Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• CalmChoe54

  Overall 7

  Story 7.5,  Acting 9,  Music 5.5,  Rewatch Value 5.5

  Once upon a time, there was a drama that didn't seem particularly captivating at first glance. Its story appeared to be simple, lacking that extra something to draw me in. However, as the narrative unfolded, I found myself pleasantly surprised. What truly made this drama shine was its leading lady, who brought a delightful mix of humor, charm, and elegance to her role as Jin Jin.
  
  The romance in the drama was passable, neither outstanding nor disappointing. However, I couldn't help but feel that the inclusion...

  of idol actors to portray the main characters' past experiences was more of a ploy to attract fans rather than a meaningful addition to the plot. Fortunately, the side stories injected some much-needed humor and served as effective fillers throughout. All the actors, without a doubt, delivered stellar performances in their respective roles.
  
  There was one character, Antony, whom I couldn't quite connect with or understand, despite the actor's talent. I found myself having a slight dislike towards him, though it didn't hinder my overall enjoyment of the drama.
  
  Now, let's talk about the mysterious character known as Bella. Her purpose remained shrouded in secrecy, and to my disappointment, her story was never fully resolved. Throughout the drama, I held onto a glimmer of hope that we would at least catch a glimpse of her, or perhaps witness an encounter in Seoul, given her sudden appearance. Alas, the last two episodes were a bit lackluster in that regard, failing to provide the closure I had hoped for.
  
  Despite this slight letdown towards the end, the remainder of the drama more than made up for it. It was a genuinely enjoyable and endearing experience, with its fair share of cute moments.

• AncientMaleficent14

  Overall 8.5

  Story 8,  Acting 8,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 8

  Realistic and yet still cute
  
  Let me tell you about one of my favorite KDramas. It's a story that truly captures the essence of adulthood for those who were born in the '80s. Now, I know this might sound like a typical drama trope, where childhood friends are separated and then reunited, but trust me, this one is special. Let's dive into the enchanting world of SJJ and GJW.
  
  Together, they are absolutely adorable. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but it's not just them who steal...

  the show. Their friends are equally endearing. Each character struggles with their own conflicts in life and love, giving the series a vibrant and diverse backdrop.
  
  One character that really struck a chord with me is SJJ. She's a loyal fangirl of Anthony, a famous singer, and her love for him is just too cute to resist. As a child of the '80s and early '90s, I can totally relate to still enjoying the songs of the boy bands I grew up with. SJJ represents that nostalgia and brings a relatable charm to the story.
  
  On the other hand, GJW deals with his own personal insecurities. Coming from a blended family, he constantly feels like an outsider in his own home. It's a real-life issue faced by many children of remarried parents, and the series handles it with sensitivity.
  
  Among the other characters, there's HAR, a hopeless romantic whose charm is hard to resist. Her innocent and endearing nature adds a rich layer to the storyline. Then there's JYS, a friend who struggles to find balance between her family and career. Her character feels so raw and realistic that it's hard not to empathize with her.
  
  The heart of the story revolves around a group of adults who grew up together, sharing both joyful and heart-wrenching moments. The flow of the narrative is engaging, and the character development is top-notch. Although it has been a while since I watched it, the impact it left on me still remains. It reminded me that for people in their '80s, still unmarried and struggling with their careers, life isn't always straightforward.
  
  SJJ and GJW's love story is simply adorable. Despite SJJ's fangirling, she never crosses the line of invading Anthony's personal life or love. It highlights the healthy way of being a fan. Boundaries are respected, and that's something we can all learn from.
  
  The soundtrack, particularly the songs sung by Melomance, is absolutely amazing. It has found its place in my playlist, and I find myself going back to it quite often.
  
  In fact, I've indulged in rewatching this series not once, but twice or maybe even thrice. If you're looking for a realistic drama with a touch of fluff, this is definitely the series to start with. It captures the complexities of adulthood in a way that is relatable and heartwarming.

• lazytoucan25

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 9.5,  Rewatch Value 9

  This show is super easy to watch, you don't have to work too hard to follow along. The characters are all really nice. Things happen, problems get resolved, and there are some wins for the sad-looking people. The show treats its characters with a lot of respect, which I appreciate. No one is needlessly shamed. There's some media scandal stuff that looks like it'll be a big deal, but in the end, it's not, which was a relief.
  
  The girls in this show are great. Sure,...

  they have their moments of stupidity and weakness, but there are also moments where they're just being normal adult women, which is refreshing to see in Korean dramas. I really like that no one is constantly criticizing them or calling them stupid. Even when Young Shim keeps showing up late (seriously, why?), her boss is just chill about it.
  
  Also, the English in this drama is surprisingly good. Both of the leads can speak it fluently, and Han Ye Seul is particularly amazing.
  
  Gong Ji Won, played by Kim Ji Suk, is a suave and sleek character. It was nice to see so much of him on my screen. He's the kind of character that you'd normally see as a second lead syndrome guy. I love his gentle acting. He's sweet and manly at the same time, which is a winning combination. I like how mature and secure he is in his identity. He's easygoing and not petty at all, even when he's upset or jealous. You can see his vulnerability even when he's trying to hide it. He's really nice to the women in the show, treating them with respect and giving them compliments.
  
  Sa Jin Jin is the total package. She's got money, fame, beauty, and a great relationship with her parents. And she's not boy crazy, which is refreshing. I love how she keeps her emotions in check when she's working. She's a professional woman who knows what she's doing. Plus, she can hold her liquor like a champ. She's definitely one of my favorite heroines ever.
  
  It's great to have a successful and composed woman who's good at her job. She's not bitchy, but she can be tough. The drama shows how kind she is without being preachy about it. Her parents are also kind and sensitive, always trying to figure out what she needs from them. I like that Jin Jin's mother doesn't try to push her and Ji Won together, at least not openly.
  
  The friendship between the girls is really nice. They're all different shapes and sizes, which I appreciate. I wasn't sure how good their friendship would be based on reviews, but it's the chemistry and camaraderie that make their conversations and interactions so meaningful. They're not funny or deep, but they're natural and comfortable, and that's what makes it so special. They all have respectable jobs and are in stable stages of life. Sometimes they're too busy for each other, but they have good instincts and know when someone needs a pick-me-up. Ji Won fits in surprisingly well with the group of friends. He's just as interested and enthusiastic as they are, and he plays along with their jokes and stories.
  
  The romance between the main characters is refreshingly normal. They like each other, and they're comfortable with each other. It's so nice to see Ji Won remembering how much he liked Jin Jin when they were teenagers. He's straightforward in his romancing and very intentional with his pursuit of Jin Jin. He's not pushy, in fact, he takes things slow because of his past and because Jin Jin is so infatuated with his brother. The push and pull of their romance is perfect. They share things with each other in a happy way, and I love that Ji Won doesn't laugh when she's embarrassed. He feels bad himself, which is a sign of true love. And the best part? The kisses are all consensual.
  
  Young Shim's family is small and quiet, with a grumpy father. Despite her father being mean and gruff, she's sweet and loyal to both her parents. I love how she looks out for her mother. She's also studious and once she gets a job, there isn't a lot of workplace drama with her boss (except for the cleaning lady), which is great. Her relationship with her boss is functional and he has a nice face when he talks.
  
  Ah Reum, on the other hand, is kind of a throwaway character. But I like that she's good at her job, and when she makes a decision, she sticks with it. She may come off as pathetic, but when she decides to move out, she's happy with her decision and she copes. I love that about her. I also became interested in her love story and the compromises she had to make.
  
  Anthony, however, was a bit of a flat face. The other actors in the show tried their best to create chemistry with him, but he was emotionless and expressionless. It was weird to see the dynamic between the two brothers and their relationship with Jin Jin. It felt like they were hesitant to move forward but couldn't help themselves.

• coolporcupine

  Overall 7

  Story 2.5,  Acting 8,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 7

  A Hidden Gem of a Drama!
  
  I have to admit, when I first watched this drama, I wasn't sure what to expect. But boy, was I pleasantly surprised! While some may argue that not much happens in this show, I beg to differ. It's a slice-of-life romcom that captures the essence of first loves and the journey of rekindling those feelings.
  
  Now, let's talk about the story. Yes, it may lack the usual conflicts that we're used to seeing, but that's what sets it apart. It's not...

  about the drama, it's about the delightful moments that make you smile and reminisce about your own first love. Trust me, you won't be able to resist the cute and heartwarming chemistry between the leads.
  
  Speaking of the leads, they truly shine in this drama. The male lead is sensibly sweet and absolutely swoon-worthy. He's the kind of guy you'd want to see in real life romance. And his connection with the female lead is truly captivating. Their interactions are nothing short of adorable.
  
  While the acting may not be groundbreaking, it fits the tone of the show perfectly. The cast brings their characters to life with ease, making each scene enjoyable to watch. I have to give special mention to the chemistry between the characters, which is spot on.
  
  Sure, some might argue that this drama is forgettable, but I guarantee you'll find yourself revisiting it time and time again. It may not leave a lasting impression, but it will leave you with a satisfied smile on your face. So, if you're looking for a lighthearted and enjoyable watch, look no further than this hidden gem!

• coolben

  Overall 9.5

  Story 9,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 9

  Once upon a time, in the vast realm of Korean television dramas, there existed a hidden gem that radiated simplicity and charm. Its name may elude you, but fear not, for its impact will be etched within your heart. This enchanting tale, unfolded before me like a blossoming flower, captivating my senses from the very beginning.
  
  At first glance, my expectations wavered, for I believed this drama would be like the countless others that succumb to predictable clichés. However, my curiosity prevailed, beckoning me to embark...

  on this journey, as the renowned Kim Ji-seok filled the lead role. I had adored his previous performance in "Another Oh Hea Young," and my anticipation swelled to unparalleled heights.
  
  As the first episodes cascaded across my screen, I found myself immersed in the lives of our protagonists. The cast, meticulously chosen, breathed life into these flawed yet endearing characters. Their chemistry ignited the screen, like sparks dancing within a night sky. I was spellbound, unable to resist their allure.
  
  The story, while not groundbreaking, possessed a certain charm that whispered of simplicity. Though clichés sprinkled here and there, they were overshadowed by the undeniable presence of the cast. Their impassioned performances painted the scenes with such depth and emotion, allowing me to look beyond the familiar tropes that had me hesitant at first.
  
  Oh, how the hours drifted by, as I rode the waves of laughter and tears. The drama's allure grew with each passing episode, entwining me in a world where love, heartbreak, and self-discovery intertwined like delicate threads of fate. It was a gentle reminder that amidst the chaos of life, there exist moments of solace and beauty.
  
  As the story unraveled towards its climactic conclusion, my emotions were in turmoil. The characters, once strangers, had become companions on this heartfelt journey. Their triumphs and trials echoed within my soul, leaving an indelible mark. And when the final credits rolled, I was left with a bittersweet longing, yearning for more chapters in their extraordinary lives.
  
  In this, I discovered that a mere drama had transcended beyond entertainment, becoming a cherished memory. It solidified Kim Ji-seok's position as one of my favorite Korean drama actors, proving his versatility and ability to breathe life into any character he portrays.
  
  So, dear reader, if you yearn for a refreshing and delightful escape, I implore you to venture into this hidden gem that has graced our screens. Lose yourself in the intertwining storylines, savor the rich chemistry, and allow yourself to be captivated by the magic that unfolds before your eyes. You may enter with doubts, but you will depart with a heart brimming with joy and a newfound appreciation for the world of Korean dramas.