Convenience Store Venus (2020)

Cute drama with a bad timing

I just finished this cute little drama and I definitely think 7.7 rating doesn't do it justice. While it's by no means a master piece and the story is quite simple, it is a good piece to watch if you need a break from all the overly dramatic stuff. I especially enjoyed the acting and I didn't have a need to skip over any scenes, which is always a good sign for any drama. I even cried a couple of times and that doesn't happen to me often unless animals are involved :-D SO yeah I do recommend this one if you are looking for something that is fun and not overly complicated.

Now I'm going for a rant here and if you did find the drama truly problematic, perhaps don't read this. I'm not writing this to argue with anyone and there is no reason for ou to ruin your day. This is just my opinion :-)

I'm truly glad I've seen someone advice to skip on all the controversy around the drama because I got to enjoy it for what it was. I only read the news afterwards out of sheer curiosity because I wasn't sure what it did so wrong to get such backlash. I mean obviously I was guessing Dal Shik's was one part of it but that couldn't have been all, right? Well turns out it wasn't but the rest didn't feel justified to me. I honestly feel sorry for this drama. I think this is the worst possible time to come out because people are so easily offended by these days. Don't get me wrong if any Jamaican people were indeed offended by Dal Shik's character then I suppose it's a valid point but I bet most of the outrage came from the white people as usual. I for once didn't think of his character racist, I saw him as a person that truly appreciated the culture and was having a blast. It saddens me that you can't do that anymore these days because it will be immediately labelled as culture appropriation. The flies were a bit too much but it never translated to me as portraying people of colour as dirty. I mostly thought it was more of a implication about nerds and artists that are often portrayed as asocial and lacking when it comes to personal hygiene BUT I can see why people with dreadlocks found it offensive and it did feel rather unnecessary.

The rest of the arguing points was a bit ridiculous to me to be honest (and I'll probably receive a lot of backlash for it). The oversexualization seems like a stretch or at least not something that can't be found in most of the dramas or k-pop groups. There were two very frowned upon scenes, one of it was drawing of legs from a painter that was drawing erotica and one of it was literal imagination sequence using a stereotypical movie gangster lair. I get that it is a family drama but don't try to tell me children never seen such thing on TV before. Sexy scenes are everywhere and this was at least done in a comedic way. Same with the underage kiss. Been there done that. If the male lead initiated it then yes, not good. However that was not the case, he didn't expect it and she was a young rebellious girl with a crush. How many romance TV series about high school student and her teacher romance are there? Never seen people boycotting those as they did this drama because of this one scene. And don't even get me started on anime. -_-

If you ask me, not knowing the controversy while watching I genuinely thought people had a problem with how Boon Hee was beating her husband. Sure, he deserved to be yelled at a lot of the times and maybe a kick in the shin would do him good but even with the comedic way it was done it sometimes felt too much. I could see how this could be a problem since domestic violence is a thing and men don't come forward and ask for help more often than women since they are taught to be strong and being beaten by a woman is not something they want to talk about, which is truly sad. Yet unlike the other points no one seemed to be bothered by this because it was comedy. Thankfully, the drama somewhat saved their relationship in the last episodes and I was able to tell myself that it is done for fun and I shouldn't overanalyze it. I feel truly sad now, remembering the how the actors and the crew celebrated their work in the final episode, clearly having fun with it and hoping people would enjoy it. Well I did, so good job guys! :-)

END OF THE RANT...SORRY EVERYONE :-D

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I don't know what compelled me to actually write a review, but looking at its high ratings, I thought I should add my two cents and tell you how I felt about this drama.

Lets start with the thing that's on both of our minds. Backstreet Rookie tried to be a lot of things at once, and that's where it all went downhill. Kdramas are usually bad at handling sensitive topics but I gotta say, this hit a new low. The team (producers/writers) should've been quick on their feet to alter what wasn't working. The fact that they just reduced the screen time of the problematic arc was what pissed me off the most. Like duh, even kindergarteners can do that much. I expect better from professionals who have worked in this field for years. So, I was majorly disappointed when nothing changed.

Ik some of y'all are gonna come at me say that they didn't mean any harm, but its not upto any of us to decide what hurts the sentiments of the people of that culture. Misrepresentation does much more harm than no representation.

If a person from that culture thinks its inappropriate or hurtful, who are we to tell them it isn't? It's as simple as that.

Setting this aside, this drama was kinda a train wreck, yet for reasons unknown, I couldn't drop it. It could be Ji Chang Wook's dreamy looks, or the utter cuteness that is Kim Yoo Jung, or their chemistry, or the fact that there was soooo much RAMYEON, I just couldn't stop! But I gotta warn you, my standards are really low. So, don't hold this in high regard, I completed "Forest" (which has to be one of the most pointless kdramas ever) bc I have the inability to drop any series.

The leads had an ADORABLE chemistry which kept me coming back for more. There were some points where the drama was funny. It was a given bc the drama tried really hard to be funny, sometimes to the point it became cringe worthy and uncomfortable.

The story was really loose and it felt like they did not try to develop it at all. Its the same bs fed to us all over again. The story had so much potential, but they turned it into yet another kdrama cliché... I can't! I have so many complaints, but I'm aware that this was an adaptation of webtoon, so I am just gonna leave it here.

What I actually liked was Saet Byul's character development. I loved the fact that our FL was so tenacious. Losing so much at an young age would be been devastating, but she pulled through with her optimism. She loved so much and so deep, and her love was what made her stronger.

And their chemistry, did I talk about that enough or should I keep going? It was soooo cute!

I didn't like how they ended the drama either, there were too many loose ends and it felt wayyy too rushed. Some characters didn't even get a closing, and it was very disappointing. I don't like what they did to Yeon Joo either. She had the potential to become so much more, but they just made her yet another rich, entitled, bitchy ex-girlfriend. I hate that her relationship with Seung Joon (her childhood friend/boss) wasn't explored either. There was something good brewing there.

Except for the Dae Hyun's mom and Yeon Joo, the other side characters aren't worth remembering tbh.

The music is pretty good, especially in the latter half. I would add at least 1 song to my playlist from this OST.

I am pretty sure I will not be rewatching this, bc this is a one time watch, at best. Watch this drama as filler drama, or if you are a fan of Ji Chang Wook, or Kim Yoo Jung. The only good thing is the chemistry of the leads and a lot of pretty faces. Don't take this drama too seriously, once you start this, you'd know they didn't take it seriously either.

Hope this helped, thanks for reading!

Lire davantage

One of the BEST dramas of the year!

In the beginning, I watched purely for JCW. For any JCW fans out there, watching this is a no-brainer. However, as the show went along its course it got more and more engaging. It might just be me but, there's just something about new talents like KYJ and a chill-hop OSTs which really get me coming back week after week. The acting isn't too serious but, the story isn't too tacky.

Through my short time of recently getting into kdramas, Backstreet Rookie has a very unique storyline and with top-notch actors leads like JCW & KYJ its not surprising to see that this drama currently holds a position in the Top 10 Most Viewed Dramas so far this year.

Backstreet Rookie is full of some familiar faces but, for the most part, it is a refreshing reintroduction or introduction into laidback rom-com vibes. If you are planning on whether to watch it or not, my answer is simple. WATCH IT. It is very uplifting and with it almost being finished, leaves you wanting more episode after episode.

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"Life is like a flower with so many meaning!"

BackstreetRookie is not the typical romcom that we see in kdrama. It is a romcom with a touch of slice of life you normally see in every refular family presented in a convenient store setting. However, BR provides a refreshing touch for cliches of the everyday drama in the life of an ordinary family, the hardships of an orphaned siblings, the dream of a struggling writer, the loyalty between friends, among others. BR provides tons of life lessons and realization. It's simple and yet absorbing and endearing.

I love romcom, and this drama just give justice to its claim of being a unique romcom. I gave it a 10/10. The PD is well known for his effective directing of a comedy drama (The Fiery Priest) and he delivers again in BR. I just love the exaggerated action scenes, the witty injections of a sequence from another drama, the parodies are excellently executed like the dance number of the Pulp Fiction, the crying scene while eating of Fabricated City. Many little references everyone can enjoy are presented in this drama that made it new, refreshing and entertaining.

This is the only romcom that has zero skinship between the leads but because of the beautiful interaction and visuals of JichangWook and KimYooJung, skinship is not needed. Their gazes and lovey-doveying and sweet nothings will make those romcoms a run for their money. The lead's chemistry are extremely topnotch that you wont realize they have a huge age gap.

I like the use of flowers and its meaning has ushered a more relevant meaning in this drama. The flower symbolism is heart warming that made it more romantic. This drama made me goggle for the meaning of many flowers and how they symbolize a thing.

The OSTs are all amazing, a combination of upbeat and mellow and well played in the various emroions in different scene. They are contemporaries and rendered by young and talented idols and singers in South Korea that it made it more appealing. 10/10

This is definitely a rewatchable drama. I for one has rewatched some of the previous episodes and still get the same feels and warmth the first time I see it. 10/10

BR is realistic and relatable that is why I think it has been well accepted and praised by many fans. You will definitely enjoy its uniqueness and rawness. You will laugh a lot, cry a lot and laugh a lot again! And Jichangwook was correct on what are his thoughts on BR in a recent interview "During this pandemic, everyone will be stressed and having difficulties, I hope it will being joy to everyone and relieve their stress". And sure it did, BR becomes every fans happy pill and healing at least 2 hrs each week for the last two months.

Credit: SETNews for the Interview

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That you have to be patient for their love.

I loved this series i cried and laugh and also was in love with it like i was always excited when a episode came out even tho their romance took long idc I love them together end the ending was amazing with everybody here Wow that series is a 10/10 for me!! What did i like alot in the last episode is that when she came it was like ep 1 she came for the part time job. I loved that series like the way DH keep rejecting YJ for JSB that was like so cute and the way he look at JSB feel like hes looking at me even tho that series isnt really the type of series ji chang wook do IDC that was really good and his character suit him and I hope his next series will be with some action like K2 but still that was amazing! Watch it you may really regret its really funny!!! Luv you!

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Now I know why this drama is rated too low

I will write the cons first since it's the main point of this review.
Cons:
- Too much fan-services: The actor/actress (Ji Chang Wook/Kim Yoo Jung) stares at your eyes literally through your PC/TV/Phone screen
- It's supposed to be a business-related drama, but it's just a gimmick and apparently it's just a setting. The drama doesn't tell you any marketing stuff.
- The cheap CGIs are annoyingly unnecessary.
- The introduction episode doesn't go well. Episode 1 is supposed to show the viewers about the background of the story, characters, and what the drama is about. But, episode 1, unfortunately, became a mere "filler".
- Inconsistent genre. It's like the drama wanted to cover all aspects (action, business, comedy, romance, family).
- The ending is forced to be a happy ending.
- Unresolved conflict: Eun-byul bullying case by her fellow girl group members.
- Problematic story at a glance: It looks like an adult having an affair with a middle-schooler since Saet-Byul hasn't graduated (dropped out) from her school.
- Hang on! You will be pleased with the story after episode 6.

Pros:
- More realistic romance story. (Yo, this is MUCH BETTER than Itaewon Class in term of romance aspect).
- Comedy is there.
- This is family-friendly, no bed-scenes, even you barely find kiss-scenes.
- The family scenes are touching. It might be able to make you teary.
- Love polygonal (more than love triangle), which is good.
- It's Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung that you love, lol. But I prefer Han Sun Hwa (Yeon Joo).
- A single thing that motivated me to finish the drama: Dreamcatcher's Yoohyeon is there!

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enjoyable & worth watching!

I never thought ill say this but this by far one of the best kdrama ive ever watched, i cant believe its already over. by this time most people are interested in 'its okay to not be okay' kdrama, but im my opinion its a good kdrama but some parts in episodes might be dull from time to times, while when i watch 'backstreet rookie' i enjoyed (enjoyable) it every episodes and its gets me hooked for more. when i first watch this kdrama i never expected this but i got really satisfied by the kdrama even though theres only one kisse and i even what season 2 for this kdrama. i dont usually interested in this kind of kdrama but this kdrama got me hooked just like 'weightlifting fairy kim bok joo' did.

this kdrama doesnt deserve the hate they got right now,i really hope theres this kdrama got a lot of attentions from seoul or intern fans. overall this kdrama is 10/10 i never felt this satisfied when watching a kdrama so i can assure you that you will enjoy this kdrama too. Good Job JCW and KYJ! <3

Lire davantage

Enjoyable Best Drama 2020

I enjoyed and liked this drama. I have never seen drama like this before but this one is totally unique and different than any others. These two main actor and actress are so attractive, gorgeous. I also liked comedy scenes so much. Especially main actor, I always laughed how the reaction of the his actor look likes such as he smiles silly and so on. I also loved for the actress who have superpower. She is very gorgeous and cute person. Even though, she is powerful, it does not mean she is dangerous. She only used the power to the bad person. I LOVE TO WATCH this Kdrama so much!

Lire davantage

Disappointed !!

I'm Highly Disappointed !! ? Ji Chang Wook.. Why are you doing this. Just because of him I started watching this drama and end it because of him. Why does he keep doing these kind of dramas ? I can't understand. His character was so dull. I couldn't understand why she was like that. Yoo Jung...I didn't like her role, she was annoying.
Plot was So Boring till the end. No Romance, No Music or OST at all... And some annoying characters made this drama unbearable.
If you're a fan of Ji Change Will, you should watch K2, Suspicious Partner or Healer twice instead of wasting your time on this drama.
I'm really feeling bad for him. ??
.

Lire davantage

Another disappointing drama from JCW and KYJ

STORY:

This is the story of a 19y.o girl who kisses a 26 y.o guy and 3 years later she goes to work at his convenience store to chase after him and finally he falls for her and they kiss... no they don't. It does not happen. In fact nothing really happens. There is no story. They just meet again, work together, have fun, support each other and in the last episode, she disappears for some dumb reason and he notices he misses her. Lucky him his friend found her by chance and he goes to fetch her but she asks for time and finally she comes back to the convenience store to work with him. Et voilà. The End. The story is as thin as a paper of cigarette.

CHARACTERS/CAST:

If not for the main cast, this drama would not even be noticed. The two main leads carry this drama on their shoulders and they are doing their best but it does not help if there is no story. There is no character development either. He is a simple naive kind guy working as a manager in a convenience store and in the end he stays the same. She is a reckless girl infatuated with her childhood crush who uses her fists and she stays the same. No professional evolution, no dream achieved, no success found, no change in their personality to be more mature or less naïve. Also there is no real romance between the two. They have fun and some cute moments but I never felt like they are a couple until the draggy ending then they accept each other but still... no couple's chemistry.

The interesting characters are the other ones:
- Fire Volcano a Rasta korean who draws webtoons and reveals himself to be a reliable friend, a cute lover and the son of a rich farmer.
- Cinderella, the friend of SB who admires Fire Volcano but doesn't know he is the guy she loathes.
These two are funny and their story is the cute and fun part of the drama. They live the real romance that never happens between DH And SB.
- The mother of DH: she is a great mother with the shortcomings of a mother who wants the best for her son.

Other characters are introduced but never developped properly:
- YJ is DH's gf and she cheats on him and they break up. Then she notices he is a nice guy. She spends the drama dithering about her feelings for DH and finally she flies abraod. A useless and annoying character on which the drama focuses for more than 10 episodes.
- JSJ the director of GS25 and love rival of DH for YJ, Eun Byul SB's sister, Puppy,.. at some point they just disappear and you never hear from them anymore.

MUSIC:
The music was decent and appropriate for the style of the drama butI am not fan of the OST.

REWATCH VALUE:
If I rewatch this, I will just rewatch the story of Fire Vocano and Cinderella : 30 minutes of the whole drama.

OVERALL:

The drama is a vehicle for JCW and KYJ to show their acting skills. Watching this drama I felt like watching the two actors portraying two characters in front of a camera and having fun doing it. I really wanted to like these two characters but they failed to be interesting and compelling because they didn't do and didn't say things that create the magic between them. In the end, the drama even broke the fourth wall by mentioning their own show as a show in the show and it showed the crew and filming set. It totally blew the credibility of the drama which did not need that.

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The Rumors are so Subjective, grow up !

First of all I have to address the reviews stating it is racist, too much of an age gap and very inappropriate.
That is all bullshit - Racist? - where? just because Han Dal Shik dresses looks like that doesn't mean he is actually racist critics forget his webcomic he is producing is called - Her reggae boy which coincidentally is related to Jamaica hence he dresses like that, its kind of an ode to his work. Second- Age gap? My god did you forget how much of an age gap was for My love from your star?( I know that was an absolute masterpiece but god be damned I fell in love with a thousand year old man) and now you guys hating on this? remember the setting : Convenience Store owner and a part timer they are able to work now so that critic goes straight to the trash now and it being very inappropriate - man dont be so quick to judge dont hate on something as soon as you see it.

Now the Story was good had me feeling all kinds of emotions after each episode, Acting? very convincing Yoo-Jung was perfect for the role and if i had to put any male actor to play Mr. Choi nothing would top my list than Ji- Chang Wook both of them were made for it, Production was very good never thought anything was out of place and ever since episode 2 where an underage posing as a Uni student got caught man I was suspicious of every transition scene praying nothing like that happens again and OST my god it is so memorable, Kang Daniel did a fantastic Job from now on every love scene i see I'm going to be singing "Something' instead. Love the added touch of the over the top Visual of Saet-byul fighting making it very convincing her emotions.

Overall a very Light Hearted story, I recommend you to start watching it without expectations because this is a Rom- Com you can expect to express every emotion you can possible feel once you start investing your time watching it, very convincing cast, OST is something to remember and the over the top fighting scenes was a good laugh and I am just going to leave this here but damn is Kim Yoo-Jung's visuals is no joke, she actually captivated my heart and made me feel like how I felt when I first fell in love and her acting well no need for me to add to the endless amount of praise she has received from her work but man did she convince me that no one else but HER could have perfected this role and Ji- Chang Wook well what can I say except there is a reason People are heads over heals over this guy I mean his acting skills are top notch and boy both of the leads could not have been played any better than these 2.

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