Before I have begin my journey of watching Backstreet Rookie, I remember the time when it was first airing the first few episode where I heard a controversy which did affect me slightly in terms of perception (I was watching It's okay not to be okay at the time). But I wasn't one to exaggerate such an issue so I have commence watching after a few week has passed without bringing in any prejudice and largely ignore the smaller problems others would find.

Turns out, the drama was so enjoyable on the comedic level with a fusion of popular culture that exist globally. The amount of references would borderline make the drama "a parody" that you can relate to and laugh alongside the cast. The drama is so different, absurd and out-of-this-world. None of this should ever be taken seriously and watch with a grain of salt is my core advice. The drama became oddly addicting as I wanted to know what would happen next cause every turn can be unpredictable.

I am a believer that the best drama should have a "sound-complex plot" being the way forward due to the number of drama I have watched in the past which is inclusive of every cliche/typical elements I am well-versed in seeing.
Yet, Backstreet Rookie would be the 1 in 5 typical drama that I enjoy fully. The drama delivers what it states to be, a strong-superwoman female lead with a fragile background revolving around a kindhearted, honest male whose dream is to provide comfort to the people in his neighborhood through a convenience store. With many twist and turns, find out more as you feast on your eyes on the visuals and the fun aspect the cast had filming.

What's even more outstanding are the characters acting level where in particular, Kim Yoo Jung (the female lead) can get very emotional with detailed facial expression I caught. Truly I would love to give her a hug and a pat on the back and she is a natural in that field. Her action-fighting scenes were well-performed and I am looking forward for more of her projects in the future. In contrast, Ji Chang Wook play a more laid-back character that is unusual considering his past roles for Healer/K2 (having many actions scene). Although he didn't reach the intensity I have seen in other works, the hole was instead filled with his love charisma and the comfort he provides to our female lead. Him being there for the female lead mentally would uplift her acting. (Rather than downplaying it if he were to play "the fighter kind of role" )

Whenever the leads/minor characters talks about their difficulties and how for the first time in their life, they could receive the warmth and love that they don't expect ever receiving. My heart broke a few pieces too with teary eyes. This is why the casting for the characters was done well, other than the villain who weren't very relevant. The OST list was alright with my favorite being Sleepless Night by Rothy and Something by Kang Daniel. I am sure if I want to laugh one day, I would re-watch the drama but I don't recommend watching with your family because of how it can get awkward with some of the "almost-erotic" like scenes.

My final thoughts for the drama would be about how the drama wasn't able to start on the right foot. This drama was enjoyable for me so it is a pity when it couldn't get the love it deserves. The drama intention was to make you laugh and the cast were doing a honest job. I hope more viewers can give this drama a chance and depending on your sense of humor, you would either like it irregardless of how weird it is or dislike it for the flaws present in the plot. Have a Happy Watching and Wish you all the best.