REVIEW: Ex-Girlfriend Club

Ex-Girlfriend Club was sadly cut by a whole four episodes, from 16 to 12. However, the sudden ending didn't seem empty and I got what a wanted, a happy but still funny ending.

I was really looking forward to this, mostly because of the cast. Song Ji Hyo seems to act in something like once a year these days so I really needed to see this show to support her. Also, this is Byun Yo Han's first leading role since enchanting us in Misaeng so I had to support him too. However, they were only two of the many acting jewels that were a part of this production.  For the full cast list CLICK HERE. Now let's get into the review.

Synopsis: A film producer, Kim Soo Jin, and a manhwa (comic) writer, Bang Myung Soo, who were once inseparable friends meet up again after a long break to make a movie based off of the comic. Everything seems to be pretty standard but Soo Jin's company is in danger of going under and if that wasn't enough Myung Soo's exes want a say in how the movie goes. Obviously this will result in some frustrating but also hilarious situations. 

Things I Liked:

1. The relationship between Kim Soo Jin and Bang Myung Soo. They're friends! I know it seems impossible but at the beginning of the show these two are adorable friends that reminisce about good times and fight like only real friends do. That adorable friendship or at least elements of their friendship remained to the very end and that made for a very enjoyable and realistic show.

2. The ex-girlfriends. As irritating as it would be for your exes to come out of no where and try to control you, your friend, and your project years after breaking up, these were not your usual exes. All three women were tough in their own right. The three exes had strong minds and strong opinions and they never missed a moment to share them. It was also really hilarious to see how three exes of the same man interacted with each other. There was a bit of cat fighting but also a bit of understanding and encouraging.

3. Kim Soo Jin. I don't think Song Ji Hyo plays weak characters. If she has I haven't seen it so it's no surprise that as cute as her character is she wasn't going down without a fight. Kim Soo Jin was the perfect example of what most women are like in real life. They can be sweet, but they also have their own standards and expect the people they hang out with to uphold those standards to a certain degree. Soo Jin was sweet most of the time but she definitely didn't stop herself from getting angry if need be. Toward the end of the show her character was mostly on the sweet side, but if things start to work out how you want in your life wouldn't you be on the sweet side too?

4. Bang Myung Soo. He wasn't the super mean jerk or the sweet pushover. He was a normal guy with normal feelings and it was great to see him get attention. Like Soo Jin, Myung Soo was like an actual human: he was sweet, he was outspoken, and he was hilarious. I guess it was the webtoon writer in him but he had a lot of comedic sense which also made the show very enjoyable to watch.

5. Understandable villian(s). There may have been more than one antagonist depending on how you look at the show. However, none of them were so bad that you were hoping someone would come out of no where and just kill them off. They were normal. They became mean because of understandable situations and they were a tolerable amount of mean. It all made sense!

6. The theme song. One of the best theme songs I have ever heard. It's a folk and synth mix that is bouncy and playful and perfect for the show as well as summer. Check out Variegated by Jannabi.

What I Didn't Like:
Basically my main complaint with the show it that it was cut short. I felt that the cut didn't completely harm the series overall but it did have some effect on it. The flow in the last few episodes became really weird. It wasn't a major problem nor was it super obvious but as a fan of the show I could see that some things were altered from the original plan. I really wish that the show could have kept its run despite the low ratings. It was such a great show and for it to be cut like that was really frustrating.

I think the keywords for this drama are normal, sensible, and funny. The drama wasn't an epic melodrama or anything but it had a lot of good moments and a good cast that made it enjoyable to watch. It was perfect for the sweet days of spring and the dog days of summer, and if you've been wanting to watch it fall isn't too late. 

If you're looking for a drama that you can just watch without aging or feeling exhausted after every episode then I recommend this show. The best part is that now that all the episodes are out, it can be marathon-ed. I think this is one of those underrated dramas that only people who don't fantasize about living in k-dramas can appreciate. If you're looking for a good show to marathon then I recommend this one. 

First Impressions: Jeju Island Gatsby, Producer, Ex-Girlfriend Club

I spent my weekend like any true K-Drama fan: catching up and starting new shows that I've waited all year to see. I must say that these three shows definitely didn't disappoint. From the acting to the story line, I am officially on-board for these dramas.

Jeju Island Gatsby a.k.a. Warm and Cozy
So far I am totally in love with this drama. The thing I like most is the dynamic between the two main characters played by Yoo Yeon Suk and Kang So Ra. The working chemistry of the two actors is very visible but what's better than that is that the two characters are actually in an amiable relationship from the beginning. I think it's rare to have this type of drama to start off with the two leads not completely hating each other, but I think it fits the setting of Jeju-do. How can you hate anyone with such beautiful scenery surrounding you?

So far the story is off to a good start too. Kang So Ra's character, Lee Jung Joo, gets her house money stolen by her friends so that they can buy a cafe on Jeju. Fortunately she catches them and decides to make the house a cafe herself. Unfortunately, this doesn't really put her on the good side of the locals who also hate Yoo Yeon Suk's character, Beak Gun Woo. Though the drama starts off with Kang So Ra crying, a lot, it seems like it will be light and enjoyable romantic comedy.

Producer:
Although I am really excited to watch this drama, after watching the first four episodes I feel like it's missing something. I can't put my finger on it but I think it's missing some tension or something. I'm not really sure what it's lacking at this point, but I can tell you what it isn't lacking. Right now the show has an really interesting concept that I can't wait to see play out. It also has a very great cast that seems to work together well.

I've never seen Cha Tae Hyun act in anything but I can see why he is such a highly praised actor. I thought it would be awkward to watch him act after seeing him as himself on 2 Days, 1 Night but the way he is playing his character has totally sucked me in. I completely forgot that he's a clumsy father of three. I think my favorite thing is going to be a mean IU. So far she's acting out her character well and I hope that as she softens it seems natural and not forced. I also appreciate that instead of Gong Hyo Jin's character being the nice version of a female lead it's a strong and relatable character. I also like that Kim Soo Hyun's character is similar to his character from Dream High: clueless but talented. I have high hopes for this drama.

Ex-Girlfriend Club:
After just 4 episodes I am completely in love with this show. It's cheeky, funny, and on the tongue-in-cheek side of dramas. I also really love the theme song: Variegated by Jannabi. This drama is for all those people who are looking for realistic and strong female leads as well as a male lead that's strong enough to put up with it all. I think the thing that intrigues me the most is the friendship between the two leads played by Song Ji Hyo and Byun Yo Han. Instead of the writers forcing romance they are focusing on how they work well as friends. Of course, this is a k-drama, so I am expecting them to be coupled off but I am not focused on the fact that they aren't because watching their relationship as it is now is just as entertaining.

If you're looking for a drama to start I would highly recommend one of these.