This is my first time writing a review for a show I watched, so you can assume CLOY was a swoonworthy watch for me. I'd say I have been in a kdrama slump before I discovered this masterpiece, and I'm still not over it. I already tried rewatching my favorite moments. I usually would mind rewatching films, but I have no problem with rewatching this a million times. This is a kdrama OG that everyone should check out. It deserves the hype. I became queen of tears while watching. The tropes are found-family, romcom, and forbidden love. And touch her & you die. While I do agree that the portrayal is not entirely accurate and that life in the North, in reality, is much more brutal with less leniency toward a traitor, CLOY still is an excellent execution for me. It broke my heart when the comrades were so wow away by Seri's house: an endless amount of electricity, running water, and warmth. But I had an enjoyable time watching. I was kept on the edge of my seat as the show progressed. I even got scolded by my mom because I was staying up late, unable to resist continuing the next episode.
Se Ri is a girl boss. She's a heiress with a charming personality--funny, chatty, and open; she's the opposite of what I would expect rich businesswomen whose fate ended up in NK to act like. She was self-sufficient until she had nothing in the North. But she still made something out of nothing and enjoyed the small moments of life. No wonder she not only captivated the village ladies but also the man whose face was her ideal type. She's very sweet to the comrades. I found comfort in those moments when they surrounded her. It's fortunate she had parents who supported her. Especially her dad who did not root for her death. Her mom also loves her dearly, it just took Se Ri time to realize how big that love is.
If Jeong Hyeok wasn't a captain, he would have shone way brighter and sexier in Switzerland. I live for his pout. His protective instinct always proves useful in dangerous situations; his quick-to-act personality and intelligent mind have come in handy in protecting Seri and his comrades from the bad guys. Se Ri was a perfect addition to his life; she made it more colorful. He thought he could've continued a life without dreams until Se Ri transformed it in the best way possible and he was able to resume his piano pursuits. His brother's incident definitely made him repress himself, until he met Se Ri. At first, it was just physical attraction like during his Switzerland trip with Dan witnessing her ridiculousness. Until later fate reconnected them after Se Ri paraglided into NK. It wasn't until the Pyongyang trip that he realized he was drawn to her. They both saw each other's vulnerability multiple times and comforted each other. I'm no chemist but their relationship speaks so much chemistry, that it's enough to light up NK. Can't forget about them caring for their plants!!!
I love the squad so much!! Including Man Bok. I'm glad he decided to be on their team, overcoming his obedience to Cheol Gang. I'm still not over how they'll never see Se Ri again or know how she's doing. I love all the fried chicken dining, gaming, and basically team bonding moments. I still can't believe what happened to Seung Jun. He and Dan were going to be end games. She isn't an open character, but he understood her so well.