This has got to be the most convoluted, contrived, frustratingly annoying drama I have ever had the displeasure of watching. I went into this show with an open mind having seen Flower Boy Next Door and relatively enjoying it. When I found out flower boys was a series I figured why not go back to the original. I had no idea of the popularity of the series when it was originally released and I supposed still is to this day.
When it comes to TV/Movies I know there has to be a certain level of suspension of disbelief from the audience. I am well aware of it and capable of it to a certain extent. That extent ends where sexual assault begins. And also I am so over the I'm an asshole because I have mommy and daddy issues and I'm lonely, but because I'm handsome and random ass side characters who eventually disappear, tell you not to give up on me you'll let it slide bs.
This show actually fairs well until about the 5th episode when the main female protagonist begins to decline from this kick ass girl who actually stands up for herself and eventually turns into the biggest Mary Sue and damsel in distress in my K-Drama journey. Hell I'd venture to say in any drama I've seen. The show throws her into ridiculous situations that cause her to need to be protected and saved at any given moment. I mean practically every character that comes in contact with her turns into a knight in shining armor for her. Eventually I could care less about any of her situations because you knew someone was right around the corner to save her. Jan Di has a problem? No worries it'll be solved in .02 seconds. Jan Di has a wish or desire? No worries it'll be granted faster than you can say Mary Sue.
The show also asked so much from the audience emotionally when it came to Jan Di. It's like they wanted you to feel sorry for her EVERY episode. The girl cried so much that I actually started believing that her tears were like a source of oxygen for her, she needed it to survive. This show is too damn long to spend it feeling sorry for the main female every episode. I'm not emotionally capable of that. I'd rather spend my time rooting for a character than feeling sorry for one. The opportunities to actually root for her were few and far between. She couldn't solve her own problems, but somehow she's the solution to everyone else's.
The secondary characters are actually where this show had a little something something to work with. I spent the majority of the show wishing that Ga Eul was the main female character. She was a breath of fresh air although she was not without issues. Her and Yi Jung's relationship faired a lot better than the two main relationships of the show. Although that scene with Ga Eul, Yi Jung and his father did piss me off thoroughly.
Woo Bin deserved a better storyline. Or maybe just a storyline because he was pretty much an extra besides that super random storyline that he got. I won't spoil it for people who decide for whatever reason to watch this show, but it was so contrived.
Anyway I managed to finish this show because of Ji Hoo (he was sweet. Naive, but sweet) Ga Eul and Yi Jung.
The acting was definitely nothing to write home about. A lot of the actors struggled with emotional scenes so they weren't as hard hitting as the director probably wanted them to be.
I cannot recommend this show as a good show, but if you're drawn to damsels or assholes and/or want to live vicariously through Jan Di and have hot guys save you this show might be for you. If not, please save your sanity and your time and watch a different drama. If you want to watch a flower boy show, watch Flower Boy Next Door, it's better (not great, but better).
Last, but not least Kim Bum has a killer smile.
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