I started this drama once before and dropped it after the first episode, because I thought it was just too over-the-top to ever take seriously as a real romance. Eventually, I became a fan of Jang Hyuk's from watching other dramas, so I decided to give it another shot. And I realized very quickly that I had done myself a great disservice by skipping over this wonderful love story!

*Plot*
This drama is a great example of classic clichés done well. There really isn't any trope in this show that breaks new ground regarding plot. But I've been let down before by romances, and this one finally delivered everything we want from cohabitation, chaebol ML, sweet FL, and all the rest! There were a lot of silly coincidences to drive the plot along, which one could roll their eyes at, but I choose to see it as part of the overarching theme of "fated lovers." Of course they are always running into each other, it's destiny! ;)

I admit there were some plot choices that I very much disliked (the only reason I didn't rate this a nine or a ten). Yet, I can't decide whether or not, if I had a magic wand, I would change them. Nothing was throwaway, it all fit into the main story. Like most dramas I watch, it's more about how the characters execute the plot than the plot quality itself, anyway. Which brings me to the meat of this review...

*Acting*
The acting in this drama is what elevates it from a typical romcom to a must-see. Main and side characters alike are simply a delight to watch. I'm going to dwell on this for almost the entirety of this review.

Our main couple, Lee Gun and Kim Mi-Yeong, are played by Jang Hyuk and Jang Na-Ra. These two are so perfect in their roles, your heart will burst with emotion. Ah, what a corny thing for me to say. But if that's how I felt, I cannot stay silent!

Jang Hyuk plays Lee Gun, the eccentric president of a large company. And when I say eccentric, I'm not talking about the quirkiness that screenwriters often inject into MLs to try to give them personality. I am telling you that this man is straight-up weird and takes some getting used to. Strange mannerisms, at times odd vernacular, and, oh yeah, let's not forget the old "he he hE HE HAHAHAHAHAHAHA" in almost every situation. This is why, if you are a bit put off during the series premiere, you absolutely need to watch at least one more before making a decision. I promise, Gunnie is worth it. He is charming, funny, handsome, gallant, and passionate. But he is not that perfect, boringly nice ML that makes me fall asleep. He has a lot of baggage, and he doesn't always handle it properly. His growth throughout the drama feels very real and gratifying. Jang Hyuk plays this character with equal amounts of dorkiness and sexiness, and it's exactly right. Several episodes in, that maniacal laugh ceased to be disturbing and became deeply endearing. And I cannot tell a lie: it does not hurt that Jang Hyuk is one of the most good-looking men I've seen in my life. I could stare at him all day. What? We were all thinking it.

So let's talk about Kim Mi-Yeong, as played by the wonderful Jang Na-Ra. We've all seen the FL who is naive, sweet, hard-working, a pushover, bla bla bla. Is Mi-Yeong these things? Yes...but in such a way that creates a real person and does not feel contrived. She is very tender to the needs of everyone around her, and it is not annoying at all. I could easily imagine any man falling in love with her gentle ways. Her smile is loving to everyone she meets, and her lovely eyes have earnestness that never falters. Many dramas have tried to create a character like this, but few have succeeded to this level. And her growth arc is so good! I was worried that she would lose that warmhearted spirit as she gains confidence, but that never happened. She found her way into her own skin as a woman, but always held onto that grace and vulnerability. There were a lot of moments that broke my heart in this drama, but the only time I genuinely cried with tears streaming down my face was a scene that had her in it alone. Jang Na-Ra knew exactly who this person is and how she needed to convey her feelings (or hold them in at times).

And the two of them together? Fireworks! Electricity! DAEBAK!!! It may seem odd to call this romance a slow burn when it literally starts with a one night stand, but once you watch it, you'll get it. You will feel their desire for each other, which they try to stave off, on a very palpable level. You know, those kinds of moments when you have to pause the episode and go do a few chores just to keep your head on straight. I can't be the only one who does that, right? Someone please tell me I'm not alone there. So when those romantic moments happen, they feel very earned. And this is not a fish kiss drama, I will tell you that much.

Ahem. Okay, side characters. My favorite of the supporting roles was Na Young-Hee as Mi-Yeong's mom, by a mile. I thought she'd just be your typical drama ahjumma, walloping people and calling names. She does indeed wallop everyone and call them all sorts of rotten names, but her heart is pure and very full of love. The other actors played their roles well and made me smile, but this eomma was just shining.

If anyone bored me, it was the second leads, Daniel Pitt & Se Ra. But that could just be that their characters were written to not tug your heartstrings too much. They each had their own backstory that was separate from the main storyline, but I couldn't find it in my heart to care about them. I sound awful saying that. Please forgive me.

*OST*
Great music. Standout tracks would definitely be "Goodbye My Love" by Ailee and "Destiny Sonata" by Jung Dongha. Their voices are somehow both sweet and powerful, which perfectly conveys the feelings of yearning and true love.

*Rewatchability*
I think I'll stray from other fans of this show and say that I can't see myself watching FtLY again. I got so very invested in their romance that the several agonizing crises they faced were almost too much to bear. I probably will be more likely to go look up clips of the best scenes sometimes. I will be satisfied with all the happy moments in my memory.

Wow, did you read all that? Thank you, friend! If you did, my guess is that you are already a fan of this show and looking for someone who agrees. If you have not started it yet, I'm even more thankful that you took time to read my opinion. Now, I will tell you your fate: it is to watch Fated to Love You, starting today!