Kdrama Feminist
England
I've talked before about how I don't really like BLs because they fetishize and make gay romances really fanservicey. (this isn't a bad thing alone but when it's the ONLY/MAJORITY rep lgbt romances get then it's an uncomfortable problem that sadly I don't see changing anytime soon bc these shows are damn popular).
Well, this cute little web series is a breath of fresh air! I gave it a chance mostly because it was so short so I knew my time wouldn't be wasted and partly because of that one adorable picture I saw on twt of the leads holding pinkies which was all sorts of uwu.
The drama basically has every kdrama trope: ridiculous plot set up (in this case we have chaebol teen and his same-aged bodyguard who live together bc of... reasons?), lingering looks, stupid amounts of pining, third wheel who obviously has no chance, meddling parents. Even the finale is textbook Korean romance trope.
Which is why I adored it. Cliches are only like that when we've seen them done a million times in the exact same way over & over. But in the same way for example, it's a lot less cliche when we watch a romcom here in the west like Crazy Rich Asians after being bombarded with basically 99% white people romcoms, the set-up feels fresh despite the story following all the same beats.
Basically this is my roundabout way of saying that I liked this drama *because* it had the same format as a classic kdrama romance. Because of that, it felt like a normal kdrama that happened to star gay leads instead of a BL set out to fetishize their gay leads. The boys were adorable together and I'll mostly forgive the ridiculousness of the plot because it's such a short web-drama there's no time for me to think about it.
BL fans will love this for sure. But so will fans of kdramas who fell into them because when it comes to heart fluttering romance, Korea really is unmatched. Now imagine they make a mainstream show like this. Imagine an office romcom with gay or lesbian leads.
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If you love a woman who knows what she wants in life and refuses to let anyone tell her any different: you'll love this drama.
Her only match is the slick, smart and just as ruthless hotshot lawyer whose the typical well-brought up male lead. Except, not? He clearly wears his heart on his sleeve and I don't think it's much of a spoiler that he pines over the FL the entire run, but he isn't portrayed as any less vicious or clever because of it.
I think if you're more used to run of the mill type dramas where the leads are very straight-cut, unproblematic hero types, this one isn't for you. The cast has wonky morals and aren't very nice, but they still have a whole lot of heart too. If you don't mind your main leads coming with a bit of spice - I recommend! Not the most perfect of shows maybe, but definitely up there.
(and as a side note: has a surprisingly unexpected feminist thread lowkey running throughout about the way women in positions of power are dismissed, disrespected or cast aside in favour of their male counterparts just because they're women.)
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And I got all the way to episode 10 so clearly whatever she's doing worked (though I did watch 6 of those 10 eps on 2x speed...) She gets 1 star, Go Joon gets 1 star, Jung Gun Joo gets 1 star and the lil baby gets 1 and a half because she deserves it.
Anyway there will be plenty of people who will love this and there's nothing all that offensive about it. It's a sweet drama, Go Joon is surprisingly super cute - compared to previous villain roles - and the third male lead and his very feminist but clueless approach is just downright adorable (I didn't ship him with Ha Ri but he's my personal favourite).
In the end I was just bored. I kind of wanted more angst and dilemmas about Ha Ri's struggles with wanting motherhood despite time running out and more focus on unconventional motherhood in general, but instead I got heavy focus on the love story (not bad just bland). I was expecting the love triangle obviously, but I was hoping for a better balance between the two main plot threads and disappointed I didn't get it.
Ah - and the second ML absolutely sucks. A female character in his position would be vilified & villainised by the drama but his interfering, whining pettiness and inability to understand boundaries or what the word "no" means are being portrayed as... pitiful instead? I get the impression I'm supposed to somewhat sympathise. The double standard is gross because I'm never expected to sympathise with a second FL who has EXACTLY THE SAME story arc and characterisation. I'm glad most fans also clearly dislike him, now it's time for the writers to catch up.
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Heartbreaking but So Full of Love
How to sum up FOE? This drama was a rollercoaster of emotions from start to end , that much is for sure. The story, set-up and actors all pull you in immediately and I remained 100% hooked until the end.The leads definitely make this drama. Lee Joon Gi is an amazing actor who can portray every possible emotion needed and he’s so genuine every time - everything Hyun Su felt, I believed.
Oth I admit I came into this drama with very low expectations of Moon Chae Won. She’s never been in a single drama I’ve liked and I thought all she could do was cry. Well. She’s still exceedingly good at crying.
But holy crap!! She was excellent! Ji Won goes through the absolute most in this story imo. The utter betrayal, the conflict, the rollercoaster of emotions she suffers throughout and MCW portrayed every single moment so well. I was blown away by her every moment and I’m so glad the actress got this chance to show her range and her skill. I love when pure talent can change my opinion.
There are some story choices - especially towards the end - that keep this drama from being a perfect 10 or 9 for me. But even those can’t drop it any more than that. I was emotionally invested in this small, strange family as they navigate the craziest of situations. Ultimately this is a story about true love and despite all the angst, it shows how important it is for everyone to have just one person fighting their corner against the world.
Imo it also serves as a lesson in empathy & responsibility. So much of the ML (and his sister’s) problems stem from the fact that at every turn in their life they were denied empathy and the path it led them down. Oth, the failure of some characters to take responsibility for their choices vs the bravery of others, like Ji Won to never step away from her responsibilities as a cop, mother & wife, shaped the story in huge important ways.
I definitely recommend! Obviously! & for many of you I’m sure those story choices that bothered me won’t even bother you so you might end up finding your next perfect 10 or 9 drama!!
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I'll admit these tropes aren't really my style, but I love Ouran High School Host Club - probably because it was so genre-bending and absurd even whilst it followed usual tropes. Cinderella & TFK sticks to exactly the cliche plotline you'd expect. Worse, each characters is more a cutout of a character - they all belong to a "type" and I doubt they're going to be expanding more beyond that. Yawn. Even worse, I've only watched 4 episodes but I bet I could tell you the arc of every single character and where they'll end up - "plot twists" and all and be right on the money. I don't expect brilliant storytelling from romcoms but I expect something at least. Some sort of sign that heart was poured into this.
Props to the second female lead not being totally evil (as far as I watched) but on the downside she's just kinda... boring. So idk if I'd call that much of a win. Biggest props to our main lead whose lovely and positive but no pushover and knows exactly where to draw the line & give as good as she gets. Maybe one day I'll speed through the episodes just for Park Sodam (or just watch a youtube edit lol).
But for now I wouldn't recommend. Stay away, especially if paper-thin romcoms and cardboard storytelling isn't your thing.
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