Our Beloved Summer (2021)

Typical tropes made special

Enemies to lovers turned exes to lovers two of my favourite tropes. Yes, they’ve been done before but not like this. Our beloved summer takes two very common tropes and manages to make them different, special and realistic. Such close attention to the smallest details. Beautiful use of colours, tones and weather to reflect the mood. They dive deep into characters emotions and the psychology behind them really drawing you in to help you have a deeper understanding of them. The use of the documentary and showing us each characters point of view. The situations that the characters was in were so realistic and relatable, you find your self feeling more immersed into the story and understanding the pacing of the show more. The script, it was written eloquently! The show deals with really important serious topics; abandonment, depression, loneliness, poverty and more. Yet they were all handled with care.

The acting was obviously amazing. The emotions they were feeling I felt them too and even if I didn’t feel them I still found myself feeling emotional regardless. We have Oscar winning and Chungmuro actors of course the show’s acting was going to be good!! Kim Dami is my favourite Korean actress and after Our beloved summer I like her even more and I’m excited for her future projects.

The music was very enjoyable with a wide variety and lots of respected artist. My favourite OST was definitely Sam Kim’s and BiBi’s!


Now the very few dislikes. NJ I couldn’t really find myself liking or connecting with her character I found her annoying and out of place. The only time I really liked her is when she stood up for herself against her trolls but unfortunately that’s where it started and ended. My only other complaint is one of the love triangles. Jiwoong being in love with his best-friend’s girl friend for over ten years was just silly and it took far too long for him to finally get over the situation. It just didn’t make any sense. 10 years is a very long time for him not to have moved on. It also felt out of character. Was he really willing to risk his only deep and meaningful friendship to try and pursue a woman who’s in love with his best friend and always will be. These are the only reason I gave the story a 9 and not a 10.

Overall, this was a brilliant kdrama and I highly recommend it. At first I was worried that they left too many storylines last minute and the ending would feel rushed but I was very wrong. The ending was done beautifully filled with a mixture of emotions. Kdramas tend to fall flat somewhere along the show but Our beloved summer was genuinely good ep 1 until 16.

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Good ending, but overall boring.

Another drama with high ratings, but I just can’t figure out why. I guess it must be me… kind of like how I found Hospital Playlist and Decedents Of The Sun, again both highly rated, but I found them boring too. I fast forwarded through almost every episode except 1 and 16. I couldn’t wait to finish. I thought it dragged on and on, repeating the same scenario over and over. I think the acting was good, and the basic idea of the story was good, but 16 episodes was way too long. It should have been made into a 2 hour movie instead. I probably should have dropped it, but I suffered through it. If you like very slow paced dramas, with a simple plot, that repeats things over and over, you’ll like this. The ML Choi Woong’s character, was unemotional through most of it, except for a few scenes, and the FL was very annoyingly arrogant. I gave it a 7, because like I said, the plot was good, and the acting was ok, but it was just too long for what the writers wanted to tell. Could have made the story half as long, if not less.

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The Pain We Carry

On the surface, "Our Beloved Summer" is about two unlikely high school students who are paired together for a documentary. Yeon-Soo is the top student in her class. She's driven and determined to be the best. At the other end of the spectrum is Choi-Woong, who is dead last in his class. He appears to be lazy, uninterested, and lacking in any ambition.

On a much deeper level, "Our Beloved Summer" is about the pain we all carry around with us. Much of it has to do with the past and how people are treated, whether it be from parents, other friends, or people from relationships. Pain is inevitable. Suffering, however, is optional. And it's amazing how much we suffer by holding on to the past. Yeon-Soo bitterly states in one episode, "The more you try to ignore the past, the more you become trapped in it. And the more you try to run away, the more it traps you." This is because the past needs to be released. Especially the pain. And much of this series is about that: letting go of the pain, and thus, coming to peace with the past.

Yeon-Soo is a woman who appears confident and doesn't seem to care what anyone thinks about her. This makes her appear cold and indifferent. However, this is what is on the surface, because underneath, she's a young woman in turmoil. She pushes everyone away from her because she feels she not worthy of being liked or loved by anyone. The irony of pushing people away in order to avoid pain, is that the person we really end up hurting, is ourselves.

Choi-Woong is similar in his pain. However, instead of pushing others away, Woong chooses to barricade himself in his house, focusing on his art, and having little contact with others. Why? Because he's been abandoned by those that should have loved him and been there for him. And so, just like Yeon-Soo, he also feels unworthy. And when Yeon-Soo breaks up with him the first time, it reinforces his feelings of unworthiness all the more. Woong is also a gifted artist. However, he draws only buildings, which seem to mirror his own feelings of trying to remain emotionless and distant from anyone else. We come to find that his true masterpiece of art is finally revealed in the very last episode in a most profound and touching way!

Ten years later, Yeon-Soo and Choi-Woong are asked to do another documentary, due to the success of the first one. Reluctantly, they agree. However, the more they begin to spend time together, they not only realize that the feelings they had for each other never went away, but they're able to finally confront their own demons from their past and put them to rest. They do this by acknowledging their fears and realizing what's been holding them back. They also realize that the goal of a relationship isn't to change the other person, but to change yourself. And this is why their relationship ultimately works.

The world is full of Yeon-Soos and Choi-Woongs. People who build up defensive walls, or hide themselves away because they believe what others have told them: that they are unworthy. Feelings of unworthiness truly rob us of our chance of having a happy, fulfilling life. And they exist only within our own minds.

This series is truly beautiful and uplifting in depicting the pain of these two lovable characters and watch their healing finally begin to take place. What's more, is that they also learn how to lean on each other when needed. They begin to trust their own love and strength and use it for each other as well as for themselves.

I cannot speak highly enough of Kim Mi-Da and Choi Woo-Shik. Not only is their chemistry undeniable, but they are able to give us deep, complex characters using subtlety as a powerful acting tool. A look; a smile; a falling tear...all brilliantly showcased to make us feel every emotion that they are conveying.

I was also thankful that the writers didn't succumb to a "typical" ending in the last episode. I love it when writers dare to follow a more realistic path that suits the characters and the situation rather than force a "happy ending" that is contrived and unbelievable.

I rarely speak of the music in my reviews, but Kim Kyung Hee has quickly become a favorite of mine! His title song is something that I've found myslef playing over and over again. I also loved his songs from "Crash Landing On You." He seems to perfectly capture Yeon-Soo and Choi-Woong in his song. I can't listen to it and not think of them!

This is one of my all-time favorite series involving "young" love. I cannot say enough about it. The series was cute, funny, heart-breaking, inspiring, touching, provocative, necessary, and deep. How many series can I say that about in over 45 years of watching shows? Not many.

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Drag, Drag & Just Drag !!

Please don't keep high expectations!

After completing it ( started skipping after 7-8 episodes) I honestly feels like this one is hella overrated. I was trying to feel their love for each other but I just couldn't coz there WASN'T ! So ex-lovers can't even talk properly & figure out their awkward condition Even when they have to shoot and work together? FL was so cold tbh, i understand because of her past & all but still...

And... I was like wtf when they showed that whatever ML did in past 5 year was in vain. You know the reason if you've watched it. I can't understand what they want to say/proove after showing that!!!

So disappointed !! I really hoped this one will be good if it's getting this much popularity but...

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More than about First Love Reunited.

Completed - 2/26/2022 - 9.25 rating

This review is my very subjective interpretation of the drama and how it speaks to me. “Our Beloved Summer” moves me so much that my gut tells me it’s deserving of such a high rating. This is more than a love story about first love and second chances. It is about self-discovery, finding your own paths and living your chosen life.

When I binge-watched the first 7 episodes, I immediately knew that this was going to be a special drama. I could not exactly pinpoint why I like it so much. I am usually not a big fan of slice-of-life dramas as I find the pacing to be slow. Not with this drama. I can’t wait to tell Netflix to go to the next episode and skip that intro. I want to know what’s next.

I really enjoy the storytelling of this drama. Though it’s full of flashbacks, they are done in such a way that I do not find the flashbacks annoying. I enjoy the parallel storytelling of how the documentary was filmed 10 years ago, compared to the present. The high school bickering and sarcastic remarks are fun to watch. Even though our leads act like they dislike each other, you can’t deny the strong chemistry there.

When we are brought back to the present, you can feel all the suffering, longing and hurtful emotions the leads are feeling. The attraction is obviously there, yet it took them a long time to find a way to be honest with themselves and with each other. When Choi Woong and Yeon Soo are finally together, I was so happy for them. The audience is rewarded with really cute, sweet and loving moments. I am glad to see skinship with decent kissing as well. The initial breakup might be painful. But Choi Woong and Yeon Soo need the right timing and have to grow up to be a better version of themselves, before they become the match made-in-heaven.

Initially, I find the storyline about Kim Ji Woong and his mother to be out-of-place. It seems like I am watching a whole different drama that has nothing to do with our leads. Then I realized, this drama is not just about Choi Woong and Kook Yeon Soo. We also have a third character, the observer from 10 years ago and the observer again for this documentary. This is also Kim Ji Woong’s story.

We actually have three successful adults who seem to have conquered past challenges and grow up to be mature professionals. But deep down, they are lonely and broken. We have Yeon Soo who has to shoulder her family’s financial burden and suffers from an inferiority complex. We have Choi Woong who feels lonely and abandoned, and continues to struggle with these emotions, and also feeling unworthy of his parents' love. He’s trapped inside his own little world and unable to break out of it. Lastly, we have Ji Woong who is desperate for his mother’s love and attention, and continues to have a missing piece in his heart.

If I have to find one thing to criticize, it would be the continuous playing of songs. I actually really like the OST and all the songs. I just found them overplayed. I think I counted one episode where 3-4 songs were played almost back-to-back. Sometimes, I don’t need the music to tell me how to feel. It’s ok to have some silence when our leads are contemplating.

Other Observations:
1. I have seen Choi Wook Shik in other dramas before but I never found him that attractive. But he’s so adorkable in this drama. I really love his character and his cute and shy smile. What a sweet boyfriend!
2. I also enjoy seeing a more mature Kim Sung Cheol.
3. No annoying characters in this drama!
4. The color palette of the drama seems to be a little washed out or has a yellow tone. Is it me imagining it?

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it started and ended with a documentary

⚡ our beloved summer brought us inside of woong and yeonsu’s journey as individuals and as a couple. the slow burn romance that one falls in love to as they watch more. we felt the flutters, frustrated, and cry with them.

⚡ordinary that’s extraordinary. we resonate with how the characters are struggling, and how they are facing their unresolved issues. we have been woong, yeonsu, and jiwoong in our lives. we have the 3 idiots personality within us.

⚡our beloved summer reminding us — it’s not a dull life we are living, but a dazzling one. in times where we felt we’re alone, there’s someone who’s always there. you’re not alone. it also reminds us — our year hasn’t ended yet, there’s still more to come.

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Like a pack of dry cookies that are strangely addicting, even though they taste like nothing.

I know it’s a drama loved by many, but I’m sadly not in that camp. I still enjoyed it quite a lot, it just never truly moved me that much, and I think that was supposed to be the biggest selling point - how touching it is.

I think the biggest reason I did not fall in love with the drama itself is the fact I never fell in love with two main characters - Choi Woong and Gook Yeon Soo. I was indifferent about them as individuals and completely not interested in them as a pair. Something about how they were written did not click with me.

On the other hand, I adored so many supporting characters with Kim Ji Woong being easily my favorite. Both episodes focused on his point of view were in my perspective the most interesting and engaging. I know for a fact I liked him so much because I related to him in many areas, but that’s the strength of the drama - they present many unique, but realistic characters, I’m sure everyone would find one to relate to.

I’m quite sad how little they showed of NJ. There was not one scene of hers that was boring, some were quite meaningful. I appreciate how they never made her a typical toxic second female lead - her perspective on the whole situation was refreshing.

While I understand the drama portrays a lot of important life lessons that young people face - from teens to late twenties, I weirdly never connected to this presentation. Sure, there were some scenes that were memorable, but overall I don’t think I’m going to remember much after a few months.

Performances? Phenomenal from the whole cast. Exactly zero complaints. The emotional scenes were done well, the comedic bits were truly funny, not one character was miscast.

Overall, while my brain understands why many people loved this show, my heart does not follow.

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Over hyped Drama... ┐( ˘_˘)┌

Sorry I'm NOT sorry !

I had very big expectation for this Drama. I am very disappointed.

It’s unbearable to see female lead be so rude to her ex when she’s the one who broke his heart.I know there’s more info that revealed about her life but I can’t imagine male lead really wanting to be with someone who lied and broke his heart and never apologized. No interest in their romance.

And when I tried to watch it till the end..
I was just speechless, how could they concluded at last that whatever male lead achieved was all just waste ? They bragged about how he is famous artist , giving live demo for such a great building, his paintings are very admirable , a celebrity is fan of his work & his paintings are EXPENSIVE and of soo much value . Then at last they're showing that someone told him that his paintings are nothing but "JUST EMPTY ", A child who's Trapped in his own world ? And they're showing that whatever he did was all meant nothing to him ? ( Okay... they're trying to show us , he didn't know what he likes, what he wants to do in his life and he was just doing it without any meaning..does that make sense? NO !!
As an art lover myself I strongly believe that they just ruined the half meaning of this drama by showing this kind of story!
I was trying to complete this boring drama because of their boring romance, where I feel no emotions but at last I'm watching this ?
I'm just Disappointed

At last ...This story so far has no pull so they are manufacturing it by slicing and dicing the scenes and jumbling them so the audience cannot figure out what's going on.
The more I think of it, it is becoming more and more frustrating.

God knows why people are loving this drama ! There are more good dramas related to this kind of content.

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Nice aesthetics and feelings, petty outcome for 2nd lead syndrom victims

"Every life is a work of art. And it becomes complete when all pieces come together."

What started as a very heartfelt journey had a somewhat wishy-washy end - and no, I'm yes, I'm saying this because I was under the influence of the stressful second-lead syndrome. But not because he didn't get the girl - I swear!

Our Beloved Summer on a first look basis seems to have any troop to appease the typical k-drama viewer: haters-to-lovers, second lead syndrome (to some, at least), artistic shots, unjoyful and earnest quotes, and a very nice soundtrack to back it all (I'm a sucker for any Sam Kim OST, sue me!).

And it does! I fell in love immediately with it all, the way everything felt like it was worked to the detail, with both the heart and the mind. This series felt clever yet sincere. I found myself rooting for every character, even NJ who I didn't enjoy 75% of the time. They were complex, more than pretty cardboard on a screen.

However, OBS was a victim of what I like to call "The Episode 13 Curse" where, around the episode 13 (from 11-15 usually), it looses its essence. The main characters' plot was pretty much concluded, still the writers thought this kdrama clearly needed more emotional trauma and suffering (the overdone type), especially for Ji-Ung, which pissed me off. At least, from the little they developed his plot in the last episodes, they added a delicate streak to his journey. I'm still pissed, since it felt...wasted, tossed aside, so we could have 30 minutes of lovey-dovey scenes. They could've easily spared some time and level everything.

By all means, I didn't hate the main leads. They had cute chemistry, I'm just the type of viewer that enjoys the push-and-pull more than the icing on the cake, the chase more than the destination. Basically, I love to see two people getting closer, but not them being close, does it make sense? Well, still, they were adorable, and almost everyone in the series is impossible to hate. In the end, I felt like this is the type of drama that is meant not to be watched, but to be carefully appreciated. The ending was just bittersweet to me.

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Strong start until ep6. Then things gradually go down.

The velocity of good start got me high until ep6. After I figured out that this story has no more element than a love story between two grudged exes, my curiosity and interest levels decreased. There's no more interesting conflict, so things are flattening down along the way. I had no more interest to watch this until the end after finishing ep12, esp. when being compared with Snowdrop that is on air during the same time and kind of competes for the audience's attention. I came to watch it until the end, though. After the last ep has broadcasted, I came to pay my due. And yeah... I was right, it isn't interesting anymore after ep12.

In terms of acting, I don't feel the character of grown-up Yeon Soo in Dami. Grown-up Yeon Soo portrayed by Dami was intentionally stern and kind of melodramatic. I'm not very satisfied with Dami's acting. Come to think of it, she also felt off in Itaewon Class. Among the three main leads in Itaewon Class, Dami was the weakest (her character was more challenging to act than the 2nd female lead, though.) Anyway, naughty, young Yeon Soo in Our Beloved Summer was still fun and enjoyable to watch. Only the grown-up version that was lacking. For Choi Woo Shik here, his acting was also off from scene to scene. All in all, I don't feel the lover vibes between them. Toward the end, they started to kiss a lot, and I felt nothing in their kisses at all.

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Slow and repetitive

Not sure why many people are liking this drama... it started off interestingly enough. It was funny, quirky, the main couple were very cute and had lots of chemistry.

Then it started getting repetitive, a lot of push and pull, the same old drama/ issues/ problems. I don’t quite like character developments of both leads. They seemed to really lack any sort of communication, even after 5 years of being together, breaking up and after another 5-year lapse and meeting again. Towards the last few episodes, we do see some growth & maturity in Choi Ung, but Yeon-Su was just disappointing. To be honest, I didn’t really like Kim Da-mi’s acting. She was cute but I didn’t like the way she talked. She seemed to mumble her words way too often, it just annoyed me.

As for the supporting casts and story, found it too dull and cliche. Unfortunate I skipped most of it with NJ and Ji-Ung. OST was not too bad, it had that one song Christmas Tree sung by V from BTS.

All in all a little disappointed. Expected much more from this, but it reminded me a lot of the drama More Than Friends.. which was SOOO SLOWWWW and boring. OBS was at least more interesting.

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