Love to Hate You (2023)

Hilarious (with a few buts)

With the random influx of murder mysteries into rom-coms recently, it was really refreshing to watch a drama that was just a pure romantic comedy, especially one that really made me laugh out loud at times. The chemistry between the leads was top notch too — they matched each other's energies in a really unique way and it really made the entire show come alive.

The second couple was decent, but I think their story wasn't as interesting and might've not even have been necessary.

I do think there are some tropes and dialogues that didn't quite sit right with me — while the enemies-to-lovers aspect was mostly funny, I think this drama did suffer from "they're not like other girls/guys" syndrome. A lot of dramas have this but I think this one just made it a little too explicit in the dialogue, with lines like "all the women I've met were manipulative" or " I've never dated a man that was nice."

The second part that sort of didn't sit well with me was that "scandal" for the ML was a gay rumor. There was a throwaway line by the FL about how it wasn't wrong, and I'm aware that the sad reality IS that attractive male celebrities will lose support in SK if news like this comes out, but it felt kind of icky to me to use that plot device and not address more the issue of cultural homophobia.

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Charming and Delightful Kim Ok Bin Gives Us A Strong Woman While Exposing the Hypocrisy of Society!

This is a simply delightful and incredibly hilarious romantic comedy that succeeds largely due to its originality and not going down the pitfalls of overused cliches. I haven’t laughed this hard since “Hospital Playlist,” and there are too many numerous moments that will either have you laughing out loud or possibly even rolling on the floor with laughter.

However, as with so many Korean shows, not everything is for comedic value as the writers expose the incredible sexism and hypocrisy of the entertainment world that is largely in place due to warped religious, societal, and cultural values that are in place because of male chauvinistic rules about what is proper and what isn’t. Sadly, society loves to build up a hero, but it loves to tear one down even more. Whenever anyone is placed upon a pedestal—which is always a skewed and warped version of the real person—expectations will always inevitably take a hit because people refuse to see such people as human.

Nam Kang Ho is on top of the world as far as the movie industry goes. He’s the top-billed star in the highest demand. What people don’t realize is that he has a fear of being intimate with women. Even doing kissing scenes with female co-stars causes him to have a negative reaction. Of course, as with all rumors, it’s assumed that he doesn’t like women.

Yeo Mi-Ran is a lawyer who is also a master martial artist. Nothing brings her so much pleasure as exposing men for what they are (or what she believes them all to be): liars and cheats who look down on women. She also has no compunction about beating them up if they push things too far. Her relationships never go further than one-night stands, and usually done to prove that men are exactly what she believes them to be.

Ironically, what we have here is a bit of a role reversal. In some ways, Nam Kang Ho behaves more like how a woman would react to relationships that never pan out. And Yeo Mi-Ran has almost masculine traits in how she deals with men. She makes absolutely no apologies for how she lives her life. And why should she? Because she’s a woman? Hence, the hypocrisy of today’s world which is always at the forefront for entertainers thanks to social media. So, a man can sleep with as many women as he likes, and there is virtually no negative feedback. However, if a woman is caught doing the same thing, a cascade of negative feedback is always inevitable. And this series beautifully exposes such insane and sexist views that are largely created by men and promoted by everyone.

At first, Yeo Mi-Ran has a strong dislike for Nam Kang Ho when she misunderstands something that he says to his agent and friend. She vows to destroy him and put him in his place. Before long, she’s hired by a law firm that represents people in the entertainment industry and—of course—she ends up working with and representing Nam Kang Ho. Thus begins a very cute and often hilarious relationship where both Yeo Mi-Ran and Nam Kang Ho begin to realize that all is not what each believes the other to be. One of the absolute funniest moments is Yeo Mi-Ran attempting to teach Nam Kang Ho how to fight so that he can properly do a fighting scene in his new film. Little does he realize that he’s dealing with an expert and quickly finds himself subdued and knocked out. Of course, we already know that Yeo Mi-Ran is no wallflower, no damsel in distress who needs to be saved by a man in any circumstances.

One of the all-time great scenes in the series is when Nam Kang Ho and Yeo Mi-Ran profess their feelings and proceed to make love. What makes the scene work so perfectly is because the characters are allowed to be who they are. It isn’t Nam Kang Ho who initiates things—as we’ve seen hundreds, if not thousands, of times in romance movies and shows. Believe it or not ladies, men actually also enjoy having their female partners take charge sometimes too! I actually clapped my hands when the scene played out because I was thrilled to see the female character take matters into her own hands—and in this case, literally!

Some of the greatest of entertainment stars live outside of the limelight. Now, I realize that this is much harder to do in a small country like Korea, but basically, no apologies or even explanations should ever be made for how they live their lives. If you care too much about what people think, then perhaps you’re in the wrong business. The life of any celebrity is always wrought with the highs and lows, the positive and negative views of the media and the public. You’re a hero one day and a goat the next. The courageous make no apologies and never feel that they have to explain themselves to anyone, for that merry-go-round is literally endless.

This is an absolutely terrific series that tickles the funny bone and warms the heart, and like so many Korean shows, has a heartfelt message to expound to its viewers. Be careful about putting people on pedestals for they will always disappoint you in the end. Just because someone makes their living in the spotlight doesn’t mean that they are any different or more special than anyone else.

Performances across the board were incredible, but frankly it is Kim Ok Bin who steals the series for me. She’s able to create a character who doesn’t come across as overbearing or some uptight man-hating feminist. Despite being tough and independent—a great example for women to follow—she also has a soft, feminine nature that she takes great pride in demonstrating. She also helps to change the outdated perception that just because she’s a woman, she’s hardly weak. In many ways, Yeo Mi-Ran is a champion for women to follow and also for men to help them realize that there is true strength in being a woman and exhibiting strong, feminine qualities. And Kim Ok Bin handles this masterfully. It was so refreshing and also inspiring to see this kind of woman portrayed in this series.

These ten episodes went by fast, as I was watching at least two per day, but it was just long enough to encapsulate everything the writers wanted to convey without the need to prolong things unnaturally. Even the end didn’t feel like the writers had to delve into the “romantic comedy” playbook to wrap things up. They stuck with the characters and allowed things to evolve organically and naturally. Such are the hallmarks of a great series!

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One of the best rom-coms out there!

I was not expecting much from this drama, but it gave me the same vibe I had with 'Shooting Stars'... just wholesome and filled with all the sweet cliches I love in a romantic comedy. Yeo Mi Ran + Nam Kang Ho progression from enemies to lovers was both hilarious and so romantic. I loved how mature their love was & there were no misunderstandings once they got together!!! Thank goodness!!

I absolutely loved Kim Ji Hoon as Do Won Joon. I was waiting for him to play a character I can root for since Flower of Evil and he was perfection in her. He ALMOST stole the show from the ML for me, BUT the Kang Ho just kept making me swoon. Speaking of, I never heard of Yoo Teo, but he needs to act some more because I am ready to devour any drama he has. As for my girl Kim Ok Bin, she did her thing! I have loved her since Arthdal Chronicles and feel as though she needs to act more as well!

The bromance & the sisterships were top-tier. The soundtrack elevated every scene and great acting. from the 3 main leads! I can see myself re-watching this when I am in a drama rut!

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Regardless of execution, I am glad that Korean media is fostering some gender dialogue - it's a start, and we've got a ways to go...

I'll be honest. I could relate to her initial opinions, her distrust of men, etc. Why the h*ll did she fall in love with a misogynist borderline incel? I'm sorry, dude get over your bad breakup. Like he literally hates women and cannot even have a normal conversation with one, let alone touch one. Move on!!! Get some therapy! There's no closure to his misogyny either (by episode 8, when she reciprocates his feelings). Not much of a feminist, in the end she still ended up with the kind of man she hated. Sorry, the ML is so not charming.

The FL is a hot mess. It's like a man's idea of a modern woman? She sleeps with 100+ guys but is strong and violent and is like a succubus to them. She isn't really a person with depth, she's just "not like other girls...

I enjoyed the first episode or two, as it was different and interesting. But damn, it got boring and ridiculous. Why did the FL's friend and the ML's manager/friend start dating-ish? I never got to the end obvi, but I could tell they were going to. So lazy.

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If Wei Wuxian can wait until I've finished this, it must be good!

Started LTHY just a few days ago and at the same time, on my last 4 episodes of the Untamed... (I'm dreading the ending..) anyway.. with a list of 178 other dramas to watch, the now famous 'kiss scene' between the two male leads, piqued my interest and it also crept onto my list. With just 10 episodes I thought I could watch it quickly and fortunately it had me hooked from the first episode .

If anyone is old enough to remember the romance novels by Mills & Boon - they were always the same formula - his is indifferent to her, she hates him, but... hmm, he then starts to become intrigued by her, she starts to love him.. and then .. you can guess the rest This then was a good old fashioned Mills & Boon.. and a real treat. Main leads had such great chemistry and there were plenty of laughs a long the way. I think I must have had a smile from ear to ear most of the time.. awwww cute!! And Yoo Teo ... you're now my second husband (Gong Yoo is first ;-)

A good romcom for anyone new to Kdramas. Well done! Ok.. back to Wei Ling..

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man hater turned believer

The characters of the series are as follows:

NAM KANG HO and YEO MI RAN are the main characters of this series. 

DO WON JOON and SHIN NA EUN are the best friends of our main characters.

YEO MI RAN believes the worst in men. She is like that because her father is a sexist who belittles women. This strained her relationship with her father.

NAM KANG HO is the same for women. He does not trust women because he thinks that women are not able to stay loyal and gold diggers. In his early years of being an actor, he met his first love and his first relationship with then rising star actress Oh Se Na. Their relationship was a secret to the public. When Oh Se Na started to become famous, she ended her relationship with NKH for a rich suitor. She and her manager even accused Nam Kang Ho of being a stalker. Because of this, Nam Kang Ho became traumatized to the point that he developed anxiety when getting near women in general. His anxiety is so serious that he has to take medication for temporary relief.

This series is a must-watch for all hopeless romantics. One can learn a lot from this series. 

This is a happy ending.

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Cute fast sweet drama

This was honestly a good 10 hr drama to binge. The main’s chemistry is so cute! The main guy, omg! After watching the episode he was actually part of VAGABOND?. AND I am still waiting for season two for that!
The second main guy (Do WoJun) is from MONEY HEIST Korea and the third female actress (OH SENA) was actually in a relationship with (Do WoJun) on MONEY HEist. So it was kinda cute to see them here in this drama.
The drama may be basic but honestly, it's the chemistry, how their relationships started and ends that I look out for.
I love the cast so much!
Especially the female lead being badass at getting rid of the stereotype of how women should stay put and quiet. I love her for that.
I would honestly watch some of the scenes again. Their kissing and romantic scenes ❤️❤️
Supposed to finished yesterday but I went out til 4am?.
8:16pm 2/22/23?

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Fun and Breezy Romantic Comedy

At ten episodes around 45 minutes long, it’s a quick and fun ride. I almost think this drama would have benefited from one or two more episodes as the conclusion to the two main love stories felt a little too rushed to make for a satisfying ending. Nam King-ho and Yeo Mi-ran have a typical romance with some nice skinship scenes, but their romance didn’t feel fully fleshed out by the end of the series. Even less so was the romance between Do Won-jun and Shin Na-eun. What did the second leads really like about each other besides them being hot? No clue, friends.

While the romances were enjoyable, the true intimate connections were felt between the main leads and their best friends. Teo Yoo and Hi-hoon Kim had insane chemistry together, and the story points this out with plenty of romantic beats between the two. It’s queer baiting for laughs and giggles, which is a bit disappointing. It could have so easily made for a contemporary and fun BL romance. Mi-ran and Shin Na-eun also had a kindred spirit connection that felt genuine and heartfelt. I always enjoy a good sismance and bromance, which this show did well. It was fun and quick so I have no complaints, but I'm not sure it was all that memorable.

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“Femme Fatale vs Homme Fatale”

From my perspective, the show has a rough start. A lot of the issues comes down to the characterisations of the leads. The ML is fairly straightforward, he is portrayed as a handsome movie star that distrusts women on the whole and despises those he considered to be parasites. His psyche is so damaged that physical interactions with females can bring on physiological reactions. Because of this, he puts up a brave front but is secretly an introvert and shies away from contacts other than his close friends and relatives.

On the other hand, the FL is an extrovert who is good at many things including martial arts, motorbike racing and stint driving. She never does anything by half measures. She always hone her skills to the best of her abilities. Interestingly, this mirrors the actor who plays that role. Kim Ok-bin is very accomplished in all those areas and more. In the drama, she is layered with a very strong sense of justice, and she sees bad men everywhere and is more than happy to step in to give them their just dessert. While she is happy to use her fists, she doesn’t shy away from unconventional methods like seducing a cheater and then dumping them just to give them a taste of their own medicine. I love how strong and powerful she is and she is not dependent on any man for her identity. Hurrah!

Just to mix things up, the writer-nim also put the ambiguous relationship between the ML and his male BFF on full display. Maybe she is trying to create more interest with the complex interplays so that the various characters will spark off each other. Unfortunately, that approach didn't gel with me. It feels like busy work and fire off conflicting messages.

The OTP's meet-cute is built upon the mistaken intention trope but is stretched to its limit. This makes it hard to ship the OTP from the start. Fortunately, the misunderstanding is cleared up quickly and we soon moves on to the contract dating trope.

Round 2!! The OTP's romance is now on track. At the same time, we learn more about the leads’ backstories so that we can understand why they behave the way they do. Honestly, while I accept their backstories on face value, they do feel like being engineered to fit into the narrative.

Acting is very good and the action sequences are highlights. The FL is the star of this show, and she excels in so many different disciplines. The ML is handsome but carries a lot of baggage and he did well in that role. We are lucky that this is not an idol drama so that while the actors are good looking, they can back it up with their acting abilities.

Furthermore, with good, seasoned actors, it is not hard to ramp up the OTP’s chemistry. Their skinship is certainly much more natural and intense than the usual perfunctory stuff. Their love line helps to lift the show above average but that is assuming the first few episodes did not dent your enthusiasm.

Two other minor points, the show can’t help itself from adding a cacophony of cute animal sounds, dings and clangs after every “humourous” moment or dialogue. It gets old pretty quick. The 2CP’s romance is too draggy. The show made it clear that the FL broke too many hearts while the 2FL has her heart broken too many times. So she decided to push the 2ML away at all cost. The problem is that it is obvious to the audience that both are pining for each other but this charade went on until the dying minutes of the show. It would have been nice to see more 2CP sweet moments.

In the end, the second half of the show is very entertaining and swoon worthy. I am happy to rewatch that but I’d skip the first half. Peace out.

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