No Gain, No Love (2024)

A very mediocre drama

To be honest, I expected a lot more from this drama and yes, the only reason why was because the last time I saw Shin Min ah in anything was Hometown Cha Cha Cha which is for sure one of my top 5 dramas ever.

I guess the best way to explain how mediocre it is, is by telling you that I really don't care at all about the two main characters. I don't care about them individually and I don't care about them as a couple. The only reason why I'm still watching it is because of the side couple. That's really it.

To me it feels like that they are just trying to do too much instead of doing one thing well. The premise of the female lead getting fake married because she realizes that she's losing out on being single could work great if it were a very lighthearted drama (think Business Proposal), but instead they decided to mix this with serious topics such as abuse, children being abandoned by their parents, the foster care system etc. which just doesn't work.

There are very very few dramas out there that are able to cover tough topics well and still make a drama that is very light & bright at times - and this drama surely isn't one of them.

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No Gain No Love- while everyone praised tf outta this drama, I highkey hated it. spoilers ahead
An above average drama, which leaves a very bitter aftertaste because of such terrible writing towards the end. Very unsatisfactory indeed.

This drama certainty could have been a masterpiece, if the writer hadn't completely thrown the plot out the window.

Things I liked-
Progressive writing for the most part.
A strong headed, kind and compassionate FL.
Green Flag ML.
The sisters and their relationship with each other.
Adults acting like adults instead of throwing tantrums and shying away from topics of sex like pre-teens.
Pointing how important it is to be a good parent, and not having a kid if you aren't ready to have one coz the damage parents can cause their kids.....

Things which I didn't like-
Most of the cast's acting was good but ML's bad acting was actually jarring to see, and it sucks coz he was THE ML
No backstory for ML??? Like hellooo, he is the male lead??? He didn't even have a personality except being a "green flag" tbh.
Second couple overshadowing the first couple in their own story? What was the writer even thinking-
No resolution for FL's ex?? He just took her credit and suffered no consequences for plagiarizing and cheating.
While for more than half the drama, getting promotion was FL's goal, in the climax she was left just a struggling start up CEO, worse than before??????!!!!!!! She just took her demotion like a doormat without doing anything when she was all like LET'S FIGHT TILL THE END. It was so out of character for an otherwise very assertive FL who doesn't take shit and always takes a stand.
And also lest we forget, what was the HR doing here when they were so quick to jump on a report of FL abusing a newbie? What were they doing right now? Sleeping?

The shitty ending- In the end she was left begging to SML, her boss who unfairly demoted her through abuse of power and gave her idea and rewards to someone else(her ex). And SML's audacity to call HER the bad guy for leaving his company????
Things that made no sense- On that note, how were the SFL and SML even together? Like how did SFL not mind that her boyfriend has demoted an extremely talented employee unfairly, that too HER SISTER (what about all those claims of loving and wanting to protect your sis)?? Like how did SFL not mind any of that?!! It absolutely makes zero sense.
In the end, SML seems like a jerk, a bad guy to me. So I can't even be truly happy for SFL and SML moments which sucks coz their moments overshadowed and took up the time of ML and FL too.

Usage of stupid tropes- What was that stupid noble idiocy trope in the LAST episode? For a drama, that was only subverting tropes since the starting, the last episode was just filled with stupid tropes. Very ironic.
Filial Piety Propaganda- No suffering for FL's mother and all the shit she put FL through by neglecting her? In the end, she is looked on as the angelic mother who fostered so many kids, while FL and her suffering is ignored, no one acknowledges or even validates FL's mother neglecting her unfairly and how FL was the one just left suffering. (dad died, mom got dementia) Even during the funeral, the vibe was that the mom was right to foster so many kids (at the expense of neglecting her own very daughter). Very very disappointing for a show that was trying to put across the message "only have kids if you're ready so that you don't traumatise them for life."
No resolution for SML's parents?
No backstory for third sister and why she even stuck with FL all these years?
And the way I may actually be forgetting even more plotholes.

The writing was a full on mess to say the least. I have no idea what the heck was the writer even thinking in the last third of the drama. And I have no idea how people are even singing this drama's praises by overlooking the jarring, blatant, in your face plotholes.

Just one word- ridiculous, that's what the last third of the drama is. Even the first third and second third of the drama was downright boring, objectively speaking, at least there were no issues with writing that time. And for a drama that's named "because I want no losses", the main leads certainly took a lot of losses. I believe "Because I want losses" is more of an apt name. Certainly don't recommend this drama.

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Too much, Too little

Overall, I really liked the show, but as others have mention, the second half really lowers it's rating for me as it felt really rushed. There's both too much they try to explore and more they could've explored. It really could have benefited from more episodes.

Mainly if we wanted to have 3 story lines, we needed more episodes to allow for deeper exploration of each one. While I enjoyed the side stories, the left no room for us to see the main romance, let alone flesh out the other two. They leave us with no time to accept anything and immediately jump from one life event to the next with little time to enjoy the in between or see the little natural parts of life.

The humor was good and has some Easter eggs for connoisseurs of the genre (both the k dramas and web comics). It also has few nuggets of wisdom that, while having so many can come off as preachy, flowed really well into the story.

I did enjoy the polyamory / open relationship bit as representation is always a good, but was sad to see that it ended up becoming a point conflict, especially one that can cause a poor outlook on that kind of relationship. I would understand if it was just the "I didn't wanted to tell you because I knew how you'd react," but the pregnancy part would have done well to be explored through a separate story where it could be the main focus and allow for the nuance and communication needed for such a complicated topic.

(Minor problem: I've seen a few dramas that do the "if they take off their glasses, they're hot," and watching both this drama and another 2024 drama back to back with this a pseudo plot point, really bothers me. I wear glasses and it frustrates me that it's typically seen as unflattering. Once the glasses are no longer needed drive a point, they're switched for contacts but with no explanation why someone, who we have only seen wear glasses before, suddenly only wears contacts. Even a cutaway to a paper stating that part of the deal with working at this company is dressing a certain way including wearing contacts and him sighing or him at the mirror going to put them on but remembering how the FL thought he was attractive without them and switching to the contacts would have really made it feel more natural.)

All in all, I'm glad I watched it but did feel unsatisfied.

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This drama will definitely grown on you so...don't come to conclusions just by watching 1st ep..

Directly going into the details........This drama is written in such a modern way, a non offensive way and the way the sibling trio talk about sex like it's nothing is very funny and insightful I should say. At first I only rated it an 8.5 but after watching half the drama my expectations are increasing and I am liking this drama even more.

The plot is quite unique. The first four episodes effectively cover the synopsis on MDL , and I’m eager to see how the story unfolds and how the leads come together.

The portrayal of FL's character, her relationships, and the reasons behind her breakups - all these things are portrayed very well. Even the reasons(for breakups) and justifications give by the FL seem so relatable and you can't find any flaws even if you want to. The office rules portrayed in the drama seem reasonable given the explanations provided. I have no issues with the actors and the acting. Initially, Ji-Uk’s wig and glasses were a bit distracting, but from ep 5 I have no complaints regarding this.

Now coming to SML with whom most people are concerned about.....trust me he is also one of the most likeable characters in this drama. And I feel that he is not as dumb as he seems to be in the drama. At first I felt that his character could have been improvised a little bit and they could have made a competition b/w ML and SML but yeah I totally trust the writers in this and I am more eager to know how their relation unfolds.

Now I am pretty sure that the SECOND LEADS are growing on me so much. I thought it was very cringey when they first met, but after episode 5, I no longer feel that way..............and I am more than looking forward to "The CEO's Menu" their exclusive drama <3 3

Last but not the least, a standing ovation to the production and the writing team and the actors. I definitely (really) needed this kind of k-drama after all these years of watching asian dramas.

Overall, I would like to say that just by watching the first episode if you feel like this drama is not for you or you're not interested in watching the further episodes - I will definitely say you really are missing out on such a wonderful drama.

PS: I don't see any reason why someone shouldn't watch this drama.!!!

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we need more rom coms like this

Viewers comments
"this drama is the definition of cliches done right"
"contains the perfect balance of ROMANCE and COMEDY"
"The best romcom since business proposal"

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This entails the story of a woman who doesn’t take NO for answer. She HATES wasting time and she’s going to find a way to get what she wants. She realises that in order for her to truly achieve her goals and ambitions, she has to be a married woman.

This drama depicts the world of corporate Korea as a place that only hands women benefits and opportunities if they are married to a man. It addresses the misogyny of the workplace while, of course, doing it in a comedic way.

The female lead grabs the first suitable man she can find, who turns out to be the cashier in a convenience store. But, is there more to him?

1. Plot/Storyline: 9/10
The story line had the potential to be an absolute disaster. I mean a fake marriage? This could have gone downhill really fast, especially because it’s a popular trope in the romance world. However, this is where the writers/producers vision really comes to light. They executed this perfectly. From the lines, to the sound effects, each scene was crafted to perfection.

2. Acting Performance: 9.5/10
I honestly thought that the pairing of this ml and fl may have been award. But they have insane chemistry. I think it’s safe to say the male lead was made for romcoms.
The side characters, such as the female leads younger sister also really know how to portray emotional depth. Key emotions such as "betrayal" and "sadness" were expressed almost to perfection.


3. Direction: 8.5/10
Although you can half expect what direction the story line will take most of the time, it depart bore you. It makes you wait in anticipation. And they have a way of throwing in unexpected scenes (eg: the end of episode 6). Like I said, cliches done right.

4. Cinematography/Visuals: 9/10
I love the brightness of this show. It definitely uplifts your mood and it’s a great way to unwind after a long day.

5. Script/Dialogue: 9.5/10
The script flows naturally. Even when they have to say “cringey” things, it doesn’t feel forced or awkward. It’s cute and makes you feel giddy.

6. Character Development: 8/10
The writers managed to show us the dynamic of these three women who are indeed "friends by chance, sisters by choice". They came to know eachother through a foster mom. But, they chose to work hard at loving each other.

7. Pacing: 10/10
Honestly love how straight to the point the storyline is. The confession was at a perfect time and there really is no beating around the bush. They cut the bullshit and didn’t give us unnecessary scenes.

8. Entertainment Value: 9/10
Description:** How entertaining or enjoyable was the overall experience? Did it meet your expectations?

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Favourite moment:
The entirety of episode 6. This is the PEAK of romcom.

More like this:
Business proposal
Strong woman do bong son
Perfect marriage revenge
Marry my husband
What’s wrong with secretary Kim
Her private life
Sh**ting stars

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it's just boring. i mean, if you have time for a mindless watch , then go ahead.

Kim Young Dae. i really want to like one of his projects, but most of them bank on the characters telling him "WOW you're so good looking". I gave him a chance in "moon in the day" drama. that one was boring too. the only one i liked from him was "the forbidden marriage".
I'm not sure if he's getting cast in the wrong things, but i need to see something better from him.

I actually think the female lead carried this drama. She was just..more entertaining to watch.

the side characters plots are boring. and provide nothing to the storyline.
the ceo of their company gets involved in a scandal with her sister, but she wants to sue him. idk. then her other sister is polyamorous with this older looking dude. I ended up forgetting to even finish this one lmao.

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don't waste your time on watching this garbage

mid show mid cast mid storyline with mid chemistry 😅

even side characters have more chemistry than main one force comedy which doesn't make u laugh like 2nd couple chemistry more they were good other this show is jist waste of time and energy maybe spend that time onother shows

no character development main lead kiss scene looks like two wood panel sticked to each other with 0 emotions and intensity, i kind of don't like their acting too if i m not they were in diff. drama too don't remember the name but comparing to that this totally failed to expectations

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What every rom-com should inspire to be like, watch and learn people!

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DISCLAIMER:
---> this is all my own opinion
---> im writing this review mostly to remember
why i liked it, but if my review makes you start
watching this, then i hope you enjoy it as much
as i did!
---> writing reviews is not my specialty, so don't
expect a thorough, well thought out and
written review, this was all written in the midst
of my excitement.

Edit: if you find question marks in random places, they were emojis, but for some reason theyre not showing up and are showing up as question marks instead

•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•○•

I went into this drama wjth no expectations, and it was the most pleasant surprise!

Hae young was such a refreshing fl, a modern, progressive career woman who hates losses. I loved everything about her, she was so cool. Her ambition was so admirable, and i loved that she wasn't 'innocent', the flashbsck scene with her 'battery' ex was hilarious, when she grabbed a bunch of condoms and told him he better last this time, and how she owned sex toys with no shame (not saying that is something to be ashamed about, just that you never really see things like that it kdramas).
Shin min ah truly brought Hae young to life!

Honestly, i am not a fan of Kim dae young AT ALL! Ive watched him in Extraordinary you, Shooting stars, The forbidden marriage, Moon in the day and Perfect family, and ive hated his performance in ALL of them and hated all these dramas except Extraordinary you, because he wasn't the main focus, so i was like "nooo, please not him again" but i gave this a go for our cutie patootie Shin min ah, and omg, he exceeded my expectations. Im still not a fan of him, but i would be lying if i said he didn't impress me in this. Hopefully his future performances will be as enjoyable as this one, maybe then ill slowly start warming up to him💁‍♀️

I LOVED their bickering throughout the series, especially when he was working part time in the convenience store, to everyone, he is Angel Ji Uk and Bhudda, but with Hae Young, he was so cheeky and silly, it was so cute and hilarious🤣
The "what about our baby" fight infront of the convenience store had me laughing my head off🤣

The drinking scene and Hae young and Ji uk waking up in the same bed and then Ahn jae hyun sliding up out of nowhere was GOLD😭💀i did NOT expect that AT ALL!

The second couple was SO ADORBSSSS!!!!!🥰At first, i was questioning how they would work because of the whole hate comments situation, and that one comment that she was very upset about, like would she be able to forgive him?? But when everything was resolved, i was like THANK GOD, because i wanted them together SO BADLY!! Ja yeon was such a sweet character, despite everything that happened to her, she has such an optimistic view of life and aims to live her life to the fullest, a truly admirable character, its no a suprise fuck-gyu fell for her!!🤗

Onto our extremely handsome, lousy CEO, fuck-gyu- can i just say, that name is fuck-ing hilarious🤣🤣- my demon, anyone?? I loved how heads over heels he was for our lovely Ja yeon, and that proposal scene and all the photos he took were so cute and romantic, what a DREAMY man😍🥹 He was like the perfect fairytale man for our adorable scribbling girl🥰
His existence itself was the most hilarious thing in the world, the scene where he beats up Ja yeons dad using Hae youngs sex toys- PURE COMEDY GOLD💀💀😭

Other relationships that really interested me, but i wont go into too much was:
the three sisters, Hui seong, Ja yeon and Hae young, though not blood related, they had such a beautiful bond.
Ji uk and his dads secretary were SO FUCKING PERFECT🤣 their convo where Ji uk was like "are you my dad?😨🤨" and the secretary was like "dude, im infertile...😬😳" was SO FUCKING FUNNY, I WAS ROLLING💀💀 honestly, i wish they were father and son.
Bok gyu and Ji uk, the brothers from another mother but same father (sorry, i had to🫣🤣) i loved the start of their relationship, and Bok gyu calling Ji uk 'Lucifer', and then unfortunately, the fathers cheating got revealed, and all that mess happened, but afterwards, they mended their relationship, and accepted each other as brothers which was really heartwarming.

The only tiny downside was that it was SO unfair all the promotions Ahn woo jae was getting, his leeching off of Hse young and the fact that Hae young didn't get her position back and all the credits she deserved.😒
I wish they cleared up what happened to him and his wife afterwards, that part was just skipped over.
Also, i HATED Bok gyus and Ji uks father, dirty, cheating bastard🤢

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