Dali and the Cocky Prince (2021)

The fact is it is a mixture of a lot of things... romance, comedy, mystery, a bit thriller.. with angst. Usually, this sort of blend ends up making a lot of mess, but it's not the case. Why? because the romance just works perfectly.

The best execution of opposite attracts. Da Li and Moo Hak are not just different from each other, but polar opposites in almost everything family background, education, nature, personality, the way of thinking, legit nothing is common. Still, they are like two pieces of the puzzle fitting perfectly with each other, their oozing chemistry is worth craving more.

I can't express in words how much I adore Moo Hak, he's one the best characters I've seen in dramaland. He may be loud, uncultured, silly sometimes stupid... but most mature, considerate at the same time most adorable person. A looot better than people who claim themselves high-educated and cultured. I love how many shades he has... and throughout the journey with exploring different parts of his nature. Now one may think its character development is, I strongly disagree. I think it is how he was in first place. The more I go deep into his character the fewer flaws I can see, I respect his perspective and being a realist... And thinking what life he has been through... where he worked hard to get where he is I don't consider him as money-grubber nor stingy, coz he's the person who knows worth of everything, then whatever it is: Money or People. He knows his priorities clearly and behaves as per.

Da Li may be a bit oblivious, idealistic.. and doesn't have much knowledge about how the world works she's definitely not spoiled princess. She's hardworking, she can face every problem with courage, she can take a stand for herself. I love her straightforwardness... she's a girl who can kick ass if it's needed. Finally, someone who acts as per their age lol... and not a teen who's in love for the first time, she's comfortable with physical intimacy as an adult.

I've seen a lot of secretaries, (I mean ofc everywhere is CEO lol) but Moo Hak's secretary is the best. She's not only a secretary but a very loyal friend, who can even threaten her boss's girlfriend. She's just COOL. And I love his hotel staff too lol... who can work as gangsters but also can give adorable reactions after seeing Moo Hak's fully smitten state.

Whenever each episode ended... I always felt unsatisfied, after thinking I got it why. Though it's not noticeable compared to the rom-com (not the multi-leads ones) this one has relatively less screentime of leads being together but I won't complain coz it's realistic.. people do have things-word to do other than dating, so when they aren't together they are doing work which needs to be done. It does have many.. many, a lot of annoying characters that you would love to FF.

Aesthetically it's simply stunning.. the sets, costumes, cinematography. And finally, both leads have amazing dressing sense, where Da Li legit feels like someone who knows about art.

It's cliche at the same time it's not...the tropes don't feel unnecessary. It does break many stereotypes. I really want to thank how they didn't pull Won Tak to love square. Girl and Boy can be just friends not every time a guy ends up falling for a girl. No stupid misunderstandings.. even if there are any 'Conversation' exist in their world.. and it's noble idiocy free!

As rom-com if fills its purpose fully.. having many peak moments of comedy and couple you want more and more.

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Moo Hak, my love

I love everything about this drama. EVERYTHING. So I decided to write a quick review capturing my everlasting feelings for this drama. Pardon my spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings ahead.

This drama sweeps you off your feet and runs away with you as soon as you begin watching. We're introduced to our much adorable leads and there's something about them that yells "Hey there! Meet your new favorite characters" and eventually that is exactly what they become. Moo Hak is one of my favorite male leads of all time. He is the fruit of the recent transition the Korean drama male leads have been making from toxic jerks to sweet dependable leads these past few years. He's so sweet and so dependable. He's so likeable and so so sooo funny. There are so many scenes where I laughed so hard I couldn't breathe thanks to this guy. I was crying a few times thanks to his infinitely best boy personality too.

Dali is one of my favorite female leads too. I love her, dare I say, almost as much as I love Moo Hak. She is smart, wise and she takes initiative in a relationship. She doesn't raise her voice but when it comes down to it, she's not a pushover; she's far from it. I love her dignified composure. Each time I watch Park Gyu Young, my respect for her amplifies because she's such a versatile actress. All her characters have unique color and you can tell them apart. It's almost as if it's a new person altogether. She impresses me as much as Shin Hye Sun (Mr Queen).

More than anything, I just love them as a couple. If they were a real-life couple, they would be my favorite real-life power couple. There are no misunderstandings, no miscommunication, no useless breakups. He knows exactly what to say. He's a character written with outmost perfection for a woman of today's times. Guys, if you want to learn how to treat your woman, go watch this drama lol.

As a romantic comedy, even if there are cliché tropes, they are written with such a refreshing take, the whole drama is a breath of fresh air. They fulfill all your fantasy scenarios for the main couple, but do so in the most non-toxic way possible and at the same time keep things entertaining. It is rare to find this balance in romantic comedies. The last time I found such a balanced drama was probably Marriage not Dating.

The supporting cast wasn't all likeable at all times, I must admit. But there were some very likeable characters like Assistant Yeo and Uri Won Tak Shi. These two were absolute gems. Rest were really testing characters. But overall, definitely all stellar performances, by a veteran cast that understood the assignment.

Also, I have to have to mention the music. Literally every song on the soundtrack is addictive. I can't even pick a favorite song because they're all my favorites T-T

I'll go watch it again in a year or so (or a day; maybe I'm already rewatching). I'm so ready. Also looking for my next victim to force this drama on (my friends are so lucky to have me^^). If you're confused about whether to watch this drama or not, here's your sign to watch it right now.

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