Irresistible Love (2023)

A Captivating Blend of Romance, Fantasy, and Law. Give it a try.

"Destined with You" is a mesmerizing Korean drama that effortlessly weaves together elements of romance, fantasy, drama, and law to create a truly unique and engaging viewing experience. While some may dismiss it as boring, this series offers a refreshing departure from conventional K-drama narratives, making it a must-watch for those looking for something different.

One of the most striking aspects of "Destined with You" is its ability to merge seemingly unrelated themes - the mundane life of a civil servant and a centuries-old curse - into a captivating storyline. Lee Hong Jo, portrayed brilliantly by Jo Bo Ah, is a character who embodies the strength and resilience of an ordinary person faced with extraordinary circumstances. Her journey from a lonely, low-grade civil servant to the possessor of a mysterious wooden chest key is both heartwarming and relatable. Jo Bo Ah's performance brings a genuine and endearing quality to her character, making viewers empathize with her struggles and root for her success.

On the other hand, Rowoon's portrayal of Jang Shin Yu, a charismatic and talented lawyer plagued by an unexplained family curse, is equally captivating. Rowoon effortlessly brings out the layers of complexity in Shin Yu's character, from his outwardly successful persona to his inner turmoil. His chemistry with Jo Bo Ah is undeniable and adds a layer of authenticity to their budding romance.

The fantasy element in "Destined with You" is a breath of fresh air, adding a unique twist to the story. The curse that binds Shin Yu's family for generations adds a layer of intrigue and mystery, making each episode a revelation. As the characters work together to uncover the secrets of the curse, the plot takes unexpected twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

Moreover, the legal backdrop of the drama adds depth and complexity to the storyline. It provides a glimpse into the challenges and dilemmas faced by lawyers while offering a realistic portrayal of the legal world. The legal cases in the series are not just a backdrop but are intricately woven into the narrative, creating a seamless blend of law and romance.

In summary, "Destined with You" is far from boring; it's a hidden gem in the world of Korean dramas. It boasts strong performances from its lead actors, a unique and captivating storyline, and a perfect balance of romance, fantasy, drama, and law. So, ignore the haters and give this series a chance. It's a fantastic and definitely worth watching drama that will leave you eagerly awaiting each new episode.

Lire davantage

I waited for this and it is worth the wait indeed.

Rowoon's eye and facial acting (if it is right to describe it this way) really delivers the characters of both Jang Mujin and Jang Shin Yu. For me i find His acting really amazing and impressive. Hoping he can be recognized by any award giving body for this drama. Jo BoAh did also an amazing acting and the rest if the support actors. The plot twist for me can really make you glued watching and waiting for the next episode. The OST they chose is just wow. Overall I loved how this drama, gave Rowoon his change to showcase his acting prowess and there is still more that he can give. Fighting Rowoon.

Lire davantage

This is such a snoozefest

We all have this thing we anticipate a lot right? For me it’s usually books and dramas. I keep waiting and waiting for them investing so much time and money.
With books I go ahead and buy special edition versions and then imagine my surprise and disappointment when the book turns out to be a total dud.
This drama felt the same way. It was so dull. The same thing kept repeating onto infinity. Rowoon imbibed some love potion early on in the drama and keeps saying to the FL “I like you”. That’s it, that’s all their conversations. It was so dull. The mystery also took so much time resolving, by which point I could not care less. This show is so boring and dull, that even my rating reflects that. I could not even hate it enough to give it a 1 or 3 stars, I just chose the most boring number on the scale which is 5. If you suffer from insomnia, then this is the drama for you. Look no further.

Lire davantage

If You Like a Good Reincarnation Story

Reincarnation must be trending in Kdramas because this is the 3rd one I've seen this year, and they've all be good. The first three episodes are as cute as can be. Rowoo did an excellent acting job in presenting the conflicting aspects of his character's relationship to Jo Bo Ah's character. Does he need her....does he disdain her....is he just using her....does he like her....or is he just frustrated at wanting her to cure him? The push/pull element of the storyline really grabs you and brings you in. Kudos to Rowoo for simultaneously being cute, aggravating, alluring, distant, funny, sad, and just an all-around emo person in the beginning. He really did a superb acting job!!

Then the storyline changes. The middle is a tad slower than the beginning or the end. But this is necessary to develop the sub-plots in the story, and establish the back story of unrequited love between Aeng Cho and Jang Mu Jin. I love, love, loved the historical romance in this story. It filled in the blanks for why these two odd ball characters were attracted to each other.. The secondary characters added much to the overall storyline, and I absolutely cheered when the characters played by Lee Bong Ryun (one of my all time favorite actresses) and Hyun Bong Sik fell in love.

As the story developed, so did the plot lines. I was surprised at the point when I said to myself, "Wow, this went from cute to dark." The story led by its excellent cast had a wide array of plots bringing out all sorts of emotions in the viewer. I laughed, I cringed, I feared, I was intrigued, I smiled, I tried to figure out "who dun it?", I cheered, I applauded,, and all of this kept me tuned in. I could only watch 2 episodes each week, and I couldn't wait until the next 2 dropped. The ending was mysterious. Perhaps a foreshadowing of what will be in Season 2. This was well written and had an excellent cast. If I were to add anything more, it would be to add a dynamite soundtrack. Go watch it! It is well worth the time!!!

Lire davantage

It's good.

I think fans who have been watching kdramas for a while will be able to find familiar elements in what makes Destined with You: Candy female lead, Chaebol male lead, aloof but cool second lead, unhinged girlfriend, past lives and spells. It honestly feels like describing a kdrama from the 2010s, like My Girlfriend is a Gumiho.

My issue is the script. The way the story is structured makes the situations feel repetitive, with no proper development in some of the gaps within the logic of the kdrama.

The kdrama mostly works because of the undeniable chemistry between Jo Bo Ah and Rowoon. They both give really good performances, full of charm and heartfelt moments. I have been following both actors since the star of their respective careers and I am delighted to see them grow in their craft.

The secondary characters were entertaining enough but, honestly, forgetful. Yura and Ha Joon being the standouts, along side some veteran actors that overstayed their welcome in my opinion.

The production quality of Destined with You is solid, and it really shows when it "flashbacks" to the Joseon period, the transitions between dream, reality and memory it's amazing and so pretty to look at.

Overall, I think this is an entertaining watch with some issues that can be ignored if you are looking to have a good time with a fantasy rom-com.

Lire davantage

Betterr than what I expected, worse than what it could be.

Frankly this drama could have been better if it wasn't for the unnecessarily things that happened in the middle of the drama and some plot holes. I think the author could have explained better. Also, sometimes less is more. I feel like the author tried to put a lot of things and at the end of the day he didn't know what to do with it.

Saying that, I don't think the drama was bad. I had fun watching it and the couple was entertained enough to watch. Also, I did like some episodes and I was very interested in their backstory and such. It wasn't bad to the point of not sticking to it until the end. At least this drama is entertaining and not just a copy and paste from some American show or something pushy. It was okay.

The OSTs were okay to good. I think I would've liked them more if the drama played them more in a better way. Besides the one with Park Won and one from Lyn, I don't think the other catched my attention to the point of even commenting about it.

The actors were good as well, nothing to complain about it. Their characters were okay. Could they have been better? Oh yeah! Especially the FL. But as someone who is used to old FL style, this one didn't sound so bad. Again, it is a okay drama. Something you would watch because you have nothing else to. However, since almost the dramas nowadays are very bad. This one is quite fair.

I still reconmend it to the ones who have watched a lot and need some k-drama.

Lire davantage

Its Rowoon watchable for that alone. But it is also an interesting premise with a nice romance.

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2023 South Korean romantic fantasy drama with 16, ~60 minute episodes.

First I provide a unique synopsis then reviewyj

Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah) is a lonely civil servant who does not realize her life is about to get a whole lot more complicated. Jang Shin-yu (Rowoon) is a rich chaebol but also a very talented attorney. The two hVe very little reaskn to cross paths if fate was not at play in their destiny. Hing-jo finds that she must get a property demolished that Shin-yu owns and when she goes to discuss the matter with him itis dislike at first site. As the situation unfolds they discover they are linked through a 300 year old forbidden book that was sealed in a wooden box awaiting Hong-joo. The book seems to be some silly compilation of spells but Shin-yu knows too well the curse filled darker side of the book. Can the two lift the curse and unravel the mysteries of the past? Are they destined to be together?

Review

I started this immediately following having watched Rowoon in “She Will Never Know”. In that role, he was super sweet and very demonstrative with his affection. In this series he is serious, cold and aloof. The two roles are night and day and yet Rowoon plays them equally well showing he has exceptional acting talent. It is hard to rate anything he is in very low because he is a very handsome and talented actor.

The paranormal, quasi magical back story adds a very interesting element.

Overall I liked it and it ends happy with major plot elements resolved. I recommend it for those that like reincarnation, cold male lead who falls hard for the girl, revenge in bullies and heart warming romance. I might rewatch it some time in the future.

Spoilers*
They seemed to build a lot around the spells and spell book early in the story but then it had no great validity later on. Did the spells work or not? It was like they were going to go that direction then changed their mind.

There were several people that existed in their past life that reappeared in this one with no clear reason why they were around her in the current life. Like her psycho stalker, he was in her past life. Did that have anything to do with his obsession with her in the present? Like Kwon Jae-kyung (Ha Jun) her downstairs neighbor, he drove the incident leading to her death in the past life, in this life he is a romantic interest. Why?

The bloody red hand he had a lot of episodes with that happening early on then he just did not. Even before the curse was broken he quit having the red hand episodes. It would have been better if the characters had talked about it.

He was so dopily in love with her in the beginning supposedly because of the spell. Later when it seemed it was not a spell at all there was no real explanation then for his earlier behavior. It was out of character for him.

I liked when Hong jo finally stood up to her bully Yoon Na-yeon (Yura). I wish though Shin yu discovered more how his ex girlfriend had treated Hing jo back n their younger days. He broke up with her for cheating but I felt like he never fully understood just how awful she was. He stayed in that relationship way longer than it seemed he should almost as if he was reluctant to let go. And never stood up to his dad to say look you are being harsh with my current girlfriend but look who you picked.

For some reason there was this focus on a second couple’s romance to the extent they showed their wedding near the end of the series. Which would not have been odd except they did not show a wedding with the lead couple.

#DestinedWithYou
#Rowoon
#JoBoAh
#Yura
#HaJun

Lire davantage

Love this drama, and the acting was fantastic. It is funny, edgy, and tear-jerky.

Destined with You is a funny and enjoyable Kdrama. I normally don't watch too much Kdrama because I don't like to read subtitles, but this one is quite funny, and I like Rowoon the actor. I first like him in the King's Affection.

The Synopsis: Lee Hong Jo is the lowest-grade civil servant. She always does her best at work, even though she suffers from many civil complaints. In her personal life, she is used to being alone. One day, she becomes the owner of an old wooden chest and the key to lift a curse from Jang Shin Yu.

Jang Shin Yu is a competent lawyer who is smart and good-looking. He is usually in the spotlight wherever he goes but suffers from an unexplained disease. His condition gets progressively worse. He is desperate to lift the curse that has run through his family for generations. A lawyer bound by a centuries-old curse becomes entangled with a civil servant who holds the key to his freedom — igniting an unexpected romance.

I love and enjoy this drama a lot, and Jo Bo Ah did a great job playing Lee Hong Jo, and her onscreen chemistry with Rowoon is also good. They did a phenomenal job, especially Rowoon. I gave it an 8.5 rating. Highly recommended, and the ending leaves a cliffhanger for possible season 2. The

Lire davantage

Watch this for Rowoon

Subjective Gut Rating - 7.75 rounding up to 8.0 for Rowoon

This is a show about Rowoon. I started watching “Destined with You” for him and I stayed for him. His visuals are without a doubt great. But his acting has also improved. It’s nice seeing him play a more mature and serious lawyer, instead of a young rom-com fluffy cute loverboy. Granted, he is very smitten with FL and is a loverboy for some episodes and some scenes, but for the most part, he plays a sensible and not over-the-top lawyer. He was absolutely hilarious when he’s under the spell.

The same cannot be said for the female lead, Lee Hong Jo, played by Jo Bo Ah. I liked her ok in the beginning though I did not like her being a doormat at work. But I can sympathize with the work culture and it’s not easy. However, I dislike her the most and the main critique of “Destine with You” is her constantly making dumb decisions, disregarding her safety, thus putting others and herself in danger. Once or twice, I can understand. But after you were being stalked, harassed multiple times and assaulted, you gotta act smarter. Just because your boyfriend bought you pepper spray, doesn’t mean you are invincible. How about using your brain and not opening the door to strangers after being stalked/harassed? Or call the cops for help and backup, before walking into danger thinking you are smarter than everyone? Additionally, why would you tell your boyfriend’s secret illness to others without his permission? He didn’t even tell his mom!! Lee Hong Jo also keeps on believing 2FL’s lies even when she knew what an evil mean girl 2FL was in high school.

I actually quite like the setup with destiny and spells and all the flashbacks. But I don’t think the storytelling was smooth enough to keep me engaged. It would be nice to tie the stalker plot with what happened 300 years ago. It’s not convincing enough that all the stalker did was because of possible mental illness, when he was trying to place a curse on someone.

The romance is pretty good but frustrating at times. Jang Shin Yu (ML) is definitely two-timing for a while and the lack of communication frustrates me. Rowwon and Jo Bo Ah have decent chemistry in some of the cute scenes. The kisses are good but I would have liked to see a few more passionate ones. But because I disliked how the dumb the female lead is, it affects my liking of the romance as well.

Moreover, I find all the coworkers annoying. Those men-obsessed girls are especially worse and super loud. The older couple is a little cringe. Second male lead is fine. He’s now showing a lot of personality and when standing next to a fine specimen like Rowoon, Ha Joon pales in comparison.

Overall, I would recommend this drama if you are a fan of Rowoon or the fantasy element. The female characters in this show annoy me. But the male characters aren’t bad (except for the FL’s boss). I am giving this a round-up 8.0 all because of Rowoon and his very kissable, puckered up lips.



Completed: 11/24/2023 - Review #380

Lire davantage

This wasn't what i was expecting

First of all i like jo bo-ah so started this series. But it gave me whole disappointment. Yes the last was somehow fine but the start is irritating and nonsense. Man who wants a fake love? Love by some nonsense potion?
I just want to ask the fl character, r u crazy? U were so lonely that u turned into a obsessed physco? If the person you like doesn't love you and u use some potion then like does that even call love? Jow could she randomly just use some kind of potion to make someone fall for you? That's not real love that's call forced love . Many of You guys liked it because it was the fl who did this. Just think if it was the villainess who did that to ml would you like it? No.

And the ml character also wasn't that nice. He just randomly judging a person, bro you don't know her past nor her well how could you just randomly judge? I hate this type of ml character the most. Whatever, i thought it would be something like he cursed and she would be the key and in the process they will fall for each other for real. But nah, the ml was like forced to like the fl and then you know the typical.

I'm really disappointed

Lire davantage

the story ages well through the episodes

I didn't really want to continue after the first episode but a few days later I was bored and decided to give it a go. it's not bad if you want to watch a drama that's not really serious plus has got good comic moments between the leads. the spells and curses genre kinda doesn't fit me so I skip over those scenes but otherwise not bad. the FL's co-workers are mad annoying I try my best not to yell when they appear lol. sometimes jo bo ah's cutesy tone of talking also gets too much.
rowoon's doing a good job so far. I'm waiting to know more of Jang Shin Yu and Lee Hong Jo's past life story.
some scenes like them going on a vacation when they barely know e/o and her randomly letting him into her house at the beginning don't seem believable; she trusts him too much for being a stranger lol.

edit: 10 eps in, the story keeps getting better every episode. definitely worth a try for some good comic relief. though I'm kinda tired of the SFL.

to summerise, if you're looking for some light plotted drama with some nice comedy you can watch it in between a heavy drama for a change. if you feel like, you can skip over some scenes (as you'll still understand the story) instead of dropping it!

Lire davantage