Evaluation: Would You Marry Me?

THE SHORT VERDICT:

When Present is at its greatest, it’s simple, breezy, slurpy frothy enjoyable, the place I discovered it extremely gratifying to observe, though it wasn’t doing something spectacularly new.

Sadly, when Present isn’t at its greatest, it feels much more drained, prefer it’s simply checking off bins to get us to our requisite joyful ending.

Your mileage could range, after all, however both approach, I feel we’ll agree that Jung So Min and Choi Woo Sik as our OTP make up Present’s greatest vivid spot.

Not unhealthy, however may’ve been so significantly better.

THE LONG VERDICT:

I do suppose that how properly you get pleasure from this present, actually relies on how a lot you get pleasure from our leads, vs. how excessive your expectations are.

Me? I had robust expectations for this one primarily based on the casting and premise, and people expectations solely grew to become stronger with Present early efficiency.

Sadly for me, Present didn’t fairly stay to my (admittedly excessive) expectations, and that prevented me from loving all of it the best way to the top.

However I feel when you’re capable of tweak your expectations, for the love of our leads, this would possibly land slightly higher for you, than it did for me. 🥲

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Right here’s the OST album, in case you’d wish to hearken to it when you learn the overview.

Total, I did benefit from the music on this present; all of it struck me as being fairly breezy-pretty, very very similar to our drama world. I believed that the music was typically very nice and well-applied, in a approach that amplified my watch expertise.

I’ve to admit, although, that as a lot I used to be digging Present’s breezy vibe, notably in its early-to-mid episodes, solely Observe 1, All I Need is You, stands out in my thoughts as a music I affiliate with this present. 😅

I actually like how mild and straightforward this one goes down; it’s obtained a very gratifying groove, I really feel. 🥰

Right here it’s by itself as properly, in case you’d want to hearken to it on repeat as a substitute. Excellent-click on the video and choose “Loop.”

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll discuss how one can handle your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens can be most useful.

After that, I discuss stuff I preferred on a extra macro stage, earlier than I give the highlight to chose characters and relationships, in a separate part. Lastly, I spend a while speaking about my ideas on the penultimate and finale episodes.

If you happen to’re excited about my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or all the assorted Patreon members’ feedback throughout the course of our watch, you would possibly like to take a look at my episode notes on Patreon right here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Listed below are some issues that I feel can be useful to remember, to maximise your enjoyment of your watch:

1. Present doesn’t do something dramatically completely different

If you happen to’ve watched dramas for some time, you’d doubtless acknowledge the tropes from a mile away, and be capable to predict most plot factors with an inexpensive diploma of accuracy.

That stated, I do suppose there’s one thing to be stated for a drama that feels snug and acquainted, even on first viewing; it’s like consuming a favourite dish. You get pleasure from it, though you already are accustomed to the flavors.

This present acquainted in the best way it tells its story, however that’s really what I like about it.

If you happen to’ve been round Dramaland for an excellent period of time, and are particularly searching for one thing new and recent to observe, then this won’t be just right for you.

2. Present takes a short while to get settled

Present takes about 2 episodes to arrange its premise and get going correct, with its story. I personally took about an episode or so, to lastly really feel like Present was settling into its story.

Being ready to provide Present a little bit of time, helps.

3. Suspension of disbelief is required

Present typically stretches the boundaries of coincidence and logic, with a view to nudge its story alongside, so when you wished to select aside these logic stretches, you’d discover rather a lot.

Nonetheless, I feel it’s simply higher and simpler to be keen to droop disbelief, with a view to get pleasure from your watch.

On that word..

4. A manhwa lens may be helpful

I feel it’s very helpful to simply use a cartoon type of lens when taking a look at Jerk Woo Ju (I’ve determined that I must differentiate him from our ML in some way, since they actually share the identical precise identify 😅) and his household of snooty vipers.

In any other case, their conduct is simply too infuriating and exasperating.

With a cartoon lens on, although, it’s simpler to shrug and hold proper rolling alongside.

5. Present is much less breezy in its second half

..And realizing that prematurely, and with the ability to tweak your expectations round that, helps, I feel.

STUFF I LIKED

When Present is slurpy-frothy

At its greatest, I discovered Present to be a frothy confection of rom-com sweetness that was so interesting, that I might discover episodes floating by simply, even on events after I hadn’t fairly been within the temper for drama after I’d pressed ‘play’ – Gasp! Who even am I, proper? 😁

Present was breezy, it was charming, and it ticked all of the bins for nearly every thing I wished, in a guilty-pleasure rom-com.

Positive, not every thing made logical sense, however Present was enjoyable, and that was extra necessary than logic, in my books.

When our OTP is sharing the display screen

I undoubtedly loved Present greatest when Jung So Min and Choi Woo Sik are sharing display screen time.

It’s true that Present employs an inordinate quantity of tropes and coincidences and different foolish conditions with a view to get them to share that display screen time, however I used to be mainly recreation for absolutely anything, so long as stated factor labored to carry our OTP slightly nearer to one another.

Right here’s an instance of after I willingly put up with secondhand mortification, for this precise cause.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. All of Me Ri’s good intentions of not getting caught by MD Baek (Bae Na Ra) rapidly goes down the drain, when Mosquito-Gate occurs, and he or she goes and fiddles with the sunshine switches, desperately making an attempt to “repair” the lights – which completely alerts MD Baek to the truth that there may be, certainly, somebody residing in the home.

I imply, how may he miss all the home flickering like a Christmas tree, sure? 😂

I did really feel some secondhand mortification right here, on Me Ri’s behalf, however fortunately, MD Baek’s not very aggressive about it, aside from making pointed remarks about how Me Ri’s husband doesn’t appear to have any of his issues in the home. 🤭

I normally squirm rather a lot at secondhand embarrassment, however that is one event the place I didn’t thoughts coping with a little bit of secondhand embarrassment, since this might solely work to nudge our OTP nearer and nearer collectively. 😁

[END SPOILER]

When Present amuses me

As you doubtless know, when you’ve been across the weblog for some time, k-humor and I don’t typically get alongside, however Present managed to amuse me a good bit, and there have been even a few events after I laughed out loud.

This sort of incidence is extraordinarily uncommon, within the context of my private drama journey, so listed below are stated events, for posterity. 😁

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I really obtained an excellent giggle from the best way CEO Lee (Park Yeon Woo) loses the rigged successful entry out of his sleeve and panic-gropes by the pile of entries, throughout the fortunate draw.

Tee hee hee. Park Yeon Woo does have fairly nice response faces. (Additionally, I needed to look him up, however he performed John Jang, in Love is for Suckers – overview right here!)

E3-4. I feel each our leads have nice comedian timing, however these episodes, I believed Jung So Min did particularly properly, with that complete horror-movie-esque exit from that kennel on the prime of episode 3.

Fairly spot on, from what I can inform as somebody who’s by no means watched The Ring, which I’m fairly certain is the film they’re spoofing. 😂

[END SPOILER]

STUFF THAT WAS OK

How Present works with our premise

I really like me an excellent contract marriage setup, so I used to be instantly intrigued by Present’s premise, that Me Ri wins a home in a fortunate draw, and thereafter wants a faux husband with a view to obtain her prize.

I’d say that the best way Present ended up dealing with this premise ended up being a little bit of a blended bag, for me.

Generally, I might be pleasantly shocked by how Present would take our story in a course that I hadn’t been anticipating, however then, at different instances, I used to be genuinely disillusioned that Present.. uh, took our story in a course that I hadn’t been anticipating. 😅

Let me clarify.

[SPOILER ALERT]

Surprises I preferred

Very often, particularly in our earlier episodes, Present would take our narrative in a sideways course that might typically get a chuckle out of me, partly for being so sudden.

For instance, in episode 3, with Woo Ju operating into Aunt and Eung Su (Baek Ji Gained and Go Geon Han) proper when MD Baek’s there, I’d imagined that Woo Ju must acknowledge Me Ri as his spouse in entrance of Aunt and Eung Su, thus nudging this contract marriage alongside.

Nonetheless, that scene didn’t in any respect resolve like I’d imagined, and as a substitute we’ve Me Ri crawling out of that canine home in probably the most iconic approach ever. It’s so foolish that it tickles my humorous bone. 😁

Surprises I didn’t like a lot

At first, I used to be fairly pleased with Present not leaping straight into having our OTP stay collectively within the prize townhouse, as a result of I discovered it fairly fascinating and recent, to see what different methods Present would provide you with, to drive our story ahead.

HOWEVER.

Present by no means really has our OTP stay collectively as a part of their contract marriage, and since compelled cohabitation and the associated hijinks have an enormous smooth spot in my fangirl coronary heart, I used to be truthfully fairly disillusioned about this.

Like, you had this solid, and this chance, and also you didn’t use it?? Why?? 😫😫

[END SPOILER]

The company scheming [SPOILERS]

Actually, I might’ve been completely joyful to have Jerk Woo Ju be the primary Dangerous Man in our story world, however Present opts to additionally make Uncle (Kim Younger Min) one too, and I’m not even that shocked, provided that it’s Kim Younger Min who’s enjoying Uncle.

I’d had a sense that Present wouldn’t solid Kim Younger Min after which simply make him a easy facet character, and with the glimmer of darker appears to be like that Uncle’s been flashing on occasion, I wasn’t even shocked when Uncle placed on a correct Evil Glare.

Nonetheless, I’ve to confess that as we obtained deeper into our story, and as Uncle’s nefarious plans took up an increasing number of of our display screen time, I began to want that we obtained much less of Uncle and the company stuff.

STUFF I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH

When Present turns into much less enjoyable to observe

There’s no approach round it; I’ve to admit that when we had been squarely previous the midway level in our story, I felt that Present grew to become distinctly much less breezy-slurpy, and simply general much less simple to observe. 😅

I attempted to rationalize {that a} good quantity of it needed to do with the truth that no present may very well be breezy right through, and a few heavier beats had been mandatory, to stability our story out.

Nonetheless, I’ve to confess that by the point I obtained to the top of my watch, Present had misplaced most of its preliminary shine, for me.

SPOTLIGHT ON SELECTED CHARACTERS / RELATIONSHIPS

Jung So Min as Me Ri

I’ve a pre-existing affection for Jung So Min, and I actually loved her as our feminine lead, Me Ri.

Jung So Min imparts a substantial amount of private allure to Me Ri, a lot in order that I couldn’t assist however like Me Ri, just about instantly.

And truthfully, even after I felt like Present wasn’t at its greatest, all Jung So Min needed to do was flash her signature heat smile, and I felt like I used to be having fun with my watch, just a bit bit extra.

One among my favourite issues about Me Ri, is her robust underlying sense of self.

I’ll point out this once more in different sections, however for now, right here’s an early instance of Me Ri demonstrating that sense of self, and successful me over instantly. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. I like that within the opening scene, the place the potential shopper begins making these oily, suggestive remarks at her, Me Ri doesn’t hesitate to name him out on it, and switch down the job.

I like much more, that when Me Ri realizes that Jerk Woo Ju (Search engine marketing Bum June) is dishonest on her, she asks to fulfill him, exhibits him all of the receipts that she’s discovered by way of her digital investigative efforts, after which breaks it off with him.

Sure, it does take a little bit of back-and-forth to get there, however I recognize that Me Ri’s mainly simply doing her due diligence, by giving him an opportunity to elucidate.

And in the long run, I do suppose that her conclusion – that even when she selected to marry him, they’d ultimately break up sooner or later – is extraordinarily penetrating and smart.

I severely admire Me Ri for having the readability to see her future, and select to name off the marriage within the current, though that isn’t in any respect a straightforward factor to do, given that everybody in her world is already anticipating the marriage, and the condominium already leased, and along with her mother’s financial savings, at that.

I feel Me Ri’s readability and willpower is much more admirable, as a result of it’s not like her coronary heart isn’t breaking, as she takes this step.

Slightly, she’s selecting her self-worth, though it includes heartbreak, and this endears her to me, a fantastic deal.

I actually like that our feminine lead has such a powerful sense of self-worth, and I hope that Present remembers to maintain this intact and robust, by the remainder of our story.

[END SPOILER]

Choi Woo Sik as Woo Ju

I’ve had a smooth spot for Choi Woo Sik since 2021’s Our Beloved Summer time (overview right here!), so I used to be already primed to love him as Woo Ju, on this story.

In my thoughts, he’s the quintessential beta male lead sort, y’know? The softer, sweeter cousin of the normal domineering alpha male lead, if you’ll.

And Woo Ju does develop into just about simply that.

I hadn’t realized this so clearly whereas watching the present, however I feel that my favourite factor about Woo Ju, is his core kindness.

He doesn’t must know you, to be sort to you, and he’s constantly matter-of-fact about it, prefer it’s probably the most pure factor on the earth. I preferred that rather a lot. 🥲

Listed below are a few examples to point out you what I imply.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. With the best way we see Woo Ju flatly flip down that request for that girl’s son to swap seats with him, I’d fearful for a minute that our male lead can be a jerk sort, it was really a nice aid, to understand that it was the woman’s son who had been the jerk, and Woo Ju had placed on a snooty act, with a view to defend the woman.

Aw. This made me like him already. 🥲

And for somebody who seems to be a little bit of a chaebol prince (in a way of talking), he’s very pleasantly unpretentious and down-to-earth.

Simply have a look at the best way he goes on a easy fishing trip upon returning to Korea, as a substitute of selecting one thing flashier and extra luxurious.

E3-4. I felt actually unhealthy for Me Ri’s mother (Yoon Bok In), that she’d go to all that bother to make all that meals for her in-laws, solely to be met with the shock of discovering out that Me Ri and Jerk Woo Ju have damaged up, and the marriage’s most undoubtedly off.

Poor Mother. I hated that she even falls to the bottom, and that a few of her lovingly ready meals will get spilled onto the street. Grrrr. Jerk Woo Ju’s household is as terrible as he’s.

I’m relieved that Woo Ju gives to run to Mother for Me Ri, and that he’s sort and comforting and simply all-around useful to Mother. 🥲

I really like the best way he listens to her, and says encouraging issues (like how Me Ri is doing so properly and preferred by everybody), and makes certain to see her off in probably the most sort, loving and respectful method.

Augh. So beautiful, actually. 🥹

I really feel like Woo Ju’s kindness actually does assist to scrub away a few of the awfulness of what Mother had encountered with Jerk Woo Ju’s mother and sister, and I do love that very a lot.

[END SPOILER]

Me Ri and Woo Ju

I believed that Choi Woo Sik and Jung So Min made a fantastic pairing, truthfully.

Once we had been in Present’s higher half, we obtained a fantastic mixture of OTP comedy hijinks blended with OTP sparky moments, and I used to be a really, very joyful camper certainly.

To be brutally frank, I do really feel that writer-nim didn’t fairly know how one can make the most of this OTP for the very best outcomes.

I really feel that if we’d spent extra time delving into the connection dynamics between them, as a substitute of counting on exterior components to maintain nudging our story ahead, this OTP would’ve been way more satisfying to observe, and general, we’d’ve had a significantly better present.

That stated, I’ll agree with the camp that feels that this OTP stays Present’s saving grace, in its second half.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. There was an excellent chunk of secondhand embarrassment that went with how Cactus-gate went down, however on the identical time, I couldn’t assist however recognize that Jung So Min’s comedian timing is nice, and he or she does handle to underscore the foolish with a way of uncooked pathos, which helps to floor issues.

And, I additionally recognize what an excellent egg Woo Ju exhibits himself to be, as a result of he’s undeniably tremendous affected person with Me Ri’s drunken antics, after which he even takes her to the hospital to get the cactus spines faraway from her butt, after which waits for her and takes her residence.

This, though it actually takes all night time, and it’s the subsequent morning, by the point he’s dropping her off.

I really feel like most individuals would’ve tapped out approach earlier than this level, and simply walked away, so Woo Ju’s earned fairly a pleasant variety of brownie factors with me.

E1-2. I recognize that Present takes the time to create a scenario the place Woo Ju wants Me Ri’s assist too, to stability issues out.

It’s actually unbelievable that Woo Ju would take up Eung Su’s wager – that he’ll stop his job if he doesn’t handle to increase the copyright contract on the identical fee – however my useful cartoon lens makes it fairly simple for me to simply roll proper alongside and settle for it as Present’s approach of giving Woo Ju a cause to just accept Me Ri’s wild proposal.

I additionally recognize that Me Ri makes an attempt to unravel this complete conundrum, by reaching out to Jerk Woo Ju and his household, all of whom need nothing to do along with her (after all).

Once more, this fashion, it offers us some form of comfort that Me Ri’s not reaching for fraud as her first alternative, y’know?

E3-4. It really is smart, that Woo Ju’s not transferring in with Me Ri, and is, as a substitute, telling her to not stay on the home as a result of he doesn’t wish to run the chance of them getting caught.

I additionally recognize that Me Ri does her greatest to maintain her phrase, from searching for a jjimjilbang, to calling her solely buddy, earlier than she finally ends up at that motel.

Sure, my mind wonders why there is just one jjimjilbang that Me Ri can think about in all the metropolis of Seoul, however I suppose that is a type of issues that we’re meant to simply shrug and ignore – as a result of writer-nim wants Me Ri to crash on the shadiest of motels, with a view to ultimately ignite Woo Ju’s concern, sure?

To Woo Ju’s credit score, although, I feel that he does present a good quantity of kindness, even earlier than he sees the motel situations.

Like when that employees member retains making an attempt to make Me Ri pay for the group outing bills, I actually like that Woo Ju steps in and takes care of the invoice so naturally, whereas stating that it’s their group expense, and shouldn’t be paid by somebody who’s from one other firm.

After which, when the identical employees member tries to pull Me Ri alongside to the noraebang (additionally in order that Me Ri can be conveniently there to shove the invoice on), Woo Ju places a cease to it by insisting on taking Me Ri residence.

I simply actually like these little indications that Woo Ju’s looking for Me Ri. 🥰

Afterwards, when Woo Ju begins to really feel uneasy concerning the perceived shiftiness of the motel worker, you’ll be able to see the priority rising in his eyes, after which, when he hears Me Ri yelp over the cellphone and thinks that she might need been attacked by stated motel worker, he runnnns over there, and doesn’t suppose twice about punching the man within the face.

Aw. Poor Motel Man, who seems to be not so shady in spite of everything. 😅

I feel it says rather a lot, that when Woo Ju hears that Me Ri actually has nowhere else to go, he takes her to the prize townhouse, though he nonetheless has considerations about them being caught.

The truth that he would prioritize Me Ri’s consolation and security over his considerations about perhaps having a felony file, does endear him to me some extra. 🥲

E3-4. Mosquito-Gate is the catalyst for the marriage photoshoot, and I totally loved watching Woo Ju and Me Ri cozy up for the digicam and entering into character whereas doing so. 🤭

I did suppose that it was fairly clichéd that Woo Ju would have that second of marvel, when he first sees Me Ri in that marriage ceremony costume, and on first watch, I did chafe slightly, that this got here off as being reasonably.. superficial?

My mind was all, “What, will he primarily like her for her appears to be like, then?”

BUT THEN. Present offers us that reveal, on the finish of episode 4 (which once more, I hadn’t been anticipating), that Woo Ju at this level, has already realized that Me Ri is the little woman who’d given him that stuffed bear, which had turned out to be such an enormous lifeline for him.

AHHH! 🤩🤩

I do know I’m getting forward of myself by way of episode occasions, however I simply needed to point out this now, as a result of this context is placing an entire new lens on how I view all of the occasions after this level, and I like it. 😁

It completely provides a layer of which means to how Woo Ju is admittedly going out of his approach to assist Me Ri, even going as far as to recommend marriage ceremony images, as a result of she’s not this lady whom he’s simply met; she’s the one who’d given him a lifeline, within the darkest time of his life.

I do actually get pleasure from the concept that his gratitude for her kindness, is threading by every thing that he’s doing now, to assist her.

Regardless that it’s fully tropey that they’d need to kiss with a view to throw Se Jung off the scent, I actually do recognize the best way Present leans into the trivia of the second, with Me Ri and Woo Ju taking turns to provoke a kiss, and in addition, surrendering to the kiss.

It successfully conveys that neither of them dislikes the concept of truly kissing the opposite individual, sure? 😁

Talking of skinship necessitated by exterior components, after all there’s additionally how our OTP decides to placed on their greatest lovey-dovey act, with a view to fulfill MD Baek’s suspicious side-eyes.

I’ve to admit that I’d discovered their act fairly awkward and due to this fact unconvincing, however that contextual layer that Present provides on later, that Woo Ju is already conscious of Me Ri’s id by this level, and is definitely having fun with the excuse to deal with her with affection, undoubtedly provides some sparkle on hindsight. 😁

After all, some moments don’t require that further layer of context to qualify as highlights – like that second when Woo Ju appears to be like up on the marriage ceremony picture and smiles to himself, like he likes what he sees.

And the way about that undeniable fact that he and Me Ri get alongside to properly and chat so simply, that he actually forgets the time – and the truth that he’d promised to fulfill up with Jin Gyeong.

I particularly like that second when Me Ri sighs that she’s carried out with giving her all for love, and he responds by saying that she doesn’t need to be the one to alter; that he’s certain that she’ll meet somebody who received’t take her love with no consideration.

Aw. That’s actually such an uplifting factor to say; I like it. 🥲

E3-4. I like it when Woo Ju’s sort, and he’s sort once more, when he goes over to cross Me Ri the meals that Mother had left for her, and notices that she’s teary and out of kinds.

I actually like that he notices, to begin with, after which, I like that he persists in expressing concern, even when Me Ri tries to brush it off. After which I like that he doesn’t impose his opinion on Me Ri, however makes a delicate suggestion, that maybe Mother is able to hear Me Ri’s facet of the story now.

Aw. That’s very supportive with out being invasive, I really feel. 🥲

E5-6. I’m joyful that our OTP will get a pleasant period of time collectively, these episodes.

For instance, there’s how Beaute Division Retailer engages Woo Ju’s firm to supply their particular anniversary presents – which provides Me Ri’s firm an opportunity to get entangled, in designing the packaging.

And I do like that as a result of they’re each a bit jumpy about being caught by MD Baek, Woo Ju requests that Me Ri name him 4 instances a day – as a result of that’s what actual {couples} do, heh.

I’m certain Woo Ju’s by no means upset that he’ll get to listen to from Me Ri on such an everyday foundation. 😁

I imply, I’m not tremendous sizzling on the childhood connection trope myself, however I’m advantageous with it getting used as a plot catalyst, as a result of we solely have 12 episodes to work with.

And, whereas I do suppose it’s form of dorky-silly that Woo Ju’s so happy that Me Ri praised the form of his head as a child, it’s true that whenever you’re infatuated with somebody, any little factor that they are saying simply impacts you additional.

I’d questioned why Woo Ju would hesitate to inform Me Ri who he actually is, however we discover out the rationale, in his dialog with Jin Gyeong.

How tragic, that Me Ri’s father had died in an accident whereas on the best way to the police station to provide a further witness assertion. 😱 So bloodthirsty, writer-nim! 👀

And wow, what a burden Woo Ju’s carrying; he believes that he’d brought on his dad and mom’ deaths, on his birthday, no much less, and now he additionally believes that he’d not directly brought on Me Ri’s father’s dying too.

That’s so merciless, and it’s a marvel that Woo Ju’s turned out moderately regular – other than his common nightmares. 😟

It additionally appears to be like like Woo Ju’s susceptible to anxiousness assaults, provided that he nearly has one, from having overheard the merciless issues that his aunt had stated, again on the temple.

I do suppose it says rather a lot, that an invite from Me Ri to have a home-cooked meal would pull Woo Ju out of his funk, to even be capable to forego the medicine that he’d been about to take.

I do know it’s totally tropey, however I’m a sucker for something that signifies that one half of an OTP has a therapeutic impact on the opposite half. 🥰

After which, once more, it’s tropey that Me Ri would botch at the very least one dish in getting ready dinner, however I like how they simply snigger about it, and I like much more, that Woo Ju opens up and shares his painful secret with Me Ri; that he believes his dad and mom had died due to him, and on his birthday, no much less.

It’s so poignant to listen to Woo Ju discuss how he’d chosen to eat plenty of rice on his birthday, in order that he’d get sleepy rapidly and go to mattress, in order that the subsequent day would arrive sooner.

You possibly can inform that Me Ri’s fairly affected by his fact, and is making an attempt to cheer him up, by telling him that he selected properly, and that it’s advantageous to overlook at some point in all the yr.

I don’t personally really feel prefer it’s probably the most sympathetic factor to say, however I’m glad that Woo Ju clearly understands that she’s coming from a spot of wanting to supply him ethical assist. 🥲

I used to be additionally a sucker for the scene on the rooftop, as a result of, first, it’s so fairly, with the double rainbow and every thing, after which, how candy, that Woo Ju’s want is that Me Ri’s needs will come true, and at last, how about the truth that, after that tropiest of falls the place Me Ri lands in his arms, Woo Ju’s actually leaning in to kiss Me Ri, and possibly would have, if Me Ri hadn’t noticed Jerk Woo Ju downstairs, and gotten spooked.

Like, wait, Woo Ju’s at some extent the place he’s able to kiss Me Ri??? Eee! 🤭🤭 My fangirl coronary heart is kind of thrilled about this.

However after all, we don’t really get to delve into this simply but, with the best way Jerk Woo Ju comes barging again into Me Ri’s world.

Regardless that Me Ri doesn’t wish to hassle Woo Ju with this data at first, I’m relieved that they do discuss it earlier than lengthy, as a result of I feel it’s crucial that Woo Ju’s conscious that Jerk Woo Ju is again, and is exhibiting up in Me Ri’s life.

It appears like an enormous deal, that Woo Ju would inform Me Ri that he’ll assist her, as a result of Jerk Woo Ju hasn’t carried out something, and shouldn’t profit from the home that Me Ri had received all on her personal.

The way in which Me Ri rushes ahead to hug him does really feel reasonably sudden to my eyes, however I feel that is simply writer-nim’s approach of informing us of simply how snug Me Ri feels with Woo Ju now, that she would instinctively hug him, even when it’s out of gratitude.

And I have to say, Woo Ju undoubtedly appears to be like like he’s sinking fortunately into the feeling of being hugged by Me Ri. 🥰😁

It’s fairly cute how his boyfriend instincts all come out, when he’s at Me Ri’s home, and insists on serving to her to repair stuff, in order that she received’t need to name the upkeep workplace – which is how we get that fast however nonetheless hilarious scene the place Woo Ju will get unexpectedly attacked by Me Ri’s bathe. 🤭

Choi Woo Sik’s response faces are fairly nice. 😁

E5-6. I do just like the factor the place Woo Ju sees Jerk together with his arm round Me Ri, and will get uncomfortable and jealous sufficient to assist Jerk to his hospital mattress, in order that Me Ri wouldn’t need to.

What thrills me most, is the truth that, when Woo Ju and Me Ri discuss issues, and he or she asks him why he appears offended, he comes proper out and says that he should like her, since he doesn’t like seeing her with one other man.

Ooh! Now it is a stage of self-awareness and honesty that I hadn’t fairly been anticipating, coz, as you guys doubtless know, this isn’t typical in any respect, in a trope-filled rom-com. 😁

Now I’m verrry curious to see how Me Ri responds to this very sudden, blurted-out confession, so that you will be certain I’ll be tuning in subsequent week! 😁

E7-8. We begin episode 7 with Woo Ju’s matter-of-fact admission that he has emotions for Me Ri, and truthfully, the scene is performed very low-key, and I discovered all of it fairly cute and amusing, how their dialog evolves from flip to show, till Woo Ju’s all of a sudden making an attempt to show that he’s dependable marriage materials. 😁

I actually recognize the comedian timing of our leads right here, as a result of the beats on this dialog are small, so it’s not massive bodily comedy or something. Slightly, the scene works due to their restrained and detailed deliveries of their traces, and I discovered all of it very gratifying and enjoyable.

On the finish of it, though I did deflate slightly, when Woo Ju says to Me Ri to simply take it that he by no means stated something, I very a lot appreciated that Woo Ju himself doesn’t accomplish that, and completely acts the a part of an earnest suitor eager to courtroom his dream girl. 🥲

Additionally, though Me Ri’s shocked stuttered reactions aren’t tremendous encouraging, she does later ship Woo Ju that message, saying that she received’t do something which may trigger him to be bothered once more.

Elaine identified that the subtitles aren’t tremendous useful right here, as a result of the subs say that she received’t do something to hassle him once more, which may simply be interpreted to imply that she’ll be distancing herself from Woo Ju, when actually, the dialogue is extra about her not making him fear (be bothered) sooner or later – which is why Woo Ju smiles in response.

It’s all very healthful and cute, how Woo Ju goes about courting Me Ri, selecting her up and telling her that she’s the primary passenger of his new automotive, and bringing her flowers – and even exhibiting her his outdated journals from way back, to show that he’d at all times had good saving habits. 😁

That impromptu sleepover is healthful and cute too, with Woo Ju crashing on Me Ri’s sofa, and them texting one another though they’re in the identical home – after which each trying so content material, to be in the identical home. 🥰

E7-8. I’m glad that when Woo Ju will get wind of the truth that Jin Gyeong’s (Shin Seul Ki) presumed to inform Me Ri to keep away from him, heads straight to Me Ri, and tells her that he likes her.

Okay, it’s not as simple as that, coz he wants to trace her down first, after which they should clear the air between them, about their connection as children, plus there’s additionally the factor the place Woo Ju feels responsible about not directly inflicting Me Ri’s dad’s dying.

On that time, I’m glad that Me Ri units him straight in such a pure, real type of approach, telling him that neither she nor her mother blames him for Dad’s dying, so he doesn’t must remorseful about it. 🥲

I’ll say, although, that Woo Ju leaning in to kiss Me Ri, proper after telling her that he likes her, does really feel reasonably sudden and awkward, to my eyes.

I really feel like I’ve been spoiled by these dramas the place the male lead really ascertains that he has permission to kiss the feminine lead, earlier than he does so; I felt like Woo Ju was reasonably abrupt in initiating this kiss. 😅

However, it’s true that Me Ri doesn’t really thoughts, so I suppose it’s form of advantageous, although I might have most popular some form of indication that Woo Ju was continuing with the reassurance that Me Ri was pleased with him kissing her.

I did like that piggyback second, although, as a result of he’s consciously making an attempt to recreate for her, a particular second that she’d shared with Dad, when Dad had carried her on his shoulders, in the identical spot.

I believed that was fairly candy. 🥲

It’s additionally fairly healthful how Mother’s taking to Woo Ju and going out of her solution to be good to him, like getting that particular hen, which is normally reserved for sons-in-law, to make that ginseng hen soup for breakfast.

[END SPOILER]

Search engine marketing Bum June as Jerk Woo Ju

I really feel like with Jerk Woo Ju, writer-nim actually got down to create probably the most whiney character attainable.

It’s clear that Search engine marketing Bum June actually leans into the character and is hamming it up for the digicam for the whole lot of our present – and but, I couldn’t discover it inside me, to search out any of it amusing. 😅

How I processed his actions, was mainly that him being eye-rollingly infuriating, is all a part of the method, and we want him within the image, doing his annoying, infuriating factor, with a view to nudge our OTP nearer to one another.

I nonetheless liked to hate him, although. 😅

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. I’ve to place it on the market: Jerk Woo Ju certain has a number of GALL, the best way he tries to get again along with Me Ri like nothing ever occurred, as if he hadn’t blatantly cheated on her with another person, after which heartlessly dumped her and blocked her, though he knew that Me Ri had misplaced her mom’s financial savings, as a result of rental rip-off involving the condominium that he’d been residing in.

The way in which he’s appearing, it’s like he’d solely made a tiny mistake of their relationship, and now Me Ri’s being unreasonable by not taking him again.

Huh. AS IF.

I’m glad that by these episodes, Me Ri stays clear on how terrible Jerk Woo Ju had been to her, and that she has no want to rekindle their relationship. Hmph. 😑

[END SPOILER]

Bae Na Ra as MD Baek

My greatest thought round MD Baek, is that Bae Na Ra severely jogs my memory of a youthful Joo Ji Hoon. Do you guys see the resemblance? 😁

[BROAD SPOILERS]

I did come to like MD Baek higher later in our story, and a number of it has to do with how Present positions him as a little bit of an underdog, who’s suffered at CEO Lee’s fingers for years, as a result of CEO Lee mainly treats him as a punching bag.

That alone gave him a little bit of an underdog high quality to my eyes, and I’m glad that MD Baek ultimately arrives at a spot of justice – in a way of talking.

[END BROAD SPOILERS]

Shin Seul Ki as Jin Gyeong

I’ve to admit that Jin Gyeong largely rubbed me the unsuitable approach, as a personality.

I did come round to love her higher, by our finale stretch, however for many of my watch, I didn’t like her very a lot, because of the issues that she’s written to say and do.

Properly, I feel it’s partly the writing, and partly that I don’t discover that Shin Seul Ki’s allure is enough to beat the conduct which I discover removed from ideally suited.

Listed below are a few key examples of conduct from Jin Gyeong that I discovered myself objecting to.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E7-8. Actually, I discover myself now actively rooting towards any potential loveline between her and MD Baek, as a result of I simply don’t like the best way she imposes on MD Baek’s private house.

The way in which she talks to him over that lunch feels invasive and presumptuous, along with her asking him private questions like why he’s so intimidated by his CEO.

This, when she actually barely is aware of him, and when he clearly would like to keep away from additional private contact along with her.

As somebody who values my private house a fantastic deal, I felt actually unhealthy for MD Baek, that he will get put upon by Jin Gyeong, time and again, to the purpose that she will get so drunk that he has to take her residence with him and put her up for the night time.

Gah. That’s an introvert’s nightmare, I inform ya, and to my eyes, Jin Gyeong shouldn’t be charming sufficient to make me not thoughts. 😅

Moreover, there’s the factor the place she takes it upon herself to inform Me Ri to go away Woo Ju alone.

I believed it was extraordinarily presumptuous of her to do that, and much more so, when she tells her who Woo Ju actually is, as a result of that’s not her secret to inform.

I’m relieved although, that she ‘fesses as much as Woo Ju rapidly, and I’m glad that Woo Ju heads straight to Me Ri, and tells her that he likes her.

Nonetheless not cool, although.

[END SPOILER]

MD Baek and Jin Gyeong

Present begins gearing up for a loveline between MD Baek and Jin Gyeong from fairly early in our story, and like I alluded to above, I used to be ambivalent in the direction of this loveline, at greatest, for a lot of my watch.

It simply felt like Present was forcing a loveline only for the sake of it, reasonably than that these two individuals had been actually suited to one another.

It was a tricky promote for me, however I’ll concede that by Present’s finale episodes, I’d come round to this loveline greater than I’d initially thought I might.

[SPOILER ALERT]

As for the notorious scene in E5-6 the place MD Baek intervenes when he spies that man perving on Jin Gyeong, I do agree with all of its detractors, that it was not appropriately dealt with by our writers, and that MD Baek shouldn’t have made it about Jin Gyeong overlaying herself up, and he shouldn’t have let the perv go.

However, I take Present’s level, that he went out of his approach to assist and defend Jin Gyeong, and that this counted in the direction of their burgeoning connection.

[END SPOILER]

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE EPISODES [SPOILERS]

E9-10. I’ve to admit that I at present have blended emotions about this present, my buddies.

I really feel just like the slurpy rom-com that I’d loved in Present’s earlier episodes has now gone away, and now, to my eyes, it appears like Present is simply going by the paces, to get us to our joyful ending.

Not that I’m opposed to a contented ending, to be clear; it’s simply that I discover myself much less engaged and invested on this story than I’d been at first, and I’m reasonably disillusioned about that.

The primary factor that bugs me, I feel, is that Present isn’t actually investing time or effort into exploring our OTP relationship.

As a substitute, it’s counting on exterior pressures with a view to keep a way of narrative rigidity, after which conveniently forgetting to truly work on exploring and strengthening our OTP connection.

On the upside, Present appears to be transferring by the angst moderately rapidly, in that I do suppose (or at the very least I hope) that the obstacles will all be handled and wrapped up early sufficient, that we’ll be capable to get some correct deal with our joyful ending.

First, let’s discuss Jerk Woo Ju, as a result of we open episode 9 with him barging his approach again into Me Ri’s life, after determining that they’re not formally divorced, and that Me Ri’s received that townhouse, within the Beauté Division Retailer raffle.

I have to say that Search engine marketing Bum June does an excellent job of creating Jerk Woo Ju actually annoying, a lot in order that I wish to attain into my display screen and slap him upside the pinnacle, for being such an fool.

It’s horrible that he would threaten Me Ri like that, after which be all presumptuous about beginning over along with her, after she confirms that she’s damaged up with Woo Ju.

On that word, it’s actually such an outdated trope, that she would break up with Woo Ju with out telling him the actual cause why; she even tries to make herself appear like a materialistic one that’s backing out of her promise to admit every thing to MD Baek.

Ideally, I might have preferred her to be upfront and sincere with Woo Ju, even when she was decided to interrupt up with him, however oh properly. I suppose this present began off with plenty of tropes, so I can’t precisely fault it for persevering with to make use of plenty of tropes, proper? 😅

I’m glad that the breakup doesn’t final for lengthy, and I did get a stab of satisfaction, that Woo Ju manages to show the tables on Jerk, with that recording that proves that Jerk really needs the fraud to proceed, and has threatened to hurt Me Ri, if she tries to come back clear about all of it.

And so – for now, anyway – it feels just like the narrative rigidity surrounding our OTP is resolved, which, I consider, is why we get MD Baek overhearing Me Ri’s dialog with Gran, which signifies very clearly, that Me Ri isn’t married to Woo Ju.

On this level, I’ve to say, it’s actually very handy that Jin Gyeong overhears all the best conversations, so as to have the ability to save Woo Ju from MD Baek’s want to disclose the reality and take away the townhouse from Me Ri – whereas subjecting Me Ri and Woo Ju from the results of their ruse.

But, I discover that I don’t actually thoughts, as a result of I do reasonably like the concept of Jin Gyeong selflessly defending Woo Ju, though she’s mainly blackmailing MD Baek so as to take action. 😅

I dunno; it appears like our characters are mainly breaking the regulation rather a lot, in our story, and I’ve gotten used to it? 🙈😅

Up so far, I hadn’t cared a technique or one other, whether or not there may be a loveline between Jin Gyeong and MD Baek, however in episode 10, we do get that dialog on the bar, which feels probably the most sincere and pleasant, up to now.

There’s the best way MD Baek asks Jin Gyeong why she would go up to now for somebody who doesn’t see her as a lady, and there’s additionally the best way Jin Gyeong encourages him to step away from Beauté, saying that his debt to them has already been paid.

These are fairly private matters, and for as soon as, it appears like they’re speaking on a two-way road, with each side being keen to take part within the dialog.

That is the primary time I really feel like there may be slightly little bit of constructive basis there, for a loveline. Possibly.

As for the arc involving Shady Uncle and his shady plan to take over Myungsoondang, I’d say that it escalated quicker than I’d anticipated, and went additional than I’d anticipated, however then additionally appears to be wrapping up quicker and extra simply than I’d anticipated too.

What I imply is, I hadn’t anticipated Shady Uncle to attempt to kill Gran, although I can’t precisely say why. I imply, he’s actually already killed Woo Ju’s dad and mom, in his quest to say the corporate for himself. I suppose it’s as a result of this present is generally vivid and cheerful, and I in some way thought that any killing can be saved up to now..? 😅

ANYWAY. Phew that Gran survives, although she’s nonetheless unconscious as I sort this. I’m guessing although, that our vivid and cheerful present will permit Gran to outlive, and even make a strong restoration from this homicide try.

Talking of which, I reasonably like how simple it’s, to entrap Jessica and arrest her for making an attempt to kill Gran. Speak about being caught within the act. 😁

Good on Eung Su for baiting Shady Uncle with the faux information, that Gran’s regained consciousness, which then leads Shady Uncle to ship Jessica to do the deed.

It’s not stunning – however in some way, nonetheless weirdly satisfying – to see that Shady Uncle has no loyalty in the direction of Jessica by any means, and is able to minimize ties along with her and let her take the autumn for every thing on her personal.

I feel I wished Shady Uncle to show what a calculative, heartless douchebag he actually is, as a result of this fashion, there’ll actually be no redemption arc for him, sure?

And likewise, I discover myself feeling some schadenfreude the place Jessica is anxious, as a result of she’s been so quietly gleeful all these years, considering that she’s obtained Shady Uncle’s coronary heart, whereas serving to him to do all these felony issues.

As a result of Jessica’s invested some measure of honest emotion and belief on this relationship, I’m not shocked that she would cave and promise to provide Woo Ju all the knowledge and proof that he must take Shady Uncle down.

On that word, good job, Present, for really giving Woo Ju an actual cause for going to Shady Uncle and confronting him, saying that he’s going to show every thing.

Often, characters do this only for dramatic impact, and I sit right here shaking my head at how they’re simply alerting the enemy for no good cause.

However not this time, muahaha. Woo Ju had an actual cause for scary Shady Uncle, coz it’s from this confrontation, that he will get that recording of Shady Uncle claiming that Jessica’s the one blackmailing him, and that he doesn’t even know if Henry is his son.

Sadly, Shady Uncle finds the proof earlier than Woo Ju will get to it, so we’re not fairly out of the woods but.

However I’ve 100% confidence that our good guys will overcome Shady Uncle in the long run, so my foremost ask of our finale episodes, is that we wrap this up satisfactorily, in addition to put Jerk Woo Ju in some nook, by no means to disturb our OTP once more – after which perhaps dwell in some heat, fuzzy, tropey happy-ever-afters for everybody else. 🥰

Right here’s hoping that Present will ship!

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

E11-12. All in all, I’d say that this finale won’t have blown me away, nevertheless it was moderately gratifying, and it left me moderately happy.

I’ve to admit, although, that I didn’t have robust emotions for this finale.

I suppose my affection for Present had petered out considerably, over time, and by the point I obtained to the finale, I simply.. wasn’t as invested as I’d been, to start with. 😅

Like I’d hoped, the entire thing with Shady Uncle will get wrapped up pretty rapidly, leaving us time for different issues.

I suppose the benefit of Shady Uncle being behind so many unhealthy issues, is that justice for all of these issues is achieved just about in a single fell swoop, eh?

Sure, it’s a little handy that the statute of limitations is prolonged resulting from Shady Uncle spending a while abroad, however I’ll take it, as a result of I’d reasonably he be punished for killing Woo Ju’s dad and mom, than not.

On that word, I’ve to say, the feelings in our characters round his sentencing, landed as a bit shallow &/or hole, to my eyes.

I do perceive that it is a rom-com and almost definitely that’s why Present is opting to maintain issues mild, nevertheless it did strike me as reasonably unusual, that our characters are capable of transfer on so rapidly, after Shady Uncle’s decades-long betrayal involves mild and he’s delivered to justice.

However advantageous. Y’know, I do notice that I’m contradicting myself a bit right here, on the one hand saying that I’d like Shady Uncle’s arc to be wrapped up rapidly so we will transfer on, after which alternatively saying that the feelings are too shallow – as a result of we transfer on so rapidly. 🙈

Sorry. I suppose my inside drama fangirl simply needs to have all of it. 😅

Transferring on.

It feels proper, that Me Ri and Woo Ju would ‘fess up concerning the faux marriage and return the home, due to course Present would need our results in have clear consciences, as they transfer into their happy-ever-after.

After which, I believed it was a reasonably amusing scenario, to see that CEO Lee can be determined to switch possession of the home to Me Ri, as a result of he doesn’t wish to be caught for making an attempt to bribe the Mayor.

Possibly this is the reason Me Ri will get away with fraud, since Beauté now really needs to provide her the home, though she’s not accepting it?

Present doesn’t really go into what occurs to CEO Lee, however I’m not fussed about that, since we by no means actually spent all that a lot time on him as a personality anyway.

On a associated word, I do really feel happy with the place we depart MD Baek and Jin Gyeong.

On condition that MD Baek had engaged in shady dealings as a part of his job, it is smart to me that he’d be given the possibility to pay for his crimes and begin over, on a clear slate.

And I do like that Jin Gyeong’s a part of MD Baek’s journey.

First, it’s her phrases about how he’s already repaid the favor that CEO Lee and his household have proven him, and that he ought to be happy to decide on his personal path now.

After which, when he makes up his thoughts to come back clear to the authorities and pay the value for his actions, it’s Jin Gyeon whom he asks, to maintain his pet turtles – and that’s the factor that retains their connection alive, throughout the yr that he serves in jail.

All in all, I believed this was a fairly lifelike but hopeful word on which to wrap up this arc.

As for Jerk Woo Ju, I nonetheless do really feel like we spent an excessive amount of display screen time on him and his poisonous mother and sister, however I do like that in the long run, it’s kindness and beauty that will get him to lastly let go.

I truthfully don’t know if I might have had the capability to point out him kindness the best way Me Ri does, when she sits with him and tells him that she’s joyful now, and would really like him to be joyful too.

As for the best way Poisonous Mother and Poisonous Sis go to Chairman Gran and do their greatest to speak Me Ri down, I want we hadn’t hung out on that, as a result of it’s not like they actually get comeuppance for making an attempt to do Me Ri soiled.

All we get is that catfight between Me Ri’s mother and sis, with Poisonous Mother and Poisonous Sis, and I didn’t discover that very humorous nor satisfying, if I’m being brutally sincere. 🙈😅

Afterwards, I believed it was reasonably compelled, that Present would then have Me Ri and Woo Ju drift aside, in order that Me Ri would misunderstand that Gran didn’t approve of her, when that isn’t the case in any respect.

I felt like Present was making an attempt to toy with our feeling there, slightly bit.

After all it doesn’t work, although, as a result of all of us knew that we had been going to get a contented ending for our OTP, sure?

It feels becoming, that we’d finish our story at our OTP’s marriage ceremony, with everybody gathered collectively in a single place, and smiling joyful smiles.

It’s admittedly very nice to see everybody interacting so warmly, and appearing like one massive joyful household, and it’s also very cozy, to see our once-fake married couple, change into an actual married couple in spite of everything.

Not a nasty word on which to finish, though I did have my quibbles with the journey.

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Moderately candy at its core, regardless of a muddied focus.

FINAL GRADE: B

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The subsequent drama I’m overlaying on Patreon, rather than Would You Marry Me? is Expensive X [Korea].

You possibly can try my episode 1-2 notes on Expensive X on Patreon right here.

Right here’s an outline of what I’m overlaying on Patreon proper now (Tier advantages are cumulative)!

Basis Tier (US$1): Leisure Drop (Sundays) + the primary set notes of all exhibits coated on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Entry (US$5): +Love’s Ambition [China]

Early Entry Plus (US$10): +Twelve Letters [China]

VIP (US$15): +Expensive X [Korea]

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