Our beloved summer: A K-drama review

Our beloved summer is a romance drama that aired from December 6th, 2021, to January 25th, 2022. It stars Choi Woo-sick, who is the male lead plays Choi Ung, an artist. You might know him from the movies ‘Parasite’ and ‘Time to hunt'. Kim Da-mi played the female lead Kook Yeon-Soo, and you might know her from the show ‘Itaewon class’. In the drama, the leads shot a documentary, and it follows them years later as exes who have to come together to shoot the documentary again.

I watched this drama because a few days before it was announced (rather suddenly might I add), I had watched ‘the witch; subversion’ which also starred Choi Woo-sik, and Kim Da-mi, so it kind of felt like a sign

I think this show was the best way for Choi Woo-sik to showcase his charms. I had only ever seen him in darker movies, which made this a complete 180 degrees. I absolutely fell in love with him and his character. There were so many little nuances in his character that he was able to express really well, and it felt like a light switch flicked in my head. I was really seeing Choi-Woo-sik for the first time. Not that I don’t love him in other things, he’s a phenomenal actor, but there is something about getting so used to someone in a different type of setting and then suddenly seeing them in such a contrasting setting.

In the first few episodes, I didn’t understand why Kim Da-mi’s character in this show felt similar to the one in Itaewon class, but as more time passed, we could see the two characters diverge. It’s nice to see her be in a different light too.

I found the concept of this show to be quite interesting. Instead of a meet-cute, the female lead gets salt thrown on her. There is no initial ‘wow’ moment because those moments have happened. I liked how there was a slow reveal of their past relationship both as high school and college students. The awkwardness of Choi-ung and the vulnerability of Yeonsu gave for a good story. There wasn’t any serious drama which allowed for the main story to shine. Not that I don’t love drama, but in romance dramas like this, a lot of villains and mishaps would not have fit in.

I liked how the audience was not made to hate the second male and female lead. First NJ, I truly liked her and wanted the best for her, she wasn’t trying to stir up any trouble, she liked a man, and that was it. Ji-ung’s story was more heartbreaking because he had liked her for the same amount of time Choi-ung did, but he couldn’t say or act upon his feelings. I was hoping that he would start to let go of Yeonsu and give the girl from his office a chance, but I guess it’s better he didn’t if she was going to be a second choice. It is unlike me to like both second leads and it made me think of the show ‘Love alarm’, maybe if I had not disliked the second male lead as much as I did, I wouldn’t dislike the show as much.

There is truly something to love about each and every character in this show. Sol-i was my personal favorite, there is just something about the actress Park Jin-joo, she really embodies her characters and is generally very likable. She also brings in subtle comedy. I couldn’t believe she had not dated Eun-ho even after 2 years, but I really loved their dynamic and I was happy either way. Another character to love was Choi-ung’s father’s friend. He did not get a lot of screen time, but he always made me laugh.

It's a really good thing that there wasn’t a big fight at the ending. This really showcased how mature they had become. The chemistry between Yeonsu and Choi-ung was so effortless that I really don’t know how the actors didn’t fall in love with each other. It felt like they were a real couple, and the audience were intruders. The last scenes made me tear up because it felt like we had come full circle. First, we have Choi-ung drawing Yeonsu when he never drew people, and then him proposing to her. We then go to them announcing their marriage on the new documentary, a documentary which started with them ‘hating’ each other. It was such a neat way to wrap the show up. No uncertainty or what-ifs. I do wish we got an ending for Ji-ung, but it was great to see him smile.

I have no issues with this show, visually beautiful, great cast, great storyline

Rating: 9/10

If you like: Our beloved summer

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