Convenience Store Venus (2020)

Meh

I liked the plot that takes place inside the store but only this. Some things bothered me a lot about the characters, like the first kiss between the two main... I mean... The girl was still a highschooler and the guy was already an adult. Besides this, I liked the interaction when both were adults. The chemistry between them was ok and the main girl was so lovely. But I have to say about the disrespectful way the authors treated Jamaican culture. What the hell was that blackface???? They portraying his dreadlocks as dirty. I dont know WTF the authors were thinking, I was so shocked

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Consigliato

Ho davvero amato questo show. Penso sia uno delle migliori comedy dell'anno. Sinceramente non capisco le basse recensioni. I due protagonisti hanno una chimica incredibile, e l'interpretazione di Ji Chang Wook è stata fantastica come sempre. La sua mimica facciale è qualcosa che non tutti riescono ad avere, e la sua vena comica emerge alla grande in tutti gli episodi della serie. Anche l'attrice protagonista ha fatto un gran lavoro, ho amato le sue scene di lotta nonostante a volte risulti un po' infantile negli atteggiamenti. Le amiche di Saet Byul sono pazze all'inverosimile ma ti strappano un sorriso in ogni scena.
Nel complesso lo show è promosso a pieni voti e lo consiglio a chi vuole guardare qualcosa di leggero, divertente e leggermente diverso dal solito.

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It was bad but not that bad

So I got into this show because of Ji Chang Wook as my mother is a big fan (not sure why). The promo videos looking entertaining so I thought why not give it a shot. I was looking forward to watching Kim Yoo Jung play a modern role as in my mind I have crowned her the princess of sageuks as these are her strengths. I've watched some of her other moderns but they didn't strike the right note.

First Let's just put this out there that the show had some inappropriate moments. The webtoon it was based on is scandalous to say the least and though they tried to water it down it didn't help much. The inappropriate underage romantic scene that portrayed so many problematic issues got reported and flagged. The show literally tried to gloss over sexual harassment, age disparity, bullying, school/gang violence and cultural appropriation/racism that was cringe worthy to watch. Han Dal Shik's character - just no!

Got that out of the way now on to the review.

Ji Wook (family nick name) is such a temperamental actor in my mind because he flops back and forth between hits and misses. I think this is sign of him willing to take risks in his career but unfortunately it didn't work out in this show. His character Choi Dae Hyun was insignificant despite being the star. Jung Saet Byul was the embodiment of strong female lead who's character had the most growth and evolution in the show.

What I enjoyed:
Plot wise it was an interesting take on everyday life people with some splashes of excitement. I liked Jung Saet Byul strength and skill. Did not like her aggressiveness with chasing a man who was in a relationship no matter how bad it might have been. The family ties and support systems were sweet to watch as well and despite the controversy the show was funny (from ep5 it calmed down a bit to being actually funny and not a desperate funny).

What I did not like:
The 'met when they were young and now meant to be' trope. Can we be done with this Please?
The best friends' side story - skip button was my friend

This drama is going to be an acquired taste. You will either love it or hate it

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definitely unique, unconventional, but problematic

an actually heartfelt, adorable and unconventional drama with unconvential plots, settings and characters. nicely produced with good music and generally such a feel good. its a shame it was laced with controversy and genuinely problematic plot details. however, must applaud the genuinely different approach to story telling and all the unique social issues addressed. would have been a 10/10 for uniqueness, definitely not like the average or traditional kdrama. good acting and portrayal of genuinely unique characters, and lovely production with the cartoon-ic feel to it, much like youre reading a webtoon. actually lovely if not for the controversy and problematic instances. 11/10 for trying something unique.

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Perfectly acted by all. Kim Yoo Jung is head-to-toe perfection. What a face!

I have a doctorate in English and have also taught film at a couple of universities. I've been watching K-dramas for years now and without question the acting in Backstreet Rookie is phenomenal, and the story is often very funny, exciting (cool fight action scenes), emotionally meaningful (sad and deep moments), and visually stunning (the female lead, Kim Yoo Jung, is the most beautiful face in K-drama and a head-to-toe goddess, and the actresses who play Yeon Yoo (K-pop idol from the group SECRET) and Eunbyul (K-pop idol from Laboum) are also superb visuals. The actress who plays Yeon Yoo is also a first rate actress. The phenomenal actress who plays Saetbyul's best friend is a hilarious scene stealer, as is the actor who plays Daehyun's "Reggae" friend. This K-drama manages to be very romantic without being sexual. Up to episode 10, there was only one kiss in episode 1 and another in episode 9, yet I'm really interested in the romance of the leads. I think people who've experienced the webtoon should simply enjoy this K-drama for what it is: its own separate creation. I've noticed people who've seen the webtoon first sometimes negatively (and I think unfairly) critique this wonderful K-drama incarnation, not properly understanding that any film adaptation is free to differ from its original source, since it is a separate artistic creation. I would imagine people who see the K-drama first would probably be disappointed with the differences in the webtoon as well, and that would be unfair to the webtoon. Just enjoy this wonderful drama on its own merits. Again, the acting is absolutely first rate, and each episode advances the story splendidly. After the latest episode, the story is getting even more involved. Love the older actors who play Daehyun's parents as well. But the real star in this K-drama is the gorgeous Kim Yoo Jung, Saetbyul, who has grown up from the most adorable child actress to a stunning "off the charts" adult Korean goddess. She has that same "grip" Catherine Zeta Jones had in "The Mask of Zorro", where you just smile whenever she smiles, and find yourself falling in love with her like a silly teenager again, no matter what your age. And what a talented actress! Everything is done perfectly!!!

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Good drama

Good drama feel good watching it .it has good feel to it and I will be beautiful voice of the world is one of the world is one of the world is one lucky enough is one thing I have been hiding in his own and family and I am saying he is not that I can get the best of luck in the same situation and family and friends and family welfare and family welfare and development of the world and friends to be a good time for the past few months I think it will be beautiful but i really can't wait either of those who is the one I think it is a good time to explore and friends with the direction of you I

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Good Enough

" Backstreet Rookie " is an okay drama.

One should watch it keeping in mind that this is more of a comedy and light-superficial drama, as well as that there were some controversies when it came to some scenes or plotlines. That said, most of the drama was a fun ride. The two main characters were interesting and the leads had chemistry, even though the romance was boring and it didn't have the traditional road.

The side characters were entertaining as well. As for the family drama, it was just enough to keep things interesting for a while. The whole vibes of the drama, in addition, with the action scenes, the webtoon refrences and the colourful background were all a nice touch and were handled masterfully.

However, the final episodes were draggy and boring, not to mention predictable. The whole drama with the ex was just overused after a while.

So, overall, five out of ten.

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Backstreet Rookie seemed like a promising drama and I was genuinely looking forward to it ever since it was announced. However, my expectations seemed to be too demanding.

Story:
Since the beginning, it feels like the plot is trying to build up to something. And like the fool that I am, I really thought there was going to be some sort of big revelation. Yet the story falls flat. 6 episodes in, it looked like the plot was finally going to pick up, but those expectations were met with disappointment. The story simply relies on slapstick humour and references. However, I must say that the drama was enjoyable enough for me to watch the entirety of it. This goes without saying that this is probably a personal preference. For others, this kind of plot might be highly entertaining,

Acting/Cast:
My favourite character is without doubt Jung Saet Byul. Despite how young Kim Yoo Jung is, she displays some phenomenal acting and transmits emotions like no other character in this drama. Strong female lead but soft on the inside, she will capture your heart and shake it like crazy. In terms of the character played by Ji Chan Wook... I have to confess that I have never seen a drama with him before, but from what I've seen in this one, he hasn't left a strong impression on me. Perhaps it's because the character is underdeveloped or relies simply on his looks, but I simply could not connect with Choi Dae Hyun. Regarding the character of Yeon Joo...had I not known Han Sun Hwa used to be an idol, I would have genuinely believed she has been in this acting game for some time now. All the emotions and feelings this character encompasses, she delivered perfectly. I mean, she even made me hate her.

There is nothing else to say about this drama. It simply did not meet my expectations and all the hype it was building up to. It was a victim to an underdeveloped script and questionable character choices, which can understandably put many people off from watching it. A shame that a plot with so much potential ended up being a hollow-bunny.

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The story revolves around the owner of a convenience store, Choi Dae-hyun, and his employee, Jung Saet-byul. At first, Dae-hyun was reluctant to hire Saet-byul, because 3 years before, she met Saet-byul with her friends, asking him to buy them cigarettes. Thus, Dae-hyun saw Saet-byul as a troublemaker. But instead of buying Saet-byul and her friends’ cigarettes, he bought her candies.

If you want a light drama, that would make you laugh and be inspired at the same time, this is the best series for you. The story was simple. It was not the usual K-drama full of twists and turns, rather it shows the authenticity of life. It shows that life is not easy, but we must go on and live to the fullest. It also shows the different values of various people based on how they grew up.

Jung Saet-byul and Choi-Dae hyun are both admirable characters. Saet-byul, though a reckless and troublesome teenager before, grew up to be an independent and hardworking lady. She perseveres and always puts others first before herself. She puts actions into words and knows what she’s fighting for, despite being at the disadvantage. On the other hand, Dae-hyun is the embodiment of a good person, trying to make ends meet. He is very honest, handsome, humble, and a good son to his parents. Despite, being virtuous and handsome, he lacks the confidence and courageousness to be himself.

Overall, the series was great. However, despite being a rom-com drama, the romance between Saet-byul and Dae-Hyun was lacking. There should have been more time for romance between the two of them. Dae-hyun should look at Saet-byul more as a woman, rather than a subordinate or an employee.

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This drama is not for you if you expect a lot of romance and kiss scenes

Ok, so I have a lot to get off my chest. I apologize in advance if my words make no sense, I wrote this on impulse out of frustration.

This drama is understandably controversial concerning Eum Moon Suk's character (the ML's best friend). The character's portrayal is extremely ethically insensitive and the drama has received extreme backlash because of it, and rightfully so!!

Also, a lot of people has reacted negatively to the actions of the FL, which (to me) is somewhat understandable - but you also have to consider the FL's character development.
Sure, in the beginning she pursued the ML despite him having a girlfriend at the time (and that's IS wrong, don't misunderstand), BUT, my point is that she grew as a person throughout the series. She matured! This is literally a slice of life drama, wouldn't it be more strange for the characters to be completely flawless from episode 1? The important thing is that she grew and matured as person, and we get to see that throughout the drama.
The non consensual kiss in the first episode, between the high school FL and the adult stranger ML, was however extremely questionable, that I won't deny.

HOWEVER, the one thing I simply cannot wrap my head around is the controversy regarding the age gap between actors of the main couple. Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung have a 12 year age gap, some might find that crazy and some might not care. Everyone's entitled to an opinion - but COME ON people, they are both adults! ADULTS! and they are ACTING! If you don't agree with the age gap (which you have every right to), you're free to watch another drama that you are comfortable with.
I just can't accept the fact that the controversy regarding their age lead to us not seeing another kiss scene between them. NOT EVEN IN THE LAST EPISODE. Like bro. This feels so unfulfilling. Sure the drama still cute and wholesome, but I desperately waited for that reunion kiss. BUT, not only that - they teased it, but then just didn't go through with it... SO FRUSTRATING.

Ok, so now my actual opinion about the drama:
There's a lot to dislike about this drama, but there's also a lot to like. To me, watching this drama was an enjoyable experience, it's funny, cute, wholesome and just my taste. It's not too heavy.
Likes: The relationship between the FL and ML is both wholesome and playful and both of their's relationship to the ML's parents are also very likeable. The actors are also phenomenal, but that you already know. The characters aren't bland, they have personalities, and they grow throughout the drama.
Dislikes: I disliked the second couple's relationship as a whole. The ML's best friend is a problematic character in itself, but I wouldn't have liked their relationship even if he hadn't been written the way he was. Their relationship was just over the top and unfunny. They really tried WAY too hard with the comedy when it came to those two. I don't think i ever watched a full scene between the two of them. The fast forward button came in handy. Also, I didn't like the special effects in the fighting scenes, but that's not very important to the series as a whole. I just think it was a way of making the fights not too serious, it's not supposed to be a serious or heavy drama.

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A promising concept undone by poor performances and some discomforting elements

An earnest small underdog businessman taking on the world with the help of his family should be an easy sell. Throw in a young, strong female lead and it's hard to imagine how it goes wrong. But "Backstreet Rookie" finds a way. It's not that it's not a mostly enjoyable watch, but there's vast wasted potential here that with a better cast and steadier direction could have been realized.

As for the strong points, Kim Yoo Jung effortlessly switches gear from bubbly youngster to driven achiever to smitten woman. She has the charm and talent and all the other attributes to take on more challenging roles. Kim Sun Young always delivers and her quieter moments with Kim Yoo Jung's Saet Byul are gems. The scene stealer is Seo Ye Hwa who has a marvelously vibrant character and crushes it.

The rest of the cast ranges from uninspired to grating. Kim Min Kyu might not be award-winning leading man material but he's better than he shows here. The overwhelming issue with "Backstreet Rookie", however, is Ji Chang Wook who is legitimate leading man material but airballs this performance. In more subdued moments, he exhibits the charisma and intensity that makes him an A Lister. But through most of "Backstreet Rookie", he's indulging in overplaying the character and the result is more clownish than comic.

Not that better acting would have solved the loose ends that crop up throughout the story. Dae Hyun's sister and husband appear early and seem to have some importance. But they rarely appear. Do Sang Woo is the villain but he is neither rehabilitated nor punished. He simply vanishes. Saet Byul's younger sister has a promising arc but it needed more depth.

As for the uncomfortable elements, it's certainly not a novel concept to have a much younger love interest for the main male character. But this relationship seems to be approaching serious red flag territory especially with a flashback to Saet Byul's youth days. The Dal Shik character by Eum Moon Sook though is really raising red flags. It's not blackface but there's, at minimum, a nod in that direction. With the growing international appeal of Korean culture, this is a bad look.

Overall, not a show that earns any sort of recommendation but should put Kim Yoo Jung on the shortest of lists for leads in better vehicles.

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