Ayesha Salman

This drama is a hidden gem. How. Is. It. So. Underrated?! After watching Crash Landing on You, I didn't think it was possible for another drama (Korean or not) to come even remotely close to having as unique a storyline and lead role chemistry as CLOY did. But Weightlifting Fairy pleasantly surprised me. I thoroughly enjoyed and savored each and every episode and even though I just finished it, I want to start it again. Can't get enough of Nam Joo-hyuk *heart-eyes emoji* The chemistry between Nam Joo-hyuk/Jung Jun-hyung and Lee Sung-kyung/Kim Bok-joo is unmatched. Every scene between the two is effortless, from the feel-good romance to the good-natured and hilarious bickering and fights. They embraced their roles so well that at times, I tended to forget they were acting. Every single friendship portrayed in the show is absolutely perfect and reminded me of the importance of being surrounded by good people who genuinely want you to succeed and look out for you. The family scenes are heartfelt and emotional and one particular heart-wrenching scene between Bok-joo and her father had me literally sobbing. Seeing the way Jun-hyung's and Bok-joo's parents care for and love their children made me appreciate my own parents and the sacrifices they've made for me. I really appreciate how the drama touch-based on a lot of sensitive issues as well, like mental health and eating disorders. It didn't glorify them but showed them in their raw and real state, as they should be shown. One thing that I felt was slightly lacking was (SPOILER ALERT) the development of Jun-hyung's trauma. It was a huge hinderance in his competitions at the beginning and after a few sessions with his therapist, it seems to go away entirely. Now I'm assuming Jun-hyung's relationship with Bok-joo and confronting his aunt and uncle played a major role in helping him overcome his trauma. However, I would have liked it if it were slightly more explicit and if they had shown Jun-hyung struggling a bit more during his therapy sessions rather than breezing through them, as mental trauma can be really difficult to overcome. I loved how it totally bashed gender steretypes and for once, THANK GOD, showed women who ACTUALLY EAT AND ENJOY FOOD. This was really rare and refreshing to see, especially in Korean dramas where every woman has a perfect figure with a flat stomach and thigh gap. I would 100/10 would recommend this drama to anyone looking for a light, funny, feel-good, romantic comedy with stellar acting and crackling lead role chemistry. You won't regret it.