Irene
This is a classic case of rich boy falls in love with poor girl (but think she's a rich girl).
If they tightened the storyline and made it 12 episodes instead of 16, the story would be even better. Last few episodes could be scrapped altogether as they didn't add much to the storyline. Otherwise, the plot moved forward at a reasonable pace.
Acting between the leads was serviceable. Yang Jin Sung's acting as the doppelganger is decent. A lot of times what happens with an actor playing two roles is that one role often is more fleshed out than the other, while the other one is often more serious and emotionless. The same thing happens here so I wasn't blown away by her acting. I don't know what the ages for the actors were supposed to depict in the drama but both leads acted as if they were in their early 20s. Made me believe there is a romance, albeit more of an innocent first love kind of love rather than one that is worth risking your all for.
Use of the music was effective for this drama.
Overall, not bad for a rewatch, as it was one for me!
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A very unique storyline that failed in convincing me of the romance. The revenge aspects were certainly persuasive and I appreciated that the writer tried to keep some consistent themes throughout the drama i.e., revenge is a cycle, circumstances are what drives a person's actions, etc.
Yong Pal was a character that could do no wrong. He was so perfect that it was hard to endear myself to him. Similarly, all the other characters were so unlikable that I didn't really like any of them either (other than some fantastically written supporting characters) and therefore was not invested in the ending. At the end I really didn't care whether or not there was a happy ending.
Same writer as The K2 and if you've watched The K2 you'll see very similar vibes especially in the beginning of the drama. This makes me think the writer is very good at laying out unique storylines and a fast moving plot but cannot write in any romantic development. Cute romantic moments between the leads were hard to watch because it was so unconvincing to me.
I still gave the story a somewhat high rating because of its uniqueness. Kim Tae Hee's character is interesting as a female chaebol and I only wish to see more of that in today's dramas.
Overall, don't watch this for the medical stuff or romance but watch it for an engaging plot where a perfect man rescues a perfect (on paper anyway: looks beauty brains) woman and have a fairytale perfect romance. No fights between this couple! Their challenges lay in ideological differences and external circumstances. Not realistic but that's what we watch kdramas for!
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I guess this show tries to be different by showing you how love can make a person do crazy things.
There's also lots of cliches in this drama, including, misunderstandings, family secrets, accidents.
The love triangle/rectangle is convincing, even though you really can't root for any character because none of them were in their right minds. I also agree with other reviewers who said the drama is too long.
My favorite character in this drama was Chae Jung Ahn. Being the second female lead, she loved the male lead deeply but didn't go off the deep end like many cliche female villains. Won't spoil the ending but it was not satisfactory to me though it did tie up loose ends.
Watch this if you love Song Seung Heon or cliche korean melodramas. Otherwise, skip it.
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However, the overarching conflict was stretched out for too long. Half the time I wondered if the lead actor was really in love with the female lead or more interested in self preservation.
This is an interesting variation of rich guy/poor girl trope so commonly found in kdramas. I enjoyed that aspect, at the very least.
And leads are quite pretty to watch.
Watch this one if you like time travel and in the mood for general badassery from male leads (this one was great because he can travel through time...)
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LMH's acting definitely improved a lot and I can finally understand why he has hoards of fangirls (sorry LMH for not jumping on the fangirling until now!) JJH is an adorable mermaid, the best. I liked how the characters stayed consistent throughout the show and also grew.
Highlights:
- all the cute romantic moments between the two leads had me swooning
- cute tie-in with their past lives
- beautifully shot show
- supporting characters were a riot and I almost never fast forwarded through
- the SFX and OST were amazing!
- cameo from JJS was the best cameo I've ever seen
- ending was satisfying
- villains did a great job acting
I would have liked to see more LMH planning out scams but the story focused on the romance than action. I thought the overall show was well-paced
I didn't expect to like this show as much as I did but glad I finally watched it!
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This review may contain spoilers
A little bit of everything and nothing
If you want to assess this as a undercover cop drama, it doesn’t pass as a high quality one.If you want to assess this as a romance drama, forget it.
If you want to assess this as a bromance, well, there is some.
I have mixed feelings about this show. It was watchable and fast paced, as you continue to see how each plot point unravels with the male lead’s hard work as the undercover who worked his way up and taking down each of the drug cartel’s leaders. I didn’t fast forward, which indicates there is quite a bit going on in the story.
However, as you keep watching, you wonder how is it possible the cartel was taken down so easily by some undercover cops. Which makes the story too unbelievable. And you will need to suspend any notion that these cartel leaders have half a brain.
Additionally, the characters are too one dimensional. Everyone only cares about their job, there is little to no scene about the motivations and inner thoughts for any of the leads nor the supporting cast, beyond what is needed to move the plot forward.
There is little to no romance. If there were more romantic scenes between the two leads to show how the male lead changed in his feelings for the female lead before he found out her identity (ie falling in love all over again) it would have been a much better show.
The brotherhood between the undercover cop and his friend in the cartel was good to watch, except to be reminded that this brotherhood was built on 3 years of lies.
The music is also also average/ subpar. I was disappointed in the ending.
This is a very plot driven drama with zero character development. If you are into that, then watch this drama.
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Super predictable plot, yet well executed, if all you are expecting is a cute rom-com. The rom-com moments had me laughing and smiling. Featuring a super adorable couple, you are rooting for them every step of the way. Great chemistry between the two main leads.
Namgoong Min is, of course, the MVP of the show. Ahn Dan Tae was a very well written character, and Min pulled off the character perfectly with his comedic acting. A little bit of swagger, a lot of heart and empathy. Gong Shim was also the perfectly written female lead. She's sweet, capable, and bold. Even though she has insecurities, she doesn't let her past hold her down and she pursues her dreams with vigor.
I almost didn't watch this because of Gong Mi's character, which is super annoying. She had no redeeming qualities, which is a waste on the writers' part. Joon Soo was a forgettable character, but thankfully his character did develop throughout the course of the drama.
Some other highlights beyond the adorable lead couple (they are seriously goals!), are: bromantic moments between the ahjusshis, great OST and sound effects, hilarious daydreams, and fun outfits worn by the cast.
I have mixed feelings on whether I liked the pace of the drama or not. On one hand, it dragged, especially towards the end. On the other hand, I loved all of the slice of life, fun moments from the main couple, which we were only able to see and enjoy because the drama is 20 episodes instead of 16.
All in all, don't have high expectations, and you will be pleasantly surprised and be able to fully enjoy this fun and lighthearted rom-com!
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Ji Chang Wook was a very, very attractive bodyguard, in both his demeanor and choices he made throughout the drama.
Didn't understand the forced loveline, as there was little chemistry.
Song Yoon Ah's acting was amazing and made this drama shine beyond all of the high production-value, high octane action scenes which were also beautifully shot. Her chemistry with JCW was off the charts.
Watch this one if you are into multi dimensional villains and action. The romance was forced and seemed to be thrown in to placate those of us who will watch a drama for romances.
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JCW's makeup was too much, but I enjoyed staring at him in this drama all the same. NJH was an adorable main lead and the progression of their romance was believable.
As many reviews said, I agree that the beginning was strong and steam dropped off as the writing focuses on resolution rather than storytelling,
Watch this one for the romance and not for the crime-solving. Also there are frustrating one-dimensional characters in the supporting cast such as the chief prosecutor and the 3rd female lead.
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Huge fan of Ryu Joon Yeol in this. He was the perfect cute genius nerd and a perfect boyfriend. Hwang Jung Eum's acting is solid as always but why did the stylist give her such terrible clothes?
It's the perfect rom-com. I'm not a fan of the superstition premise but I enjoyed everything else, from the swoon-worthy romance to the love triangle (which I usually hate to watch) to the character's careers/goals.
Lots of laugh out loud moments in the beginning.
Enjoyed everyone in this drama, including the family members.
A feel-good drama, through and through!
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I think if you watched City Hunter when it came out you would have been blown away by how good and unique it is but newer shows steadily improve in writing, acting, and execution.
LMH was decent in this drama. I didn't understand the love line, but it was decently done. Also happy that PMY was a strong female lead!
The "city hunting" was very satisfying and one of the reasons why I watched this all the way through. There's nothing we as drama watchers love more than overcoming injustice and revealing the truth to all.
Also the character conflicts were interesting, especially between the main lead and his adoptive father.
I really respect dramas that try to incorporate it all, from crime fighting to action to romance. City Hunter is worth a watch if you like these genres all combined into one satisfying show!
Also, perhaps I am spoiled by American TV but I just thought what they showed as the Blue House and president were very unrealistic? Won't say any more here for risk of spoiling but curious at what everyone else thinks.
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The main love line was cute. To me I didn't see that much chemistry but had good dialogue.
I was satisfied by the ending and how the wrap up resolved the time traveling aspect.
Also another thing to note is that there were no villains in the show. The quasi-villain/antagonist in retrospect was quite cute in how he was portrayed.
After watching this show, it made me want to watch more shows about the k-entertainment industry!
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Lee Sung Kyung was not a convincing weightlifter to me, although I did appreciate that she put on weight for this drama. Other than that, I loved the whole drama from beginning to end.
Rather than annoying conflicts that don't get resolved, what you will get from the show instead is a lot of satisfying giddy moments from all of the cuteness. Cuteness in the leads' relationship, which has me smiling ear to ear, cuteness in the friendships and the family relationships to the relationship between athlete and coach.
Can't say enough good things about this drama. Don't watch if you are looking for an intricate plot line and heart thumping action. Instead, get a cup of hot chocolate and curl up to this show and enjoy it for all it has to offer.
Highlights / uniqueness of the show:
- the sound effects had me cracking up all the way through (you will have to watch to see what I am talking about)
- natural chemistry and skinship between leads as the relationship progresses
- one of the best portrayals for female college friendships I've seen in recent dramas. cute bromances also
No critiques for this show other than casting an unbelievable weightlifter. But I fell in love with the actress LSK after watching this (who knew pouty lips can be so adorable) and she is simply beautiful. Both leads were beautiful to look at and fulfilled my eye's need for candy :)
I was fully satisfied after the show and only wished there was more cuteness to watch!
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Second lead relationship definitely more ship-worthy than the first lead relationship in this drama.
To me the story dragged, the chemistry was quietly simmering throughout in a beautifully shot drama. Rather than situational conflicts, the drama was more about character interactions so relied more heavily on proper acting. Fortunately, the leads were well-cast and met those expectations.
Had to force myself to finish this one. To me slightly overrated but still a good show and worth watching if you have time on your hands.
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