R J

Basically a 'My ID is Gangnam Beauty' adaptation with the usual kdrama tropes: love triangle, three best friends: one loses life, the other two start blaming each other (same happened in School 2017), the woman falling so many times for the guy to pick her up (ugh. We have grown from that stage, haven't we?), super rich guy, but a middle class girl, rude boy turned lover boy, and you are going to end up with your first love (sorry to break it up to people, but that doesn't always happen irl). Sometimes the 6th one becomes 'The One'. Who knows. Suho being disinterested and rude to his classmates and still coming across as a oh-such-great-guy bothered me (how much ever nice you are on the inside, everything depends on how you treat someone else) Using the word 'ugly' so casually also was quite irritating. Getting the biggest glasses for her face to deliberately make her look ugly is also extremely problematic. And are glasses ugly? I don't think so. The drama was all about Korean beauty standards with a message, but I think they lost the message part of it, and is only focusing on "make-up on, you are Superman, make-up off you are Clark Kent". 'My Id is Gangnam Beauty' was way better as it was clear with it's message. I'm sorry, this is not my cup of tea.

"Castaway Diva" was a highly anticipated watch for me, fueled by Park Eun Bin's return and the intriguing premise teased in the title and trailer. However, the execution left me thoroughly disappointed. The storyline hinted at delving into her 15-year castaway life, but it fell short. Instead, we received mere glimpses, leaving gaping holes in the narrative—questions about her provisions and sudden shore arrival lingered without satisfying answers. Moreover, her unchanged obsession with Yoon Ran Joo after a decade and a half felt unrealistic and detracted from potential character growth. The disproportionate focus on Ran Joo's struggles and Bo-geul's family crises relegated Meok-Ha to a mere supporting character, which was irksome and dissatisfying. Meok-Ha's transition back into society lacked depth, considering the significant impact isolation should have on social skills and readjustment. Sure, they showed her being amazed at technology, but you know when a human lives in isolation for 15 years, it affects their social and communication skills greatly. Readjustment back into the society is anxiety inducing for them. But what we see is Meok-Ha easily settling back into society without any disruption. Think about it, we are talking about a human who has been cut off from the outside world for 15 years. How is this even logical? The title, promising a tale of a castaway turned diva, fell flat as it steered away from Meok-Ha's journey, prioritizing other storylines instead. Park Eun Bin's performance, though commendable in past roles, felt average and at times carried echoes of her previous characters, especially Attorney Woo, detracting from authenticity. The way she walked sometimes was also irritating. Why would you make her walk like that just to show she is strong? Strong women don't walk like hyper muscled-men! Amidst these disappointments, the heartwarming portrayal of Bo-geul's family and the refreshing character of Woo Hak stood out. The teenage Ki Ho and Meok-Ha also did a fantastic job, so the initial episodes were really nice. Park Eun Bin's exceptional singing talent was a highlight, but these aspects weren't enough to salvage the overall letdown of the series.

This series, flawed yet undeniably beautiful, left a lasting impact. Its strength lay in its intricately developed characters, each layered with depth and a meticulously crafted backstory. What truly stood out was the non-linear narrative structure, a delightful revelation unveiled a few episodes in—a clever way to interlace the storylines. An aspect worth celebrating was the representation of the deaf community. It's rare to encounter central characters who are differently-abled, and this series provided not just a family story but a narrative reflecting the lives of many. It contributed significantly to raising awareness, a commendable feat. The heartwarming interactions between Ha Eun Gyeol, Yi Chan, and others were a highlight. Yi Chan, a beautifully written character, embodied youthfulness—bright, courageous, fiercely loving, and an unwaveringly loyal friend. Cheong Ah's character, emoting profoundly using expressions and sign language, added a layer of depth. Their love story, from Yi Chan's initial fondness for Se-Kyung to falling deeply for Cheong Ah, was portrayed exquisitely. Se-Kyung's attempt to befriend Cheong Ah showcased her character distinctively, setting her apart from Cheong Ah's less savory step-sister, who blindly followed Se-Kyung. The inclusion of time travel added an engaging and enjoyable dimension. The camaraderie within the friend group echoed the spirit of shows like "Reply 1988" and "Twenty Five Twenty One." However, there were certain aspects that dimmed the brilliance. The series left the fate of Cheong Ah's mother unaddressed, and the father's obliviousness to her plight felt unsettling, although his eventual attempt to reconnect was a redeeming touch. Oh I absolutely hate whenever they want to show that a character is popular they let others swarm around like bees: whenever Se Kyung comes to school boys swarm around her. It's concerning, and dumb that people will go gaga over fellow schoolmates. The excessive attention given by students bordered on discomfort, resembling a form of public harassment, which felt distasteful and took away from the storytelling. Despite these flaws, the series exuded warmth and nostalgia, leaving a lasting impression. Characters like Yi Chan, with their endearing qualities, remain etched in memory, "twinkling" in our hearts long after the screen fades. 5/5 despite a few flaws here and there.

Three years ago, I dipped into this series, only to swiftly bail after one cringeworthy episode. Recently, succumbing to the relentless buzz around it, I gave it another shot, but I'm still wrestling to see its allure. The writing? Uninspired. The plot? As predictable as a sunrise. I could spot the killer the moment they stepped on screen—perhaps a side effect of overdosing on K-dramas, but still a letdown. Even the subplot about the threatening brother lacked any real intrigue. It's as if the storyline didn't want us to ponder or engage; it spoon-fed everything. The thematic essence? Lost in a labyrinth of confusion. And let's talk about Bong Soon's mother—did the writer miss the memo on toxic dialogue? Offering up a daughter as gratitude? It's revolting. It's a distasteful portrayal of a shallow figure, valuing wealth and looks over the well-being of her child despite Bong Soon telling her mother that Min-Hyuk is interested in men. Worse yet, the family's complacency with her toxicity is nauseating. And the mother beats the father up, for what reason? Since when is domestic violence considered funny?; it's an atrocious misstep. Reverse the roles and see if it still evokes laughter. It wouldn't. Character depth? Lacking. Most of them barely grazed the surface, even the seemingly pivotal Min Hyuk and Bong Soon. Their actions were telegraphed miles ahead. Gugdu? His dialogues hardly warrant mention. The gangsters, billed for comic relief, were cringe personified. The attempted slapstick comedy? More repulsive than amusing. It missed the mark entirely. However, amidst this mediocrity, Park Bo Young's portrayal of Bong Soon shone. Her enactment of a character torn between inherent strength and societal norms was commendable. Her dialogue delivery maintained a delicate balance, steering clear of cringe. Min Hyuk injected a dose of much-needed humor. His character, while not groundbreaking, provided refreshing moments, offsetting the cringe factor prevalent elsewhere in the series. For those seeking a romantic comedy with a touch of real-life resonance, I'd steer clear of this and recommend the likes of "Fight for My Way," "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo," "Because This is My First Life," "Reply 1988," "Run On," or "Yumi's Cells." These dramas avoid perpetuating toxicity and deliver a crystal-clear message, unlike the murky waters this one treads.