Boss-dol Mart (2023)

(bad) y/n fanfic meets k-drama

This is pretty much a fanfic adapted into a k-drama, so don't go into it with too high expectations.

Overall, it was an ok-ish watch. I would have liked to see better acting (particularly from Lee Sin Young, as he was supposed to be the "main" lead of the show—he had the emotional range of a plank of wood for most of it), and a different ending. Just let the evil guy be evil. Why throw in a pointless "oh, he's just lashing out because he's hurt" twist? The guy schemed, lied, cheated and stole with the objective of tearing down the mart to erect a building there. Evil is, as evil does; the villain should have been defeated and sent to jail.

Also, I didn't get what the point of Gina, the girl idol was. Her relationship drama with Young Min added absolutely nothing to the story. Same as the love triangle barely hinted at between Ho Rang, Ye Rim and Tae Ho.

I feel like a better writer could have actually made a fun, enjoyable show out of the premise of a bunch of estranged, washed-up idols running a mart together, like for example if Ye Rim had been a super fan of Thunder Boys, and thus had vested interest in them making up and being successful in running the business together (plus, her quietly losing her mind out of excitement over meeting her favorite idols at first, only to eventually learn they are just normal people would have been a fun, meaningful development). Disappointing, really.

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Very Disappointing. Expectation vs Reality indeed.

So disappointed with this. It's the 8th episode already but the phasing is too slow for a short 10 episode series and the acting is so cringy, from dull to nada.. there's too much element where the actors should be acting like it's real, like REAL.. but instead, their reaction is like dafuq.. seriously? I love Minseok and Hyungwon, but c'mon you guys can be better than this.. and Shinyoung, my gawd you're acting becomes horrible, the director and producer of this series must be really horrible as well.

I hope I still have the will to wait and watch next week for EP9-10. Just saying.

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Your closest grocery store is run by idols

I picked this up because of the idols in it. I really like EXO, so I am obligated to watch since Xiumin is in it. To me I found this drama a very nice surprise. I put it on for leisure, but had started really watching.

The whole vibe of this drama is one that isn't taking itself too seriously and has a star-studded cast that is doing a fine job so far. The roles they are in are all unique, with each of them being an idol in their disbanded group. The story itself is something you wouldn't get out of an every day situation, but it is made for a k-drama, and I like that. To me, the unrealistic story is good, and they explain pretty quickly why and how they own this mart.

The acting is pretty good, not amazing or anything, but serviceable. It is fun to watch since it is k-pop idols, and since it isn't too serious that makes it all the better. There are some emotional beats that most likely will happen (I won't explain since that could spoil), so there might be a little weak spot. So overall this drama is easy and doesn't feel lengthy because it isn't. The story and scenes flow nicely and it's pretty funny too. The romance if any is something I see happening naturally and is there to develop the characters. The setting is perfect for funny scenarios and I can see myself staying entertained the whole way.

So far so good! I couldn’t finish this simply because it’s nothing I see myself needing to watch. It’s not bad though, it’s just sort of background fluff.

It’s just so average but a little worse? I don’t know.. I watch for the idols but it got lost for me and I don’t see a need to finish. Good while I just had it on in the background

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Marking my favorite idols

Casting idols to play as former idols is a good choice and having both Xiumin and Hyungwon in one project is a blessing. Been a fan of these two ever since the peak of their careers as KPOP stars and seeing them together makes my heart beep with happiness. They are my bias in their respective groups and I loved the bond they formed even after the filming of this drama. It is funny that their role contrasts with their real-life personality. Shin Tae Ho being grubby and unorganized is very different from Kim Minseok aka EXO Xiumin as he is the most obsessed idol I knew when it comes to becoming neat and clean. As well as with Jo Yi Joon who was tagged as a fashion terrorist yet Hyungwon from Monsta X is the best dresser in the group. Furthermore, the two of them did not disappoint me as they executed their characters very well with the right amount of acting skills and threw their lines with perfect emotions.

The rest of the cast did pretty well as well and I like each of their characters’ establishment from the story. Eun Young Min, the butcher catches my attention since he is the only actor I didn’t know from the show and he is extremely cute too. I think the downfall of the show for me is how they give us a plot that is too unlikeable. The villain, who turned out to be the cousin of their deceased friend/member, is too hateable. His acting is believable and I wanted to punch his face whenever he showed up on the screen. Having him the redemption of the mart and his reconnection with his auntie and uncle at the end isn’t just as good as it seems to be.

Thunder Boys is such a cool name and I wish they also show us more of their journey when they are still active idols. Yet, the ten episodes are good enough to deliver everything that the story has to offer. I enjoyed it but not as much as I expected it to be. It is all thanks to the perfect set of casts that the drama seems to be more interesting.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama '' Boss Dol Mart '' is an idol drama of few episodes.

The story is pretty simple, with few heartwarming moments here and there to spice things up. The relationship of the boys was probably the best part of the drama, even though the story tended to promote the mystery of the past, which, in the end, was a big letdown.

Still, for what it is, the drama was enjoyable enough, with some funny moments, and some more 'dramatic' ones. The drama keeps things light as well, without getting deeper into any situation, or even any character.

Finally, the performances by everyone in the cast were good enough.

So, overall, six out of ten.

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Quirky Characters With An Intriguing Storyline

I’m not a huge fan of dramas starring pop idols or where the storyline is based on the said idol’s ridiculous antics. I went into this show, expecting absolutely nothing. Surprisingly, despite its weird pacing and underrated performances from the actors, this “Underdog” story does manage to hold your attention. There is something charming about watching a band of misfits as they get together and decide to battle the odds to rewrite history. The show has star studded casting consisting of pop idols Xiumin (EXO), Hyung Won (MONSTA X), Lee Sae On (Produce 101 Season 2) alongside actors Lee Shin Young and Choi Won Myung. The first two episodes do a decent job of setting the premise and introducing the characters. It isn’t rushed, and we are given ample opportunity to explore their personas and current lifestyles.

Read the complete article here-

https://kcdramamusings.wordpress.com/2023/09/20/boss-dol-mart-first-impressions/

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