Category: Review

New Review: Business Proposal (2022)

On By teaprinceIn Review

A surprising hit on Netflix. A well done, self-ironic rom-com about a CEO (Ahn Hyo Seop, Father is Strange) who falls for an imposter (Kim Se Jeong) posing as his blind date.

All the fluff you want with no angst, no love triangle and an interesting second lead couple who dares to defy the trope-ical family obligations. After watching so many family dramas with role models who are ready to give up on their romances to appease their families, it was refreshing to see a female protagonist stand up to her father’s interference. A special shout-out to the hilarious Lee Deok Hwa who plays the CEO’s grandfather and likes nothing better than watching K-dramas. Well, we all can relate to that, can’t we? Excellent.

SBS/Netflix

Written by Han Seol Hee and Hong Bo Hee.

New Review: Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

On By teaprinceIn Review

Kim Seon-ho as Du-sik and Shin Min-a as Hye-jin in the Korean drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

A big city girl (Shin Min-a, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho) moves from Seoul to a small seaside village where she encounters jack-of-all-trades Chief Hong (Kim Seon Ho). In a reversal of the traditional drama trope, here it is the male lead that whips the female lead into shape – in this case to fit into the village community.
An adorably deep-dimpled lead couple, a variety of amusing side characters who have their own happy endings, and pretty scenery make for a relaxing watch. A less perfect male lead and a more convincing explanation for his hyper-helpful behaviour would have made this an even better rose-colored treat.
tvn/Netflix. Written by Shin Ha Eun.

New Review: My Roommate is a Gumiho (2021)

On By teaprinceIn Review
Poster for korean drama my roommate is a gumiho featuring Jang Ki Yong and Lee Hye Ri

A fantasy rom-com about a mythical creature who accidentally gets involved with a female college student in his attempt to become a human being. It’s so refreshing to see a super-nice and introverted male lead (Jang Ki Yong). He is also the perfect foil for Lee Hye Ri’s bubbly and straightforward character, probably one of my favorite female leads in recent years – it’s simply so much fun just watching her antics. Add to this one of the funniest second lead couples (Kang Han Na and Kim Do Wan, both from Start-Up) and you know you have a winner. Plot is generally fine but the last third has a little more angst that I’d like plus a touch of noble idiocy and an annoying male that can’t take no for an answer. In general: Light, fluffy, and lots and lots of cuteness. Excellent.

Poster for My Roommate is a Gumiho Korean Drama

New Review: Imitation (2021)

On By teaprinceIn Review
Imitation Korean Drama image of stars

An illuminating drama about the pressure-cooker world of K-Pop. In an environment of merciless competition and cut-throat business decisions, where people are treated as commodities, romance is a dangerous thing. One wrong move or even a rumor can end an idol’s career. Director Han Hyun Hee (Rookie Historian) as well as writers Choi Sun Young and Kim Min Jung (Love in the Moonlight) deliver a tightly scripted and engaging drama about life as an idol beyond the fun and fame. One caveat, though: The much-appreciated happy ending feels rushed and overly rose-colored. Still, a good drama to watch, especially if you’re interested in the Korean entertainment world.

KBS2. Written by Choi Sun Young and Kim Min Jung.

New Review: 18 Again (2020)

On By teaprinceIn Review
Korean Drama 18 again promo poster

An addictive drama about a middle-aged man (Yoon Sang Hyun, Secret Garden, My Fair Lady) whose body reverses back to how it was when he was 18. While it provides plenty of opportunities to laugh, this is not a straightforward comedy but rather a story about redemption: how the now younger-looking male lead (Lee Do Hyun) desperately tries to fix his mistakes as a husband and father by becoming friends with his children and a pillar of strength for his ex-wife (Kim Ha Neul).

Korean drama at its best: a fantasy premise, tight plot, superb actors, and a mix of comedy and melodrama that pulls on your heartstrings. Excellent.

JTBC. Written by Ahn Eun Bin, Choi Yi Ryool, Kim Do Yeon.

New Review: Once Again (2020)

On By teaprinceIn Review
Once Again Korean Drama promo poster

When you need some comfort food for the soul and that bowl of ramen just isn’t cutting it, this cozy family drama could be the answer. It’s a melodrama-free story about a family with three divorced children (and a fourth with a wedding disaster) who take 100 half-hour episodes to pair up again. Of course, there’s also a birth mystery.

Directed by Lee Jae Sang, it has a similar tone to his outstanding 2017 family drama Father is Strange but, unsurprisingly, doesn’t match its stellar quality – somehow the plot and characters in Once Again don’t draw you in as much. It’s one of those dramas that are fun and entertaining to watch once but not once again (sorry, couldn’t resist it!) Anyway, if you’re looking for a stress-free and pleasant family drama, this is a good choice.

KBS. Written by Yang Hee Seung and Ahn Ah Reum.