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A bit of a loveable flop
This started out really strong and I loved the banter between the main characters, but I feel like it got a bit tired in the middle. It's one of those super frustrating shows, because I really liked the characters and acting, and there was a great storyline...but I feel like it had so much potential that just wasn't delivered.I did appreciate the switch around with Gong Shim chasing Dan Tae, but I feel like the secret keeping went on for too long and it just got painful to watch Gong Shim continuing to be 'oblivious' to how shut off Dan Tae was being. He realised how his behaviour was impacting her when she got so sick just because she didn't want to miss out on the breadcrumb 'date' (and trying to stay in hospital afterwards to spend time together?!) - but he still didn't then 'fess up.
I do understand why he couldn't let his cousin know though, given how he was acting like a prat to protect his mother.
Plus, I really feel the stuck-up sister was under-utilised. She had great promise as a manipulative character, but that just kind of fizzled out. The end kind of alluded to her feelings becoming real, but there was no big emotional moment, nor was there any confrontation between the sisters, or acknowledgement of her mistreatment of Gong Shim. I kept waiting for it to either be revealed that she'd been swapping Gong Shim's hair ointment and caused the bald patch out of jealousy...or for Gong Shim to stand up for herself and call her sister out for never supporting her and always being embarrassed about her. But neither happened.
I would probably still recommend watching the show. The initial love triangle is really cute and fun, and I loved how the rich/handsome/out-of-her-league Chaebol heir fell for the dowdy poor girl, only for her to then turn him down to focus on herself! There are also several cute side bits (the two husbands are funny together; the grandma secretly vetting her grandson's girlfriend).
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There are heavy themes in the story, but the lovable cast makes it seem very light, and their interaction will entertain you, regardless of the typical K-Drama tropes.
I first saw Nam Gung MIn in "Sensory Couple" and he played a psychopath in that drama. He was scary and really menacing to look at. I was pleasantly surprised that he can be such a lovable lead in a RomCom. MinAh on the other hand, this is the first time that I've seen her in any drama and I was quite impressed on how she can capture the attention of the audience. You will believe that the two leads are the characters. The way MinAh portrayed Gong Shim will make you believe that she is not an idol and is this really awkward girl. The second leads do their jobs well, with Gong Mi, being successfully portrayed as the hateful wench that she is. It's all good. Ahn Dan Te and Gong Shim will surely make you come back for more, week after week.
You will hate the characters that you should hate (Including Gong MI and the typical baddies), but you will love the other characters and how they move in this world. The president, Gong Shim's dad, her mom, the Grandmothers in the Chaebol household, all these characters have fun moments.
The music is upbeat and sets a great tone for the series. Not really a must to download, but it maintains the goofy and fun pace of the series. Once you hear the OST, you know that you're in for an hour of fun.
Would I watch it again? Sure. I re-watch all episodes after the first watching just to catch a glimpse of the fun scenes that took place.
The story is typical, but the take is fresh. If you want cute, off-beat leads who are extremely funny and lovable, give this a try. This is one if the most fun K-dramas out there today.
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The main leads have an amazing chemistry and it's really fun to watch how their relationship develops throughout the show.
Some parts could have been better planned but I don't think the end dragged thaaaat much .
The plot is consistent, the acting of the main leads is worth watching, the music is nice, the one from coffee boy is amazing.
I don't think I would rewatch it so soon, just because I have many dramas on my list and some still on hold.
Overall it's a great drama!!
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This review may contain spoilers
I could summarise this series using one of the product placements in episode 19: Dad says he is shopping for beer; Dad is seen buying 48-hours deodorant. It's not what you asked for or expected, but still good in a different way! If I was to recommend this drama to others, I'd say watch it because of the cute chemistry of the main couple and NGM's versatile acting. It's also a good intro to k-dramas - cliches such as truck of doom, annoying sibling, males leading females by the wrist, pathetic villain with a hitman on speed dial, product placements (although the washing machine and fitness watch looked quite good)... don't forget subway!
(Possible spoilers below)
The obvious downfalls: one of the 'main' characters was practically forgotten about halfway through the drama and the plot deviated away from the main star of the series. Gong Shim would have benefited from some character development as observed in other dramas such as WFKBJ. The writer made both male leads appear clever and dim simultaneously! There was also excessive use of flashbacks, which I am aware often feature in k-dramas, but this is the first time I've actually noticed! I'm sure there is a better way of illustrating the past, such as an old scene seamlessly drifting into modern times.
The numerous plot holes left me asking many questions (for example how did the father post the necklace to Grandma if Dan Tae had exchanged it years ago for a ring?) but overall, it was a fun and comical watch. The acting was fairly decent along with the soundtrack and scenery, but the storyline and characterisation let it down. NGM, Minah and OSW kept the series going.
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The actor and actress are soo good together and really go well with each other. The chemistry between them is really cute. Not to mention the male lead is incredibly good at acting and extremly handsome.
The storyline is very well put together and interesting to watch. It didnt bore me once!!!
I'll definetly watch it again. Its your classic rom com kdrama and you wont regret watching it.
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Easily one of the funniest Kdramas
Easily one of the funniest Kdramas I have ever watched. It is my first time to watch Namgoong Min and he's wonderful and funny in this drama. I love his expressions and Minah acted really well too. The story line was a little unique. I just wished there was some justice given to Minah with the way she was treated by her sister. I liked that the grandma asked for forgiveness with the way she treated the other grandson. It's my first time to have LOL for a kdrama and I will rewatch this if I need an upper! Highly recommended!Was this review helpful to you?
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Cheesy
I mean it is cheesy, a lot cheesy but who don't like a little cheese in their life, I started this, idk whyyyyy, but with first 10 mins, I was hooked and I finished this in 2 days.An dan tae is soo ridiculuos, i wanna slap some sense in him but he is cute, handsome, serious and everything in between.
Gong Shim, she is witty, loser and all but she is soooooo cute......
loved the series as overall comic and tension relief.
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A Pleasant Surprise
I was hesitant to watch this drama because it had so many negative reviews. To my surprise I found it charming and very engaging. The strength of this drama is the two leads, Namgoong Min and Minah. They both did well playing quirky yet loveable characters. I also appreciated that their romance was a slow burn and it developed naturally. (Though for those only watching for the kissing may be disappointed). This drama may not be the most original and it does follow many of the standard tropes, but it is one of the more charming dramas I have watched in a long time.Was this review helpful to you?
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Hilarious rom-com
'Beautiful Gong Shim' was a perfectly balanced drama, blending romantic comedy with suspenseful twists. However, the last two episodes left me with mixed feelings. The one-year separation with zero contact and their swift reconciliation felt like a somewhat abrupt twist. Additionally, the absence of an apology from Gong Shim's sister, in contrast to the apologies she extended to Joon Soo, and the quick absolution of Joon's mother left me puzzled. Despite these moments, 18 episodes delivered pure entertainment, making 'Beautiful Gong Shim' a worthwhile viewing experience. Really cute and funny actingWas this review helpful to you?
Bye Bye Gong Shim
Constantly watching K-dramas for the past one year, I find that if the drama is UNABLE to focus on a powerful story line OR an intelligent script OR outstanding acting OR all 2 or 3, THEN it better have a highly compatible lead couple who has mind blowing chemistry, OTHERWISE bye bye drama.Unfortunately, this drama 'Beautiful Gong Shim' fell into the OTHERWISE category. The story line did not warrant it's 20 episodes and should have stuck with the regular 16 episodes or less, pumping in more depth. Then again, easier said than done, as I lazed on my sofa watching this drama for almost a week, running on marathon time.
Because it had to do 20, it was a struggle to see them trying to fill in every episode. This is especially difficult for seasoned romance drama watchers who could easily predict the series of events leading to the last episode. I am sure they were just tapping their fingers on the table and saying under their breath, "come on, let's get going. I know what is going to happen next". Okay, enough with my cynical thoughts.
The only redeeming factor, was my discovery of actor Nam Goong Min who played Ahn Dan Tae. As I am a late starter with K-Dramas, I only know of this actor now. I found him very talented and this drama did not do his acting justice. I checked his drama profile and I believe I will watch others of him.
In the meantime, for this role in Beautiful Gong Shim, he acted as a struggling lawyer by day and moonlight as a Uber driver at night, to make ends meet. Having to save money, he rents a rooftop room from Gong Shim, hence their love story. However, on the flip side, unknowingly, he is actually a long lost grandson of a huge and successful Korean business conglomerate, which makes up the gist of the the entire drama. The first few episodes were not too bad, but it goes pretty even tempo from there.
Apparently, with Goong Min who is already an established actor, Bang Min Ah (Gong Shim) became quite popular from this drama due to her cuteness. As her role required her to not give up and determined to have Dan Tae's heart, I surprisingly found her acting quite acceptable. Normally such actions can be irritating and turn our stomach inside out which I have seen in other dramas, but her acting was actually not too bad, doubled with her cuteness. But, 20 episodes of this? (eyes rolling). Furthermore, the chemistry between Dan Tae and Gong Shim could not make the thermometer mark. But, if you like occasional cute scenes, then you might like this drama.
Bye for now. Cheers! K-Drama Forever!
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