Beautiful Gong Shim (2016)

Why did they ruined a perfectly good rom-com?

Dear gods of dramaland, what have I done to deserve this "bait and switch" of a drama? It was so good for the first 1/3 of the run. It was quirky, funny and sweet. The chemistry of the OTP was great and the 2ML was cute and nice (instead of the usual PITA). It has all the hallmarks of a great rom-com. Easy viewing and brings a smile to your face. There is a low key mystery about a kidnapping many years ago but it was really no mystery at all as the evil doer was well and truly identified very early in the show and his motivation as well. It is really who else is involved that is up for debate. It didn't take much deduction to work out the ML's real identity either.
However, and this is a show breaking however, they changed tone and genre mid way and it never recovered. The problem here is that they tried to turn it into a serious drama and go big on the melodrama but there just wasn't enough substance in the storyline to sustain that. The worse part is that it derailed the romantic storyline. The ML ended up constantly backing off from the FL due to his backstory and the scheming. His personality also did an U turn. The show made it looked like he was hiding some big secret but honestly, it was only a mystery unto himself as viewers would have already worked out the plot long before. The OTP had reconciliations and there would be moments of sweetness (to bait us) and then the wheels would fall off again.
I still don't understand the use of cliché forced separation of the OTP at the end of dramas. Sure, it can work some times but only when there is a net benefit to the plot and character development, in this case, the writer just throw in a 1 year separation with all the angst filled built-up and misunderstandings. Only for the OTP to magically reunite in the twilight minutes of the last episode. The writer-nim even go as far as having the FL confront the ML and shout in his face why he disappeared for a year without even once contacted her. The ML's reply is so lame that it was sad; he was too busy. Really? Too busy to send a txt once a week/month? Or is it the old cliché of "if I hear your voice I would have to rush back to your side"? You went to the US of A, dude, they have internet there too. :P Is this just lazy writing?
On top of that, the villain is more annoying than evil. Suspense is minimal. Lots of meddling from parents and mediocre/generic support cast. The 2FL was wasted. She started off ok but she wasn't given room to do much later on.
As if acknowledging the error of their way, the ending of the show actually had the ML revert back to his original identity and carry on with his old job and his old goofy mannerism. If they had stayed their course and develop the story with the interesting characters they spent so much effort building up in the first 1/3 of the show, they would have a really fun and quirky hit on their hands, we ended up with a mess of clichés that did more harm than good.

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A bit of a loveable flop

This started out really strong and I loved the banter between the main characters, but I feel like it got a bit tired in the middle. It's one of those super frustrating shows, because I really liked the characters and acting, and there was a great storyline...but I feel like it had so much potential that just wasn't delivered.
I did appreciate the switch around with Gong Shim chasing Dan Tae, but I feel like the secret keeping went on for too long and it just got painful to watch Gong Shim continuing to be 'oblivious' to how shut off Dan Tae was being. He realised how his behaviour was impacting her when she got so sick just because she didn't want to miss out on the breadcrumb 'date' (and trying to stay in hospital afterwards to spend time together?!) - but he still didn't then 'fess up.
I do understand why he couldn't let his cousin know though, given how he was acting like a prat to protect his mother.
Plus, I really feel the stuck-up sister was under-utilised. She had great promise as a manipulative character, but that just kind of fizzled out. The end kind of alluded to her feelings becoming real, but there was no big emotional moment, nor was there any confrontation between the sisters, or acknowledgement of her mistreatment of Gong Shim. I kept waiting for it to either be revealed that she'd been swapping Gong Shim's hair ointment and caused the bald patch out of jealousy...or for Gong Shim to stand up for herself and call her sister out for never supporting her and always being embarrassed about her. But neither happened.
I would probably still recommend watching the show. The initial love triangle is really cute and fun, and I loved how the rich/handsome/out-of-her-league Chaebol heir fell for the dowdy poor girl, only for her to then turn him down to focus on herself! There are also several cute side bits (the two husbands are funny together; the grandma secretly vetting her grandson's girlfriend).

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This is a breath of fresh air. There are the typical K-Drama tropes, like the birth secret and the journey to discovering the lead's identity, coupled with the typical "misunderstandings" that characters undergo. But that just makes the whole K-Drama experience more fun, if not predictable. What is not predictable is how the characters were portrayed by the great cast.

There are heavy themes in the story, but the lovable cast makes it seem very light, and their interaction will entertain you, regardless of the typical K-Drama tropes.

I first saw Nam Gung MIn in "Sensory Couple" and he played a psychopath in that drama. He was scary and really menacing to look at. I was pleasantly surprised that he can be such a lovable lead in a RomCom. MinAh on the other hand, this is the first time that I've seen her in any drama and I was quite impressed on how she can capture the attention of the audience. You will believe that the two leads are the characters. The way MinAh portrayed Gong Shim will make you believe that she is not an idol and is this really awkward girl. The second leads do their jobs well, with Gong Mi, being successfully portrayed as the hateful wench that she is. It's all good. Ahn Dan Te and Gong Shim will surely make you come back for more, week after week.

You will hate the characters that you should hate (Including Gong MI and the typical baddies), but you will love the other characters and how they move in this world. The president, Gong Shim's dad, her mom, the Grandmothers in the Chaebol household, all these characters have fun moments.

The music is upbeat and sets a great tone for the series. Not really a must to download, but it maintains the goofy and fun pace of the series. Once you hear the OST, you know that you're in for an hour of fun.

Would I watch it again? Sure. I re-watch all episodes after the first watching just to catch a glimpse of the fun scenes that took place.

The story is typical, but the take is fresh. If you want cute, off-beat leads who are extremely funny and lovable, give this a try. This is one if the most fun K-dramas out there today.

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If you're looking for a funny rom-com with a touch of suspense, you can give it a try.

The main leads have an amazing chemistry and it's really fun to watch how their relationship develops throughout the show.

Some parts could have been better planned but I don't think the end dragged thaaaat much .

The plot is consistent, the acting of the main leads is worth watching, the music is nice, the one from coffee boy is amazing.

I don't think I would rewatch it so soon, just because I have many dramas on my list and some still on hold.

Overall it's a great drama!!

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I could summarise this series using one of the product placements in episode 19: Dad says he is shopping for beer; Dad is seen buying 48-hours deodorant. It's not what you asked for or expected, but still good in a different way!

If I was to recommend this drama to others, I'd say watch it because of the cute chemistry of the main couple and NGM's versatile acting. It's also a good intro to k-dramas - cliches such as truck of doom, annoying sibling, males leading females by the wrist, pathetic villain with a hitman on speed dial, product placements (although the washing machine and fitness watch looked quite good)... don't forget subway!

(Possible spoilers below)
The obvious downfalls: one of the 'main' characters was practically forgotten about halfway through the drama and the plot deviated away from the main star of the series. Gong Shim would have benefited from some character development as observed in other dramas such as WFKBJ. The writer made both male leads appear clever and dim simultaneously! There was also excessive use of flashbacks, which I am aware often feature in k-dramas, but this is the first time I've actually noticed! I'm sure there is a better way of illustrating the past, such as an old scene seamlessly drifting into modern times.

The numerous plot holes left me asking many questions (for example how did the father post the necklace to Grandma if Dan Tae had exchanged it years ago for a ring?) but overall, it was a fun and comical watch. The acting was fairly decent along with the soundtrack and scenery, but the storyline and characterisation let it down. NGM, Minah and OSW kept the series going.

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Despite most of the bad comments, i generally think this drama is amazing. It started off great and even though it wavered half way it was a good ending for the main couple to end together.

The actor and actress are soo good together and really go well with each other. The chemistry between them is really cute. Not to mention the male lead is incredibly good at acting and extremly handsome.

The storyline is very well put together and interesting to watch. It didnt bore me once!!!

I'll definetly watch it again. Its your classic rom com kdrama and you wont regret watching it.

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A Pleasant Surprise

I was hesitant to watch this drama because it had so many negative reviews. To my surprise I found it charming and very engaging. The strength of this drama is the two leads, Namgoong Min and Minah. They both did well playing quirky yet loveable characters. I also appreciated that their romance was a slow burn and it developed naturally. (Though for those only watching for the kissing may be disappointed). This drama may not be the most original and it does follow many of the standard tropes, but it is one of the more charming dramas I have watched in a long time.

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Hilarious rom-com

'Beautiful Gong Shim' was a perfectly balanced drama, blending romantic comedy with suspenseful twists. However, the last two episodes left me with mixed feelings. The one-year separation with zero contact and their swift reconciliation felt like a somewhat abrupt twist. Additionally, the absence of an apology from Gong Shim's sister, in contrast to the apologies she extended to Joon Soo, and the quick absolution of Joon's mother left me puzzled. Despite these moments, 18 episodes delivered pure entertainment, making 'Beautiful Gong Shim' a worthwhile viewing experience. Really cute and funny acting

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