My Lovely Boxer (2023)

When Romance becomes an Error and a Shadow in an otherwise decent plot…

First, what I found right in this drama. Our actors are really phenomenal overall, give or take a few scenes. The level of professionalism on their part carried this piece. I felt proud, as a performer myself, of our young female actors in their boxing roles. It takes so much to get into these types of roles. I was also great to see Lee Sang Yeob try some new things. I liked the cinematography and the tone of this genre. Obviously a whole lot of hard work went into this. At twelve episodes, it was just the right length.

Now my main critique of this piece lies in the Romance, and the huge shadow it represents of our global culture (not just Korean). First, we have a very young woman, sixteen years younger from her main romantic interest. This in and of itself is not a problem for me, however, when you add a power over dynamic, where he is in charge of her livelihood, where her relationship with her father is wounded, and then he becomes her love interest, I find this problematic. Had it instead addressed our societal issues around these types of relationships and how much trauma is interwoven, the way people get hurt, how unconsciously it can play out, that would have been amazing. I would have loved to have seen him claim the role as a protector, but have a passion with his first love. Perhaps our sweet boxer could have been paired with someone that could meet her youthful, lively demeanor. The entire first love story would have been really cute with someone else, the way she was having her first kiss, and first time pining for someone, so sweet.

To illustrate how our writers were somewhat aware of the fire they were playing with, we even had the father and our ML acknowledging that her attraction to him was not the healthiest for her (or either of them), and he asked her to back off, because “she is young”. By the time Kim So Hye’s character ordered him to kiss her at the end and that peck happened, I felt so uncomfortable I was almost gagging. Not to mention that the entire scene felt like an afterthought in their story arc. I felt on edge that Lee Sang Yeob as Kim Tae Young had to approach this young actress in this way, it was unsettling and unromantic. A peck is all that he could muster, I thought to myself. I am very disappointed at this choice by the writers, even the directing and acting was cringey in that moment, and it was the pinnacle of the piece. Why, dear artists and and storytellers? Why?

*trigger warning*

The fact that we also had a guest actor in the drama that has been convicted for his relationship with minors made this dynamic all the more obvious to me. I am ashamed that we still haven’t found a way to look at these things as humans, to become accountable and responsible for our hidden urges and the harm they cause. Large age gap coupled with power over dynamics is often not sexy in real life, but rather rooted in a great deal of unconscious patterns and pain.

I was glad that at the least our female lead had a year to “grow up” as she said. Of course, she was a legal adult, able to make her own choices. And still…. it left me uneasy. Even if I am the only person, I felt it important to address.

Wish everyone involved in this piece much reflection, growth and success and us a supporters as well.

✨🙏🏽✨

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Great Women Characters

I understand this drama might not be everyone’s cup of coffee.

I watched it first because of Lee Sang Yeob, and second because I do boxing too and I love it.
But then I fell in love with Kim So Hye, this is the first time I watch her.
She nails her character. She can be cute and adorable, lost and vulnerable, but she can be strong and determined too.
Actually I like all the women characters here. They’re brave, resilient, and they’re also kind. Not one of them is toxic.
Even the rivals are pushing and motivating each other to give their best.
And that’s one important take away message from this drama. To not run away from your pain and hardship, instead do your best to find the answer to yourself.

My second favorite is Han Ah Reum. But Jung Soo Yeon and Jo Ah Ra are also cool.
I also like Coach Ho Joong.

Kim Jin Woo as Han Jae Min was the weakest link in this drama. I couldn’t read his expression at all.

I don’t really care about the villain and his betting industry.

Also I agree with another reviewer, how could Lee Kwon Suk’s father redeemed himself so easily. He was as good as k’lled his wife and traumatized his daughter.

The final match is interesting. It’s not anti climactic at all. In my opinion the result is perfect, it’s what they both needed to get. Who loves the ring the most will be the winner.
The boxing scenes are quite good and convincing. I admire the determined look on their faces.

The romance maybe unnecessary.
But I’m trying to understand it from Kwon Suk’s POV.
She needs someone she can rely on. She needs a father/brother figure. She has so much love to give and so much energy to care for someone else.

And I like the way Lee Sang Yeob was being very careful not to show his feeling toward her and tried to be professional while also protecting her.

But, as much as I love Sang Yeob, I feel he’s overdosing his puppy eyes expressions here. Those are perfect for Love Affairs in The Afternoon, but it annoyed me in this drama. He should toughen up a little bit.

All in all it’s an easy, leisurely watch.
Watch it if you love Lee Sang Yeob, or boxing, or watch it for the ‘women support women’ cliche.

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a healing, sports romance worth watching

I can't really find the words to express why I love this drama so much so I'll try to do a very barebones pros and cons list instead:

Pros -
1) really great writing that will keep you engaged throughout
2) lots of satisfying character development
3) The ML - dude's a great actor playing a very morally grey and complicated person on a path to redemption
4) adorable FL, who goes on her journey of acceptance and healing
5) positive female representation, lots of good examples of female & male friendships
6) all the side characters are written to be very sympathetic, esp ppl like Areum and Ara; you empathize with and root for them
7) beautiful BGM and OST
8) heartwarming relationship between the leads, I shipped so hard

Cons:
1) villains are really evil & you'll grow to hate them, but they're not handled very well imo
2) age gap relationship, that's a bit rushed but YMMV
3) absolutely annoying SML who takes way too much screentime

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A Missed for Boxing Fans

Another exciting series that was produce.

A little review for the Lovely Boxer

Story Arc
Story is about a genius boxer that is not happy on being a boxer because she suffered from unfortunate circumstances.
then a sports agent comes along and the story started.

First 4 episodes was on point and the story was practical, after the comeback match, the story backtrack from the past
but the story never recovered and final match could have a better angle to the story. because somewhere in episode 7 or 8
the agent was talking to an international promoters, but never got the chance to include the storyline. A little story on the former golf champion turned female sports agent could add some nice touch. There a little background story on Ah Reum the WBC champion, the coaches have a dry side story, there are a lot of angles to work after episode 4, but never went thru for this 12 part series (Short Series).

Acting
So Hye is learning fast as an actress, Ahreum is really interesting, Sang Yeob was into it on the first 4 episode, after that the news brokeout about his wedding, hahaha his acting after episode 4 was a bit rushed. coaches, sparing partner, have small air time, the announcer voice podcast section was a cute touch on episode 6 but too rushed.

Cast
Cast is great

Music
Only 2 stands out one is included on the OST released in an album and a perfect ending theme on Episode 12. and some happy moments on the middle part of the series, the other one, a very good ending theme but they only use it on episode 1 - 4 which is a let down, and they did not use it on the final match.

Rewatch
If you are into sports live action, this is a good watch


Overall
GOOD

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It was ok

So what did I like about this drama? I liked the idea of this story. There aren't many dramas that focus on female boxers, so I really wanted to watch it. Likewise, I liked the actors, especially Lee Sang Yeob. He really managed to portray his character in a great way.

What bothered me about this drama? It was unrealistic in some parts. This story didn't need gangsters or bad people. The boxers acted well, but they didn't look like boxers at all. They looked so weak. They should have looked for actors who look a little more athletic. Then that would have been much better.

You can definitely watch this drama for in between. It's definitely a good drama without a complex story.

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Échec sur le ring (malgré quelques bons trucs)

J'avais déjà mentionné mon affection pour les dramas sportifs. J'aime l'énergie qu'ils dégagent et les messages qu'ils font passer. Cela dit, je n'avais pas d'attente pour My Lovely Boxer simplement parce que la boxe est l'un des rares sports qui ne me plaît pas. Malgré tout, la présence de Lee Yang Seob était une bonne motivation pour enfiler une paire de gants et monter sur le ring pour quelques temps.

Il n'est pas sans intérêt, mais l'ensemble n'a pas fonctionné pour moi. J'avais toujours l'impression de le voir traîner comme s'il fallait absolument mettre en place des tas de sous intrigues toutes aussi dramatiques les unes que les autres. Avec plusieurs personnes qui n'ont pas vraiment d'intérêt, mais qui peuvent combler les trous assez facilement. L'intrigue des paris truqués n'est pas très intéressante. Dès le troisième épisode, il est assez évident de deviner comment tout va se passer. Et ça ne me gêne pas, sauf quand le ML découvre toute la vérité à la fin, comme s'il était possible de ne pas se douter du vrai méchant de l'histoire.

Cependant, l'ensemble du casting était bon. Lee Sang Yeob et Kim So Hye ont étaient formidables jusqu'au bout. Même si leur romance est sans intérêt. Elle existe parce qu'il faut donner une fin louable, mais elle n'était pas du tout nécessaire. Et encore moins vibrante. Kim Jin Woo avait un personnage peu attrayant, malheureusement pour lui. En revanche, Ha Seung Ri était sublime en agent.

Dans l'ensemble, c'était distrayant, mais oublié quelques heures après le dernier épisode visionné.

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Un très beau drama

J’ai adoré le scénario de ma jolie boxeuse, je suivrai avec plaisir au travail de cette scénariste ! le sport a souvent inspiré les scénaristes, c'est un très bel opus sur le monde de la boxe qui nous est présenté ici. le background est vraiment bien mis en scène et fouillé, ce qui permet de s'immerger complètement dans l'histoire. le casting me paraît excellent, notamment Kim So Hye et Do Eun Ha. Le personnage de cette dernière peut facilement ravir votre cœur également.
La dignité sportive, l'histoire d'amour non conventionnelle, le côté très INFJ Du personnage principal féminin, des lignes de dialogue pleines de style, tout cela fait de ce drama un excellent divertissement. Petit bémol sur la mise en scène dramatique finale ,la blessure à la tête n'est pas très logique…Disons que ça demanderait au moins de voir la scène ! Certaines critiques disent que le ML ne comprends qu'à la fin qui est le gros méchant, ce n'est pas tout à fait vrai ! La tension dangereuse de la présence de la mafia dans cette histoire et bien maintenue tout le long , et permet de comprendre les décisions de sacrifice de certains personnages.

On aurait bien voulu un petit peu plus longtemps pour voir contempler le couple de fin tant le cœur des spectateurs a dû retenir sa respiration pour ne pas avoir trop d'espoir ! merci à toute l'équipe de ce drama ❤️

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Não Deixe Esse Drama Escapar

Que grata surpresa foi esse drama para mim! O primeiro episódio não é lá grande coisa eu admito, mas se você persistir, terá uma grande recompensa.

My Lovely Boxer é um daqueles dramas que podem passar desapercebidos no radar de uma dorameira, não é uma grande produção e nem fez muito barulho por aí mas é um ótimo K-drama.

A protagonista é uma personagem muito cativante e a partir do segundo episódio o enredo é bem envolvente. Não tem como não ficar ansiosa pela próxima cena onde os protagonistas irão se encontrar. O desenvolvimento do relacionamento dos dois é uma delícia de assistir, sem pressa e com um bom ritmo a trama se desenrola de maneira agradável e encantadora.

Aqui deixo minha sincera admiração pela coragem do escritor em abordar um esporte não tão popular na categoria feminina e fazer isso com uma habilidade incrível. Fico muito feliz em ter dado uma chance a esse drama.

>>> Altamente recomendável.

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