Lovestruck in the City (2020)

A show that follows the lives and stories of modern couples, in a unique format.

‘Lovestruck in The City’ is another 2021 drama that realistically portrayed adults in the modern busy world. In a relatively unique format for Korean dramas where the characters are supposedly featured in a documentary, six adults who are connected to each other in various ways share the regular issues and struggles that they face in their relationships and daily lives.

In the first episodes, many viewers will find it hard to adjust themselves with this drama. The transitions from the documentary interview parts and the story parts will get some confused for sure, but viewers wouldn’t find it too hard to get used to it eventually. While the drama wanted to execute the stories of all three couples and their stories, the drama ended up focusing a little too much on a single couple to the point that they seemed to have little to no charm despite of good chemistry, and the lack of focus on the other characters and their stories make it hard for viewers to emotionally connect to them or ‘care’ for their stories. Due to the very reason, I personally couldn’t find myself to be in love with the characters. Many will relate to the struggles of each character like I did at times, but relating to them doesn’t mean you will absolutely love them.

Now, about the acting, it’s the one thing that I really loved. The cast did an amazing job with each of their performances, and for a bit of a special mention, Ji Chang Wook was brilliant when it came to the emotional scenes. While his character personally lacked for me, his acting makes up for it. Kim Ji Won was good as always, but I’ve seen better performances from her.

The cinematography definitely needs to be appreciated. There are many beautiful sunset beach sceneries that I absolutely loved, and am sure others did too. Besides, the music was great too. It suited the mood of each scene perfectly, and I think the production quality of this drama takes the prize at most.

In the end, a 7.5/10. I’m often prickly with my ratings, so I suggest you check at least 3 episodes due to its new format to see if it suits your taste. I hope you found this ‘huge’ review to be useful :)

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Half-done love stories that leaves you yearning for more

Lovestruck in the City is a promising concept with uneven execution. The docu-style format feels fresh, following six interconnected unique souls, navigating the complexities of love and life. While the show strives to be different, it leaves you wanting more. The narrative stumbles when it comes to giving equal weight to the characters. The main couple, Jaewon and Eunoh, get a satisfying arc while the others get sidelined.

Rin-i and Kyungjun had so much potential! A seemingly solid and dynamic couple, then the series throws a fight scene at us and expects us to believe this is the end of a years-long relationship? It felt rushed, uncovering none of the complexities of a long-term relationship. We never get to see them grow, navigate real conflicts or even understand their motivations. It's a wasted opportunity. Instead, the series throws their story as well as the characters away, serving a rushed breakup on our platter.

Rin-i especially comes across as selfish. Did Rini ever truly care? They could’ve delved into Rini's motivations, the driving force behind her uncaring, immature, free-spirit nature. Kyungjun remains hopelessly in love, just like in the beginning. Was kyeongjun’s devotion genuine love or a desperate need for stability? We deserved to see them evolve, not just stay stagnant characters.

I love that Sunyoung bravely confronted her commitment issues. Geon, the ever-patient lover, finally acknowledges his doormat tendencies which was satisfying. Jaewon and Eunoh also get their well-deserved happily ever after.

While the series ends up being an imperfect exploration of modern love, it truly shines in its intimate moments. Their portrayal of physical affection is natural, free from unnecessary theatrics and awkward movements. Intimate scenes which are well shot can truly elevate a drama. Thankfully, the director didn’t shy away from utilising Ji Changwook and Kim Jiwon’s passionate chemistry. The slow burn is perfectly paced because of the short length of the series. It never drags and is surprisingly engaging.

All in all, it's a fun series with a dynamic approach you can watch on your free time.

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Frustrating at times, beautiful at times.

It was such a frustrating watch for me.
I did love the format, and the other two couples made this a worthwhile watch. I felt that all the problems of the lead couple were downright nonsensical, but they did make sense towards the end to an extent. I just wish instead of dragging it that long, they sped things up. It was SO SO frustrating to watch. And the back-and-forth between the main leads made no sense whatsoever to me.
If it hadn't beed for the amazing chemistry, it would have been a 3 star for me. The romance aspect, the mature way in which they showcased relationships was a huge plus for me. And the cinematography is top notch. Loved that!
Made me cry at times, it was kinda relatable sometimes.
Overall, a good one time watch, if you have some patience.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama " Lovestruck in the city " has interesting cinematography and a slice of life story, with a realistic spin on the love stories.

The drama presents the story through the form of a documentary, where the characters are being interviewed about their love lives and their views on love. This format was original and interesting, but it did get tiring after a while. Fortunately, they lessen up the interview time after the first half.

The highlight of the drama is also the love stories that it presented, even though the main one got most of the screening time. It was cleverly presented, with smooth twists that kept the mystery of what happened for a while. The first part of it, where the audience gets to see the beginning of the main relationship, was probably the best part, with a youthful and summery vibe.

Also, the performances were really good from everyone in the cast. The soundtrack was spot on as well.

However, this drama needs to have a second season, as the last episode left a lot of things unfinished and, in fact, opened up new storylines.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

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Not interesting

This is one of those dramas that pops out at you due to its starcast. I like both the leads and have enjoyed them in other dramas but there isn't much positive to say about this one unfortunately :(

I watched first 3 episodes and they are all too bland for my taste. The drama has documentary format where it interviews the 6 central characters and shows their romantic relationship through past experiences while they talk about those times. If that's your thing then you can give it a try.

However my problem is that this isn't interesting enough and even the screenplay is very boring.

If you want to watch a nice dreamy romance (such as CLOY) look away. This is not it!

No idea what the writer-director were trying to achieve with this drama but it's definitely not my cup of tea.

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JCW is a great actor. I dropped this because I absolutely despised the FL. It’s funny, I like the actress in interviews, but something about the characters she plays on screen always rub me the wrong way. I really couldn’t stand this one, maybe more than any FL in my history of watching dramas. She’s basically a cheater, a hippie playgirl who skirts all responsibilities and commitment like she’s allergic to it, leads men on, acts all bubbly and “free spirited” in a way that men are supposed to just swoon head over heels for, I could go on but I don’t even want to waste my time talking about her. Just no. And the ML is supposed to be so smitten with her that this is somehow all okay or even charming. She is the definition of toxic and the ML's mental health and happiness got completely destroyed. It got so frustrating that I didn’t care if her character ends up being redeemed or not. The documentary style was also jarring to the story and got old fast. I hope JCW continues picking good projects instead of ones like this, he's definitely one of Korea's best actors and deserves the best roles that show his range.

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a very light, romance and friendship drama and very refreshing in terms of the documentary-interview style part since they asked some taboo questions. the storyline was plain to be honest, but i somehow enjoyed it since it was executed beautifully. it was slow paced too imo since there are some episodes that were like nothing happened, and somehow i don't even know if the episode was necessary. luckily it was only 30 minutes each episode so it wasn't really a big deal, and watching this ongoing doesn't feel as boring. it rather feels like a relaxing drama due to its simple storyline and beautiful sceneries. but if i were to binge watch this i feel like i'm not going to love it as much. and of course i have to mention the superb acting, amazing osts and stunning cinematography. my favourite part of the drama would be the 'yoon seon ah' part, the one at the beach and the message of eun oh trying to love herself more.

i guess i wasn't ready for this kind of drama, a simple, relaxing ones. if you were looking for this kind of drama, do watch it. and it somehow gave me run on vibes :)

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Not a rewatch!

I really didn’t like the drama. The relationship between the main couple seemed more like lust then love. They really didn’t take time to get to know each other at all. They had their first kiss in the 2nd episode and just fell into bed. While they’re in bed he tells her he loves her. So fast. Not a tender loving relationship at all. It seemed rushed. Ji Chang Wooks character seemed to be so needy and emotional. Her character was confused and lost the whole drama. In the end when the couple gets back together I couldn’t help but feel that it just wasn’t right. It seemed liked they were going down the same path all over again. It was supposedly their first date after getting back together and they were already falling all over each other. For some reason this drama turned me off wanting to watch Ji Chang Wooks dramas. This drama seemed so out of character for him. It almost seemed trashy. No romance at all. Sorry folks just my opinion.

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Could have been better in many ways..

Love the casts! Plus you cannot deny the Chemistry between JCW and KJW. Woah, they have a lot of intense scenes.

The interview format doesn't make sense. Or is it just me? IDK. As described they are all adults busy with every day life but they still find time to waste for the interviews. And what is the interview for anyway? (Though ignorable, maybe)

First few episodes made me asked myself, why am I watching this? Did I just wasted my time watching this.. but I still finished it. I still give it a chance since it is a web series and only 30minutes per episode.

Reasons to watch:
1. Ji Chang Wook- I'm biased. I love him! been disappointed to JCW's previous series. This one is still better than his 2 previous series after his military service. I also love his a bit tanned skin. He looks better, manlier. Hihi.
2. Choi Minho - hihi. His role is cute. Though he doesn't have much air time.
3. Sun Young - love her! As what Eun oh and Rin yi said she's a 'Girl crush' and yeah shes's cool. Her relationships / break up stories made me laugh but her views about relationship is realistic.
4. Yangyang beach! Wow. I love beaches and I wanna visit this place. So nice!
5. OST - this show have some good music.

What I disliked or things that doesn't nake sense.
1. The interview format. As I described above.
2. They made Jae Won look so pathetic with all those interviews with him being the crazy guy who can't move on from the girl she had a summer fling. IDK but I almost dropped this series because of that. He also tends to be exaggerated on some scenes. (Note: I still love JCW)
3. The reason for the stolen cameras. They could have found a better excuse/ reason for it. Jae Won will hate Eun Oh/ Seon Ah anyway. Also she could have just taken the films! Dangit! Whatever! Haha.
4. The series focused too much on those 2 months the leads shared. It would have been better if they added some more scenes about the present time. Also the leads should have some more time knowing each other after all those lies.
5. The show only got better at Episode 11. It doesn't make sense to me until Ep. 11. They could have made it more interesting in the first few episodes. Though some people say it got better at Ep. 8, it took me until Ep. 11.

Anyway, this is my opinion and it's up to you to decide whether to watch it or not. But please give it a try.

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Weak, boring plot

I was interested in this show because it was unique concept. However, the main couple's story line was just terrible. The FL's character was so boring even during the beach scenes when she was supposed to be intriguing. (I have nothing against Kim Ji Won, but I just never find her characters to be interesting, I don't know if its the writing or acting.) Anyway I didn't understand why the ML was so obsessed with her to the point that he becomes an alcoholic crybaby for years after meeting her. Her "big reveal" to explain her actions ( I read about it in an episode recap) was so anticlimactic that I am glad I dropped the show. I would have been mad to find out she acted like such a turd for such mundane reasons. Then after all the crappy behavior she still ends up with the ML? She deserved to be alone.

Also, showing people being obsessively in love after years of being rejected or ignored is just not a healthy example. I can't even finish shows that use that trope anymore. Writing characters such as the ML encourages people to just keep obsessing. No means no, move on, there are 8 billion people in the world, go meet another one.

I was happy that the characters were written to approach sex the way adults would. I am over seeing characters in their late twenties (even through to their forties) being written to act appalled by a simple hug or as if a closed mouth kiss is taboo. I don't think characters need to have full blown sex scenes constantly but if shows could stop having fully grown adult characters act like preteens afraid of cooties that would be great.

The secondary characters were more interesting but still not enough to keep me watching. I really do not understand how this show has such high ratings. If you are somebody who understands that Romeo and Juliet is NOT a love story, then you probably also disliked this show.

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