Yet another disappointment : Sold out on you

Let me be very honest, it hurts me more than it hurts you to call this series a disappointment. Post the boom of fame for Ahn Hyo Seop with Business Proposal and K Pop Demon Hunters, I was extremely excited for this new series. The premise was interesting enough but more than that, it was the promise of Ahn Hyo Seop in his absolute prime. Even the presence of Kim Bum was super anticipated, back to his Rom Com era. Loaded with all this information, I tuned in every wednesday and thursday. And every Thursday post the episode, I would say to myself — “Ahh it is only episode X, it will pick up soon.”

So let’s talk about it.

The story pacing was very weird. The romance progresses very quickly and nicely (which is appreciated) but that negates the need for Kim Bum as a second romantic lead. There was not even 1 second where I was rooting for the romantic chemistry between Kim Bum and Chae Won Bin. Kim Bum’s character was basically a beautiful side character with almost no impact to the story. The entire L’Étoile storyline became weaker and weaker and I feel like towards the end of the series, the makers realised that there wasn’t much time left and half assed the wrapping up of the various storylines they started.

Episodes 11 and 12 were a literal whirlwind. Literally anything was happening! Some of it made sense but it felt rushed and undeveloped. The amount of plot covered in just episode 12 would legit have been 4 episodes in the old days of k dramas. The new 12 episode concept in K dramas are trying to balance romance, side couples, family drama, and thriller-level stakes within 12 episodes, and something inevitably suffers.

The reason why a 12 episode drama works for thriller/ serious dramas is that they are paced for with. Those dramas are more often than not just following the serious plot lines with maybe a little nod to the romantic leads. Here in rom coms, nowadays, they want to do the romance leads justice but also provide 1–2 side romantic plots and also some serious drama and also some family drama. It’s too much to do in 12 episodes.

I feel the series had the best intentions when it began but somewhere lost its pacing. I LOVED the little nods to past Ahn Hyo Seop roles, very cutesy, very fun. It was definitely a nice, light watch. Would I watch it again? No. Would I recommend it? Maybe, if that person is already a k drama fan and is looking for a new cheesy watch.