Playing Ep 01

What people are saying

• silentzebra

  Overall 10

  Story 10,  Acting 10,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 10

  Today, inspired by a social media post advocating for embracing the things we love rather than dismissing them, I feel compelled to share my thoughts on a beloved drama. Anticipation for this series was sky-high from the moment it was announced, with a stellar cast, renowned writer, and intriguing premise. Despite the immense hype leading up to its premiere, the show failed to meet everyone's expectations – except mine.
  
  The storyline may be rife with familiar tropes, featuring a wealthy boy falling for a girl...

  of lower social status, complete with high school drama and romantic entanglements. However, the series breathes new life into these cliches through its humor and refreshing narrative perspective, reminiscent of the writer's previous works.
  
  The characters, particularly the leads portrayed by familiar faces such as Lee Min Ho and Park Shin Hye, deliver performances that range from endearing to memorable. In particular, Woo Bin's portrayal of a complex character stole the spotlight, leaving viewers rooting for his happiness. The supporting cast adds depth to the story, with standout performances that elevate the overall viewing experience.
  
  The music accompanying the drama lingers long after the final episode, with a standout OST that enhances emotional moments and leaves a lasting impression. The rewatch value of this series is undeniable, a testament to its enduring charm and entertainment value.
  
  In essence, this drama challenges cliches by infusing them with authenticity and humor, showcasing characters who defy expectations and exhibit strength in unexpected ways. While opinions on the series may vary, I believe it deserves recognition for its ability to evoke genuine emotions and provide a captivating viewing experience.

• HappyHelen84

  Overall 6

  Story 6,  Acting 8,  Music 6,  Rewatch Value 1

  As a TV enthusiast eagerly anticipating this particular series, my excitement was palpable as I counted down the days to its premiere. Despite tempering my expectations, hoping for a decent viewing experience, the end result left much to be desired. Let's delve into the characters: the central figures felt rather formulaic and lacked the depth I had hoped for. In particular, Eun Sang, the lead, fell flat for me, ranking high on the scale of uninteresting characters. On the flip side, the supporting cast delivered...

  a much-needed injection of charisma and intrigue, becoming the sole reason I maintained interest in the series. As for the storyline, it trod the familiar path of a wealthy man entwined with a less fortunate woman, interlaced with a tapestry of dramatic events. While competent, it failed to ascend to the heights of exceptional storytelling. Overall, my viewing experience left a bittersweet aftertaste - a longing for more substance and originality. Regrettably, this series falls short of earning a spot on my recommended list. It reminded me of another classic in the genre, albeit without matching its appeal. Despite its shortcomings, the series did boast visually pleasing aesthetics and picturesque filming locations, a testament to its considerable budget. Let it be known that these reflections are entirely subjective and reflect my personal viewing experience. A disclaimer - this critique marks my maiden voyage into the realm of reviews, hence your indulgence with any linguistic shortcomings is appreciated.

• bitterdaniel25

  Overall 6

  Story 2,  Acting 9,  Music 10,  Rewatch Value 1

  When the ensemble and teasers for the series were announced, it generated a lot of excitement and high expectations. However, as the story unfolded in the initial episodes, it became evident that the show was headed in a disappointing direction. While the cast's performances were commendable, the plot itself left much to be desired. It felt like even a child could come up with a more engaging storyline.
  
  One particular letdown was the underutilization of Kim Woobin's character, who seemed poised for a more substantial role....

  Instead of a compelling love triangle, the focus shifted primarily to Park Shin Hye's character navigating various relationships. The side story involving Krystal and Minhyuk had its charm, but it ultimately felt somewhat disconnected from the main narrative. The inclusion of Krystal's character as a sudden friend to Park Shin Hye's felt rather contrived.
  
  Additionally, the presence of Rachel's character seemed superfluous, as she failed to contribute significantly to the overall plot or create any meaningful conflicts. Park Shin Hye's character's frequent tearful scenes became somewhat excessive, reminiscent of the melodrama seen in other similar series.
  
  Despite the star-studded cast, the series fell short of expectations and emerged as a disappointing watch, especially considering the potential it initially showed.

• fastnaomi

  Overall 6

  Story 4,  Acting 9,  Music 3,  Rewatch Value 1

  I have to be honest, my expectations were through the roof when I first heard about the star-studded cast of this drama. However, despite knowing that there might be some clichéd moments due to the track record of the writer behind the plot, my hopes were dashed. The storyline fell flat, feeling mundane and lacking the finesse that usually draws me into new dramas. The structure of the series felt messy, with a slow start that suddenly rushed toward a confusing and unsatisfying ending that...

  left viewers wanting more.
  
  Let's talk about the characters. While I usually adore Park Shin Hye's performances, her portrayal in this drama felt irksome, mainly due to her character's tendency to burst into tears at the drop of a hat, particularly when around Kim Tan. Lee Min Ho's portrayal of Kim Tan was decent, showcasing the character's naivety and loyalty to his brother, though his interference in other characters' relationships left much to be desired. Kim Woo Bin's portrayal of Choi Young Do, on the other hand, was a standout, with his ability to convey a range of emotions flawlessly. Further development between Choi Young Do and Cha Eun Sang could have added an extra layer of excitement to the story.
  
  The couple consisting of Lee Bo Na and Yoon Chan Young brought a much-needed dose of humor and cuteness to the series, making them a fan-favorite pairing. Kang Ha Neul's portrayal of Lee Hyo Shin was a rollercoaster of emotions, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Choi Jin Hyuk nailed his role as Kim Won, showing the various sides of his character convincingly.
  
  The mothers in the series brought a light-hearted and comedic element to the drama, with Kim Mi-Kyung's silent yet expressive portrayal deserving special mention. Kim Ji Won's portrayal of Rachel Yoo as the antagonist was spot-on and added an intriguing dynamic to the plot.
  
  While the music initially had promise, the repetitive use of tracks throughout the series veered into cheesiness, taking away from the overall viewing experience. Personally, I found the confusion and lack of finesse in this drama to be disappointing, making it unlikely for a rewatch. Considering all aspects, this series falls short of expectations, leading me to give it a rating of [rating].