Retour à Samdal-ri (2023)

Something special about this drama.

I've seen 70+ kdramas and started countless others, and rarely does a drama stick with me like this. But this one, gosh. I finished this a few days ago and I'm still not over it. I can't start anything new because nothing else compares. I feel like I'm trying to get over an ex lol.
Anyways, Ji Chang Wook just has these eyes that look so full of love I can't stop thinking about that look. And Shin Hye Sun is just such a talented actress. And their love, aghhhh. How can I ever watch a drama that's not about them??@?@??
Also, Ko Mi Ja's story and the sweetness of the town and its people, and the soundtrack, all stand out to me.
The story and reasoning of characters is sometimes a bit off, but overall the writing was good and the plotlines came together well overall.
This one's going down as one of my all time favorites.

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An outstanding and invigorating series.

From start to finish, both characters encapsulated the essence, making me feel like I was truly in my homeland, spending quality time with my family. This show earnestly endeavors to depict the emotions inherent in every relationship—be it with parents, siblings, or friends. It highlights the idea that even when we hit rock bottom in our lives, there is always someone from our neighborhood or circle of friends standing behind us, ready to offer support. Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun delivered exceptional performances, showcasing incredible chemistry both as lovers and childhood friends. It's been a while since I've seen Ji Chang Wook make such a remarkable comeback, and he looked handsome in every scene. Finally, I love the whole friends' gang Power Rangers they were the best!!!!!

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Hometown healing

Jan. 21, 2024

Welcome to Sam-dal ri is definitely that kdrama for healing. Not revenge.

For starters, I know a lot of other people have mentioned how they love how this show gets better as it goes on. And that is so true. I never really expected to love this drama if you asked me around the first few episodes. It is a slower pace slice of life show. It alleviates that fast-life city feeling, as it is set in a small town. You know, as a person who grew up in the city, I kind of feel jealous and I really do want to experience that slower pace type of living.

The plot of the show is amazing, it is pretty good in terms of the story telling and how it was delivered throughout the episodes. I did wish though that the so called "antagonists" got much harsher ending for all the things they have committed. I do know that this is not a revenge drama but regardless, it fell flat in that area.

The cast is amazing and I feel like this drama is very underrated or underrepresented in terms of all the kdramas that on the smae air-time as this one. So please give Welcome to Sam-dal ri the love and recognition it deserves!

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A Sea of Emotions

I love this story! For someone who lives in North America, I find the whole concept of Haenyeo(women divers)fascinating. and this is what I love about watching Korean Dramas. I learn so much more from the dramas than from a written book. I am somewhat familar with Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun in their various dramas, but I think this drama shows their talents and chemistry really well. It's funny how parents' grudges become their children's problems but yet their health concerns are kept away from the children. I enjoy how this drama is very realistic portrayal of everyday life in a small community. All in all, this is a drama I would watch again.

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Underrated Masterpiece Deserving of a Spotlight!

This K-drama is an absolute hidden gem, quietly awaiting the recognition it truly deserves. It's like stumbling upon a treasure trove in the vast landscape of K-dramas, and if you haven't dived into it yet, you're essentially missing out on the VIP section of drama appreciation.

The main couple's chemistry is not just on point; it's practically sparking a revolution in the romance genre. Their connection is so genuine that I'm tempted to start a petition demanding an award for them – they've managed to reignite our belief in love with their exceptional performances.

And let's not forget the unsung heroes of the show – the side characters. They are the real MVPs, adding depth and charm to the narrative. Of course, there are a few annoying ones who could use a crash course in being less irritating, but they're a small hiccup in an otherwise flawless ensemble.

In my book, this K-drama easily earns a solid 10/10. I wholeheartedly recommend it, served with a side of popcorn and a generous emotional investment. It's a journey worth taking, and you'll find yourself immersed in a world where love, laughter, and a few eye-rolls are in perfect harmony.

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Waste of A-List Talent

This is a story of a girl who had big dreams. She is now reduced to wailing, whining and wasting away her life in relentless self-pity (7 episodes in and the self-pity party is showing no signs of abating.) Read this in Chandler's tone: Can she do anymore sobbing?

WTS also tells the story of a boy whose only aspiration in life is to be with a girl and follow her around like a lost lovesick puppy. The sole purpose and impetus of everything he does is to one day see himself and Samdal ride off into the Jeju sunset. Ngl it may appear romantic on-screen, but that's the very definition of a loser in real life (think about it).

Misery, they say, loves company. Not so fast. Samdal's continued misery does not make for a great company, or chemistry for that matter. Because even with Yongpil's incessant smothering attention for the consummate damsel-in-distress Samdal, oil and water have better chemistry.

Now let's go to the plot. Welcome to Samdalri is like the madlibs of Kdrama. Someone draws a card (plot), and players toss out random words, names and places to fill in the blanks. For fun, someone throws in postcards (cinematography) and turns on the FM radio (soundtrack).

How they got A-List actors Shin Hyesun and Ji Changwook onboard is a mystery. Unfortunately, not even their masterful acting can keep the Samdalri sinking ship afloat.

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Welcome-to -samdalri has my heart!

Every plot I watched was just so amazing. I didn't expect to come across such a fabulous drama that perfectly and beautifully describes the connection between a small village town and the mainland. what drama can do such an amazing job than this?
I see people saying somewhere it's boring, then it's not your genre simply because not a single second is weird or frustrating.
stories of every daughter and character in the story are so mesmerizing. the bond between the male and female lead are just wow! and the friendship between the group is just so heart touching.
totally recommending it

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I held on as long as I could

I love the male lead and like the female lead as well but her character makes me
want to turn my tv off. She did look down on those under her. I feel she did
treat people under her like they wasn't anything. Like she was all that and as
when she was out drinking with the girls her attitude was she's the shit and
the people that had been under her was nothing and she could talk to them
anyway she wanted. Even though that chick under her was trash I'm surprised
something like this hasn't happened to her long ago. Overall I really didn't like
the female leads character at all when she was in the big city and my dislike for
her got worse once she went home to the small town. All she did was hide and whine
about what happened to her instead of fighting. I mean damn she worked hard to get
where she was right? It took her mother to drag her out to set the record straight to all
the gossiping people around town and word of what her mother said quickly spread like
wild fire🤦🏼‍♀️. Six eps in and this is definitely NOT a show that I would rewatch hell I'm struggling to
make it to the end of this. I won't go into any long details about what I think of this after giving it two more eps but I did at least hang in there half way through. I really wanted to stick this out because of the leads but I'm just not feeling it.

Lire davantage

wished for more...

this show has been quite confusing,
without spoilers:
-i did not enjoy how the director decided to reveal the past in between the present.
-nor did i find it convincing to see a photographer leave her 20years career as if it never happened. making the whole quest of the main character empty
- i was unable to enjoy the rest even with nice visuals... the story was not cohesive for me.
-and character development was lacking as the past 'reveals' make us falsely believe the characters changed, when in fact, its only our perception of them.

don't get me wrong, i usually love slice of life and healing stories....
i tried to keep watching because i didn't know what bothered me or bored me: it was the lack of substance/emotion & glue to the main characters.
i am still neutral on the acting as i normally love these actors!

Lire davantage

First Episode you made FL dislikable
she not only leave him, but also moved on from him dating random cheaters while he is still waiting, its just UNFAIR.
it not just leaving her boyfriend but looking down on him.
she would have never return to him if she wasn't catching abusing her own people
because she look down on others which make her most dislikable
Ji Chang Wook will portray very humble kind man while FL will be shown as someone who should not be with at all.
we all know that in the end girl who try to commit suicide will tell the world how Great this FL is and how she is wrong for getting bullied and look down upon by GREAT FL and then our Fl will get all her fame back like there is no other photographer in Korea to fulfil her left space.
JI CHANG WOOK why are you taking this kind of dumb roles, do you like playing Dumb roles because it takes no effort and will make easy Money ?

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Beautiful story about love and growing

One of the best Kdrama that I have ever watched. If you are looking for a heartfelt and warm show to watch and unwind, it's for you!

Bittersweet moments that i found so relatable to myself. Lines are so moving and touching, letting my tears drop when I watched the show and chill at dinner time.

The best part is that each episode has the moment that you are felt so relatable and touching, to feel laugh out loud, to feel hurt, to feel frustrated and repeat.

I love how the show are plotted and I love the show are trying to comfort and teach us the lessons of our life journey in this world.

A story about forgiving, finding yourself, family, love, independent, growing in a beautiful way.

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