She Would Never Know (2021)

Wristgrabs are as romantic as roadkill

The 2 leads in this had zero appeal for me, but I wanted to watch it for Lee Joo Bin, and several reviewers commented how sweet the OTP were together in the happy middle section, so I waded through 3 episodes. BUT, I simply LOATHE wristgrabs, and when the ML grabbed the FL by the wrist and dragged her in to see her BF and shatter her illusions, I knew I had to drop it. My problem with the ML right from the beginning of ep1 was his assumption of ownership, that he literally had the RIGHT to have the woman he wanted. That feeling lingered through episodes 1 and 2, and was cemented by that noxious regregessive wristgrab in ep 3. To have them end up together is to reward that Neanderthal message, and that's repugnant to me

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Good Reason Why I Dropped This Drama!

This review does have spoilers but only for the first two episodes because I dropped it right after the end of ep 2.

I'm someone who gives benefit of the doubt for a lot of things. People tend to judge how they will like something off of face value or first impression. Sometimes, you need to give things time, whether that be a TV show, movie, people, or even clothes and certain styles, haha. I gave the same amount of benefit of doubt for this drama because 1) I love a good noona romance. It's not really a huge age gap but it's still counted as a noona romance in my book, haha. 2) It seemed to have favorable reviews from most people. 3) I needed something new to watch and binge it, haha.

A review said that the first couple of episodes were a slow burn so I went into this drama knowing that and would give it at least 5 episodes. I didn't even make it to 3 episodes and I'll tell you why.

This is where the spoilers for ONLY the first two episodes begin. No other spoilers beyond episode 2 will be written here for the obvious reason that I never made it beyond episode 2.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF FIRST TWO EPISODES:
Basic premise is ML likes FL but is antsy and a bit shy to confess it because of the dynamic that they share as senior and junior. ML is gearing up to confess up until he sees that FL actually does have a boyfriend. He's let down and considers letting her go until, the boyfriend is seen with another woman other than FL. This makes ML super bitter towards boyfriend and resolves that FL has the right to know of his two-timing ways. ML demands that FL (seriously, he DEMANDS her) meet him after work to tell her something important. FL decides to see ML to see what is so important and they are off to go see boyfriend with other woman and on the way ML confesses his feelings to her. FL sees her boyfriend with other woman and is shocked. ML says that he wanted to give FL the chance or choice to stand up for herself against her boyfriend and the truth that was revealed to her. He tries to explain further but she is upset that he interfered in her personal life. (Bish, I would be upset too!!) ML is told by sister that he needs to wait for FL now to make her own decision but of course, ML is too antsy and tries to approach FL several times despite knowing that she may be going through a difficult time and was told by FL to literally "F" off. Then we come to episode 2 ending and FL comes to ML and asks him what that choice is. Basically, she wants to get revenge over boyfriend. ML then proposes that they date each other.

My MAIN REASON why I dropped this show after two episodes is because this ML is just so freakin pushy, his actions were a little selfish, and tendency to be inconsiderate until the last minute or when it's too late. I just can't. He doesn't like how FL treats him like a kid but then does childish things. The boyfriend works at the same company as ML and FL. So when ML found out about boyfriend's other woman, he DID NOT make any effort to conceal his anger or spite towards him and was very disrespectful towards his superior in the office in front of others. That is just not wise or professional. Then he DEMANDS FL to follow him somewhere which is really rude. If you can't contain your emotions then you need to take a step back, get calm and think through it again. And last but not least, I was most upset about him thinking that revealing the truth to the FL was somehow a good thing. I understand that maybe he had good intentions for doing it but it was NOT RIGHT for him to interfere in her life like that. And then at the end of episode two, says they should DATE EACH OTHER?!?! To get revenge against boyfriend?!?! Flippin A!! NO!

I think a lot of people misunderstand, just because someone has good intentions for doing something wrong doesn't erase the fact that it was wrong to do in the first place. Good intentions don't sustain a relationship, actions do! And actions like that will never sustain a HEALTHY relationship for long. I'm just really disappointed in how the ML was created and represented here. It could have been a really good slice of life/romance drama too. I have a guilty pleasure of enjoying dramas that do that have some cliche factors to them but this drama pushed it a little too hard with the stereotype character flaws and plot cliches and is just too much for me to overlook.

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By the End it Was A Lovely Story

Well I came back and changed my initial rating, the headline, and adding an updated review after finishing this Kdrama. I left my initial review below which you can read if you want, or not. In the end, I enjoyed this story. While my connection with the two main leads ebbed and flowed, I really enjoyed the secondary plots the most, especially between Ji Seung and JaeWoon. Lee Kyung Han's Jae Woon was amazing. I really liked his character and thought he brought a lot to the drama as a whole. Although Jae Shin was made out to be such a cad for using the FL, I still liked his character especially as his story unfolded. I thought Yun Seung's support of her husband as he finds himself was amazing. How many people in real life would actually do that? What a great message. I loved the KLAR team, and how fun they were at work. I loved the three siblings and how much they supported each other.

I won't repeat my initial impressions about the two main leads and the beginning of their storyline. Most of the way through I was at odds with these two. I chalked it up to just a lack of chemistry between the two actors. However, around episode 12, I began to change my mind. I think seeing them in more playful scenes made the romance more believable. In the end I was rooting for them to get back together for that happy ending.

Two main things I loved about this drama were the fashions and the weather. I loved the clothes!! The costume director did an outstanding job here. I loved that it was set in the winter, so we saw lots of sophisticated winter fashion. Loved the long coats and scarves!! Loved the setting....I'm sure most was shot in Gangnam, I know the last scene was. The offices, the shops, the restaurants, the coffee places!! I really didn't like the advertisement they did for McDonalds. That added nothing to the storyline. There are still aspects of the story I didn't like because to me they didn't make sense, but overall it was a sweet story of coworkers falling in love.

First 4 episodes:
I've only watched the first 4 episodes, and although this felt like an interesting story at first, by the 4th episode it's turning into the same old thing. I'll add more to this review as I progress through. That is, if I do continue watching it. Just a few things that are bothering me.

First, the script. It appears so far this is the typical Kdrama trope that has been used a million times over. A tall, strong, handsome, wealthy ML falls for a pathetic FL and they have some sort of adventure together. This storyline plays out in the workplace where the FL is having a secret relationship with her boss who (unbeknownst to her) is getting married to another woman. As co-workers, the ML has a puppy-dog crush on the FL, but finds out about her relationship with the boss. Almost simultaneously he finds out the boss is engaged and getting married to another woman. His crush and protective instincts kick into overdrive. While his protectiveness sounds romantic, it really isn't coming off as such. It is more stalker-like, which I do not like a series projecting toxic behavior into something romantic and normal.

So why is the writing a problem? Believability and toxic masculinity
The ML, played by tall and handsome Ro Woon, is from a wealthy family who owns a department store (?? I think---nope, it is a wedding business). Why is this person working for another company instead of his family's business? This doesn't make sense.
He meets the FL while in college where he attends a career fair for the cosmetic company she represents. He is filling out an application when her stomach rumbles. Apparently he falls in love at this moment, sprints to a convenience store to buy her food, then while she is eating he guards the door so no one can disturb her lunch. So, stomach growling is now an aphrodisiac?? This doesn't make sense.
The ML is hired by the cosmetic company and the FL becomes his "trainer." His crush progresses to the point of obsession. He follows her around and this is how he finds about her relationship with the boss.
He engineers it so that she finds out that she is in fact the "other woman." Talks her into a fake relationship with him, and then proceeds to stalk her every move (under the guise of protecting her). The scene in the nightclub where he goes down on the floor to protectively stand behind her while she is dancing is awkward, stupid, and completely unbelievable. This really doesn't make sense.
I'm having a hard time with the level of obsessive, controlling, and stalking-like behavior in the ML being presented to the viewer as a loving, protective person. The way this role is written is toxic, and not loving by any stretch of the imagination.

A little about the FL. I saw this actress in Just Between Lovers with Lee Jun Ho and absolutely loved her, and loved the drama. For this part, she is doing as well as she can considering the unrealistic storyline. Her role is smart and career driven, which I like, but the pathetic side she has to carry out in order for the ML to "rescue" her stands in too much opposition to her role's personality. So, it doesn't make sense. Also, although I like both Won Jin Ah and Ro Woon as actors, I don't think they go together very well. I feel like she has more connection with the actor playing her boss, Lee Hyun Wook. I have a hard time hating him even though he deceived her because the two have more chemistry. Her wardrobe in the drama is superb---I love how they are styling her. Except for the shoes. So far she has been in high heels the entire time. I don't know if they don't fit her feet well, or if they are incredibly uncomfortable, but in some scenes she is walking very awkward. High heels can be tricky. Instead of walking where the heel meets the pavement first following by the foot and toe (the typical human gate), a female in high heels will plant the entire foot down all at once. This produces an abnormal stomp motion, rather than a smooth natural walk. That's what she is doing.

All in all, at this point its a bit of a disappointment.

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Endearing First Episode

I am so excited to see Lee Kyu Han back on the small screen; how I wish he had a major role, but I love him nonetheless. He blew me away as the tormented Mo Wan Soo in Graceful Family (now that drama was good). I really enjoyed Won Jin Ah in Life and Just Between Lovers and as such, look forward to seeing what she and Ro Woon (I already like him as I'm not as familiar with his work) bring to She Would Never Know, but I won't lie I'm in this for Lee Kyu Han. However, I do like that Hyun Seung doesn't shy from his attraction to Yoon Song Ah and goes for what he wants, a relationship with her. His direct approach is what endears me to him. It also helps that the drama is directed by the same director for Fated to Love You, one of my favorite dramas. I am looking forward to the journey indeed.

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Office romance is what I like

So l am a person who likes romantic comedy and I always found something that includes it. And to be honest I saw reels of this drama on Instagram, where she is crying and all and it was a sad video so I just skip it and thought I won't watch it but after few days when I watched the trailer, I thought let's just give it a try and watch the first episode so I can see what's happening with it. I know the actress from melting me softly but I haven't seen any of the male lead drama so, I don't know about him much but I know that the female lead was very good and acting.
overall it's a good drama like it has something in funny and romantic too in a little amount. But its a melodramatic drama so I can understand. This where the girl is fighting with her on emotions to get through. And the male lead comfort her.

I actually like the concept and the male lead is good too, his character really match with him.

There isn't any many music in the background, so I don't know about that.
But like it even though it's not Rom-Com.

Hiya🌻

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Romance de oficina. Personaje masculino 10/10

Amo a los personajes. Pero sobre todo al protagonista masculino.
En este drama vemos una relación muy sana, que lucha por su amor y que tiene altibajos por situaciones que se les van presentando.
Valoro positivamente las actuaciones porque hicieron que me conectara en cada capítulo, desde la historia de los protagonistas, hasta la de los personajes secundarios.
Me permitió pensar en el amor propio, y hasta donde debemos llegar por amor, porque sí, hay límites. A veces se deben tomar decisiones que parecen difíciles en un principio, pero en últimas, es lo que más nos conviene.
Por personajes como Chae Hyun-seung es que sigo soltera jajaja

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Esse foi um drama de altos e baixos pra mim. Começou morno demais daí deu uma grande melhorada ao longo dos episódios, aí quando finalmente achou um jeito de se manter estável, deu uma decaída de novo e honestamente tive medo dos últimos dois episódios me desapontarem, mas não foi isso que aconteceu.

Apesar de ter um dos plots que eu mais detesto lá perto do finzinho, o drama soube resolver bem a situação e deixou um fim satisfatório.

Os protagonistas são tudo pra esse drama. O Hyungseung é perfeito, apesar de umas falhas aqui e ali bem no comecinho do drama ele melhorou bastante e é agora um dos meus protagonistas favoritos, as cenas do casal principal eram fofas demais e não tem como não se apaixonar por eles. A Songah era fechada e não conseguia se abrir com muita gente, e foi ótimo ver ela crescer ao longo dos episódios e aprender a se abrir e a resolver os problemas familiares.

Os personagens secundários, o pessoal do escritório, da família dele e dela foram bem utilizados, apesar de achar que um ou outro podia ter um destaque maior (Hyojoo por exemplo podia ter tido uma historia muito melhor...) mas nada que afete a história do drama em si. A Haeun é perfeita, amava cada cena dela com o tio e a esperteza dela.

O drama teve sim suas falhas, mas apesar disso teve um fim satisfatório e é um bom romance. Não tem o plot mais complicado dos dramas que já vi, nem é o melhor drama de escritório, mas cumpre o que promete.

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