#kaddict

WATCH THIS. That is all. 

No, seriously, don’t waste time reading reviews, just go start it now.  I can’t recommend this series enough.  Maybe it’s the obsession I’ve had with Gong Yoo since Coffee Prince all those years ago (which may have been my first KDrama). Maybe it’s the pure visual beauty of so many of the scenes. Maybe it’s the unrivaled Goblin/Reaper bromance or the mellow, emotional soundtrack. Whatever the magic ingredient is, it’s working on so many levels.  

Pros: 

The Fantasy: Unlike some other dramas where the fantasy world is downplayed after a sweeping beginning, Goblin consistently delivers delightful, magical elements in every episode. Goblin and Reaper use their abilities in both phenomenal and mundane ways. Eun-tak has ghost friends. The past weaves seamlessly into the present through a reincarnation storyline. This keeps the viewer firmly immersed in an alternate reality. I feel like I’m vacationing in Goblin-land come Friday and Saturday, and that’s a good place to be.  

The Acting: RADIANT performances by Lee Dong-wook (2nd lead show-stealer for sure) and Gong Yoo followed closely by the touching female leads. I was also surprised by Yook Sung-jae, who plays Deok-hwa. He gets the chance to express other emotions besides self-absorbed chaebol in later episodes and for an idol-turned-actor (who many have low standards for) I was deeply moved. I think his performance in episode 11 could rival any veteran actor in the same role. 

The Plot: For the simple fact that the two main men aren’t after the same girl, it’s already head and shoulders above most KDrama storylines.  

The Aesthetics: Want to rest your eyes? Here, have a lusty Gong Yoo standing between gravestones overlooking a glorious Quebec City backdrop. Or a contemplative Gong Yoo walking through a flowering buckwheat field. Or a grieving Gong Yoo meeting his bride in the rain by the ocean.  Or an angry Gong Yoo chopping a boat in half in ancient times. Did I mention Gong Yoo? Oh, and the cinematography, lighting, fashion, and color concept is ok, too.  

The Music: Although there are a few cheesy, crooning love songs in the mix, probably so you don’t forget you’re watching a KDrama, the soundtrack is stirring and plays with my emotions. 

The Writing: Writing and delivery are two sides of the same coin, and since I mentioned acting already, I want to give credit to the writers for making me roll around laughing, gasp in suspense, and cry heaving sobs in almost every episode.  

Cons: 

The Drag: Yes, it can and does drag at times, especially if you’re not invested in the emotion of the moment. The show hooks viewers with the characters themselves more than a fast-paced plot. So although the plot is mysterious, intriguing, and occasionally thrilling, if you’re not buying into the characters in and of themselves, I can understand some episodes seeming slow (I’m looking at you, ski-lodge).  

The Backpack: My other pet peeve is packing most of the action and plot advancement into the last few minutes of each episode. Watching the series live is a mistake I’m sure many fellow impatient fans have made, since my fingers have callouses from all these cliffhangers.  

All in all, this is a show that sticks with you long after watching. Unlike other shows on right now (*cough* Legend of the- *cough*), which are enjoyable but not profound, I find myself thinking about Goblin throughout the week. Its magical charm will burrow a home in your heart. It isn’t over yet (only 2 more weeks). But since every episode has delivered, I’m confident the ending will be warm and satisfying. Please don’t betray my trust! 

-Le Le 

Oh you two. Look at you ruining my New Year diet with your sweetness. 

To be honest, I didn’t watch this series right away.  Weightlifting? That’s questionable territory right there. But after seeing endless comments about how enchanted fellow kdrama fans were with dear Bok Joo, I decided to give it a shot.   

I had a hard time liking our fairy at first. Her over-reactions annoyed me, and I always had to turn down the volume when she started wailing. But quickly, she and the show in general won me over.  

The Story: One of my favorite things about this slice-of-life drama is that it doesn’t have a resident villain, and you won’t find any murderous step-mothers or trucks of doom. It’s refreshingly relaxed in that sense. You can watch this show without worry-clenched fists and simply rest in the growth and good-heartedness of the characters. That’s not to say Weightlifting Fairy is boring, this is one of its charms! It’s driven by a natural coming-of-age narrative more than a fast-paced plot, and as a viewer you will find yourself smiling more than anything.  Here are some of the themes you will enjoy while watching:

First love

Reunions

Friendship

Perseverance

Self-care 

Self-image

Empathy

Jealousy

Trust

Parent / Child Differences and Similarities 

And becoming motivated to exercise more! But then eat at least a cow or two afterward ;) 

The Acting: Remember how I was muting Bok Joo’s wailing? For a couple episodes I was on the fence about whether I liked Lee Sung-Kyung’s portrayal or not.  Sometimes she was inspiring with her sense of justice, heart for love, and loyalty to family and friends, but other times I was fast-forwarding her crying scenes, frequent stupidity, and cold attitude toward Joon Hyung. Eventually, a single scene changed my opinion to being positive toward her character and acting. Bok Joo already had many good cries on the show, but when Dr. Jeong came to her competition at the end of episode 9 and she was embarrassed and walked off the platform while starting to cry -- that was the first moment I connected with her character and believed her whole-heartedly. Maybe Lee Sung-Kyung had grown into the role by that point, but I suddenly FELT her emotion and empathized with her struggle. Ever since then I was a fan.

I openly admit my fangirly bias toward these male kdrama gods, so it should be no surprise that Joon Hyung was the reason I watched until the point I started liking both him AND Bok Joo (and then them together, the cuties). However, Nam Joo-Hyuk’s acting progress deserves major applause. Over the course of the show, he evolves from a spunky, teasing popular boy into a man. One scene that sticks out in my mind is his anger toward his brother at the beginning of episode 10. It was honest and raw and I felt the years of insecurity and frustration Joon Hyuk lived through pouring out. When he finally confronts his Aunt and Uncle in episode 15 with the thoughts he’s kept bottled up, I cried deep, gut-wrenching tears right along with him.

Both Nam Joo-Hyuk and Lee Sung-Kyung developed immensely throughout this show, and while Joon Hyung may be a bit ahead his leading lady in the race to a brilliant performance, she’s certainly not to be overlooked.  

Lastly, when the ship FINALLY sailed, Bok Joo and Joon Hyung had a wonderful young romance. In terms of physicality, Bok Joo never stood stiff as a plank while Joon Hyung had to do all the work (like most other shows). No, she grabbed his face and loved that boy right back! Their interactions seemed so real and happy and excited and filled with youthful passion.  Ahh, my heart fluttered. You go, Bok Joo, indulge in your romance and enjoy it to the fullest. There’s no need to follow in your Eonni’s footsteps and be bashful and stiff.  

So fellow fans, go watch Weightlifting Fairy and take your happiness up a weight class!

-Le Le

Side note: Props to addressing trauma and depression with grace, healthy coping mechanisms, professional therapy, and family support and encouragement (instead of judgement).