Is It Fate? (2024)

Exploring the journey that is first love: falling, discovering, letting go, and regaining hope

Two storylines intertwine and develop into a blossoming romance, offering the realm of Korean dramas a fresh take on both juvenile and matured love. When fate offers two past students of Obok High School a chance to mend the lost pieces from their past, will their relationship’s outcome differ from how they last tied ends with each other? 2013 was the year one gained hope in starting a relationship and the other lost all hope in deepening any of his friendships. The timelines that parallel each other raise the question of whether Lee Hong Ju and Kang Hu Yeong’s second chance at love will win over their struggles in coming to terms with past heartbreak and surpass the current barriers that stand in their way, including a particularly messy breakup with a first love and boyfriend of three years; Bang Jun Ho. In this male-chases-female rom-com, 10 years after their first encounter, it’s for Lee Hong Ju to open her eyes to the destiny that awaits her and her heartbroken heart. With two people dear to the female lead back after pained departures, her choice between both will determine whether it’s our love for someone that changes overtime, or the people themselves.

The mini-series strung together untold secrets from the past into an overwhelming surge of pent-up emotion that wished to be let loose. 10 years was more than enough time for it to overflow and soon enough, the story managed to turn those unspoken feelings into the continuation of a romance that was cut short and that didn’t have the chance to bloom. It did so by reuniting the main leads once again, this time in a serendipitous encounter at a café. In the beginning, ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’, more commonly known as ‘Is It Fate?’, tells the story of two busy individuals who have cut out the romance of their lives completely. But somewhere along the hard journey they took to get from being acquaintances to being happily in a relationship, the leads’ poignant acting and chemistry outshone all else. It brought the plot to life, turning the storyline’s delicacy of reminiscence and heartbreak into an exciting race of capturing another’s heart. The actors’ perfect embodiment of character truly enabled the series to convey strong emotion to the audience.

As for the show’s few sets and choice of location, they provided a tranquil and familiar backdrop to the characters’ ever-changing relationships with one another. The show’s cozy atmosphere curated a comforting vibe, its simplicity putting on pedestals the amazing acting that brought the show to life. Furthermore, the script is simple yet well-written, with thought-provoking and comedious lines bringing many smiles to the faces of viewers; whether they be from nostalgia or out of laughter. The soundtrack was soft-sounding and felt as faint as the simple cinematography; very fitting to the show’s light emphasis on the heavy matters of self-discovery, growth, and acceptance it incorporates into its romance. Despite having many subplots, side characters and different themes, it managed to touch each with just the right amount of detail to fit it all into a well-accomplished eight-episode mini-series. Overall, the ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’ has undeniably earned itself a spot among some of the most successful releases of 2024.

The main leads are layered characters, meaning that they have more than one side to themselves: their personality traits vary depending on whether they're put under certain circumstances or in company of certain people. Their depth allows them to be capable of growth and change; providing greater room for character development. To understand their reasoning and motives behind their choice of words or certain actions of theirs, it is necessary to understand from which perspective they stand. At first, it may be frustrating to watch Lee Hong Ju be so hesitant in accepting her romantic feelings towards Kang Hu Yeong because, from the viewers’ standpoint, she’s pushing the lead love interest away whenever he flirts or tries to make a move on her. But with the show’s unraveling comes the revelation of her backstory which allows us to understand this hesitant side of hers; her fear of abandonment from past traumatic events. From her perspective, if she couldn’t stop anyone else dear to her from leaving without an explanation, why should she have faith that things would be different with Kang Hu Yeong? Furthermore, the wide range of attitude showcased during her growth as an individual gives her a more humane allure, making her more appealing to the audience.

Lee Hong Ju, the most emotionally complex character, also provides a healthy example for others going through a break-up. Instead of focusing on the sadness that follows heartbreak, the series shows the female lead as someone strong who is in control of her own emotions and capable of putting herself first. Rather than letting her emotions consume her, she tries her best to let them go instead of putting her pride down and begging for answers from her ex-boyfriend. The maturity she gains following the hard time she endured because of Bang Jun Ho’s departure is evident in her choice to end things with him, even once he comes back and begs forgiveness. Showing the emotional impact left on both individuals involved in the miscommunication problem allowed us to sympathize with them both, even before knowing whose reason it was for their break-up. Presenting the motives behind their actions gives viewers the chance to truly understand all of the characters. Because of this, there are no unlikeable characters despite the faces they put out to others. This connection between the characters and viewers enables us to root for them— not for the sake that they end up reconciling and get their happy ending, but rather that they let go, and move on from the struggles that hold them back.

Each actor involved in the series fit their role perfectly and I very much enjoyed watching the behind-the-scenes cuts where their interactions with one another expanded to beyond the script. As expected from rising-star Chae Jong Hyeop, his acting was so good that I could not imagine any other actor taking on Kang Hu Yeong’s role. It takes a certain level of talent to play a character who, even when expressionless, still has emotion dancing in his eyes. Kim Da Som, who played Kim Hye Ji, also had a remarkable performance as a side character who provided the female lead with ten years of best-friendship.

The realistic unraveling and outcome of the side storylines amplified the magical and passionate romance that Lee Hong Ju and Kang Hu Yeong effectively shared through the screen with their convincing chemistry. Each character’s relationship with one another presented a different shade of love—from unconditional yet complicated familial love to heartbreak and everything in between; including the one that shows up unexpectedly and the one that comes back, giving us a second chance. Rather than the side characters’ storylines taking away from the main one, they enhanced it by giving insight into the struggles faced by others among the lead’s mostly perfect and unrealistic romance. Their stories were all in touch with themes of decision-making and self-discovery and either presented through grappling feelings of love, or learning to let go. This enabled the side characters and the leads’ storylines to merge as one big lesson of growth and renaissance instead of the different plots veering off into their own direction and being an annoyance.

Although the show's angst, anger, and sadness is derived from miscommunication, it doesn’t dwell on the matters that bring negativity to the female lead’s life. When these emotions prevent her from moving on, she lets go, that new empty space in her heart leaving room for growth. Lee Hong Ju’s way of refining her negative feelings into an opportunity to improve herself enhances the show’s light and hopeful vibe. Not only is this beneficial for the series’ overall lightheartedness, but it also stops the angst from being a nuance to the plot, which manages to stay quick-paced throughout all eight episodes. Rather than holding the characters back and stopping them from developing, the angst is what pushes them and their storylines further. The series connects with its audience by using the universal experience of heartbreak to create a sense of relatability between the characters and viewers.

The open-ending stayed true to the series with its sweet and lighthearted hopefulness. The last few scenes were nothing big or spectacular, but rather realistic—just like the rest of the series, which builds up on small, random moments that may seem insignificant on their own but of which have slowly led up to the leads’ passionate romance. With its strong female lead, ‘Serendipity’s Embrace’ puts up a conclusion that affirms it is indeed possible to let go of your adoration for your true love, though the moment you fell for them will always remain in your heart. The male lead represents second chances, and his unwavering loyalty and dedication for Lee Hong Ju are a testament of true love.Together, both ended up fulfilling each other's dream. Through Kang Hu Yeong, whose first love was Lee Hong Ju, the female lead got a second chance to experience the magic of a successful first love. Kang Hu Yeong, whose direction in life depended on his controlling mother’s choice, felt the success of his dream job as an animator through Lee Hong Ju. This gives new meaning to an earlier scene with his girlfriend, where he pauses the movie as the credits play to admire her name among the others in its production team. Instead of portraying this as a cute moment between the couple, the series focuses on him alone, emphasizing his acknowledgement of her success, which in a way, was also his.

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A Very Cute and Cozy Watch for Romance Lovers

This was a good show. It was fun and cozy. Kim So Hyun ,Kim Da Som, Lee Won Jung as well as other actors shined here. They're very talented actors. The OST was unforgettable and perfect. The chemistry was amazing. What I didn't like was the endings of some of the characters. Sang Pil had such a bad ending. He deserved so much more! He wasn't happy with his career and he was envious of his friends who are all dating except for him. He deserved love from his parents who barely cared about him as he said and a person to stay by his side in his hard times. And what about Jun Ho? He looked so sad at the end. It seemed like Hoo Young was Hong Joo's first love, not Jun Ho. Her heart raced for him sometimes and she looked very happy each time she saw him, but they didn't point that out although it seemed obvious. The show was good overall, although it had some plot holes.

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Same cliche trope again and again with nothing new

So ML liked FL who liked SML. He ended up with an unrequited love and she ended up dating SML but had a painful breakup and now years later they all meet again.

Have seen this plot plenty of times in many Chinese and Korean dramas before.
FL is still hurt over breakup, SML will try to get back with her, ML will try to be with her and help her get over SML. In the end ML/FL will end up together..........End of Story
No wonder this drama has only 8 eps and will be over in 4 weeks since there is nothing much to add to it. Other than 1 or 2 moments where things go different than expected, overall it is simply mid.

The only things saving this drama is the cute chemistry between leads otherwise it is generic.

( Kim So Hyun needs to choose better scripts and not the same cliche trope again and again)

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A Kashmir Embrace

This drama is just so fluffy and soft, listening to the OST is like being embraced by a kashmir sweater, sweet clouds made out of cotton candy that is not sticky, 999 puppies that run up to you.....

The drama itself is pretty fluffy too the first 7 episode sor so with very few moments of drama and excitement , it is as if they left all the drama to the last episode just to remind us that this is indeed a K-drama just incase we forget with all that sweet fluff.

The friendships are nice, the second hand embarrassment and annoying elements are very few and I do believe tehy mange to tell the whole story within these 8 episodes pretty well.

An easy binge for those in need of fluff.

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Cliché, mais divertissant

Ce n'est pas un drama mémorable, mais il s'est révélé divertissant sur ses huit épisodes d'une heure chacun. On est sur une intrigue facile avec une FL sentimentalement aveugle et un ML charmant, mais peu dégourdi. La romance secondaire est amusante à suivre, sans devenir une nécessité non plus.

C'est une romance qui ne laisse pas de place à la surprise, cela dit, il possède quelques répliques bien placées avec cette touche romantique agréable. On sait comment tout commence, on sait aussi comment tout se termine. Et ce n'est pas grave, parce qu'il suffit de lire le résumé pour savoir à quoi s'attendre.

C'est une histoire parfaite les jours où vous n'avez rien à regarder ou si vous ne voulez pas vous prendre la tête. C'est mignon et facile avec un couple mignon et souriant, bien que le ML ait manqué un peu de contraste.

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Just another love story

I have been anticipating this drama because of the main leads as probably everyone else, but even though I love Jong Hyeop, I don't have many hopes for this show. Surely there's only one ep out, but by the looks of it, there won't be much going on beyond the ML pursuing the FL (read: pushing himself through her life) who has a complicated relationship with the SML until she realizes her feelings for the ML.

There wasn't anything impressive in this episode, not even the interactions between the leads, and definitely nothing that set the drama for an interesting plot. Also, this drama solidified my hatred for this very common kdrama trope of the ML taking care of an embarrassingly wasted FL. At least LHJ wasn't that badly drunk, but it really does annoy me when the FL gets drunk around a sober ML and makes a fool of herself with her tipsy walking and blabbering. It's especially annoying when this happens in the very first episode already, but I regress.

Good thing the drama will only have 8 episodes because I can already tell by the pace of this episode that the whole plot will just be the romance with nothing else relevant going on.

I'm still going to stick around though, and the leads at least will make it worth watching it since they do already have great chemistry and I love my boy Jong Hyeop, but I'm already kind of let down and can only hope it will get better and not stay as just another (plain) love story.

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Short but worth it ?

The story of young people who meet their first love after 10 years by chance and go on to find true love and dreams

"Serendipity's Embrace" is adapted from a beloved webtoon and weaves a heartwarming tale of love, second chances, and the pursuit of dreams. The story centers around a group of young adults whose lives are turned upside down by a surprise encounter with a past flame from a decade ago. As they navigate this unexpected twist of fate, they rediscover love and reawaken old dreams that had long been forgotten.

Kim So Hyun stars as Lee Hong Joo, an animation producer who has been deeply scarred by a past breakup. Her life, once carefully managed, is thrown into disarray when she unexpectedly meets Kang Hoo Young, an ex-boyfriend who witnessed her struggles during their previous relationship. This chance meeting forces Hong Joo to confront her past and embrace new possibilities in her life.

Opposite Kim So Hyun, Chae Jong Hyeop plays Kang Hoo Young, a successful financial planner based in the U.S. Despite his professional achievements, Hoo Young feels a void in his life that he cannot seem to fill. His unexpected reunion with Hong Joo stirs up old emotions and compels him to reconsider the choices he has made, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and renewed hope.

The chemistry between Kim So Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop has been a significant draw for viewers, with their portrayals of deeply complex characters resonating strongly with
the audience.

But story it's too short I think there is something Missing in the drama.

GOOD BUT SHORT

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Almost dropped it

Almost dropped it over the cliché... The rich, effortlessly intelligent, socially "cold/distanced/awkward" male protagonist fells for the poor, not so smart (maybe "socially intelligent"?), clueless female protagonist... But I gave it one more chance and decided to stick with it, and it changed my mind. I'm actually starting to like it. The plot it's starting to get interesting. Let's see if, after episode 2, it can keep me hooked.

Ps. I don't like to rate before I finish a drama or before I decide to quit it. Which, none is the case (so far). So, just to clarify, this rating (since obligatory for submitting an early review) aren't final.

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Esse é um daqueles draminhas fofos e despretensiosos. Não tem nada muito original. A clássica história do primeiro amor, frustrado no passado, mas que tem a oportunidade de se realizar no presente.

Hu Yeong volta à Coreia após passar dez anos no exterior. Por acaso, acaba encontrando seu primeiro amor em um encontro às cegas. Ela parece não lembrar dele, mas mais tarde entendemos que o esquecimento seletivo dela tem a ver com o fato de Hu Yeong ser o amor de colegial não apenas da protagonista, mas da sua melhor amiga.

O bom do drama ser curto é que todas as situações que poderiam render vários mal-entendidos que se arrastariam por vários episódios são solucionados bem rápidos, porém ao mesmo tempo isso também é um problema porque parece que tudo se resolve muito rápido. Por exemplo, a amiga da protagonista que estava super interessada no protagonista abre mão dele rapidinho (como devia ser mesmo) após entender que ele gosta da amiga. Justo. Porém, rapidamente ela ficou perdidamente apaixonada pelo colega professor. Acho que ficou um pouco superficial e em um drama mais longo poderia ser melhor trabalhado.

Do mesmo modo a personagem Sang Pil, realmente é a definição de coadjuvante. Só está ali como suporte para as conversas com os outros personagens, explicar situações, reunir o grupo em determinado local (o restaurante dele), mas deixam no ar a possibilidade do primeiro amor dele ter sido a amiga da protagonista. Talvez em um drama mais longo isso poderia ser melhor abordado e o personagem tivesse mais relevância para a história.

E finalmente o clichê da mãe do protagonista rico que despreza a namorada pobre do filho e tenta separa o casal a todo custo. Se fosse um drama mais longo, teríamos sofrido muito com essa mãe porque ela foi inacreditavelmente irritante no curto espaço disponível. Apesar que nossa protagonista enfrentou-a da melhor maneira possível, na teimosia e no deboche. Amei.

Enfim, um drama divertido com um casal de protagonistas fofos. Não vá com muitas expectativas e se divirta.

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