Benvenuti a Samdal-ri (2023)

Waste of A-List Talent

This is a story of a girl who had big dreams. She is now reduced to wailing, whining and wasting away her life in relentless self-pity (7 episodes in and the self-pity party is showing no signs of abating.) Read this in Chandler's tone: Can she do anymore sobbing?

WTS also tells the story of a boy whose only aspiration in life is to be with a girl and follow her around like a lost lovesick puppy. The sole purpose and impetus of everything he does is to one day see himself and Samdal ride off into the Jeju sunset. Ngl it may appear romantic on-screen, but that's the very definition of a loser in real life (think about it).

Misery, they say, loves company. Not so fast. Samdal's continued misery does not make for a great company, or chemistry for that matter. Because even with Yongpil's incessant smothering attention for the consummate damsel-in-distress Samdal, oil and water have better chemistry.

Now let's go to the plot. Welcome to Samdalri is like the madlibs of Kdrama. Someone draws a card (plot), and players toss out random words, names and places to fill in the blanks. For fun, someone throws in postcards (cinematography) and turns on the FM radio (soundtrack).

How they got A-List actors Shin Hyesun and Ji Changwook onboard is a mystery. Unfortunately, not even their masterful acting can keep the Samdalri sinking ship afloat.

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I held on as long as I could

I love the male lead and like the female lead as well but her character makes me
want to turn my tv off. She did look down on those under her. I feel she did
treat people under her like they wasn't anything. Like she was all that and as
when she was out drinking with the girls her attitude was she's the shit and
the people that had been under her was nothing and she could talk to them
anyway she wanted. Even though that chick under her was trash I'm surprised
something like this hasn't happened to her long ago. Overall I really didn't like
the female leads character at all when she was in the big city and my dislike for
her got worse once she went home to the small town. All she did was hide and whine
about what happened to her instead of fighting. I mean damn she worked hard to get
where she was right? It took her mother to drag her out to set the record straight to all
the gossiping people around town and word of what her mother said quickly spread like
wild fire🤦🏼‍♀️. Six eps in and this is definitely NOT a show that I would rewatch hell I'm struggling to
make it to the end of this. I won't go into any long details about what I think of this after giving it two more eps but I did at least hang in there half way through. I really wanted to stick this out because of the leads but I'm just not feeling it.

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Check it out if you are fan of the leads other work

This drama is based on the writer that have Hi Bye Mama and directed by the director that have directed Forecasting Love and Weather and When the Camila Bloom, You can just tell by the photography and the vibe. If you watch those I have mentioned that you just know. There are two best friend who dated, but have feelings for each other still when Sam Dal work under the name Cho Eun Hye returned to her hometown after leaving years earlier to pursue her career as a photographer. While Yong Pil stayed behind and work as forecaster to protect the elders in his community. If you watch the drama you will know it is more than just those two, but it also touched on family, not succeeding and more. There is a love triangle I guess, but not really mostly it is family and friendship. The pace of the drama isn't my favorite and if you want to check it out for the actors you should do it and it might not be for everyone. The community keeps talking about our leads relationship and gossip. There is also a prominent death that affect everyone in the community and you'll see why if you check it. Overall, I would check it out if you are a fan of the actors or have seen work directed by director because it is not for everyone. I lost interest in the latest episode which is episode 14. I hope it give you a better understanding on the drama but these are my opinion.

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First Episode you made FL dislikable
she not only leave him, but also moved on from him dating random cheaters while he is still waiting, its just UNFAIR.
it not just leaving her boyfriend but looking down on him.
she would have never return to him if she wasn't catching abusing her own people
because she look down on others which make her most dislikable
Ji Chang Wook will portray very humble kind man while FL will be shown as someone who should not be with at all.
we all know that in the end girl who try to commit suicide will tell the world how Great this FL is and how she is wrong for getting bullied and look down upon by GREAT FL and then our Fl will get all her fame back like there is no other photographer in Korea to fulfil her left space.
JI CHANG WOOK why are you taking this kind of dumb roles, do you like playing Dumb roles because it takes no effort and will make easy Money ?

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One word: Warmth. That's what the drama made me feel. Love it (Second chance romance worth watching)

Jo Yong Pil (ML): The greenest flag of a character I have ever seen. Its impossible not to adore him. The actor does such justice to the character, i wonder if the writer wrote the script with Ji Chang Wook in mind.

Cho Sam Dal (FL): Very straightforward person, doesn't beat around the bush, which comes off as rude. This got her into trouble, leading to her loosing her career in the city. Bang Eun Joo (the villain) was smart to use that flaw in her character to her advantage. What I like about Cho Sam Dal are her faults, she can be pretty clueless at times and also slow to take actions, but despite them all she is a good person.

Sam Dal and Yong Pil complement each other so well. I am glad that Yong Pil got his happy beginning. While Sam Dal is a pretty impressive, Yong Pil steals the show and captures your heart, making you want to root for him. It impossible not to feel loved while watching this drama, that's how warm Yong Pil is. I'm more into enemies to lover tropes then best friend turned lovers, but this couple holds a special place in my heart. It shows us how relationships don't necessarily have to be the constant push-and-pull but can full of love and care.

Breakdown of allegations against Cho Sam Dal:
1. Bang Eun Joo intentionally went out of the way to get with Sam Dal's ex (Cheon Chung Gi ) just to prove that she could have him. (The guys is also utter crap) The only time Sam Dal said something intentionally harsh was when Eun Joo practically gloated to her that she slept with Sam Dal's boyfriend.
2. What Sam Dal said pissed off Eun Joo so much that she fabricated a suicide attempt and then claimed that she was driven to suicide because of Sam Dal bullying. Sam Dal on the other hand was so shocked to hear about the suicide attempt that she practically gaslit herself for a while, which had us all wondering did she really bully that woman?
3. That's not where it ends though, Eun Joo decided to steal Sam Dal's ideas and work as well. What did Sam Dal do when she discovered it, gave it away to the Eun Joo for free and decided to wash her hands of her.

Coming to Cho Sam Dal's family dynamics, watching the three sisters together is very fun. Ha Yool is also so damn adorable.
All the other couples were also pretty decent to watch. It was good to see all of them succeed in their careers.

I'm a bit unsatisfied with the ending because I just want more of the Samdal-ri's crowd, specially Sam Dal's and Yong Pil's relationship.

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Beautiful story about love and growing

One of the best Kdrama that I have ever watched. If you are looking for a heartfelt and warm show to watch and unwind, it's for you!

Bittersweet moments that i found so relatable to myself. Lines are so moving and touching, letting my tears drop when I watched the show and chill at dinner time.

The best part is that each episode has the moment that you are felt so relatable and touching, to feel laugh out loud, to feel hurt, to feel frustrated and repeat.

I love how the show are plotted and I love the show are trying to comfort and teach us the lessons of our life journey in this world.

A story about forgiving, finding yourself, family, love, independent, growing in a beautiful way.

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HIGHLY RECOMMEND 10000000000

"Welcome to Samdal-ri" stands out as a gem in the realm of Romance Comedy Korean Dramas, earning a well-deserved perfect score of 10/10 across all aspects, including Story, Acting, Music, and Overall execution. This captivating series successfully weaves a tale that not only tugs at the heartstrings but also leaves a lasting impression on the audience.

At the core of its excellence is the compelling storyline that unfolds in the picturesque backdrop of Samdal-ri. The narrative is a delightful blend of romance and comedy, skillfully crafted to keep viewers hooked from the first episode to the last. The scriptwriters have managed to strike a perfect balance, introducing heartwarming moments intertwined with humor, making it a rollercoaster of emotions.

The character development in "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is praiseworthy. Each character is meticulously crafted, bringing depth and authenticity to the narrative. The protagonists' journey is not just a love story; it's a journey of self-discovery and growth. The chemistry between the lead characters is palpable, adding a layer of believability to their relationship that resonates with the audience.

The acting in this Korean Drama is nothing short of exceptional. The cast delivers stellar performances, portraying their characters with nuance and sincerity. The lead actors not only share fantastic on-screen chemistry but also breathe life into their respective roles. The supporting cast contributes significantly to the overall charm, injecting humor and emotion into the storyline.

A noteworthy aspect of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is its enchanting music. The soundtrack complements the scenes perfectly, enhancing the emotional impact of key moments. Whether it's a poignant romantic scene or a lighthearted comedic moment, the music serves as a powerful accompaniment, elevating the viewer's experience. The well-curated soundtrack becomes a memorable element, leaving a lasting imprint on the audience.

The overall execution of the series is commendable. The cinematography captures the beauty of Samdal-ri, providing a visual treat for the viewers. The pacing is well-managed, ensuring a smooth flow of the narrative without unnecessary drag or haste. The production values are high, contributing to the immersive experience that "Welcome to Samdal-ri" offers.

What makes this Korean Drama stand out is its ability to resonate with a wide audience. While it delivers on the romantic and comedic fronts, it also explores themes of friendship, family, and personal growth. This multifaceted approach adds layers of depth to the storyline, making it a fulfilling watch for viewers looking for more than just a typical romantic comedy.

In conclusion, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is a masterpiece in the world of Korean Dramas. Its flawless storytelling, exceptional acting, enchanting music, and overall execution make it a standout in the genre. With a perfect 10/10 rating in every category, this series is a must-watch for anyone seeking a heartwarming and entertaining experience. "Welcome to Samdal-ri" leaves an indelible mark, reminding us of the enduring power of love and laughter in storytelling.

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A heart-warming drama

From the first few episodes, it became clear that this wasn't the typical revenge drama. This meant that no matter how much I wanted Bang Eun-Ju to suffer in the worst way for her wicked deeds, Sam-Dal's journey would take center stage - and what a journey it was. It was one of healing, re-discovery, friendship, family, and community. The best part is, that it wasn't just Sam-dal's journey. All the characters, in one way or another, had something they needed to heal from. Decades-long grief and resentment, anger, heartbreak, unrequited love, guilt, and the shame that comes with failed dreams. It was a richly rewarding experience for our characters as individuals and as parts of the close-knit Samdal-Ri community.

One of my favorite things about this drama is that it showcases the importance of a supportive community, a home to return to whenever one gets weary of the drudgery that living often requires. Home is where you can come up for air, take a rest, and when you are recharged, go out to face the world again.

Everyone got the ending they deserved, a second chance to go at shelved dreams, to mend broken relationships, to fall in love. It was so wonderful. Bang Eun-Ju also got the ending she deserved, of course. The actors were spectacular; all the characters were memorable and evoke warm memories even after it's over - except Bang Eun-Ju. (JCW moved me to tears more than once with his powerful, emotional scenes. Yong-Pil was my favorite).

Overall, a very enjoyable drama.

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Best lighthearted show for the start of 2024

Welcome to Samdal-ri was so refreshing and, although there are some frustrating characters once in a while, we see the character development and how life really comes to play out. The story was not something seen super often and the love story wasn’t over the top the MUSIC was amazing shoutout to DK from seventeen for making the song cover sound so good. The story makes me realize that the meaning of home and love and I really liked that. I would give this show a 10 but it’s more of a light show which is not my favourite genre which is my own preference. So despite my biases this show would be a 10.

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A SHOWSTOPPER! PURE GREATNESS!

As I’m being introduced to Korean actors, several have become favorites: Jang Gwang, Jeon Gook Hwan, Lee Min Ki, Yoo Ji Tae, Song Kang, Won Jin Ah, Lee Bo-Young, Ahn Eun Jin, Kim Ji-Won and many others, but the one I’ve come to adore, is Ji Chang-Wook. He has that wholesomeness of “boy next door,” charm and charisma! Above all, he’s a great actor-no matter the genre. Commanding my attention also, is Kim Mi Kyung. Whatever the role (generally a mom), she is captivating! After scrolling past “Welcome to Samdal-ri” numerous times, I decided to read its synopsis and noticed the list of actors. Chang-Wook and Mi-Kyung were listed! Although the title is not enthralling, it becomes apropos, as the show progresses. I give kudos to the screenwriter and director-a job well done; a bow to the casting agency that assembled this group of performers: SUPERB! Each role internalized and brilliantly delivered! Whether Lead, Support, or a Bit part, all were outstanding and deserving of awards! This show depicts camaraderie, friendship, fun, love, pain, loss, revival, and has a great OST. It is definitely worthy of your time, and must be considered for rewatching!

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