Fly, Butterfly (2022)

New comfort show perhaps?

This is honestly the first time I'm writing a review for a kdrama because I feel like this show needs more people to see it. I know because of whatever reasons it didn't air anymore and you can only watch it on prime video (or by other more orthodox means like I have cause I don't wanna put money in amazon's pocket lmao), but if you can find a way to watch it I highly recommend it!!

I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I have, but the overall vibe of it is so heartwarming and comforting and feels like such a warm hug that I can honestly say it's gonna become one of my comfort shows <3 It's generally a very fun and positive series, and while it does tackle some pretty heavy topics (although not all of them in the best way imo), I never felt drained of energy like I usually tend to feel when such subjects are depicted in other dramas.

[SPOILERS AHEAD LOL] My biggest issues with it would be the whole fatphobia surrounding Suri's character cause I'm still not quite sure if the writers were trying to criticize it or not (since none of the characters who fatshamed her ever apologized or acknowledged their behaviour). Another would be them casting a cis man to play a trans character (not that I was expecting much from a kdrama, the fact that they even touched on this subject would be considered impressive enough on its own), and the whole sexual abuse storyline that imho concluded (?) a little too hastily. [END OF SPOILERS LOL]

Other than that, most of the main and supporting characters were all very likeable (or became likeable pretty quickly), the format of having each episode focus on a certain theme was really interesting, and the very soothing voice of the lady doing the narration gave me a sense of comfort that I find really hard to describe. One particular episode that reflected that the best for me was episode 10, "How would you like your hair done?", where there was a heavy rainstorm happening outside, but it felt like the salon was a safe haven where you felt protected and cared for no matter the dangers that awaited when you stepped outside.

This got very long, but my general point is: watch this if you're looking for a sweet, fun and (mostly) lighthearted series that you can come back to on sad rainy days. And if you wanna fall in love with an OST and then curse the powers that be at JTBC for never properly airing this drama and, as a consequence, never releasing the soundtrack :)) Please I beg someone tell me there's a way for me to get my hands on this OST or I will cry :))

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Good Feel Good Drama

I saw that the site i use to watch dramas had uploaded all the 16 episodes at the same time.
The only thing i knew about this drama was the synopsis and nothing more, with this reason i started watching this drama with low expectations, but i got a positive surprise.
Its a feeling good drama, and i highly recommend to everyone.
One thing that i was surprised was the fact that they included a transgender character and i think they did a good job at portraying a trans man.
But with all the goods we also have bads , in this case was the constant fatphobia, one thing that i hate in kdramas is that in 90% of time the story of the "fat" women character is ONLY that she needs to lose weight and that she can never have a love interest who actually likes her for who she is and only likes her as friend, and this one sadly is following the stereotype.
I hoped that she had a love interest by the end, but she did not, it was a shame
There are 2 couples in this drama and i feel in love with both of them especially with Gi Bbeum and Moo Yeol, in the beginning i thought that he is 2 much of a player for her (a person who never had a boyfriend and as difficulties with communication), but with the elapse of the plot he made feel assured that he really liked her.
I would give this drama a 10 for the story but i didn't like the constant fatphobia and the fact that no one apologized to her.

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One of the best kdrama I have watched in a while

I usually don’t like cute kdramas, but this one I loved. For once I actually finished the whole series. I really recommend this series to everyone. I think most people would like it.

What made this kdrama better is the perfect choice of actors. Everyone was perfect for their role. The casting is 10/10

The topics they bring up are refreshing to see in a kdrama. How they brought up and talked about each topic was so much better than I have seen in other kdramas.

I just love that they chooses hairdressing as topic for the whole series, cause it made it very interesting. I feel like they almost every time choose acting school of film school as topic. So it was cool to see

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Amazing, underrated but NOT a lighthearted drama - Funny, Sad, and Relatable

Subjective Gut Rating: 8.75

Trigger Warning - this drama covers many issues and might be difficult to watch for those who are sensitive. I’ve listed the potential triggers at the end of this review.

“Salon De Nabi” aka “Fly High Butterfly '' is an underrated drama that was not released in Korea due to the bullying scandal of supporting actress, Shim Eun Woon (Jen). The drama was released in Taiwan instead and then on Amazon Prime in selected regions. It’s really unfortunate that “Salon de Nabi” did not get its deserved release and promotion because it’s a great drama. It tackles many important social issues through the lives of the 7 individuals working at the salon and their customers. Initially, I thought this would be a lighthearted watch, but I was wrong. I did laugh a lot, but I also shed many tears for the characters. I was shocked at how funny and depressing the first episode was.

I realized that I had to pay attention to this drama as not all the events and explanations are openly and graphically shown. There's quite a bit of subtlety to the storytelling, e.g. the uncle greeting the teenager and touching her arm, the character calling out their mother’s name outside the police station and then the camera panning to the cross hanging in the car, which then reminded me the scene where the character left a cake outside their family’s door. These scenes are shown to us, but not explicitly explained.

We get to know each of the 7 unique main characters in the salon, some with a bigger focus than others. The drama uses a lot of humor when introducing them but along with the laughter, there’s a lot of tears when we learn of the challenges each of them faces. I would not have liked this drama as much if there were only funny parts.

Gi Bbeum, as the female lead, has the most screen time and the biggest character development. Her story was the first to be introduced in episode 1 and also sets the tone for the rest of the drama. It’s lovely to see how she’s changed from an introverted, quiet but hard working intern who battles social anxiety, to a more confident and outspoken designer/hairdresser-in-the-making. Despite her flaws, she’s not afraid to keep learning and asking questions. Her questions might be weird but she’s trying very hard to improve. Her romance with Moo Yeol is really cute. They’re destined to be together as Moo Yeol seems to be the only one that can understand her mumbling speech. The love confession does seem to have come out of nowhere despite the weak explanation that she might have liked him from day 1. I think Moo Yeol brings Gi Bbeum out of her shell and helps her become a better version of herself. He is quite attuned to her moods, and is not afraid to ask her questions. Gi Bbeum, though shy, is very honest with Moo Yeol.

None of these characters are perfect, and a couple might be very annoying. But these flawed characters feel relatable thus we care about them and root for them to overcome their challenges. I particularly like the odd pair of Jen & Kwang Soo. Jen is the best ‘wingwoman’ and she’s so badass. Kwang Soo is the weirdest and most self-absorbed jerk, yet he can be very perceptive and can shut you down with his no nonsense facts. I probably like Michelle and Soo Ri the least, and find them slightly annoying. Poor Teacher Woo is just there. He doesn’t get a lot of screen time or lines, but I think that’s because of who he is. This weird bunch of individuals don’t necessarily like each other and are not the found family in other dramas that give you the warm and fuzzy feeling. But when one of them is in need, they rally behind and have each other’s back. There are a few circumstances where I don’t agree with the initial reactions of the characters. But when I think clearly, their reactions and actions are very normal. These are flawed characters and it takes time for them to digest the information, but will also act appropriately at the end.

My main criticism is probably the number of issues they try to cover in this drama. Sometimes, I feel like the drama is trying to do too much, therefore, a few of the storylines are fully developed. Nevertheless, I strongly recommend this drama if you want a slice-of-life drama that covers some relatable issues in a very funny yet human way.


Other Random Observations:
1. Some bad wigs are used in this drama.
2. It’s funny how dissatisfied customers all run to the public restroom to check their hair.
3. I have enough fat girls being criticized plot, forever stay in the friend zone and have low self-esteem.
4. FL’s fake smiles are haunting me.
5. It’s so sad that a character refused to go to the hospital after being stabbed by a pair of scissors.
6. Jen & Kwang Soo’s romance could have developed more.
7. Great advice from Jen about FL’s first time having sex - looking back to see if it’s a fond memory.
8. Love the interesting way of telling the ‘origin’ story of the 7 individuals in episode 15.
9. Ep 15 is technically the season finale. Ep 16 is only a bonus episode.
10. I did not like Ep 16 - it’s all fun but I was bored because I am missing the human element of the drama. Comedy only is not enough for me.


Potential Triggers (spoilers): bullying, weight issues, fat shaming, transphobia, sexual abuse, suicidal thoughts and attempts, depression, terminal illness.


Completed: 3/19/2023

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Decent

It's good but not quite up there. It's a bit unbalanced, some episodes were good and memorable while other ones were lacking any appeal like the depressed customer on a rainy day episode. The episodes that focused on the staff were generally better. It could have been easily trimmed down a bit for a better experience. One more thing that held the drama back was it's lack of commitment. The stories/relationships/interactions of the staff were always kept to a surface level which some may see this as lacking substance. The cast was diverse and kept you interesting. Choi Daniel and Shim Eun Woo were clearly the ones that stood out the most. Going into this drama I was worried that this is just a long format of a short drama quality but it turned out to be fine.

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How to get over bad hair days

This drama is absolutely wonderful. I don't know why it's not well known, it's on par with the very best k-dramas. There is so much realism and bigger and smaller problems, but all of it portrayed through a very comforting and optimistic lens. (Some issues: crippling social anxiety, gender dysphoria, sexual abuse, a achool bullying past).

This scriptwriter is one true humanist. I also loved her previous dramas, Age of Youth, and Diary of A Prosecutor.

All of the main characters are basically flawed but viewed in such sympathetic and empathetic manner, you just grow to love and understand all of them. This is essentially an ensemble and found family drama. The hair salon employees are all equally main characters but there's also a colourful cast of regular customers, each becoming unique, fleshed out characters.

The romances (both the young and the mature) are incredibly sweet. We also get a philosophicizing narrator who is both wise and understanding of bigger and smaller challenges in life so that it makes you feel you yourself are being heard and understood. All of the actors are great, but especially Park Jung Woo deserves to get more main roles. Highly recommended.

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Sometimes your hairstylist knows more about your wife than you.

sad to say , but it wasnt mine cup of coffee.
Though there is some romance, its not romance oriented its more like collection of daily life stories from Haircut Salon.
It wasnt bad, but I got no feel of urgency nor wish to see what happens next.

Usually if I watch drama I try to see it all at once even at cost of mine sleep, cause I hate waiting and want know whole story as fast as possible. But with Salon de Nabi I got no such urge.

plot - 3 hairstylists, 4 assistants interns... whole drama will go around lives and problems of these 7 peoples .... and sometimes about lives and problems their customers.

genre - collection of daily life stories, talking about some mature themes, slight romance

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