Celebrity (2023)

Somewhat disappointed

To be honest I didn't even know about this show until I saw the edits on Han Junkyung's character. And after watching the show Kang minhyuk was the only person that I liked. Let's hear my thoughts in details...

Acting...
All the actors did their best to portray their characters and they succeeded. It's not like some jaw dropping acting but yeah they weren't bad. They were decent, like how they are supposed to be.


Character....
In terms of character design... what can I say... nothing fresh, nothing new... Infact the two main characters seemed like those old school drama main leads.
The character Han Junkyung, his attitude towards other people seemed really impressive but when he is with Seo ari, he becomes like those typical old school drama chaebol ML who, the moment he gets his eye on a poor but charming (in his eyes) FL, he is gonna be stand by 24/7 to help her and be her knight in shining armour. (Yeah... So creative 😒)

The character of Seo ari didn't impress my either. Her character is like those typical FL as well, who for no reason has to raise her voice and fight for justice. I mean seriously... This troup is way too old that it has become boring now. In my opinion, she just seemed to love trampling on rich people with her words. The only think positive about her is that she is not pitiful doormat type.

Yoon Siyeon... For her character, the writer could do so many things... Until the last ep I thought there has to be some dark side of her... But the writer just left her the way she was. She seemed so bland and depressed... (I know her circumstances may be the reason for that depression.. but still it was bland) It seemed like her only purpose in this drama was to help the FL who she just met recently.

The other characters were not so special, typical villains who tried to harm the main leads, that's it. One thing I wonder, why do the have make the addicts go full platinum blonde in the finale?(like Lee Sara in glory)

bbbfamous... Whoa! That's the character that I am the most disappointed with. The whole series there was a tension about who this character is... But what did we get? Some random character who just dropped before the finale? That's just lazy writing... Not a plot twist at all. Me as a viewer didn't connect with her at all. She just seemed like an unknown random psychopath. If the writer wanted us to be surprised then you have to give that character proper screen time, so that we viewers will think that 'Yeah! There's that girl too. I didn't even realise that.' But what did we get! Before this revelation, I thought Siyeon was bbb... (That would be quite surprising plot twist, in my opinion. She had some grudge against Seo ari because of her entanglement with Junkyung and also the power to know the secrets of other influencers. That would make so much sense)

BGM...
Background music was okay.

Rewatch value...
I would rather watch other dramas on my list.

Overall, it's not a bad kdrama... There is enough drama to keep you want to watch this drama. But the ending just didn't meet my expectations.

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10+ plot holes and 0 character development

I’ve always been skeptical of Netflix original series, as they often tend to miss the mark. So, going into this show with absolutely no expectations, I was pleasantly surprised to find it intriguing.

From the start, it was implied that Seo Ari was supposed to be dead. Then, one day, she went live on Instagram, leaving us questioning whether she was truly alive. I found myself most curious about the circumstances surrounding her alleged death, how she managed to survive, and the true identity of BBBFamous. These questions kept me motivated to watch until the end.

While I found the drama entertaining overall, it was riddled with plot holes, particularly toward the conclusion—issues I couldn’t simply overlook. The early episodes featured awkwardly obvious product placements that felt forced, making for some cringe-worthy montages.

Moreover, character development was sorely lacking. Sure, our female lead experienced a tiny bit of growth, but the other characters seemed far too preoccupied with their own lives and follower counts to undergo any meaningful transformation.

One of the aspects I disliked most about this drama was the excessive screaming, yelling, and throwing things at every opportunity. It wasn’t a makjang drama, so I found their overreactions puzzling. Chaehee, in particular, contributed significantly to the chaos with her incessant screaming and whining, which became extremely annoying.

I was genuinely surprised when it was revealed that Ari’s best friend was one of her haters. But what shocked me even more was Ari’s acceptance of her friend’s flimsy excuse. Unless Ari was a saint, this response made no sense. If I were in her shoes, I would feel hurt far more by her betrayal than by any hate comments from netizens, especially since she had an exclusive hate account dedicated to Ari. What a snake!

As for the romance between Ari and Joonkyung, it had so much potential, but since the focus of the drama wasn’t on romance, I couldn’t ask for much more.

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The online dystopian community exposed

I am wary of the whole online opinion makers who rush to trash people for their own gratification. The individuals who make the deliberate choice to become online influencers are also a mystery to me.

I started watching this drama out of curiosity, similar to reading the gossip magazine found in a doctors waiting room, and discovered a world previously unknown to me.

I liked that the FL had a pretty gamin beauty, like Audrey Hepburn or Audrey Tatou, fresh and vulnerable. This made her likeable and watchable and her wardrobe choices are terrific. She is depicted as having a great instinct for fashion and this is what sets her apart from the other females who we learn have less desirable traits. The men are shown to be quite misogynistic even the main love interest believes he should save the FL because she is out of her league.

I am not very drawn to revenge motives, however, as the drama unfolds and Ah Ri's online narration reveals all the background machinations, lies and personal attacks I was lured into needing to know more. There are many twists and reveals and some heart pounding moments that kept me watching.

The acting is okay and the plot-line exaggerated for dramatic effect but if you can let yourself suspend logic and just enjoy this distorted view of an online community bent on creating a luxury illusion you will be entertained.

The online dystopian community is exposed everyday where public personas are destroyed overnight by a cacophony of keyboard armies spewing their hate and outrage into the void. I find this tale a good warning of what might be going on in the world of fashion influencers.

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Capitalism is the problem

It's one of those dramas where everyone's an asshole.
Probably Ari's brother is the one that is not actively an asshole, but he was hardly in the story.

They chose to go for an anonymous hater, with no real motive who represents the working class, instead of addressing the real issue with this stratification of society. Calling someone with depression and someone who clearly sees the disparity in society a nut job is dismissive, offensive and villainizing. It was a choice to make her a hater. It was a choice not to go to the root of the problem.

Their self-importance remains unchanged in the end. They didn't learn anything.
I do know there are a lot of online haters and trolls but social media is only a reflection of society. If we cared for the people and solved the disparities there would be a lot less hate. Many people are mad at the disparities and don't have the tools to figure out why they're mad. This drama made it seem like a jealousy problem instead of the real issue, which is inequality, that derives from some having access to privilege and also from salary theft.

The love interest (I can't consider him a male lead. He wasn't a lead in the story) said if it wasn't for him his workers would be unemployed, so he doesn't mind providing them with undignified work because, for him, he's being charitable. We don't need charity, we need proper salaries and proper jobs and we need the rich to pay a fairer amount of taxes that will support a strong network of social services. Then no one needs to die because they can't afford food, healthcare or even a house.
We all know millionaires and billionaires don't provide for more work or for more money to be in circulation, they are hoarders of wealth. Trickle-down economics doesn't work, and there's no such thing as an ethical rich person, just like we saw, those rich influencers weren't ethically created as well.

Social media is a way to numb the working force and to make sure we don't organise and create a fairer world. They kept saying throughout the drama that life is unfair. Yes, life is unfair, but knowing the root of the issue helps us create a fairer world. If you were going to talk about inequality, you should have gone to the root cause. I believe art has the power to conduct change and this drama could have been a spark in that direction.

It was a good mystery drama. It was annoying, especially for someone who doesn't care about influencers, like me. It was a good social commentary, but it will go over people's heads if they aren't aware of the root causes of our social imbalance. With all the fascist propaganda going around, I'm assuming that it will be a lot of people.

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the dark underbelly of social media

Celebrity Kdrama is a thrilling and fast-paced series that delves into the dark and mysterious world of social media. The story revolves around e-celebrities and the potential dangers they face from their anonymous online haters. With only 12 episodes, each running for 45 minutes, the drama wastes no time in delivering an intense and captivating narrative.

From the very first scene, Celebrity Kdrama grabs the audience's attention and keeps them hooked until the closing credits. The plotline is filled with unexpected twists, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. The element of anonymity on social media is skillfully explored, showcasing the power it gives to individuals to accuse and target others without consequences.

One of the standout aspects of the series is the stellar cast, which predominantly features well-known actors and actresses, lending an air of authenticity to the e-celebrity theme. It's exciting to see familiar faces taking on these complex roles, enhancing the connection between the viewers and the characters they portray.

Furthermore, the drama doesn't shy away from highlighting the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world. The stunning fashion and aesthetics are a feast for the eyes, making it difficult for viewers to look away.

Another commendable aspect is the captivating cinematography that beautifully captures the essence of both the celebrities' glamorous lives and the dark underbelly of social media. The camera work adds an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the story, making it visually appealing throughout.

In conclusion, Celebrity Kdrama is a gripping and engaging series that effectively explores the hazards of social media and the precarious lives of e-celebrities. With its alluring cast, captivating storyline, and mesmerizing visuals, this drama is a must-watch for anyone looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

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Ate It Up!

Celebrity was an excellent binge.

Seo Ari was a rich girl who became a door to door cosmetics salesperson after her father went bankrupt. One day she ends up tangled in the world of instagram celebrities and finds herself gaining attention and lets her curiosity of the world get the better of her.

What I enjoyed:
- Every episode had a lot happening. Very fast paced which I love.
- The characters which may seem over the top but not unbelievable because I have actually come across such people.
- The production was clearly top notch on this.
- The intro (theme) is gorgeous.
- The story-telling is certainly intriguing and I am a sucker for mysterious hidden characters and trying to figure out who dun it.
- Having heard of a few friends turn into rivalries among celebs and youtubers, the plot was quite believable. The way people end up exposing each other. The following unfollowing drama. The rumours and the fans defending and trolling and the public reactions. It's all well known facts about these celebs. The plot was a good run-down of how some of these people act on and off-screen.
- Though there is no proper romance, there is some really fascinating chemistry between Seo Ari and Jun Kyung that made for a fun experience.
- I love me a bit of a revenge plot so this show was right up my alley!

What could have been better:
Although I have already rated this a 10, the one thing that was distracting was that a lot of the online comments and DMs were not being translated and so I would occasionally translate them myself since some of it was a huge part of the story. Obviously, this isn't an issue of the plot itself. Rather, for whatever reason, the subbing was lacking.

I would definitely recommend watching this show even if you are not fascinated by celebrities and influencers as it has a lot going for it.

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Recommended

Wow, Celebrity is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and captivating South Korean dramas I have ever watched! From start to finish, it had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating each clever plot twist and revelation. This unique blend of thriller, mystery, and drama truly sets it apart from other shows in its genre.

What I loved most about Celebrity was how it served as a constant reminder of the importance of being a private person and focusing on oneself, despite the negative opinions and judgments of others. The character development was exceptional, as we witness the main protagonist's transformation into a strong and determined individual who refuses to let others dictate her worth.

The plot was incredibly well-structured, with each episode leaving me more hooked than the last. The writers skillfully balanced intense moments of suspense with heartfelt and emotional scenes, making it an emotionally fulfilling viewing experience. The cast performed brilliantly, effortlessly bringing their characters to life and adding an extra layer of depth to the already engaging storyline.

What sets Celebrity apart is its ability to make viewers reflect on their own lives. This drama inspired me to reevaluate my priorities and encouraged me to focus on myself and my own happiness, rather than constantly seeking validation from others. It served as a powerful reminder that we should never let the negative opinions and pressures of society overshadow our true potential.

Overall, Celebrity is a must-watch for all fans of the thriller, mystery, and drama genres. Its compelling storyline, exceptional acting, and thought-provoking themes make it an incredibly enjoyable and worthwhile watch. Prepare to be enthralled, inspired, and truly moved by this outstanding South Korean drama!

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Good storyline but the characters felt hollow

The plot line of this story was great. I loved how each episode dug into a different part of influencer culture and the dark side of being famous. Even though the content was satirical, it still depicted what the lives of influencers might be like. I loved Ari, she was so chic and badass, but it seemed like she was the only character that was fleshed out.
The male lead was also a total flop. He had no character or personality. I hated him from the beginning because he was so arrogant, and the comment he made about his servants being out of a job if he didn’t let her take off his shoes was just distasteful. He had no character arch either, it seemed that he was arrogant for the first few episodes and then all of a sudden, that was all gone and he was just some guy who was into the female lead. He was so boring, and had no plot function other than helping Ari whenever she got into legal trouble. Their relationship wasn’t explored at all, and it just seemed kind of pointless. The show honestly could have been fine without a romance side plot because it was barely there as is.
All the side characters seemed great but they really fell flat when it came to character development. I wish the episodes had gone more into each character’s backstory and how they became famous/the dark and dirty things they had to do to get to the top just like Ari did. Although they mentioned a few times that the other girls had done bad things to become famous, I wish they had shown flashbacks or just given these characters more backstory. They really fell flat and it was hard to connect with or like them when there was no character.
This drama had 12 episodes which should have been enough to develop a deeper plot and characters but somehow they just didn’t. I still enjoyed the story but I think it had much more potential.

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watch this, even if you are not a kdrama fan...

I started watching kdrama some months ago... And I became a fan of that... I watched a lot of dramas within those months... But this is the first time I'm giving a review... When i started watching celebrity, I thought that, It would be like other dramas... Obviously every drama has their own stories and those are well enough... But I never get that thrill from others, before watching this... This is really different from the others... And I liked it very much...The background music, acting, story lines all are so good... So I'm telling those people, who read my review, watch this once and shear your feelings as well...I just shared my feelings what i felt after watching Celebrity... so I'm telling you to watch this, even if you are not a kdrama fan...

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i freaking loved it sm oh my fuckung god
the story is about seo ari who went from rich to poor and after meeting her hs friend after a long time (she is an e celeb now) she starts getting pushed into the influencer world and becomes popular very fast. however good things come with a price and thats how her life starts getting derailed.
i kinda like how nowadays there are so jany series which show us the truth of the online world but then again my trust issues are becoming higher lmao. this was kinda educational and i loved the rush of thrill throughout the whole series, the thriller was sooo good.
the tension between junkyoung and ari was unimaginable too ugh. i loved them sm i need more of them cries.
all in all. very good show with awesome osts and a solid plot. i do think the end couldve been longer tho but overall awesome

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Mais ou menos...

Se esse drama fosse um café, seria um café morno.

Começou com uma premissa interessante: falar sobre a vida nada discreta dos influencers ("celebridades"). Infelizmente, a medida que o drama progride, o potencial aparenta ser desperdiçado.

Apesar da atuação ser excelente, algumas cenas foram caricatas demais, o que fez que os personagens não tivessem muita profundidade.

Ainda sim, é um bom drama para assistir no tempo livre: Traz uma reflexão interessante, mesmo que não bem executada, sobre o lado falso da internet e sobre os haters.

Por fim, um salve para meu personagem preferido, JoonKyung. CEO podre de rico e egocêntrico que é obcecado pela protagonista pobre.
De todos os clichês desse drama, você foi o meu favorito.

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