Lucky Romance (2016)

So, I just finished this and decided to run and write a review!

Let me start by saying I hated the first three episodes and actually wanted to drop this, but kept with it because A. I thought Gary was cute, B. I thought Je Su Ho was a unique and interesting male lead, and C. I liked the contrast of a character who leans too much on logic and a character who leans too much on superstition/luck. In my opinion the character contrast is what makes this drama so good, that said I am very happy I stuck with this and didn't drop it.

The story follows a pretty basic formula, but I definitely think the character are unique, specifically as I stated earlier, Je Su Ho; this makes the basic story work. Not too much can be said about the story without spoilers, so I'll move onto the characters and cast! So, my first drama was She Was Pretty, which Hwang Jung Eum was in and I will say I do like her character better in SWP than I do in Lucky Romance, but in my personal opinion Lucky Romance overall is superior and if you haven't seen Hwang Jung Eum in a drama yet, I'd suggest this being your first drama with her in it. As a character Shim Bo Ni is frustrating as can be and often annoying, but because of her scenes with Su Ho and Bo Ra she grows on you and you'll see that she's an incredibly kindhearted character who wants to do what's best for those around her. My only critiques on her not relating to her personality  are that her outfits made me want to puke and this drama has all consensual kisses (yay!!!) but she still does the dreaded dead fish/"I'm just gonna sit here with a smile on my face and not kiss back" kiss whenever she kisses the male lead.

Moving onto Je Su Ho. I've never seen Ryu Joon Yeol in any drama (for that matter, I haven't seen any actors or actresses that appear in this in another drama besides Hwang Jung Eum and Na Young Hee), but I may have to check his other roles out after this! Besides Jung Sang Hoon and Lee Cho Hee's characters (who I'll talk about my love for later) he was the best part of this drama. Su Ho is the CUTEST male lead I've ever seen besides Louie from Shopping King Louis. He has this adorable teddy bear smile and an adorable secret personality under his cold shell. And boy do I love a respectful, faithful, loving, supporting and non-abusive male lead, Je Su Ho is just that.

As for the supporting cast, starting with Gary (second male lead) and Amy (second female lead), Gary is very cute and attractive, but you also was to smack him in his perfect face sometimes. He isn't a villainous lead at all and does the right thing most of the time, which is very nice and by the end I loved him as a character. As for Amy, I'm seeing that a lot of people hated her, but while she wasn't my favorite character, I liked her a lot towards the end and part of me hoped more would have happened for her and Gary in the romantic sense. Completely unrelated to her personality, but I LOVED her casual outfits towards the end of the drama.  Moving on, Ryang Ha and Dal Nim... Ryang Ha and Dal Nim, my favorites in this show (yes, even above Su Ho and Bo Ni) I can't say too much about them without spoiling, so I won't say much. But, I absolutely loved them. Dal Nim and is so cute and somewhat relatable and while Ryang Ha isn't incredibly attractive (in my opinion) he somehow manages to be somewhat handsome? And his facial expressions are hilarious. He is truly the character I relate to the most, I'm always having to take care of my friends even if I don't do the best job, just like him lol! The last supporting character I'll talk about is Su Ho's mom, I loved Na Young Hee in Fated To Love You (even if she was troublesome at moments.) and I loved her in this as well. A wonderful mother character who really (primarily towards the end of the series) shows what a mom should be like. Which unfortunately, is rare to find in dramas.

Regarding the OST, I'm gonna be honest, I rarely pay attention to the music in dramas (I'm not SUPER big on K-pop besides Akdong Musician and some Big Bang, but mainly just Akdong. So, OSTs don't jump out at me too much) besides a couple songs (for instance I didn't really pay attention to the FTLY soundtrack, but loved Goodbye my Love from it.) the only drama I actually paid attention to more than one or two songs on the soundtrack was Introverted Boss's OST. But, this drama not even one song stuck out for me, besides the one time Su Ho is getting drunk and Re-Bye by AKMU was playing in the background, which obviously wasn't apart of the OST anyway lol.

Overall, it's worth watching in my opinion and I will be watching it again most likely (I already miss Su Ho jumping on the bed when he gets a text, d'aww...), so I suggest you give it a chance and bear with the first few episodes! It's one of those stories that makes you go "Maybe life is worth living." even if getting a love story like this is impossible, it doesn't mean you shouldn't try your best to live a good life and not let fate restrict you. (As the ending note from the team behind this drama says.)

Now if only I could write as much info on books I've read for school as I have on this drama lol.

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Let me start by saying that I generally liked this drama. The things that I liked the most were acting, the characters and the comedy. The plot was quite funny. The actors did an amazing job, specially the lead actress. I also loved how much thought was put into each character. I felt as if I could relate to all of them up to a point. The writers took their time refining each storyline and carefully connecting them to one another. However, I had a couple of issues with the couple. It felt like the male lead changed drastically all because of the feelings he had developed. I know I'm asking a drama to be realistic, but it wouldn't hurt the plot to take its time and make the transition more natural. It felt out of place how the male lead simply abandoned all of his principles and opinions. Overall, the drama was great, I would definitely recommend it but it must be said that some aspects of the series were far from perfection.
Thanks for reading!

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This drama left a lot of feelings in my heart for all the characters and there were many times I really disliked Shim Bo Ni but ride it out and you'll come out feeling good about everything. I think some people were expecting something really spicy because of the whole 'seduction' arc, but it's really just a good story about Shim Bo Ni overcoming some crippling self-doubt, self-loathing and self-pity to become a better person. There's a lot of amazing (and not so subtle) metaphors re: faith and religion, but I love that it never strays for the original intention, that is to make Shim Bo Ni a better character.

Re-reading some of my comments that I left along the way on each episode revealed to me how good of a job they did with evoking the feels for Shim Bo Ni (and Je Soo Ho) - especially the part where I thought they were toxic for each other and it is only now, after completing the series that I see that it was fully intentional. The side characters had gratifying stories and wrap up really well too. All in all, I 100% recommend this show if you're looking for something heartwarming, feel good and just an overall solid romedy drama.

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SIMPLY DELIGHTFUL!!!!

This series is an acting masterclass on how to turn a silly character in a ridiculous plot into something very appealing. I finished watching this crazy show totally captivated and mesmerized by the charming CEO, Je Su Ho.

KUDOS to Ryu Joon Yeol and director!

I agree with most of the reviewers that said that the first two episodes which focused on the life of our weird FL, Shim Bo Nui, were quite unattractive and once you get passed the set up and Je Su Ho takes the lead in carrying the show the fun begins and it quite grows slowly on you.

Hwang Jung Eum is a beautiful actress, but unfortunately she has been typecasted into playing the same character in everything’s she´s in. You could easily place her character in She Was Pretty in Lucky Romance and viceversa and it wouldn´t make a difference. Either way, she's also great in this series. However, it is clear that Ryu and Hwang come from different acting schools. Hwang looks really pretty even with such peculiar fashion. Her character starts out annoying, but slowly becomes charming. Same with Ryu his character starts out pretty meh, but without you realizing he grows on you. He's a natural and knows how to make love to the camara. He fills every moment that the camara is on him. I'm sure that for the editing team is a blessing they don't have to use the slow motion and repetition when he is acting.


Since I watched other works by RJY I realized that he is quite a skilled actor with an incredible range, so it is no surprise that I would grade this show so high and the rewatchable value tripled hehehehe!

The supporting characters were also very amusing, they added to the fun; hence I would happily give it an 11/10.

Quite an accomplishment!!!!

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The male lead stole my heart

It's really a good romance drama !! The chemistry between the leads is amazing !!! I didn't think I would like the main lead at first but he really grew on me and the actor did an extraordinary job, I'm gonna look for his other works just to see him again.

It's a slow burn (it's exactly what I love so some people will think it's too slow and get bored but if you also love this trope give it a chance please !) It was funny (the main lead's best friend was especially hilarious) and had many cute moments ! I also didn't have any second lead syndrom (I love the actor so I was kinda scared of that but the main lead is really fantastic I rooted for him very quickly)

The only negative point was the whole superstition thing that was still a bit too much even in the last few episodes but we got a happy ending for everyone so I can't say I'm really unhappy with it ^^ It's sad that the rating is so low, it deserves better so give it a try if you like the romance genre !

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What a Gem!

I'm so glad I watched this! I haven't laughed so hard since watching Mr. Queen. This rom-com is truly a rom-com, it's packed full of romance and lots of comedy...a great balance. The male lead stole the whole show. He is a brilliant actor! I loved him in Reply 1988 and he shines brightly in this one. He made the show so enjoyable with his antics. A must-see especially for his acting.

The OST is great as well! The acting was beautiful. While there was a love triangle, I felt nothing for the second leads at all especially when they got their hearts broken.

I got a bit annoyed at the last couple of episodes...it was drawn out and didn't make much sense. The FL ran away when the ML got into an accident saying that she needed to stay away cause she's bad luck and blah blah...but still took her sister? That negates the whole premise of her beliefs from the start of the show. I know they had to find some way for the main couple to break up and get back together but to me, this was done very poorly.

The ML and FL BFFs! I love them so much!!!!! They added so much personality to the drama. I know some people thought they might be overacting but I loved every minute of those two!

It's a great watch even with the badly written episodes at the end.

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Horoscope Romance

I was reluctant getting into this drama when I read "the CEO of a top gaming company" in the synopsis. It's like an instant turn off, this kind of setting can always guarantee an unpleasant experience which was somewhat true in this drama too. This aspect of it and anything related to that was its worst part for sure. They went for the superstitions concept for this drama but it ended up being underutilized, as expected. I found the resolution for almost every conflict and point of tension to be quite disappointing. Gary's father, Su Ho's father, the main leads issues, the FL's sister and her superstitions were all given a half-hearted resolution.

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So hoo is a genius and the CEO of a gaming company. Their game was leaked on the day of the launch of the game. Shim Bo Nui is an overly pessimistic character who believes in good luck charms rather than making her own luck. So Hoo plans to develop a new game from the proposal submitted by Won Dae Hee(Shim Bo Nui's old boss). Shim Bo Nui's friend works in So Hoo's gaming company. To assist him in the coding process Shim Bo Nui is hired by So Hoo. Meanwhile shim bo nui meets her childhood friend who is a famous tennis star. So hoo's new game is about the life of this tennis star. Shim Bo nui's younger sister is in coma. Both So Hoo and her tennis star friend assists her in this regard. Will they be able to launch their newly developed game successfully? Will shim bo nui ditch her belief in goodluck charms and make her own luck? You can watch the drama to find that out. Overall a light hearted drama.

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There's nothing that excited me to watch this drama except the fact that Ryu Jun-yeol stars in it.

Story
I initially don't got on board with the plot. Having an unlucky girl go after a guy because of his luck is just so irrational, I don't want to buy it. But after watching the first couple of episodes, I discovered that there was a deeper reason of going after a guy because of his luck. It is true that the premise is something new but it really is annoying at times; The drama felt a bit slow at first but then picked up its pace around the middle part. Everything would have been fine with me until the moment that I felt that I am watching The Series of Unfortunate Events that I find myself cursing the episodes (especially the 15th). Ryu was no longer enough to keep me sane through those parts.

Cast
I love the supporting characters here. Ryang-ha and Dal-nim is totally entertaining and the actor and actress made them endearing and likeable. Lee Soo-hyuk was a bit unutilized here but we can't do anything about this anymore.

I know that Hwang Jung-eum does a great job with her dramas. I approve her in She Was Pretty but dislike her in Kill Me Heal Me. After Lucky Romance, I realized that I can't make it through thick and thin with her. I can watch her in She Was Pretty but that's it.

What I really love unconditionally in this drama is Ryu Jun-yeol. His character, Su-ho is somewhat similar to Jung-hwan (Reply). But he just awesomely gave Su-ho this aloofness and adorableness that I came to love him even more. I love how he can make so many different expressions in a single episode that I am looking forward to his "expression of the episode." I see greater things for him. Can't wait for the next drama!

Rewatch Value
I would have increased the rewatch value for the drama if only the noble idiocy didn't happen. I forced myself to get through that part the first time, how can I ever redo it? But honestly, you can make me rewatch this unlimited times - just give me every single scene that Ryu Jun-yeol was in.

Overall
I came in this drama excited for Ryu Jun-yeol and came out feeling really proud that he made his first lead role remarkable. Lucky Romance may not be an outstanding drama but Ryu really shined through it all (It's a bit exaggerated but as objectively as I can, I honestly think that he did well.)

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Plot of this drama is actually pretty interesting, and I've started watching it solely because of the plot. Yet, it was not enough to carry on.

I have many reasons to why I've dropped this drama, and most of them are related to the female lead, yet the biggest reason is: WHAT'S WITH THE CLOTHES???! If that's how fashion works, than lemme go around naked.

Hwang Jung Eum has been acting as the same character for a while as this drama was airing, and I've happened to be seen almost all of them. Her screams passed being annoying after a while, and became the reason I've turned this one off. It's sad considering I've found her extremely likeable in Can You Hear My Heart as a melodramatic character. She is a good actress yet this one was one of her worst performances.

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Ah, I started this drama for all the wrong reasons. I was very snobby about it and thought it was a no brainier that I'd have to dump it. But I have a four episode rule. Imagine my surprise when by episode 4 I moved straight to 5 and 6, and didn't look back.

Grinning like a fool, smiling, warm and fuzzies are all words/descriptions I used a lot when reviewing episodes for Lucky Romance. Not to mention insanely crazy! Lucky Romance is a totally over the top drama and that's where it's power is. It doesn't take itself too seriously. Which is good because there's so many plot holes this thing is Swiss. ^_-

The main idea is that Bo Nui's sister is in a comma. She believes that she is unlucky and bad spirits surround her so she's become very superstitious. All in the hope that by doing these actions her sister will some day wake up. It's madness, and I had a hard time connecting with Bo Nui at first. However, I thought the writer did a good job in showing that because of all these horrible events she felt powerless. By doing this she could “help” her sister. Bo Nui's belief that she causes everything bad around her can be frustrating, but at least you understand it.

The real insanity of Lucky Romance is it's plot. Which you can't really wrap up in the synopsis. The plot shouldn't work, but it does!!! Suspend belief and just go with the goofy. It does have a more dramatic tone with Bo Nui's sister, but this is very much a comedy.

Su Ho started out as the typical cold character. Quite honestly I thought he was just going to be another jerk that they disguised by being a genius and leave him at that. But he's so warm and adorable! I would watch a video of just all his scenes. He was the main reason I pretty much had a smile during the entire show!

The side characters were so much fun especially Bo Nui and Su Ho's best friends, respectively Dal Nim and Ryang Ha. Watching them finally realize they liked each other was perfect. Though it annoys me that Dal Nim had to get a makeover to get the guy. However, if I think about it they were the only other characters that truly get fleshed out.

Gary and Amy were just love obstacles and besides being part of the game the leads are working on together through most of the show I don’t think they added much. Even with back stories they were just love drama add ins. The parents of Su Ho as well. I really liked the Zeze team, Su Ho's employees, but they were utilized to the bare minimum. Which was a shame the time we got with them was great and I really enjoyed their personalities.

It's an odd observation but I also liked the look of this drama because of the cast. Sometimes the actors and actresses look so much a like. However, everyone has a very unique look and I never confused anyone. I know it's odd to say but sometimes I feel like they pick the actors based on a check box of mandatory features. Much like Kpop groups. So I just feel so happy to have a different gorgeous/handsome/whatever to look at.

The music is fun and while I don't need to have the OST, if I hear it you bet I'll sing a long with it. I did like the customized ring tones. They added such character to the characters!

Would I rewatch it. Well I would for Su Ho scenes.

To be honest this drama borders on a 5 rating from me. However, certain aspects elevate past it's failing episodes. Such as the Su Ho treating Bo Nui so well. It was refreshing. Not only that but he thinks she's beautiful and he doesn't hold back once he starts realizing he's falling for her. It's also a great tale of people who don't know much about love finding it and exploring it together. In all the insanity I think that's what was captured the best.

Overall Lucky Romance is a very feel good drama. The last episodes sadly disappointed, but the rest of the drama truly entertained. This seemed like a very hit or miss with viewers, but if you're like me and give it a chance it may grow on you. There's plenty of plot holes, especially with those horrible later episodes, but with a synopsis like that you kind of expect that going in. This drama is a great filler drama to have fun with while waiting for other dramas. Or simply a pallet cleanser. It's easy and unique! Who doesn't enjoy a good campy romance? This is an adorable drama and you'll be making odd cute noises along with the characters. Be prepared to feel good.

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This drama has more to offer than just a modern Cinderella story, it tells a message about the different sides of humanity. Right off the bat, we have our logical, genius male lead Su Ho, who sees the world in binary, everything is just about “is” or “is not” to him, and there is no “could be”. Then we have our superstitious female lead Bo Nui, whose life is so unfortunate that she has to resort to supernatural beliefs to give herself hope for the future. She may be a typical poor and unfortunate female lead at first glance, but there is something important the story is trying to tell which requires the presence of this character, and this is evidential from the reason why the Su Ho eventually falls for her.

Su Ho’s belief in life is that you will be able to achieve anything as long as you work hard enough, and if you failed, it just means you haven’t tried hard enough. He then gets struck with reality when he is introduced into Bo Nui’s life, where mishaps could happen out of nowhere and solving them are beyond human ability. He is intrigued by this unknown, as well as by Bo Nui, and starts going great lengths that are out of his character to protect and understand this peculiar woman. He begins to act irrationally, which goes to show that love isn’t something that can be analyzed with his logic.

This may just be a cliché story about how “opposites attract”, but it has a touch of realism in it. Su Ho finds, in Bo Nui, something that he doesn’t have, is his missing puzzle piece. He gradually comes to know that the world does not only consist of 0 and 1, it also has a grey area in which people have to tell themselves “everything will be fine”, no matter how baseless that belief is, in order to survive. Bo Nui opens a new world to him, and that world makes him grow up and become a comprehensive human being.

I’m not saying that superstition is encouraged, and the extent of superstition that the female lead practices is definitely unhealthy (and probably put in there partly for the laughs), but it is understandable why some people who have no control over their unfortunate lives would want to seek help from a higher power, because they’ve already tried their best but to no avail, especially in the face of life and death. Maybe a little bit of hope and comfort is needed to go on.

Apart from the thought-provoking message, the romance is also on point. Su Ho is a super cute guy and has his soft spots. (Did I tell you he has an adorable smile too??) The couple look so good together, they are one of the cutest couples I’ve ever seen in K-Dramaland, which says a lot because I’ve been watching K-dramas for 10 years. They deserve every romcom lover to know about (and spazz about)! On top of the chemistry, there are also tons of squealing moments I did not expect to see, for example, the part where Su Ho starts crushing on Bo Nui and tries to win her over. It was too cute to watch.

The only downside of this drama is Bo Nui’s character is really too dumb to be true sometimes, and Hwang Jung Eum’s over-the-top acting does not help. This could really be a turn-off for people who dislike her characters. Though I would say, in comparison to her character in Kill Me, Heal Me, this one is more toned down (and screams less).

The rewatch value for me is 10/10. I would definitely rewatch at least the adorable parts, because I'm sad the drama ended.

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