and want to watch something then you could watch it, but there are plenty of other funnier dramas to watch.
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There were a few main reasons why people were skeptical of this show before it even aired. The age gap between the leads didn’t really bother me at all. But I can’t really ignore Um Moon-suk’s character, Han Dal-shik. He reinforced really terrible racial stereotypes, and I honestly can’t believe this character made it into the drama. Ultimately I did find him funny, and Um Moon-suk had me laughing a couple times, but I couldn’t help but cringe every time there was a fly buzzing around his head.
Other than that, I didn’t have many problems with this drama, because I wasn’t expecting anything at all. I just wanted something watchable, and that’s what I got. I wasn’t disappointed by it, like others seemed to be. You lose less when you go in with zero expectations.
I do think Backstreet Rookie had potential though. It’s a wacky and cartoonish comedy and I liked the directing style, and most of the comedy and references land well. I especially liked the over-the-top fight scenes in the first half, but as the fights take a back seat, this show becomes little more than a rom-com with characters that I couldn’t really imagine together.
When Backstreet Rookie is a comedy about a convenience store, it’s funny albeit aimless. When it tries to do romance, it fails. Ji Chang-wook and Kim Yoo-jung are adorable together as boss/employee or mentor/mentee, but as a romantic pairing, they fall flat. The show has an undeniable charm though. I like the leads, and I even liked most of the side stories. There were some really sweet character moments in between the comedy as well.
The Cast:
There’s a part of me that wishes I didn’t watch this, because I can feel myself falling out of love with Ji Chang-wook. I haven’t seen any of his projects in full since Healer. But after watching this, some of his facial expressions stand out to me more than they did before, and I’ve started questioning his skills as an actor. I think I’ll probably just (try to) stop watching his projects and wait til I hear good things. In the meantime, I’ll rewatch Healer again (and again and again). That being said, if you really like Ji Chang-wook, this has a lot of him, and he’s pretty adorable.
Kim Yoo-jung gives a good performance, but I didn’t buy this relationship because of her character. I blame the cartoonish writing for that mostly.
In other news, I aspire to like Han Sun-hwa. I recently finished Marriage, not Dating, and she does hate-able second lead fine, but it’s boring. I wish her character was more than irritating.
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This review may contain spoilers
I somehow managed to finish the drama even though I thought about dropping it a few times.Story
There was no story. Nothing happening. But honestly I don't know what story can be made starting from the premise of him owning a store and her working there. I feel like the same thing were happening over and over again. Always more bullies appearing and the FL having to deal with them (we got it, she knows how to fight). The relationship between SFL and ML was way to dragged...the story was focused more on them than the story between FL and ML. I found it strange how after a 2 years relationship the ML was so chill about their break-up...I mean everything moved on so fast as if nothing happened, he suddenly didn't care at all about the SFL. I get it that the relationship between ML and FL was slowly developing, that's ok , but I am kind of disappointed with the ending. Ok...the was no proper kissing (probably because of the age difference between the actors...it may have been awkward), anyway...it would have been nicer if they "officially started" their relationship a little sooner, not in the last minute of the drama. There were some side stories , like the one with the dad and his first love Jang Mi...what was its role?Overall it was bearable, even though the plot was not the best, it had some funny things and silly moment, some times a bit cliché but it's a kdrama, clichés are normal. JCW may or may not be a reason I haven't actually dropped this drama.
Characters
From the beginning I did't like the FL character. I don't know why she had to be clingy and why was she hitting on the ML knowing that he has a girlfriend (I really think that the SFL and ML relationship started to worsen because of her...I know they already had their problems but still... I feel like the FL got in between them). There wasn't any character development...every single person was the same at the end as in the beginning, why? And there were to many characters with no role, without whom the drama could have been the same (like FL' sister who was only causing trouble, Puppy, JSJ, the dad's friends...). I feel like there were so many characters just so that the writer could drag a little the story and create more action around the interactions between the leads and the supporting characters. I almost forgot about ML's friend...I don't get his character, something feels disturbing about him, why did the writer choose him to be like this?
Actors/Cast
I can say that the casting was well made. The actors were good and some of them well known. The acting was on point, I can't complain about that. What I didn't like was the characters, but the actors did a great job portraying them.
Overall this isn't a drama I could rewatch...sorry for those who actually liked it. It becomes boring at some point and that's it. I suggest watching something else, except you are a big fan of JCW or KYJ, than you can give it a try, but don't have to high expectations. I also am a fan of JCW and I am sad to see what dramas he is choosing lately...I am waiting to see him in a great drama again.
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Light, wholesome, fun. Worth it.
It took me a while to finish this one because after the first episode, I didn't find myself hooked into it. I picked it up again recently when I've run out of shows to watch and it was actually worth it.It's very, very light and wholesome and chaotic; I found myself tearing up and giggling a lot. The graphics actually annoyed me a few times, more so in the first episode, it felt cringe HAHA but it's actually quite tolerable along the way.
Definitely something to watch when looking for a no-brainer and something fun.
[minor spoilers ahead, be warned]
I guess my only comment is that I hope there could've been more about Seung-joon's character; I feel like I didn't get much closure with his story and he just suddenly disappeared. Same with the bullies, were they just off the hook like that?
All in all, however, the show was fun and has definitely earned its spot in my rewatch list.
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EXCELLENT SURPRISE
I wish that more dramas could have the same quality in story and acting.❤??The plot has sense, you can believe the way things happen , in love, family an work. The acting of the mother Kim Sun Young, is perfection , I can't beleive she is not an international example , many american actresses with many Oscars can never be as good as her. ??
The writers gave her an excellent character to play and thanks to her this drama is much more than just another drama. You will not forger her even if maybe you don't agree with all her decisions.
I watch for JCW but discover her and the mail female lead, very good and beautiful Kim Yoo Jung!
I am glad that all the characters have their own story , thanks to that they can talk in a clever way about different important subjets like bullying, idols trainee, workplace, family and love of course.
Big applause to all the team of actors, writers and director.... I wish they could make a season 2.??
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This review may contain spoilers
Not really a RomCom
Going into the drama, I watched it without putting too much thought. Only after reading comments online did I see the controversy, but I will not talk about the controversies (the age gap/cultural appropriation). I'll let the viewer watch it and form their own opinion.Pros:
1. Great cast. The only reason I finished the show was for JiChangWook and KYJ. Both are very attractive and good (or capable at the very least) at acting their roles/characters in my opinion. Supporting characters were okay, I don't have any strong opinions on them.
2. If you like slow burn romances, then this show is for you. But, I warn you, there is not much romance.
3. I will give it a +1 since this drama has the FL liking the ML first, and them making moves.
Cons:
1. No skinship. I don't really recall hand holding. There were a few hugs, but there is no kiss scene. Ending is a teaser kiss but they don't actually kiss. I still don't know why they butcher the ending like that when this is a romcom. Yes there is kiss scene in episode 1 but for the sake of the development I don't classify that as a kiss scene.
2. The drama could have been better if there was no kiss scene in the beginning, and they saved that for episode 9 or 10 or something. Yes, I get that it may follow the web toon but hey not everything needs to be followed right? We can make some adjustments for the sake of it being a drama? Right?
3. The ML is involved with his ex for like a majority of the show. Way too much time invested with his ex when the show needs to develop and move on. If I remember correctly, his ex is still in his life around ep9. And even up till the last episode the ex is still trying to get back with ML... isn't this a tad bit too much?
4. Too much attention/emphasis with the parents. The drama does not give enough attention and screen time to the couple. I wouldn't even call them a couple, but yeah. They need more conversations together. They really don't have much to talk about, now that I look back and think about it. It's mostly them just laughing or ML making some joke on how he's awesome and FL praying that ML makes a move. I don't mind this though, I only mind the emphasis on the side characters and family.
5. Most of the show is just the FL hoping the ML likes her (dont get me wrong I love it when the female makes a move on the male first), but its so repetitive to the point that it gets boring. It's to the point where as the viewer I just wish the ML just accepts her advances, but throughout the show its just the same repeating process. I am talking about the times AFTER the ML has broken up of course.
Here's where it gets interesting.
When the ML finally proposes to the FL, guess what? The FL pulls a 360 and says she needs to think about it... when she has been madly* in love with the ML since before ep1. At this point the director could have gave a classic kiss scene. But hey I understand not every drama needs a kiss scene for romance right? They could have even just done some cliche romantic talk scene but no. They just further complicate by having the FL be undecisive then run away.
TLDR: Beginning episodes were pretty good. Stayed for the cast. Plot and development were not good. Cast was eye candy, probably the only reason to watch. Not a very satisfying drama.
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Reading Reviews Will Definitely Ruin It For You
I finished watching this series yesterday. I tried binge-watching this one,and it only took me one day to finish. It's so underrated. I hoped JCW and KYJ received awards for their stellar performance in this drama.The concept of a budding romance inside a convenience store with JCW and KYJ as the lead characters made the drama engaging. The first two episodes are slow-paced, but it's understandable because the rest of the episode compensated it for me.
Before watching this series, I also read the reviews and searched online for the controversies surrounding it. It's no big deal for me ,and it didn't stop me from trying to watch this drama.
JCW and KYJ's chemistry is excellent. There are times when I laughed so hard ,and I also cried. The characters are relatable in some way, and this drama gave me the slice-of-life blues even though this drama is a rom-com genre.I just caught myself engaged and enjoying this series, and I felt like an hour per episode was just 10 minutes per episode.
All I can say is, don't hesitate to try watching this drama. It is refreshing and can give you a good time. You can drop it if you want to if it doesn't fit your standards.
I didn't want it to end,but all things must come to a close for it to leave a mark. This show did it for me. I became a fan of KYJ and JCW from their dramas Love in the Moonlight and The K2,and I'm glad I tried this one.
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Lighthearted romantic comedy with flaws.
First of all, I started and continued it because the cast appeared on running man.But this drama has received a lot of negative response. Why? because first of all it is based on a questionable adult webtoon. Of course the drama is not going that way. But the female lead does get touchy with the male lead, who has a girlfriend, since the start. Plus in the first episodes she is a high schooler but is not your average student. She can be described as being a "bad boy" (but with the non-romanticized meaning of it). On the other hand the male lead is a real pushover, he doesn't seem to have much pride and does everything his girlfriend says and not only that he doesn't think much of the "touches" the female lead does. Any other would have taken advantage of it but kudos to choi dae hyun for not doing anything. Anyway he is quite an average male lead of an adult webtoon. lol There is also male lead's friend who is none other than an adult webtoon artist! It's quite rare in korean dramas so it had met a lot of controversy.
But once you go past the controversies and the image that source material may have left, this is just an average light-hearted romantic comedy, nothing more and nothing less. :) the western popular dramas are usually much more "adult" than this one.
Personally I really love strong and fighting people in dramas. So that was mostly what kept me watching. Saet Byul, our female heroine is extremely strong. to the point it gets ridiculous. lol So it's like a slapstick comedy with her beating up bad people. But later you get to know all the characters from a different perspective.
You get to know that ml is a thoughtful boyfriend, with quite a strong sense of justice. That fl lead is a child that had a lot in her life but thinks a lot about her friends and sister. Does everything to protect them and suites the ml much more. That the questionable ml's webtoon artist friend is actually really sensitive and can't draw adult scenes and his webtoon is just mostly romance. That ml's family may seem very "country bumpkin"-ish, but are very thoughtful, love each other a lot and stand strong for each other.
As this drama was made by the stuff who made Fiery Priest, it has a lot of funny references also.
So it's just an average light hearted (slapstick) romantic comedy. A bit draggy in the middle with funny ending. So 6 for me is the best i could give this lol :) And mostly because i really love fighting!
So If all the negative feedback is keeping you from watching this drama, and you fear it will be controversial and inappropriate just give it a try. It is not "adult" at all. And the characters also are not particularly strange.
I never rewatch dramas so i put a random number there. Music was not very special so i just put 6 there. For me there wasn't any character that was especially interesting so i didn't put 10 for acting. the whole story was also normal so i put 6 :) but this all doesn't mean it's bad. It's a an okay drama for me :)
So if you like romantic comedies you can give it a try :) and decide if you like it or not.
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Fun but unsubstantive
There was something quite charming and enjoyable about this drama, crazy visual effects and all — it's the kind of show you can watch without using any part of your brain. Once you did, however, you find that there's a lot lacking especially when it comes to plot and substance.As much as it pains me to say this, the humor is almost on par with that of Melting Me Softly — it's loud, obnoxious, and zany, and most of the time it misses the spot. A few characters seemed to exist just for the laughs, but they really just ended up annoying and one-dimensional and seemed to serve no purpose. The worst culprit was DH's sister.
There are a lot of things that definitely made me uncomfortable, especially how race was handled. I understand that the people behind the drama said the webtoon artist was supposed to represent how people can come together around love for a culture, but his personality had not much to it other than being dirty and liking to draw x-rated cartoons. It also just felt incoherent at times, especially if it was used for humor which, as I previously mentioned, often fell flat.
I'm a fan of any romance that shows people slowly falling in love with one another in everyday situations, but I really just didn't FEEL it in Backstreet Rookie — honestly, I much preferred the dongsaeng-style relationship that SB and DH had, for multiple reasons. They dragged on the ex-girlfriend plot for far too long, and they also added in a "childhood" connection that made any sort of romantic plot seem even weirder with the age gap.
I also didn't like SB's sister, Eun-byul, who I felt like made so many bad decisions and never owned up to them, instead having SB run after her apologizing. I felt like I just really wanted more substantive conversation between the characters.
With all that being said, one thing that I did love about this drama was the theme of family (which may be why I preferred DH and SB being that). SB and DH's mother had the most heart-warming scenes together and the most touching conversations, and it was definitely something I wanted to see more of.
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Easy watch but problematic portrayal of a side character
This isn't the best drama by any means, but it's a fun and easy watch!The dramatization of everything especially the fight scenes in the first few episodes were hilarious. The ridiculous dreams of Dae-hyun, too.
I'm just annoyed with how they portrayed Dal-shik, the dreadlocks were so ??¿¿ Like why in the world did you portray him as someone who is dirty, with flies always following him around ??? Honestly, absolutely unnecessary. From what I've read about comparisons between the webtoon and kdrama, his character wasn't even like that. Aside from Dal-shik's character, everyone else did okay and good.
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love
i love it ????????????????????❤??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????❤????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????❤????????????????????????????????????????Was this review helpful to you?
