Cheese in the Trap (2016)

A different drama, not everyone's cup of tea I guess

I'm writing a review because I really believe the average score is too low - this drama doesn't deserve such a low score, is not fair. I do understand is not everyone's cup of tea, however, it's refreshing and nice to see a different "not so typical" plot. But OMG, what I honestly really loved about this drama is the evolution of each single character. I like the fact that each character, even the supporting ones, have been developed - you will eventually see the reason behind their behaving. In dramas I've barely seen the behind of the characters. If you enjoy (psychological?) dramas where there's a clear evolution of the characters, in which you can actually see and understand why they do certain things, this is definitely THE DRAMA for you.

This drama's real plot is not the storyline, but the characters of the drama (the way the behave and the reason behind it - they are human. I really felt a connection with every single character due to their development during the drama (maybe I'm too empathic?). In fact, I would even say that in the end, there are no "evil" characters at all - just people with their own issues, and way of perceiving the world because of their personal circumstances. You will notice that some of them are sociopath or actually have a mental disorder, it's important to address these things as they are, not just as "crazy evil characters". Each of them will have their flawless like all human beings (the ML and FL as well - he does many wrong things but she does as well during their relationship, however they are much more "subtle").

I want to start saying that I didn't give a 10 score because of the last episode. The ending could have been better in many ways - the overall plot is fine, but the ending of the drama... It's too rushed, to abrupt. There are too many things left in the air or that could have been developed more. You can see that during the whole drama they really worked hard on each episode, and suddenly because the n.16 marked the end, they tried to wrap everything up as quick as possible and they rushed all without too much explanations just because it had to end there. I appreciate the fact that there's no "big crazy drama". And if you do see anything over-exaggerated, don't worry, you will have the explanation of such dramatic/exaggerated situation eventually, and everything will make sense (unless you are already in the episode n. 15 or 16 lol).

The acting and cast amazing - I really like the FL, she's very natural. The ML at first I wasn't sure, but he did a great job and to be honest, now I don't picture anyone else playing Jung. Maybe the only bit is that he looked too old for a university student? But to be honest, I couldn't care less! The support actors were amazing as well, specially Inho and Inha and the FL's friends.

The music is fantastic, really cute and easygoing, it goes with the uni environment of the drama.

I would probably rewatch this if bored, and as it's the second time watching it, it would be like an easy thing to watch, just to relax, enjoy and have fun.

Lire davantage

Suspiciously addictive

I watch this without knowing about anything; whether the webtoon or any controversial issues. I was pleasantly surprised that I was hooked by the first episode. For me it's like a breath of fresh air. I've never met an antihero male lead in a kdrama that I couldn't help but to fall in love with. I root for him even though I know he is different. It's unusual for me to drawn to a character that screams as suspicious, cold, manipulative and conniving. His indifferent persona is really addictive.

Story
YJ is simply a textbook sociopath with good-looks-rich-cold-but-nice that everybody wants to be associates with. While Seul is the next-door-girl-hardworking-student that is doing her best to graduate and just want a secure future. Love is the last thing on her mind. The story started pretty strong, as being told from Seul's point of view. How a senior starting to act differently towards her. From him being indifferent to suddenly show some care and interest. And as it progressed, it somehow fails to bring the depth of what YJ character really is. We get to know him through Seul's eyes, and sadly sometimes its not being explored fully.

YJ and In-ho dynamics was a great potential arc but gone amiss by the usual-boring-pointless love triangle trope. Again because it was told from Seul's point of view, I guess the writer can't help but to go down the unnecessary cliche. If only they explored on how both men can mend back their broken relationship. It would have been better in my book. But no.. the show just want to divide and conquer us. It's team YJ versus team In-ho. I hated that the writer butchered such a great potential outcome from these two characters.

Then the story revolved more on Seul's surrounding rather than focus more on her relationship with YJ. It's confusing at times; When a tiny issue like a lost keychain could be blown up into a highly-tensed-pulling-each-other's-hair drama, or when stealing other people's notes/belonging could be tolerable and forgiveable. I find its hard to relate as some of these actions did not resonates to me back when I was a student. It's fictional yes but it's too far fetched if you ask me.

The ending although somehow can be considered as a happy one, is a bit letdown. Again, as being told from Seul's point of view and her surrounding, the growth of YJ as a character was being neglected and treated as less important (He was the main lead for goodness sake). I wish that Seul could play a role in his growth to be a better person instead of just being the catalyst.

Cast
Park Hae-jin as YJ is brilliant. He really brings out the cold and suspicious vibe as the senior who can be manipulative but charming at the same time. His little devilish smile really gets me everytime. What a performance. I became his avid fan ever since.

Kim Go-eun as Seul is good but a bit annoying at times. She did brings out Seul's insecurities and curiosity but her immature-clueless demeanor sometimes puzzles me. I wish the character could be more consistent. If she can be so sensitive about YJ's behaviour shouldn't she be more sensitive about her surrounding and pull herself together.

In-ho is annoying to me. I didn't find him to be that interesting as a character or a better love prospect for Seul. I refused to be sucked into a pointless-unnecessary love triangle trope when his real issues with YJ were being ignored entirely by the writer. Same goes with In-ha. The manic and bizzare acting by her didn't connect to me at all. I am struggling to skip the scene each time I see her.

The overall cast are commendable and convicing enough whether as students, professors, parents and office workers.

Music
It's pretty good and the musical score really helps to bring the right mood of each scenes.

As always : Would I watch it all again?
Yes to YJ parts and skip the rest.

Lire davantage

i started this drama because of the webtoon but i ended up really enjoying it all the way through.

without giving away any spoilers, this story is a masterpiece but the producers absolutely massacred the ending. i don't think it was either bad or good, but it was definitely different from the original plot and it left me kind of disappointed and sad at the end.
apart from that, CITT takes this very basic-ass plot base of a poor girl, a rich chaebol son and the bad boy second lead and puts a twist on it with a lot of varying topics. from stalking to dealing with a patriarchic household, the show gave off some really dark vibes at certain moments and i really liked the way the characters interact. a lot of people didn't like yoo jung and how he solved his issues but i think it's one of the key points that made this show so interesting. a lot of people also complained about the chemistry with the main couple - saying that they're awkward - but that is actually supposed to be the main point of their interaction. with the awkwardness, come a lot of hilarious moments and conflicts. apart from the main leads, baek in ho, baek in ha and all the other background characters are really memorable and enjoyable. i also think i'm the rare minority that didn't get second lead syndrome, but i can 100% see the appeal as their relationship was great.
the actors all seem to suit their roles well (kim go-eun was absolutely i c o n i c) and i also really liked hong seol's outfits in every episode. the visuals give off this college aesthetic kind of vibe that i haven't seen in any other k-drama and the interior design was really pretty.
the soundtrack isn't one of the best but there are a few gems (maybe i like you, cheese in the trap, perhaps this is love)
i don't think how it could be compared to the movie version, it's a disgrace to the drama's name and i don't suggest you watch that one.
all in all, i would rec. this drama to anyone who wants a plot that's both fun and endearing and also lowkey chilling at the same time. i also recommend to everyone that isn't satisfied with the ending to check out the webtoon to heal from the trauma :D

Lire davantage

Light hearted and Slice of Life

This drama is light-hearted and has a good romance score. I enjoyed the chemistry the actors shared. The story was engaging more or less. The female leads did an excellent job as I could actually feel their agony and emotions. At some levels, this drama tends to be relatable in a few lines.

Let's talk about where it fell short.
Although in some places I felt that the story was predictable as all kdramas pulling out their usual cards, what intrigued me the most was the psychology of the male lead. I felt he could do better acting cause at some points I expected more emotion as in some places he was fake trying to keep it within. His complex character is what kept this drama's storyline different from the rest. But he served the best visuals and did look good when he was angry xD.
Aside from that the ost was good. In some places the cut scenes were random, there few flaws here and there but this drama is old so that's acceptable.

All in all, it's a good drama if you're looking for a good cozy romance to divert your mind to, but at the same time it makes you think about how people behave and have different battles in their lives that result in their actions, especially the complex character of the male lead separates this drama from the rest.

Lire davantage

I think this drama is fairly talked about drama, but watching the movie remake it made me realize, this drama needed more explanation for the viewers. They really took Hae Jin's character and tried to normalize a sociopathic man. I felt incredibly uncomfortable watching anything "romantic" for Sol. Kang Joon played a key role in the drama, giving us a breather away from Hae Jin's characters decisions and actions. This drama was good overall, because you're interested to find what Jin's character will do next, but the ending is strange and incomplete. It sets up that a sociopath can be good, instead of showing that people who suffer from these tendencies need to seek help. Overall, it's a well-made drama, but this writing has serious real-world consequences.

Lire davantage

When I first came across the drama I thought, that the plot sounded interesting and that I should watch it asap. And then I read some reviews, many about how the ending wasn't great. And as I'm a sucker for happy endings, I didn't watch the drama right away. It took me some time, but after watching some other dramas I kept coming back to this one and I finally started watching.

And what should I say? I really really really liked it! And I think that the ending is perfect as it is because it fits the drama AND leaves the possibility for a sequel (I would really love that).

I liked the cast and characters, although the character of Hong Seol could have been a little braver and have more confidence (I know it's based on the webtoon and that's how she is). And Lee Sung Kyung showed her acting skills by being the ultimate crazy bitch - damn annoying but really hilarious at times.

So overall it was a pleasant drama with the right wrap up in the end. I would really like a sequel!

Lire davantage

For anyone who reads this know that I haven't read the webcomic so I'm just judging on what I saw in the show. I had high expectations for this drama because of its cast and attractive synopsis, which I think was detrimental to it in the end. I thought the story was alright although I could not at any point feel any attachment for the male lead, he wasn't relatable, borderline sociopathic and downright unlikeable in my opinion. Although I also get that he was written this way, as a kind of creepy persona that you get to know a little bit more with each episode, but his personality did not redeem itself at any point to me. I really liked Heong Sol, a polar opposite from her love interest, which is another thing, I did not feel any chemistry between those two. I had strong second lead syndrom with this one, Baek In Ho's personality and backstory is what made me hang on to this drama. Storywise, his was the most interesting and his bond with his sister, although she was very unlikeable, touched me. He also had a lot of chemistry with the female lead, which really frustrated me. Aesthetic wise the show is very pleasant, the soundtrack is fitting and the characters, although their unlikeable factor do change from other dramas standard characters which was refreshing. The drama also deals with relatable issues for students and the constant pressure in an ever moving world to be successul in life, I found the message important to depict, so I still liked this dimension of the show.  I might go back to this drama, because the characters' complexity did stand out, and I could see myself wanting to look more into Yoo Jung, see if I can see what some people might have seen in him.

Lire davantage

Cheese In The Trap was a drama I was looking forward to since reading the webtoon but unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. The story was good if it wasn't for the ugly way it unfolded. There was no chemistry between the main characters and what? They expected me to ship Seol and Jung. Come on! Or is it okay to be with someone who makes you smile and/or happy once in a blue moon. Thanks but no thanks. Plus, was shipping these two the main idea of the story? I hope not.

I really liked the cast but the screenwriters ruined the main characters and I couldn't even catch a glimpse of the webtoon's Seol and Jung. It got on my nerves but differently than all the people I've seen so far I don't blame the actors. (Yes, some people blame the actors for reading their lines!) After all they just portray what's given to them.

I love piano. Say whatever you want but those parts didn't bother me at all. On the contrary, Baek In Ho was a nice character that I really enjoyed watching. I hardly ever jump on ships by the way, but I jumped on this one. I would have liked this ship to sail simply to have something different once in a while, not always the usual fighting-hating-blindy in love thing.

After losing my interest completely because in my opinion not even Baek In Ho could have saved this drama (or could he?) I dropped it and haven't seen a drama since because it put me in a slump. So annoyed!

Lire davantage

I loved this drama and it's actors and story line. Now to begin, you will not get the perfect happy ending that makes everyone smile, and say ohh and ahhh. However is was still satisfying and I still think it was great and definitely still worth watching.
At first I kept thinking I was watching a thriller or a horror only because the glare that Yoo Jung gave was killer and to me I felt like he would snap and rip your head off and you wouldn't even know it. but that of course did not happen. But the look was intimidating because you knew he did not play. I was captivated by this and kept watching. Until the very end I still was hesitant if I could really trust him. But I understood why he kept his guard up because he felt people were only close to him for personal gain or out of pity. hmmmmmmm. Besides that he was fantastic and as usual there is a method to his craziness and a reason to why his character can be often cold. But I think often enough people try to fix you and sometimes you can't be fixed or it will take lots of hard work and effort and the person has to want to change. Bring in Hong Seol who manages to chisel away at the hard exterior. I enjoyed her character as well. Loved the stories that took place during college as well. It was a reflection of everyday life and the types of people you will run into. People that are jerks, anti social, wanna-be's, awesome people, selfish, sometimes crazy people. But it's how we cope and not loose ourselves as well. I think the drama reflected that as well. YOu can't let one incident define you as a person. I loved Baek In Ho and his crazy sister. I just didn't know if I should love or hate her but I had both feelings towards her character for different situations. Baek In Ho was great and such a cutie pie. This might be one of the times where I wasn't sure if the male lead was the best choice or if the second male lead choice was better for the girl. I guess it's always great to have choices between 2 great people that care for you deeply. I think this drama had lots of onions and it was fun to watch some of the characters peel back each layer. Overall I was happy with the drama. My only concern is how long should one wait for someone until they heal themselves of all their angst, anger and issues. STill loved it despite the ending.

Lire davantage

I absolutely loved this drama to bits. It kept me interested throughout and this is the first drama I've watched that I don't regret having second-lead syndrome with. Although Gong Tae Kwang (School 2015) will always be the best second-lead, my heart still hurts for him to this day. With Baek In Ho, I was happy with how things ended with him. He became truly happy with being able to play the piano again and no longer has to handle his sister's struggles. His relationship with Seol will always have more chemistry than with hers with Yoo Jung (in my opinion), but I knew that he would still find a way to be happy without her. I would have rated it 10/10, but the way it ended just didn't give the drama a well-ended wrap up. The ending could have been improved and created a weakness for the series.

The story for Cheese in the Trap was extremely interesting and brought so many unique spins, turns and ideas, even though it did diverge from the manhwa. However, I did have some problems with the story-line. First of all, like I mentioned in the previous paragraph, Yoo Jung's relationship with Hong Seol didn't feel as strong as hers with Baek In Ho - it felt awkward and forced, and that's not how relationships should be like. Maybe to start with, but it should have gotten better after a few weeks. And no couple have that many arguments and disagreements in that short space of time. Secondly, all the issues with Son Min Soo, Oh Young Gon and Baek In Ha were dragged out too much in my opinion and should be dealt with better. More screen time should have been left for the main characters.

The acting was absolutely superb, I would not exchange a single actor for someone else. I was skeptical of Seo Kang Joon after hearing some complaints from other users, but I absolutely loved him and his acting - In Ho was my favourite character of the series. He's definitely on my list of actors to watch out for. I now also love Kim Go Eun and Nam Joo Hyuk so much.

The music is great to listen to. If you put the entire soundtrack on a playlist and listen through it, you'll most likely not skip any of the tracks. I absolutely love all of Part 4 from the OST, since acoustic tunes just serenade with me so well. The only problem I have with the soundtrack is that since the plot is the main standout of the series, the music is faded into the background.

I would definitely rewatch Cheese in the Trap any time.

Overall, despite my issues with the story, this drama is a definite watch for lovers of drama and psychological series'. It's perfect even.

Lire davantage