Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• livelyjupiter95

  Overall 7

  Story 6.5,  Acting 9,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 6

  Hey, guys! Just a heads up, there might be spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution. So, I gotta say, I didn't have high expectations for this drama, 'cause I was pretty bored, but boy, was I in for a surprise! The first few episodes had me hooked right from the start. The story revolves around this girl named Dan Oh, stuck in a manga world, trying to break free and find some meaning in her life amidst all the unfairness and absurdity. But here's the...

  thing, as the drama went on, it kinda lost its way and that initial message started fading away.
  
  Dan Oh went from being determined to change her life to just going around saying "Haru!!" in every single scene. I mean, it was cute at first, but it quickly got repetitive, you know what I mean? At the beginning, the introduction of this character called Haru got me intrigued. Who is he? What's his deal with Dan Oh? Why is he the only one who can change the story? But as the drama progressed, we learned the answers to those first two questions. Turns out, they were lovers in a previous drama. But when it comes to the latter question, well, we're still in the dark. It felt like Haru's entire life revolved around Dan Oh. We never really got to see him do anything else, or learn about his hobbies (aside from saving Dan Oh). So yeah, his character got pretty dull and one-dimensional for me.
  
  Then we have the second male lead, Baek Kyung. Let me just say, this guy was a major jerk throughout the series. It wasn't until the second to last episode that the writers tried to redeem him. Second to last! Up until then, all he did was get annoyed at Dan Oh and Haru, yell at everyone, and slam lockers. Talk about a predictable love triangle, huh? We all knew Dan Oh liked Haru, and Baek Kyung was clearly out of the picture. Instead of dragging it out with repetitive scenes, like Dan Oh and Haru being all cute while Baek Kyung glares from a distance, they could've focused on answering some important questions. Like, how did this manga world happen in the first place? Who's the mysterious writer pulling the strings? And what's up with Kyung's self-aware brother? Is he just gonna be stuck in this loop forever? Oh, and don't even get me started on that weird portal and how conveniently the comic book is stored in the library for everyone to find.
  
  But wait, there's more! Brace yourselves for yet another love triangle between Do Hwa, Joo Da, and Nam Joo. I gotta say, Do Hwa is the only character I actually liked in this whole series. He's pretty cool. And shadow Joo Da? She's such a badass. You'd think they'd make a great couple, right? Well, wrong. Joo Da ends up choosing Nam Joo, this guy who basically just calls her "my woman" every chance he gets. And the only reason she sticks with him is 'cause he'd be all alone without her. Really? Come on!
  
  Okay, on a positive note, the acting in this drama was absolutely incredible. I had my doubts about Rowoon's acting, never seen him in a drama before, but man, did he impress me. The rest of the cast was fantastic too. And let's not forget about the OST, 'cause it was pretty good.
  
  Overall, if you can overlook the plot holes, the repetitive scenes, and the clichés, then this drama might be right up your alley. But for me, it fell a bit short.

• smoothcinderella57

  Overall 7.5

  Story 6,  Acting 9.5,  Music 8,  Rewatch Value 5.5

  Once upon a time, there was a widely acclaimed TV series. Intrigued by its high ratings and captivating premise, I eagerly started watching. The story revolved around a young woman named Dan Oh, who found herself trapped in the pages of a comic book. Determined to fight against her predetermined fate, she embarked on a journey that would captivate audiences.
  
  The initial episodes did a commendable job of establishing the story and building its fictional world. We were introduced to a range of characters, each with...

  their own unique traits and roles within the comic book. There was Dan Oh, a strong-willed protagonist, and Baek Kyung, who treated her poorly. Haru, a mysterious figure, stood by Dan Oh's side as she tried to rewrite her own destiny. Joo Da filled the role of the typical damsel in distress, while Nam Joo played the part of the wealthy male lead. Finally, Do Hwa embodied the lovable second-male lead archetype.
  
  However, as the story progressed, I couldn't help but notice a shift in focus. Dan Oh's original goal of defying her predetermined fate seemed to fade into the background, replaced by a central narrative revolving around romance and her relationship with Haru. Unfortunately, this shift in focus led to repetitive scenes and a lack of progress in Dan Oh's original objective.
  
  By the time I reached the last four episodes, I realized that many important questions remained unanswered. Puzzling over the identity of the writer, the existence of shadows, and the purpose of the characters' inability to skip to important scenes, I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction. The rushed ending only amplified my frustrations, leaving me wondering about the characters' future and the impact of their experiences once the story was complete.
  
  While the concept of the series was undeniably unique, I couldn't help but feel that it didn't live up to its full potential. The characters, particularly Do Hwa and the shadow version of Joo Da, were both charming and complex, but there were also missed opportunities for further development. Despite the messy storyline, the actors delivered superb performances, with special recognition to Baek Kyung's actor for his exceptional portrayal.
  
  In the midst of its flaws, the series also touched on some important themes. However, it seemed to perpetuate problematic messages, such as prioritizing romance over personal growth and agency. The prevalence of unanswered questions and numerous plot holes further dampened my overall enjoyment. Repetitive scenes became a tiresome occurrence, and the rushed ending left me feeling dissatisfied and yearning for resolutions.
  
  In conclusion, if you're seeking a romance drama with a dash of forbidden love and angst, this series may be up your alley. Just don't delve too deeply into the concept of characters being unable to change their fate. If you were enticed by the intriguing synopsis, be prepared for potential disappointment. The hurried conclusion, coupled with unanswered questions, may leave you feeling crushed.

• fluffycai

  Overall 5

  Story 5,  Acting 6,  Music 5,  Rewatch Value 4

  Once upon a time, there was a drama that promised to be extraordinary. It began with a satirical take on the youth romantic comedy genre, offering a fresh concept that intrigued viewers. In this world, a teenage girl named Hye Yoon discovered she was merely an extra in a webtoon, searching for freedom and control over her own destiny. Along the way, she encountered the mysterious Ha-ru, adding a layer of intrigue to the story.
  
  At first, there were glimmers of hope. Hye Yoon delivered heartfelt...

  moments, showcasing her acting prowess. However, it soon became evident that her character, Eun Da Oh, lacked depth and remained confined to the stock role of a female lead. Her sole purpose seemed to revolve around her infatuation with Ha-ru, leaving little room for character growth or development.
  
  Similarly, Ha-ru himself, portrayed by Ro Woon, brought a mysterious air to his role. Yet, his performance felt lackluster and wooden at times. This, too, can be attributed to the show's writing, which failed to sustain his intriguing presence throughout. Instead, Ha-ru became a predictable and overused plot device, losing his initial allure.
  
  As the drama progressed, it became obvious that it was trapped within its own cliches. It repetitively relied on tired tropes rather than using them as a commentary or joke about romance mangas. This caused the characterizations to suffer, even with the inclusion of comical and intriguing side characters. It seemed as though the show had lost its originality and fell into a pit of mediocrity.
  
  While "Extraordinary You" may not be an unbearable watch, it certainly loses its grip on the audience's intrigue after the halfway point. By the end, a sense of relief washes over viewers, grateful that the suffering has finally come to an end. If you're seeking genuine originality and intrigue, this drama sadly falls short of expectations. In the sea of captivating shows available, "Extraordinary You" fails to stand out as anything but a forgettable, wasted opportunity.

• darkmoonlight

  Overall 8

  Story 7,  Acting 10,  Music 9,  Rewatch Value 6

  Let me tell you, this TV series had me hooked from the get-go! The potential it had was off the charts, and I'm not exaggerating here. The first half was an absolute blast, filled with freshness and intrigue. But, alas, somewhere in the middle, it hit a bit of a speed bump and things started to slow down. It felt like we were barely making progress with each episode, but guess what? I couldn't give up on it! Why, you ask? Well, my attachment to...

  the characters and the underlying goodness of the story kept me going. If only I could magically zap away a few episodes from that sluggish stretch in the middle. They felt repetitive and didn't add much oomph to the overall plot.
  
  Now, let's talk about the ending. It was pretty good, I won't lie. But brace yourself, my friend, because there were some loose ends left untied. So many unanswered questions swirling around in my head. I could go on and on, but trust me, it's a rabbit hole that would take us forever to explore.
  
  But hey, let's focus on the positives, shall we? The acting was FLAWLESS! Each and every member of the cast seemed tailor-made for their roles and they knocked it out of the park. And oh my, the chemistry between the main leads (and between all the other couples too) was absolutely perfect. It was like witnessing sparks ignite every time they shared the screen. These two factors, the incredible performances and the sizzling chemistry, made up for any drag in the plot.
  
  To sum it all up, this TV series is good, my friend! It might not be perfection in the purest sense, but if you're craving a heartwarming romantic drama with oodles of chemistry and can overlook a few plot holes, then this is the perfect watch for you! So grab your popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and get ready to be swept away. You won't regret it!

• SharpRoboCop

  Overall 10

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

  When it comes to unpredictable kdramas, Extraordinary You takes the cake! Just when I thought I had seen it all, this series burst onto the screen with a fresh twist. And let me tell you, it was like a breath of fresh air!
  
  What makes this series truly remarkable is the young and talented cast. These rising stars may not have much experience as leads, but they sure know how to steal the show. They effortlessly brought the world of comic books to life, making me...

  believe every single moment.
  
  But what really sealed the deal for me were the epic side swipes at tired old romantic drama clichés. It's like the writers were winking at us, saying "Hey, we know what you're thinking!" It's impossible not to get hooked right from the start.
  
  The heartfelt acting, especially from our two incredible leads, tugged at my heartstrings. I felt their joy, their pain, and their deepest fears as if they were my own. And let's not forget the never-ending prayer to the all-mighty writer to please, please grant us a happy ending. I found myself praying just as hard!
  
  Of course, like any series, Extraordinary You isn't perfect. There were some loose threads and conveniently solved sub-plots. But trust me, it didn't ruin the magic for me. I was too busy being swept away by the captivating story to even notice.
  
  What truly stands out in this drama is its powerful message: we have the power to control our own lives. It's a reminder that we all need to hear from time to time. So, buckle up and get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions. Extraordinary You is here to show you that with a little courage, anything is possible!