Our Beloved Summer (2021)

glamorized dullness

Cursory watch.

Glamorized boredom, kind of dull. Waste of a great soundtrack, cozy but overproduced with insta looking cinematography and ridiculous plot elements like a graphic artist having a manager babying him (which graphic artist is so rich they have a practically live-in manager duh).

Dislike the FL actress and character. I don't get her appeal at all, which is a lethal flaw for a romance drama which centers on the development of the relationship and main characters. Love both the SL actors and characters. NJ is "the least annoying female SL ever" which seems to be the consensus, and I agree. The second lead is quietly heartbreaking in his guarded stoicism. Honestly, the drama could have been so much better with those characters more in the spotlight.

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A second chance story done right!

Great drama!

It had many things I wanted to see in the drama like an Ex-GF getting humiliated properly after a bad breakup initiated by her. Or an Ex-GF seducing the ML when he tries the friendship card I so despise.

Yes, the romance was spectacular with a lot of well placed cliche troupes.

Though it has its fallacies too like it took too long for them to get together by K-Drama standards or how it really got boring afterwards. The episode they did get together was great but immediately after the passion just fizzled out like they aged many years all of a sudden...

The SML's story was quite boring and I wasn't able to get vested in it though the drama did give him a lot of screen time in the second half. Same with the second couple as well which ultimately was a lost cause.

Essentially a recommended watch!

Though watch out for the fallacies as they may ruin it for you. I for one will cut them out and have the glory of watching the series without!

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Um dorama que acerta em muitos aspectos e peca em outros

O destaque vai para os detalhes da narrativa, tem várias coisas (o cachecol comprado, o momento do único desenho feito de uma pessoa, as roupas características de cada personagem) que essa história faz muito bem, e não fica aquela coisa exposta, é bem nas entrelinhas, e eu particularmente aprecio isso, claramente os roteiristas não subestimaram o público nesse sentido. Contudo, devo admitir que não gostei do ator principal, o Choi Woo Shik, não creio que a atuação dele estava à altura do personagem, achei inexperiente e não passa batido com a importância e complexidade que o papel exigia. Outro problema foram os outros personagens que não são o casal principal, havia muito que poderia ter sido desenvolvido em cima deles, a melhor amiga, o assessor, e especialmente o Ung diretor do documentário, pouquíssimo foi resolvido da parte da história dele e ele tinha um papel bastante destacado na história. Todas as histórias paralelas ficaram apenas de pretexto para "enrolar" a trama principal, uma pena.

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my fav drama

I'm re-watching this drama and it's incredible how only get's better!! The history, the OST, the actors, every little thing in 'our beloved summer' is perfectly put in the right place.
Kim Da-mi and Choi Woo-sik have the chemistry, they know exactly how to act to make us emotional with their history, to make us understand the characters' problems.
It's impossible to dislike the main couple, each one with their own traumas and problems, which make us identify with them, which make us understand that life isn't perfect and always find the way back for what's unfinished.
The secondary characters also have a great history, they amuse us and show a true friendship.
I loved every detail and watch again just show me that I'm not wrong about this drama.

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A good second chance love story

I'm kind of undecided whether this is a 3.5 or 4 stars (out of 5). On the one hand, this is quite a well-made character introspection narrative/drama about two people coming together and trying again. On the other hand, the middle part really drags and I wish this was 12 or (at the maximum!) 14 episodes, instead of the current 16. I stopped at around 11/12 coz of losing steam.

I like that this is very character focused and really tells the stories of the two leads and the side characters. The palette is so nostalgic, like Hatsukoi and Makanai san, and the school days segment gives me the feels for Someday or One Day (I'm not over that heartbreaking ending 😭). I think the skillful use of flashbacks and character voiceover narration actually works to the show's advantage because it feels like a diary at times, and I love the glimpse into the character's inner lives.

My gripe is really the length. 16 episodes is really way too much. Where the first 8-10 episodes feel better paced in terms of introducing the characters, their motivations, angst, and their perspectives on the break-up and their lives, by episode 10-11 it feels like the show is just dragging it out. (Also Kim Ji Woon's angst is just. So. Well written!!!)

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well made story of rekindling an old flame

Our Beloved Summer - 8,5/10 kdrama

firstly I am in kinda drama slump now and to even start this one I had to force myself. It was really good, but I cant say it saved me from slump.
Drama at start tends to skip between past and present timeline, but its done quite well.

This drama got really high quality story which is quite on :ordinary life side:. I mean characters backstory aint really ordinary like silver spoon, celebrity, :single parent family child etc. But happenings in this drama are modestly ordinary at least if you compare it to most kdramas.
Chemistry... yeah it was there, but again not in some passionate or cute way[was cute sometimes].
Yeah this drama will show you more of relationship based on old feelings which still lasts and some kind of spiritual solace between main leads.

plot - at high school ML and FL was part of documentary which became successful thanks their very different school social standing and personality which resulted in nonstop clashes and bickering through whole documentary. Later on they ended up as couple for five years just to go through hard break up.
Now 10 years after documentary aired it became viral again and both leads was pushed into joining new documentary about their life now. Will such sudden meet up after 5 years from break up, spark a fire between main leads again?

genre - romance, school, love/hate. second chance

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The Weight of Seasons

I delayed watching 'Our Beloved Summer' for nearly two years, initially dismissing it based on its trailer. At the time, I wasn't in the mood for a story about seemingly immature high schoolers entangled in trivial romances and breakups. However, watching it now, two years after its release, I realise that my earlier mindset might have prevented me from appreciating the drama’s true essence. Recently, I decided to give the trailer another look before diving into the series, and a particular detail caught my attention. Choi Ung, portrayed by Choi Woo Shik, was holding a copy of my favourite book, 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being.' This unusual choice for a romcom immediately signalled that 'Our Beloved Summer' was not your typical K-drama filled with clichéd conflicts between the main characters. The screenplay ingeniously incorporates the theme of eternal return, a pivotal concept in both the book and the drama. This philosophical thread, reminiscent of themes explored in 'Past Lives'—another stellar example of Korean storytelling—suggestively weaves together notions of destiny and interconnected fates, or what some might refer to as 'yoon-myeong' or the 'red string of fate.' This creative narrative choice not only sets the drama apart but also enriches its depth, making it a profoundly unique viewing experience.

Choi Woo Shik's portrayal of Choi Ung in 'Our Beloved Summer' masterfully subverts the conventional 'low-achiever' archetype often seen in dramas. Contrary to expectations, his character isn't compensated for academic shortcomings with a boisterous or charismatic persona—attributes typically assigned to such roles to bolster their likeability. Instead, Choi Ung is depicted as quiet, pensive, and introspective. Despite his youthful immaturity, there’s a depth to his demeanour that defies the usual clichés. Although deeply loved by his adoptive parents, Ung carries the weight of knowing he was adopted after the tragic loss of his parents' biological child. This knowledge, discovered early in his childhood without his parents' awareness, instills in him a profound sense of living a 'borrowed life.' This internal conflict is eloquently captured in his reflection: 'At times, nothing is the best you can do when you’re living a borrowed life.'

This sense of indebtedness and the fear of being inherently 'worthless' manifest in his aimlessness and aloof demeanour, despite the introspective qualities suggested by his eclectic book choices. Ung admits, 'Deep down, I was afraid that I might be a worthless person. That’s why I pretended not to know anything and that I wasn’t interested at all.' This confession reveals the layers of his internal struggle—how his academic disengagement and reserved nature are not merely personality traits but a protective facade against deeper fears of inadequacy.This thoughtful characterization not only challenges stereotypes but also adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making Choi Ung a relatable and compelling figure. His unique traits enrich the story, offering viewers a fresh perspective on what it means to be a protagonist in a youth-driven narrative.

One of the most poignant aspects of 'Our Beloved Summer' is its unflinching portrayal of poverty and its impact on personal relationships. A line from Kook Yeon Soo (Kim Da Mi) particularly resonates: 'I wish I was only poor to the point I could bear it. Please just for once.' This statement not only underscores the crushing weight of her financial struggles but also profoundly illustrates the emotional and psychological toll it takes on her. It’s a pivotal moment that clearly delineates the heartbreak and realism of her character’s journey, providing insight into the reasons behind her eventual breakup with Choi Ung. While Choi Ung is not exceptionally wealthy during college, his relative financial stability allows him the luxury of dreaming—a luxury Yeon Soo cannot afford as she is compelled to enter the workforce immediately after college, foregoing further education. This stark contrast in their circumstances breeds an inferiority complex in Yeon Soo, and understandably so. Her decision to end their relationship, driven by a fear of eventual resentment despite her love for Ung, is portrayed not as a failure on her part but as a painful act of self-preservation and practicality. Reflecting on their breakup years later, Yeon Soo labels her younger self as immature. However, from the perspective of her dire financial pressures, her choices appear both rational and sadly necessary.

The dynamic between Choi Ung and Kook Yeon Soo exemplifies a more nuanced approach to the 'enemies-to-lovers' trope. Unlike typical portrayals where stark opposites attract, their relationship is grounded in subtle yet profound similarities that make their bond both realistic and enduring. Both characters navigate their own forms of loneliness, insecurity, and a sort of premature maturity forced upon them by challenging childhoods. These shared experiences and traits—thoughtfulness, introversion, and a blend of immaturity coupled with wisdom beyond their years—forge a deep mutual understanding. This foundational connection is what makes their reunion, five years post-breakup, feel so natural and inevitable rather than forced. The concept of 'eternal return' woven throughout the drama doesn’t just recur in their fate but resonates deeply in their aligned personalities and past experiences. This thematic and emotional congruence ensures that their relationship stands the test of time, making their narrative not only compelling but also heartwarmingly authentic.

Additionally, the series delves into Kim Ji Ung's (Kim Sung Cheol's) poignant struggle with loneliness, accentuated by his unrequited love for both Yeon Soo and his emotionally distant mother. His role as a documentary producer, which compels him to observe life from behind his camera, initially appears as a safe detachment but increasingly becomes a suffocating cage. This metaphor of entrapment is profoundly illustrated when he chooses to film his dying mother—a decision intended to pave a path to reconciliation. However, this resolution doesn't evoke the sense of closure one might expect; instead, it leaves a lingering sense of sadness, as if the reconciliation is just another scene in his array of observed lives rather than a heartfelt connection. The character NJ (Roh Jeong Eui) also presents a compelling narrative, grappling with the dissonance between her public idol persona and her private identity. She finds an unexpected refuge in Choi Ung's art, which helps bridge her internal divides. Meanwhile, Yeon Soo’s evolution is equally significant. Her realisation towards the series' end, 'the only person who made my life seem pathetic was me,' marks a pivotal moment of self-acceptance. While her struggles with poverty initially isolated her, she eventually recognised the support system she always had in her friends and in Ung. This newfound acceptance and confidence enrich her character's journey, illustrating the transformative power of self-awareness and support.

'The documentary metaphor' that the series employs is especially striking, suggesting that it's the ordinary moments of our lives that compile our unique stories. This notion is beautifully encapsulated in the exchange, 'How pitiful,' 'Who?' 'Just us...us...and everyone...' It reminds us that while we may often feel trapped in the minutiae, it is these very moments that define and distinguish our lives. 'Our Beloved Summer' excels in portraying these subtle yet significant life experiences, making it a memorable and reflective drama.

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OSUMmer

• Mabilis lang ako manood ng series, but I watched this for one week bc it was draining for me. Bakit ko 'to pinanood? Matagal ko na 'to nakita sa tiktok (oo, tiktok na naman lol) nakita ko kasi 'yong edited clips na "what if your greatest what if" eneme and that got my interest. May summer pati ang title kaya nakuha ako. As a masokista, mahilig talaga ako sa mga mapanakit na drama (wala po akong pake sa mental health ko yes po hahaha) itong kdrama na 'to ang hinahanap ko sa isang drama, gusto ko 'yong solid na pain. Mula ep 3 hanggang ep 11 umiiyak ako, relate kasi yata ako.

• Familiar na 'to sa'kin si Choi Woo Shik dahil napanood ko na 'yong drama niya na "Boy Next Door" na mistaken as bl lang pala. Hindi siya gano'n kaattractive sa'kin kasi hindi siya matangkad pero ang nagustuhan ko sa kaniya is 'yong sexy eyes niya, & magaling siya mag-express ng emotions even tho walang words--his facial expressions >>>

• Tungkol 'to sa isang top student at worst student na ginawa'n ng documentary no'ng summer high school pa sila, and nagkadevelopan sila. Naging sila no'ng last shoot then nagtagal ang rs nila, if I'm not mistaken naging sila mga 5 years ta's nagbreak.

• Since mapaglaro ang destiny ay nagkita ulit ang mag-ex lovers unexpectedly (work-related). Binigyan ako ng idea ni Choi Ung kung anong gagawin ko kapag nakita ko ulit ex ko HAHAHAHA chz, gusto ko kasi 'yong ginawa niya. For me, hindi 'yon harsh walang-wala pa 'yon sa sakit na nakuha niya. Deserve 'yon ni Yeon Su bc mapride siya, medyo magkalevel kami ng pride kaya hindi ko rin siya magawang i-hate lol.

• Ji Ung said "Choi Ung is the kind of person who isn't afraid to be in pain if he can make others suffer," ako 'to last year kaya nakarelate ako sa line na 'to at idc kung pareho kaming nasaktan basta hindi ako magsosorry sa ginawa ko hahaha sinasadya ko 'yon.

'Yong sinabi naman ni Choi "Attack is the secret of defense", gaguu ginawa ko rin 'to last year HAHAHAHAHAHA kaya proud na proud ako kay Choi Ung napakastrong.

For me lang ha, unique mag-isip 'tong si Choi Ung natuwa ako sa sinabi niyang "I'm buying time for them so we can have a calm conversation". Imagine lagi niyang tinatakbuhan kapag nag-aaway or may prob sila kasi para mabawasan 'yong emotions at makapag-usap sila nang maayos, very clever huh.

• May pagka Yeon Su nga ang behavior ko kaya sobrang sakit no'ng pinaliwanag ni Choi Ung 'yong nararamdaman niya tuwing sinasabi ni Yeon Su na ok lang siya gan'to ganiyan kahit hindi naman, na walang magawa si Choi Ung kundi tanggapin kasi feeling niya wala naman siyang magagawa, and it hit me hard na nagkaroon ako ng reflection sa sarili ko (tama na po masakit na hahaha ems). Maraming nagsabi na boring daw 'to, but I think kaya lang nila nasasabi 'yon is hindi lang sila relate. Although slow paced 'to, nakuha ako. Maganda ang drama na 'to lalo na kung heartbroken ka ta's ito pinapanood mo ay nako ilang beses ka magrerelapse kasi gano'n ito karelatable.

• I like that Ji-Ung and NJ had a POV.

• Ji Ung and Choi Ung friendship >>>

• Choi Ung didn't draw people even his parents, but Yeon Su was the only exception <33

• Parang medyo rushed ang ending, anong itsura na ng drawing ni Choi Ung? Kumusta na si grandma? Bakit nakahiwalay sa series 'yong ginawang documentary tinatamad tuloy ako panoorin 'yon hmp.

• Being abandon is scary, but I really like that Choi Ung confronted it in the end.

• Gumagana ba ang s2 sa kdrama? gusto ko sequel ta's about kay Ji Ung naman (meron ba?), interested po ako sa kaniya dahil siya ang aking fav character sa series na 'to.

• I really believe in second chances kaya binibigyan ko ito ng solid 10/10!!

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Pretty good, overall nicely done.

This drama turned out pretty good. It wasn't really on my radar, but it kept popping up in my feeds, so I decided to give it a watch as the general premise sounded at least somewhat alluring.

Towards ep14 I was feeling like they should just wrap it up but the last 2 episodes did have some good moments.

My biggest problem with this drama was the 2nd FL, the character added barely anything to this drama. Through and through, I would class this as a drama with just one couple in mind. the 2nd FL has this whole backstory and persona built up making you feel bad about her and giving her a rich character but not actually using her for the story. You get somewhat of a 2nd lead syndrome but nothing serious like School 2015 *cough *cough. Either way any screen time she had just made me feel bad makes me want to go rewatch YAMG which keeps the main couple in focus at all times and brings 2nd FL/ML in only for short moments and doesn't develop their characters that much. Or Intense Love for that Celeb x "normal person" drama which you wish NJ could get.

The music was quite good and did bring out emotions from me so no problems with it. But when it comes to rewatch value as I stated above the interest just dwindled from ep14 and onwards. Usually rewatch dramas are the ones that keep me hooked to the end. But overall it was a enjoyable watch with a interesting story definitely worth checking out but it's not going to top any of my charts. 8/10

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The most PERFECT enemies to lovers ??

I loved the whole thing, I hesitated to watch it a lot but I must say it was definitely worth the watch! An absolute masterpiece! Truly enjoyed every second and it has an amazing insight about the misunderstandings in relationships and how communication is key. And the acting was extraordinary with great chemistry! It's a very very very very happy ending for everyone! Ahh that last episode was sooo good I loved it! Absolutely loved it! The music too was sooo good! The cast smashed it! Overall fantastic enemies to lovers rom-com with the cutest bickering and sweetest romance 👩‍🎓🧑‍🎨🎥❤️💔❣️

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Heartbreaking, emotional, amazing!

Oh my gosh that was so good! I'm not going to try to be all poetic and proper, I just want to gush about how good this series was. There was such good chemistry amongst the characters. And I swear, every time Ung smiled, I melted. So now I'm just a puddle of goo trying to operate the keyboard to say how much I liked this.

I didn't cry a lot, which in itself is a miracle, because I'm a crier. There were a couple of tears shed here and there though. If there hadn't been, I don't think I'd have liked it as much. That last episode definitely tugged at a heartstring or 2.

There were a lot of flashbacks, especially to the first documentary, but they were done well and I loved them. There weren't too many scenes throughout the whole show where I questioned whether I should fast-forward. But honestly, it's 16 episodes....I think there were 2 or 3 that I thought about doing the Netflix 10-second skip. To have that few is a win in my book, and I never did skip for fear of missing something.

It wasn't fast paced, but it wasn't so slow as to be uneventful. I swear I was heartbroken for the first 13 or so episodes, and several times I went to the MDL individual episodes to comment, but I never wrote anything, as I was too much into the "what's next" of the series. Truly, it was WAY better than I thought it would be.

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