Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• FluffyDeng

  Overall 4

  Story 4,  Acting 8,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 1

  This TV series is a mixed bag of emotions, and I believe some viewers may interpret this review as rather critical, but I believe it's warranted. Let's delve into it, shall we?
  
  First and foremost, the repetitive slogan at the start of each episode seemed excessive and unnecessary. It felt like a hindrance rather than an aid in understanding the storyline. The focus on characters endlessly drinking and eating in silence without much happening felt uninteresting and uninspired to me. I found it quite monotonous...

  and uneventful, dragging down the overall plot. The precious minutes wasted on these mundane activities could have been utilized more effectively to develop the main narratives.
  
  Regarding the performances, while Park Ha Sun's portrayal left much to be desired for me personally, Ha Suk Jin and Gong Myung stood out with their exceptional acting skills, bringing charm and warmth to their characters. However, it was disheartening to see their talents somewhat underutilized in a storyline that lacked depth and substance.
  
  As for Min Jin Woong, despite his commendable acting prowess, his character felt more like a promotional tool for other dramas rather than an integral part of the narrative. His role seemed aimless and contributed little to the overall progression of events, resulting in a slow and somewhat unfulfilling storyline.
  
  Overall, the series had its moments of brilliance, particularly in the performances of some cast members, but ultimately fell short in delivering a compelling and engaging narrative.

• shymemento

  Overall 9

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

  This drama was a pleasant surprise for me, as it's not usually the genre I gravitate towards. But the addition of Key to the cast was what initially drew me in. I've always admired his acting skills and was thrilled to see him take on a significant role in this series. While the beginning was a bit slow, it soon found its pace and became engaging.
  
  The comedy in this drama was a standout element for me, often leaving me in laughter and adding a delightful...

  energy to the overall story. While the main couple's narrative was interesting, it was the dynamic between KiBum, Gong Myung, and Dong Young that truly stole the show. Their chemistry and performances brought so much joy to the screen, striking a perfect balance of humor and emotion.
  
  Key's portrayal was a highlight for me, showcasing his undeniable talent and dedication to his character. His presence truly elevated the series, and I am eager to see more of his work in the future. Hwang Jin Yi's comedic timing was impeccable, and Min Jin Woong's impressive impressions added an extra layer of enjoyment to each episode.
  
  The portrayal of the students' struggles felt relatable and authentic, capturing the complexities of balancing academics, work, friendships, and love—a refreshing take that resonated with me. The depictions of food and drink throughout the drama were enticing, evoking genuine feelings of hunger and thirst.
  
  As the series came to a close, I found myself already missing the endearing characters and compelling storyline. This experience has opened my eyes to a new genre, and I look forward to exploring more similar shows in the future. Overall, this drama was a delightful watch, filled with humor, heart, and memorable performances—I highly recommend giving it a try.

• hotfootloose97

  Overall 7.5

  Story 6,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 6

  This delightful series had me in stitches and resonated deeply with me. The concept of cherishing solitary activities and fully enjoying one's own company is a significant theme that I found personally important. The character Professor Jin and his love for "drinking solo" struck a chord with me - it felt like he was a kindred spirit. One of the standout aspects of this drama is how the screen time is evenly distributed among the entire cast. It isn't solely focused on the central love...

  story and its surrounding characters. Rather, it paints a rich tapestry by delving into the lives and experiences of various individuals within a unique setting. The backdrop of an institution offering civil exam prep classes provides a platform for two distinct narratives to unfold - one revolving around the teachers (reminiscent of typical romantic comedies) and the other around the students grappling with pressure-induced challenges.
  
  I have to echo the sentiments about the trio's comedic genius - they had me in stitches. Key's portrayal was a revelation, effortlessly stealing the show with his endearing performance. My personal favorite was Kim Dong Yeong, whose down-to-earth persona and genuine kindness resonated with me on a profound level. The impersonator injected pure joy into every scene he graced. While the other teacher's character had its moments, it did veer into pettiness for extended periods, detracting from the overall charm. The director's comedic timing was a joy to behold, albeit overshadowed by his perpetual misery.
  
  However, the series did falter in certain aspects. The pacing was a bit sluggish, with several scenes feeling prolonged and serving no narrative purpose. Shortening the episode count could have potentially enhanced the viewing experience. Additionally, the handling of the final episodes left much to be desired. The trope of Noble Idiocy, while not uncommon, felt particularly nonsensical in this context, making the reconciliation of the central couple less appealing. The secondary couple's storyline also felt rushed, missing out on deeper exploration.
  
  Despite these shortcomings, the series is definitely worth a watch for its humor and heartwarming moments. It may not be flawless, but its ability to evoke laughter and warmth makes it a compelling choice for viewers seeking light-hearted entertainment.

• sourxu8

  Overall 6

  Story 7,  Acting 7,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 6.5

  Watching a group of individuals who find solace in solo drinking provides a unique and compelling premise for this series. Despite some imperfections, the show manages to deliver an overall enjoyable experience. The standout aspect of the show lies in the commendable performances of the cast, including unexpected excellence from the idol actors, and the intriguing subplots woven throughout. The characters are vibrant and multi-dimensional, effectively carrying the story through to its conclusion. Surprisingly, even the final episode, which often falls flat, maintains a decent...

  level of engagement. However, the series falters in certain areas. The repetitive opening and closing sequences of each episode, lasting longer than necessary, become tedious over time. While the understated love triangle adds a nice touch, the central romance lacks depth, despite the obvious chemistry between the characters. These shortcomings aside, the show succeeds in providing solid entertainment value throughout its runtime.

• mightynatalie95

  Overall 9

  Story 9,  Acting 9,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 6

  This exceptional drama presents a grounded and authentic portrayal that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking. It delicately addresses prevalent societal issues and taboos in modern Korean culture with a touch of humor, striking a fine balance between comedy and drama. While the overall flow is commendable, there are instances where certain episodes feel drawn out, leading to the belief that a shorter episode count could have enhanced the series' impact.
  
  The final plot development involving Ha Na and Jin Suk came across as contrived and...

  foreseeable, diverting from the otherwise innovative storyline. The characters are well-defined and exhibit consistent traits, contributing to the depth of the narrative. The performances are stellar, though Jung Chae Yeon's portrayal felt somewhat rigid, especially considering the unique nature of her character.
  
  The show's tranquil ambiance sets it apart, offering a reprieve from the usual tumultuous dramas. Despite its subdued nature, the series remained engaging, ensuring that viewers stayed captivated throughout. The impending farewell to the characters is bound to evoke a sense of nostalgia, underscoring the strength of the bonds forged throughout the show.