It tells an ordinary story in a refreshingly modern way, without giving up on those elements we inevitably associate to k-dramas and make them into the shows we are all addicted to: a love triangle or square of some sort, love obstacles of various nature, parents who meddle but without being completely unreasonable or out of this universe evil and a corporate sub-plot.
I wouldn't call this a romantic comedy. I think it's more of a life drama. There's romance, of course, and there's a mature, clever humour, but both these aspects are rationed throughout the narration in a sedate and yet very effective way. This is why I believe I do, I do isn't for you, if what you're looking for is a typical rom-com. The pace may deter some, and others could find the raised issues uninteresting or controversial.
I loved it because it offers the viewer a range of different points of view on subjects which are very common in real life, and not so common in the Korean drama world; there's no judgment involved, no stance is presented as better than the other. It's up to you to decide what you would do and how you would react in a similar situation.
A life drama is only successful when the characters are well outlined. And this is the true strength of I do, I do. I myself was amazed at how gradually and yet fiercely I got attached to some of the characters, mainly the two leads. They are both so well portrayed I ended up identifying without having a trait in common with either one.
Acting is spot on. I consider Kim Sun A a guarantee. I may not like all the dramas she acted in, but it's never been due to her. She enters the character in such a plausible way, she does not create fictional characters but real persona. Always believable, never predictable. And let me add how wonderfully satisfying it is when you finally land on a drama with an intelligent, self-assured, successful female lead who does not passively accepts events but make them happen!
The character of Tae Kang has been an amazing revelation for me. A cute thing who looks like a puppy and acts like one is all I believed he was in the beginning. I was very wrong. He's tremendously endearing and such a blend of childlike enthusiasm and caring maturity I couldn't help but being completely captured by him. My admiration goes to the actor for capturing the essence of his character and portraying it in such an adorable way.
The chemistry between those two is also a work-in-progress. Their feelings grow as the characters grow. We fall in love with Tae Kang the moment Ji An does, not before. I loved this aspect the most, as I am usually very frustrated by knowing a truth which the characters will be oblivious about for three quarters of a drama.
The secondary characters are normal people. They make mistakes, they gossip, they laugh, they get angry. With the exception of "madame CEO" - and her horrid taste in figurative art, allow me to add - I liked them all. Everyone has an arc and a role in this story. They are not thrown in just in order to fill empty spaces.
The music isn't unforgettable, but I must confess the main theme is addicting and the instrumental pieces very well chosen.
This isn't a drama I will run to re-watch as soon as it's finished airing. However, it has many delicious, thought-provoking and poignant moments I'll be more than happy to immerse in again in the future. I recommend this drama to everyone who likes a solid, modern script, unusually believable characters and a no-nonsense plot.
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This review may contain spoilers
Within the aura of a love story some socially critical topics on successful woman, work & family
"I Do I Do" tends to be humorous, offers a nevertheless emotional love story and at the same time the backdrop for the critical processing of a merciless everyday professional and living environment to which women in South Korea are exposed. As also, for example, "Romance is a Bonus Book", "Scent of a Woman", "Revolutionary Love" or "Angry Mom" the KDrama uses the comedic touch to lift the emphasis of the topic into a lighter tone that is easier to digest. Cheerful and serious aspects are well balanced, also thanks to a great cast.
Within the aura of a love story "I Do I Do" comes along with some socially dominant topics around woman, work and family that want to critically be processed. "I Do I Do" precedes "Now, We are Breaking Up" by nine years. Not much has changed in the status of the professional life of a successful woman (in the fashion scene). The scenario reminds here and there: the experienced, successful and talented designer (here elegant pumps) who has chosen career over relationship/marriage/family; the parents who want their daughter to finally get married properly; a younger man who, after a one-night stand, throws the orderly life of the confident businesswoman upside down. In the case of "I Do I Do", the protagonist ends up in a one-night stand, which is rather untypical for her (and him) due to a chain of special circumstances. The hook for further drama is her completely unexpected pregnancy. ... and 37-year-old Hwang Ji-ahn, still being single, having just been medically diagnosed with a premature menopause...
------------------------------- SIDE NOTE: --- Woman, Work and Family as far as South Korean society is concerned ---
- A woman (in South Korea) can perhaps be successful, but the price for this is her woman-ness (as in many places on earth...). She proves herself to be a better man and simply has no room for relationships where she could live out her soft, tender, feminine side. Showing her weakness at work whatsoever would jeopardize her position. Competitors are already waiting for a devastating neckbutt.
- A woman can be excellent and even unique in her work. From a marketing point of view, however, it is more promising (because it is more binding for business partners) if a man bears the official, managerial responsibility for business sucess... because who knows when the woman will leave the professional world behind and take up her role as wife and mother... The dramaturgical dynamics in this regard are astonishingly differentiated in "I Do I Do". There is even room for the aspect of how women envy each others decisions for either way (instead of solidarily supporting each other - here and there).
- A woman should get married. She can mercifully let off steam for a while in her professional life, since society has already become about 10 years more tolerant in 2012 than in the decades/centuries/millennia before. But the age of 37 is (biologically speaking) a magical limit... because now it's high time. (The KDrama actually offers an exceptional man as a role model who thinks progressively here...)
- Dating, a woman automatically becomes the one who needs/wants to be protected and the one who in turn provides the man with allround care. What a mess, if roles lose their clear assignments. Here, too, the KDrama offers, among other things, another (different) exceptional male role model - one who (although instinctively a protector, too, but nevertheless) is ready to develop in a different way.
- And then equally valid for men and women: relationship is not a private matter. At least the parents are the first to have a say.
-Also: The greatest happiness in life should be a permanent position. Everything else is extra...
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"I Do I Do" defies these societal norms, which in South Korea seem to be chiselled in stone. This is no piece of cake. Interestingly, the KDrama offers only one answer to the question "What are the arguments in favor of deciding to have a child or a family as a professionally ambitious woman?" - this in the face of an almost endless list of reasons that argue against it... This single commitment to a "yes" (towards children and family) is located beyond rationality. This "yes" has nothing to do with virtue and values. This one and only "yes" argument is completely personal. (My respect for taking such a position - one that actually stands outside of society´s right to have a say in this!)
After all, "I Do I Do" eventually shows another variation in the Cinderella spirit of fairy tale love stories ... But. I consider the way as the goal! And the path described in this KDrama (the circumstances and processes of the main protagonist) makes it definitely worth seeing. In addition, Kim Sun-ah finds a good balance between a competent, unapproachable boss and an approachable, not so competent 'woman' with her heart in the right place. Lee Jang-woo also convinces me here in his role as the much younger, impulsive, unconventional Park Tae-kang.
By the way: Since it is about the world of fashion designers and pumps in particular, it would be worth mentioning that the viewers get to see a lot in this regard. Not only in Ji-ahn's well-stocked private shoe room, but also beyond that - 500 pairs of pumps were brought up for the series that were supposedly worth almost 9,000 euros. Also, the protagonist Ji-ahn's individual fashionable style (which goes back mainly to Kim Sun-ah's specific, personal suggestions) became a trendsetter at the time.
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The story is based around a pregnancy and how Ji An's life was affected by it not just within her body limits but her job and coming to terms with being a single mother. And The views on fatherhood are highlighted in this story aswell. I don't really know how to explain it but if you have watched it you will understand what I mean. The fatherhood was outcasted as it usual is in our society. I liked how they highlighted this but also how from the mothers point of view it was hard and difficult descions she had to make.
Amazing story. Amazing acting and AMAZING music (sooo catchy)
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But above all these things, this drama is smart. It is perhaps the most cleverly written and well developed drama I have ever watched.
I Do I Do takes conventional ideas and attitudes and challenges them head on, like that bully in the school yard that turns a kid upside down to empty his pockets for lunch money. Where other dramas tip toe around sensitive topics, this drama puts a spotlight on those social taboos, and its characters handle them with grace, style, courage and dignity. It’s truly inspiring.
So many aspects of this drama were pleasing for me. But in this review, I want to highlight one actor in particular who absolutely shined. That person is Lee Jang Woo. I went into this drama expecting Kim Sun Ah to be amazing, and of course, she was. But what I was not expecting was to be blown away by this kid playing Park Tae Kang.
Ironically, within the first few episodes, I had written Jang Woo off. I’d hastily decided that, not only was Tae Kang an annoying and useless character, but also that Jang Woo’s acting abilities were questionable.
Less than halfway through the drama, I had to eat those words.
While all four of the lead characters grow and develop beautifully, Park Tae Kang did a complete 180 in this drama. The change was so gradual and subtle that I looked up and found myself smiling like a giddy school girl at the mere sight of his face on screen. And I don’t think it’s so much that HE changes, but rather my understanding of him became clearer. It’s amazing how a well written story line and some good acting can alter your perspective and emotions so quickly!!
Some might write this drama off too hastily because it starts off a little slower than most. But like any good story, it develops over time and gains momentum, getting better and stronger with each episode. I really can’t say anything bad about this drama. Nothing about it disappointed me. I wish I could literally embrace it in a nice, big hug.
One more point I would like to make. I am not some kind of rocket scientist, but there are a lot of dramas out there that, I feel, insult my intelligence as a viewer. But this drama never did that. Not once. It never fell into the same old clichés or patterns. Through all 16 episodes, the actions of the characters were believable, consistent and rationale. Also, the events therein even surprised me, intrigued me or moved me emotionally. This is very rare for me.
I really wish more dramas were like this one. And I hope I Do I Do can set a new standard for the quality of writing and acting that audiences desire and deserve.
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This drama dares to challenge Korean society and drama lovers in several ways.
For one, the leading man is broke ass, immature, totally unsuave and emasculated to the max. The second is that it, not necessarily deals with, but definitely touches upon important issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights and gender roles.
Yet it somehow manages to remain a lighthearted romantic comedy. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is debatable. Though Kim Sun-ah is incredible in her role as hard-working no-nonsense director of a successful business, her romance with Lee Jang Woo (who managed to transform into a man-puppy for this drama) lacks the K-drama 'rule of thumb' spark. However, this could be a good thing as the rate at which she warms to him is believable and incredibly touching. Personally, the first part of the drama, I preferred watching her interactions with Park Gun Hyung who can be effortlessly charming even during the few scenes where his character lets slip sexist archaic opinions. But the second part of the drama makes you adore Lee Jang-woo.
The rivalry between between the two women of the show is handled maturely, as is the rivalry between the men. The friendships and working relationships are genuine. There is none of that exaggerated bitchy stereotypes and unnecessary, off-putting and incredibly offensive alpha male behaviour we're so used to in less sophisticated dramas.
The few problems I had with the show are as follows;
The leading lady's father genuinely petrified me! He seemed aggressive and his verbal abuse of her mother seemed less comedic and more sinister than I would have liked for a light story. The main song used throughout grated at my ears, a horrendously cheesy predictable sound. The use of flashbacks was also sloppy which is a pity because the script is fun yet clever, realistically and brilliantly written. The direction just isn't as creative as the writing, in my opinion.
Kim Sun-Ah is the star of this drama and her performance alone is enough to urge you to watch it. Lee Jang-woo might need a little warming to, but over all - Do I like this drama?
I do, I kinda do.
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I enjoyed this drama even though it is not like a personal fave b/c there r several other drama's that I have watched that rank so much higher.
But, I can tell you I will watch more of Kim Sun Ah. I enjoyed her acting. She gave off the exact vibe a person would have if they were alone & the difficult transition to being part of a family that she didn't plan. She made her character seem real to me. The fact that she only showed emotion to the 1 person that made her feel out of her comfort zone is exactly how I would see this going in reality. I knew that she had feelings for both male leads b/c of this. Both made her feel uncomfortable & they were elements in her life that she could not control.
Lee Jang Woo's character was just too cute. Even when he was serial it was still cute. I will be looking in to more of his work also. He rly surprised me. He not only had a comedic side, but a serial side to him as well. He did a good job in balancing these parts of Park Tae Kang's personality.
I think that most ppl will like this drama b/c it leaves u w/ a good feeling of "all is right in the world." But, I am sure there r some that will not like this drama b/c it doesn't pull ppl in like other drama's this season. Even so, It is a good solid drama; that I will recommend to other drama addicts to give a try.
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The romance is cute and meaningful. I admit I struggled at first as the age gap was quite expansive. It was difficult to see how they would have much connection. But, though not completely taken by, I was endeared to them as time went on. Not only did I love how the second female was handled, I loved the second male. There was honestly probably only one character that I didn't like by the end of the show, which made it very enjoyable. Hardly any evil character scenes to endure.
One of my absolute favorite elements of the show was not only the amazing character Kim Sun Ah got to play but also the gorgeous clothes. I may not have liked every single thing, but I always looked forward to what amazing, eye-catching thing she'd be wearing. Of course the shoes in this drama are to die for, as they should be.
This story was well woven and it didn't quite take the route I expected, which is a good thing. It seemed one of the main goals of the writers was to encourage the single mother and change, even if in a few minds, how she is viewed, and I think they did that well. All in all, a very heartwarming and humorous drama with fantastic female characters.
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Like I said, it was the pregnancy plot that interested me first. I'm a single mom, so I can relate to Ji An's struggles - telling her parents, telling the father, wondering about the future, etc. I thought Kim Sun Ah was very convincing as her character dealt with all this and more.
The promos for the drama (before it aired) made it seem as though the age difference between Ji An and Tae Kang would be a big issue - thankfully, it wasn't. It's not that it wasn't mentioned or noticed at all, but it wasn't handled in the same way all the other older-women-younger-men dramas seem to. Almost every other one with this setup has the older woman resisting or refusing the relationship strictly because of the age gap. With Ji An, it was more because Tae Kang had no real motivation in life - which she contributed to his age but was really because he simply had not found something to be motivated about. Once he starts to prove himself, she sees him differently and the age gap is pretty much ignored. This was a refreshing change of pace.
One last note: on a scale of one to ten, the kissing scenes get a 15!!!!
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I do, I do is one of the new and modern Korean Drama that isn't alike stereotype Korean dramas. Let's face it! Topics like "getting pregnant before marriage" or "Older Woman is dating a young man" used to be taboo issues for a long time in Korean Dramas.
To tell the truth, I didn't even care or think about this when I started watching Korean dramas. But the more you watch the more you get aware of it.
And wasn't there some issues ( like: Is the drama family friendly) with the drama " 1000 Kisses" that also included the topic "older woman and younger guy". Ok, in that drama the older woman was divorced and had a kid (as far as I can remember) but you can still say that both dramas are daring and interesting when it comes to the plot.
So 100 points for having the courage to write, produce this drama and to take part as an actor.
Despite this, I wasn't really like into this drama. Maybe this whole "young man" and "old woman" was too new for me. However, I have to say that this drama was really funny. But the romance part...well, I wasn't that moved
Kim Sun Ah is a great actor. She proved this in many dramas such as City Hall or My name is Kim Sam Soon. But in this drama....I am not sure yet whether I don't like her acting or her role in this drama. She tried to be the tough woman and sure she was one. But still...I prefer her to be tough in another way- Somehow the way she talked got on my nerves as well...
But I guess, this is just me who thinks like that.
The other side actors did a great job! Especially, the one who played the young man's father and the "evil/good" girl.
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With Kim Sun Ah as the lead actress you know you're in for a treat because her talent to carry a drama never disappoints. This was my first time in seeing Lee Jang Woo as a leading male and I hope to see him in more leading man roles soon.
Well casted and well scripted with enough humor laced throughout to keep you interested and laughing along as well as enough touching scenes between actors to keep you cheering for them. If you are looking for a sweet yet positive spin to a high career woman storyline meets younger man tale then this is the drama for you.
Three stars in my book.
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