Doom at Your Service (2021)

Too much talk and not enough plot.

I expected "Doom at Your Service" to easily become a new drama favorite of mine. It stars
Seo In Guk as an attractive and mysterious male lead, which is his specialty and almost a guarantee that I'll get hooked, but his storyline is hijacked by a mediocre love triangle/fractured bromance that made me lose any interest I had. Instead of getting a fully fleshed-out-fantasy- romance about Doom itself going against character and falling in love with a depressed woman, I got a boring office drama about writers and editors with way too much dialogue and not enough plot. This is also meant to be a tear-jerker yet my eyes remained dry the entire time. This drama went from addictive to barely watchable fast. I almost dropped it in the last episodes because it dragged so much. Maybe a more dynamic female lead could have kept me interested longer. Even though Park Bo Young may be cute, and even likable, she annoyed me as the Tak Dong Kyung.

Dong Kyung as a character starts off amazing. She does the unexpected, she appears brave and considerate and clever, but as the story loses direction so does the character. There were too many Park Bo Young scenes with her crying/whining before I had a chance to fully connect with the character's situation. I also felt declining chemistry between her and Seo In Guk as Doom/Sa Ram. What started with an interesting connection turned into long conversations and repetitive fantasy sequences but not a love story I could connect with. I'm just gonna say it, Seo In Guk is much better at passionate scenes and showing depth (like in "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes"), and he tried to carry many of their scenes with subtle choices I loved, but having Park Bo Young play so innocent, almost childish, missed the mark for me. She also seemed too indifferent about literally dying for too long. The denial in the beginning aside, which worked well, as episodes evolved I just didn't believe she was a woman making life or death choices which stopped me from caring enough to cry or just fall in love with the story. I can't say she was bad in the role, she just wasn't good enough to make me buy into this unusual plot. Big Park Bo Young fans may feel differently and be more forgiving, which would make a huge difference in whether you like this drama or not. She is in 2 unique concept dramas that I loved "Strong Woman Do Bong Soon" and "Oh My Ghostess", where being cute worked much better, but not this time. I was unimpressed.

The next problematic character for me is Jeong Ji So as "God". I didn't mind the whole Dora The Explorer Diety Gardner thing, or her performance, but her esoteric unclear presence in the story was more frustrating than interesting. Mainly, again, because she talked too much and showed too little (besides random plants). Maybe some things were lost in translation, but her long conversations and observations may be good in a novel, or a webtoon, but on screen, it just drags and bored me almost to sleep at times. I'm wondering if the dialogue sounds so "beautiful" in Korean that the writer fell too in love with their own words to cut any of it down and remember that showing is more compelling than telling on screen. Yes, there were a few well-done visual scenes but they were still mostly overwhelmed by talking. Too many scenes of the leads just staring at each other in bed (together and apart) was a huge romantic disappointment too. They were damn near platonic for such an epic fated love story, with too much narration. It lacked enough passion to sustain the story to the end and by the time things resolved I barely cared.

Oh, and about that extra love triangle, usually even a cliché love triangle has exciting scenes and chemistry but nope... these 3 characters also just have lots of conversations about the past, about each other, about what they may want to do or should have done, with very little actual progress. I think Lee Soo Hyuk as blunt and straight-faced Cha Joo Ik was supposed to be funny, but I found those banter scenes to be flat. I'm sure much of that intended dry humor was lost on me as well. For me, just having two attractive men isn't enough to fuel a love triangle romance plot. It also has nothing to do with the Doom plot, which makes it seem like unnecessary filler or a different drama.

I did like her brother's character, mainly for cute comic relief, but most of the other characters are just ok, and pretty forgettable (Shout out to poor Kevin who didn't even make the cast list lol).

Would I watch this again? I wouldn't torture myself like that. I'm sure a lot of these actors will go on to better dramas that I'll watch and I will probably forget this drama even exists after a while.

The OST is also forgettable but oh how I love Seo In Guk's voice. Rather, I just love him and his beautiful voice is a bonus. I didn't fall in love with any songs though... or his hair color.

Overall this drama is a huge miss. Maybe it's good if you want to hear more Korean dialogue than usual as language practice (it's A LOT y'all) but I can't call this drama good. It is an ambitious and pretty original idea but that's not enough to make this drama work as a whole. Characters saying how they feel instead of showing it for me felt like a romance buzz kill and lazy. If this drama had no Doom character I would have dropped it almost immediately. I also expected tears, since sadly cancer scenarios are too familiar in my real life, but my eyes remained dry the entire time. And what's worse than abusing flashbacks... describing flashbacks as you abuse and overuse them. I looked up the last drama written by this writer and it was "The Beauty Inside", another drama with all concept and zero plot. Another movie plot idea stretched beyond its means. Another missed opportunity to create a really interesting love story. Maybe I should have double-checked who the writer was before I decided not to drop this. Sadly, those who don't learn which drama writers create shows they should have dropped are doomed to repeat it.

I guess Seo In Guk was too good at his Doom role because he doomed me to complete this.

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one of the few positive responses. i loved this drama A LOT!

Honestly, this drama DIDN'T disappoint. I have decently high expectations for dramas, and this drama was absolutely amazing for me. I found very little complaints, but I really enjoyed watching this drama. Never have I been SO obsessed with a drama before. I'm sure everyone has their own expectations and opinions though. I watched this drama because of my brother, he recommended it to me. I was supposed to watch it when it was done airing, but seems not. I never regret waiting for it to air or watching it before I was supposed to. I was instead, grateful that I decided to watch it.

The acting was absolutely amazing. Seo In Guk portrayed emptiness in Myul Mang before he met Tak Dong Kyung, and it just seemed like his world lit up when they started dating. He did it perfectly, from beginning to end. Park Bo Young also did a brilliant job, portraying a character with limited days left before she dies, who ends up making one of the biggest risk of her life. While Shin Do Hyun, Kang Tae Oh, and Lee Soo Hyuk didn't have as much screen time, they did a decent job. I liked Cha Joo Ik and Lee Hyun Gyu's brotherhood and Na Ji Na's relationship with Tak Dong Kyung's family.

The OSTs were out of this world. I liked every single one, from Part 1 to Part 7. They reached top tracks on my Spotify, and I guess that shows something. The music and sound effects were really nice. I liked how each song kind of showed a certain part of the drama. Breaking Down by Ailee showed when there was tension. Love Sight by TXT showed happiness and it played on their dates and sweet moments. U by Baekhyun played the more sad, sweet scenes. I Wanna Be With You by Gummy plays like U, sad and sweet scenes. All of My Love by Davichi is more towards happy scenes, where the couples are just together, enjoying their time. This is Love by Sondia plays during the 2nd lead scenes. Distant Fate by Seo In Guk has that really sad sound and I guess plays during the emotional scenes. But anyway, I really love the OSTs for this drama!

One complaint, yes I only have one. It is that the 2nd lead storyline is kind of poorly developed. Yes, Na Ji Na ends up with Cha Joo Ik in the end, but it was a little confusing. Maybe not confusing, but it could get boring at times. In the beginning, Na Ji Na really needed to get her feelings sorted out. The kind of jump with the love triangle between ep 1-14 and ep 15-16 was kind of like a "wait wtf happened." But anyways, this was a minor complaint of mine.

I would recommend this drama to anyone who asks me, as I personally LOVED it. I've read others reviews and majority of it are a 6.0 or lower, but it's okay. I don't mind ratings or other reviews, because I understand everyone has personal preferences. I just know very well I love this drama a lot, and yeap, I think that's all iIhave to say.

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As the name suggests, the drama itself is a doom.

WORTH DROPPING

I don't wanna talk much about it. Given the initial plotline the writer could have done a much better job but this drama ain't even average. Let alone the the basic plot, the screenplay is totally slow and a total cliché. The same old stuff sometimes are executed in such beautiful way that they don't feel cringey but this drama failed to do so.

I have a bad habit of not being able to drop anything at all. Could never leave anything no matter how bad it is even if I have to finish it at 3x and rant a lot about that later. Well, Doom at Your Service goes to that category.

So far, Goblin has been the best supernatural which not only had a good plot and story but they executed all other things well too. Even Tale of the Nine Tailed had some depth to the story even though it was an average cliché screenplay. But this drama didn't even make sense. To be honest I could manage till episode which was the introduction to the story but as soon as I entered to the 4th, it instantly became boring and unbearable.

There is no solid storyline in the drama except for the unique opportunity concept of a Doom. The climax of the story is a disaster which was even revealed way before the interval of the drama, i. e. the 8th episode. And after the interval the way they messed up the plot, I actually wanted to throw my laptop away. Everything had became repetitive from 7th episode anyways and they kept doing the same thing, over and over again, and till the very end.

There is no character development or whatsoever but one the major reasons of its failure should be credited to plenty of unnecessary characters. Lee So Hyuk, Kang Tae Oh and Shin Do Hyun...their story and characters are absolute side kicks. They are somehow related the lead couple and their main plot but the story created by the writer for these 3 people has no essence at all. The writer created it to make the drama 60mins and 16 eps, I am sure if that. It could have been a mini drama at least?

Cast is actually somewhat cool and that's the reason so many people started watching but I don't think that's how we should be be judging. I am not lying I fell for all of them too but well haha. It's actually funny how many people never knew Seo In Guk before this drama and went mad over his looks after seeing him now. Another fact, I can never with how annoying Park Bo Young is. I feel she a good potential but she always ends up choosing stupid dramas with very annoying characters.

Screenwriting is a trash and to make it worse the direction is totally poor. It felt the writer actually forgot their own story while writing the script. No significant editing and VFX skills have been shown, let alone cinematography. OSTs are actually somewhat beautiful and appealing tho. It felt nonsense, stupid and illogical. It could have been an average drama given the basic plot but I truly regret it turned out to be a trash.

It has a same plot of tragic past, miserable life, death, punishment, supernatural stuffs, reunion, memory loss and blah blah blah. Even as a romcom, it's very stupid. Because of Seo In Guk's comeback I was honestly expecting it to be a good average story, if not something fabulous but here I am willing to voluntarily hit my head on the floor after watching it.

Won't talk about the ending either because I told I don't wanna talk about the story.

It's my problem that I can never leave dramas unfinished but if you ain't into cliché romcom and illogical storylines, please give up before you even start it. Don't even bother thinking even if it's for Seo In Guk. Thank you for bearing with my rant TT.

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A Disney Movie That Became Draggy.

Now, this could've literally been a Disney movie. The whole story line even sounds like it's from a Disney movie.

Like a lot of people, like me. We loved the show at first, the whole doom at your door helping a girl that is suppose to die in 100 days. You're expecting a sad or bittersweet ending right? This is literally something like a Disney Movie so what do you think the ending would be? From the beginning I knew what ending it would be, seeing Park Bo Young was in this drama and all her dramas have the same ending. The ending seemed unrealistic per say? But anyways, the main couple? Cute! I won't lie, this is mainly why I'm giving it what I gave it today, the couple, actors, aesthetic of the show and music. Without those, ratings would've been more lower and I'm sure of it.

Starting from the middle (Episode 10) is when I really started to change my rating from a 9.5 to an 8 then 8.5 then 10 and repeat. The writers didn't really have to do what they did towards the middle/end of the show. I personally think the ending could've been shorter. An hour seemed to long so I skipped a lot of scenes.
Now let me talk about the second couple. Just one word. DRAGGY. Like REALLY draggy to the point where I didn't care whether they got together or not. The love triangle with the second couple also gets mad draggy, like REALLY. To the point where I'm very interesting in them, then interested, then uninterested, and repeat.

Actors? AMAZING! I won't lie, I love Park Bo Young and now Seo In Guk & Lee Soo Hyuk, they're the only reason why I watched the show and continued to. But are they worth it? Yes they are, the actors are amazing at what they do! Can I mention Kevin's scene (Tak Dong Young's Aunt's Boyfriend) made me cringe? Not that he's a bad actor it's just that I cringe whenever I heard somebody talk English in a kdrama lol.

Music? Also AMAIZNG! I'm positive every track I loved and still do love!

I would rewatch this but only for specific episodes.

In total, I would say the actors and music make the whole show, the writers made it a trainwreck in the middle of the show, then tried to pick it back up towards the end. I would say to watch but it might not be your favorite towards the ending. As I personally think the hate for the show is kind of justifiable, but the show isn't all bad as much say. Can I also add this show could've had 12 episodes? For a trainwreck that had 16 episodes made me think it'll be amazing with no mess ups.

I would recommend you this show for the actors and chemistry between the two couples. But the fantasy aspect? You'll probably dislike it the most ( like I do. )

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Dull, sadly

I love the entire cast and they are what made me stick with this drama, however the story is, for the most part, so very dull and slowwwww.
So much talking whilst just standing, sitting, on the phone, strolling. Too many meaningful stares. Not enough action of any kind.
I have watched gently paced dramas that still provided an unfolding plot that was captivating, with witty, tender, sad and fantasy content. I really didn't get this one at all. I suppose it was about what loving really means, in terms of giving it up and being selfless, but it for me it missed the mark.
I found it utterly bizarre how the American Uncle happily chatted away in American, whilst the entire family responded in Korean. No one bothered to translate for him, basically cutting him out of being able to interact. It was the oddest thing to watch; totally weird.
The story of the brothers and their love triangle was also bizarre. The fact the couple were young and immature, with the older brother offering no guidance, but instead behaving totally inappropriately. Later, as adults, it was so uncomfortable and in many ways, underhand.
The ending was also very flat.
I had very high hopes for this, as the potential for a story about a Doom character was more than the one delivered. Disappointing.

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Don't waste your time watching this drama... 100% wasted potential

100 ways to spoil a drama with good actors is the main goal of the writer and the drama. Honestly, it felt like the writer saw Goblin the night and decided to make a fantasy drama, with great actors, and let's just make their fans feel the real pain, How in the first place this drama got approved ????? I genuinely convinced myself that it'll get better, it'll get better but it got too draggy and too stupid !!!
And an unrelated love triangle in the story, would've been better if they just removed the fantasy element and made it as rom-com... Literally waited for PBY's comeback and got this !! None of the characters is well-written, they'll are just changing from ep to ep, I mean I can release a whole 1000 page essay about it.

Kudos to actors for amazing acting and well-made ost's especially ' Breaking down', 'Love Sight', ' I wanna be with you' and 'Distant Fate' still on my loops. It might be good drama for people who've just started but me who's watching for 2 years with numerous fantasy dramas, sorry guys there are better ones out there.

Just listen to the ost's, Never even waste your precious time in this drama 😶😢
The title is apt, "Doom at your services", a doomed drama @ my service ...5/10

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Doom is served

The first few episodes showed great potential, I got hooked in. And who are we to say no to Park Bo Young and Seo In-guk? But the excitement was only good while it lasts.

The leads, Seo In-guk and Park Bo-young’s, onscreen chemistry was undeniably blazing on this show. The OST also didn’t disappoint. It has landed several spots on my Kdrama playlist on Spotify.

However, it really pains me to say that I dragged myself to reach this far to see this show’s ending. I’ve postponed watching after seeing EP10, and I just came back last Monday to see EP11-15. My point of view hasn’t changed. It should have been a 12-episode drama and could possibly nail it, not 16.

This show is really boring and just keeps on repeating the same old plot, push and pull and lots of crying, whining, leave me-leave-me-not, that even the leads’ amazing chemistry and acting prowess didn’t manage to salvage. The finale was ok, predictable and acceptable (more of a fan service episode finale) but more so, I’m glad it is over. Still not a fan of the ending since you won’t miss anything important about the show, just rainbows and unicorns. Logically acceptable considering the overall narrative.

Na Ji Na and Mr. Cha also had chemistry but I kind of want it was fleshed out more. I love their OST, Sondia’s “This is Love.”

One thing’s for sure, DAYS is NOT one of the best shows of 2021. Find something else to watch and don’t waste your time, you will get bored. Unless you want to kill time or a super fan of SIG or PBY, or into cliches or wanting to zone out figuring what your life or love purpose in existing is, this could be your cup of tea.

Sorry SIG and PBY, I love you both but it’s a no for me. I hope you reunite for a better project, maybe a light romcom someday.

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Does it get any better than this? 10/10 ( EDITED)

I'll keep this short because we are at the middle of this drama so I'll comment on the episodes I've seen so far.
This is going to be the drama of the year for me from Korea. This drama deserves all the hype, all the love and all the support because this is a masterpiece. The story is touching and I hope people can appreciate it. I'm enjoying every single moment because I know when this is going to end, there will be a temporary emptiness. You can always re-watch it but it is not going to be like the first time. Like I said the story is very nice and actually it's more addicting as the episodes go by. LOVE the chemistry between the main characters. The actors are wonderful at doing their job and bringing the character to life. The emotion and passion behind the acting is amazing. Honestly is a pleasure to watch. The characters have depth and purpose. Their development is amazingly done. It's just amazingly written drama. Also from time to time you can find some comedy. You'll laugh and then cry. The side characters are amazing so far, but their story is yet to be told. So far so good.
Production is on point. The music is wonderful. It such a nice drama and I've seen people rating it with 2 stars. Like tf you want more?? These 14 yr girls need to chill...

------EDIT-----

I gave it sometime for everything to settle down so now here is my opinion.
Worth watching. The story was interesting and beautifully done, even thought sometimes it felt like a drag. The character development was nicely done. The cinematography was amazing, and the side characters were good. Loved that there was no love triangle between the two leads, but instead it was between the side characters. I loved the ending. After everything they've gone thru it was nice to see how the story wrapped up. The OST was STUNING. Breaking down's been on repeat for several days now. Such a song.
Please give it a try. Very strong drama.

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Failed Fantasy Drama

Had high hopes for this drama but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I wouldn't say it started out amazing but it was intriguing and quite interesting at first. A few episodes later and it got boring real fast. Lots of filler episodes and scenes that added no contribution to the story at all. Lots of moments that didn’t make sense to me and had no substance whatsoever. I personally think it started to fall apart when the leads fell in love out of nowhere. There was literally no development to their romance; it all happened in a blink of an eye like *poof* and they were head over heels for each other.

It was painfully boring that I had to watch every episode at 1.25x speed (1.5x for the second couple’s scenes because I couldn’t take them) just to get through this snoozefest.

The writers tried to be philosophical with this drama but failed horribly with the storytelling. The story dragged on for way too long when the entire thing could've been done in 12 episodes or even less. The only reason I hang on to this drama is because of Seo In Guk and Park Bo Young, both my fave actors.

On a positive note, the cinematography, acting, and OST's were great.

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Such potential, but wasted

This drama had everything. A great cast. An amazing list of OST & BGMs. Beautiful direction, editing and cinematography. But the story...there was no plot.
The first 6 episode was perfect. The story started strong and you could feel that, this was going to amazing. And then out of no where the biggest problem is gone. In one episode the main characters are just getting to know each other and in the next they are in love...
The second leads had a better story to be honest. If in the second half they would just ditch the main couple and solely focus on the 2nd lead's love story I would have given it an 8.

It could had been THE DRAMA of this year, even Goblin's level if the story-line was fixed...such potential but...shame.

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