I've heard about it a long time ago and I knew it is considered as one of the most classic Korean dramas. A few weeks ago I felt the timing was just right so I watched it.



Basically it's a very typical for K-dramas story about a strong woman, not very beautiful or smart but very honest and straightforward who is looking for happiness. And of course there's the spoiled brat of a Prince, a Princess who's an ex, a mighty Queen and many other characters. After watching it I realize that dramas like Protect the Boss are complete rip-offs.

So basically I liked it. It's funny and touching but not too sappy. There is some drama of course but it's not really lame or unjustified. Just the right mix.

First of all I really like the characters, especially the main lead. She isn't a beauty and by Korean standards considered pretty much overweight, she isn't refined and has quick temper but she's really nice and very easy to relate to. A lot of lead heroines in Korean dramas are terribly annoying, but I find her and her antics quite endearing. Not too sure about HyunBin. At some point I began liking him but then he got back to acting like a real asshole and I changed my mind. But in the end I suppose they are worth each other.

At first I didn't realize what's so special about Daniel Henney that made all Korea fall for him. I mean sure he's tall and lean but at first I didn't like him at all. Yet after awhile I was caught up with his charm. He's really charismatic and sweet and even though he's still so not my type I couldn't help thinking "ah, I guess this is what they would call a perfect man."

The drama has a lot of comedy and it's mostly very common life situations that are easy to relate to irrespective of nationality. The relationships are quite complicated but I find them quite realistic and it's interesting to watch how they develop. Also I was quite surprised to see that in this drama people actually talk about sex quite a lot. There's a part where a woman sleeps with a man and doesn't want to see him afterwards and one where a man is roaming aroung the shops at night to buy condoms. I was sick of all the celibatic hypocrisy so it was refreshing.

The ending was also just right in my opinion. No fairy-tales, just some healthy dose of optimism. I was expecting a Cinderella scenario but that didn't happen which I'm glad about because in the end SamSoon is most charming as she is.

All in all, this drama has all the best of K-dramas and none of the worst.
Rating: 8