Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Re-watch value: 3 out of 5 stars
SYNOPSIS
*From MyDramaList*
Years after filming a viral documentary in high school, two bickering ex-lovers get pulled back in front of the camera — and into each other’s lives. Choi Woong seems naive and a free-spirited man, but he wants to have something for the first time in his life. For that, he shows what he holds in his mind. Kook Yeon Soo aimed to become the top student at her school, but she is now an adult who lives fiercely, adapting to her reality.
~~ Inspired by the webtoon “Our Beloved Summer” (그 해 우리는 – 초여름이 좋아!) by Lee Naeun (이나은) and Han Kyoung Chal (한경찰)
RAMBLING
*beware of spoilers*
I have never been one to romanticize my own high school or university years. I don’t consider them the best days of my life, and I hate when my overly sentimental friend Chris inevitably asks me, “Don’t you miss high school? Wouldn’t you go back if you could?” I always answer the same: “Hell no.” Why would I miss this time of studying subjects I disliked, taking tests and, worse, standardized tests, spending my nights doing homework, trying to make friends with people who were wildly different from me, having bad hair, bad style, acne, no self-confidence… the list goes on.
But when I tell you this show captured the essence of youth: the playfulness of it, the pressure of doing well academically, the thrill of a first crush… It was tantalizing. It’s the first K-drama that made me nostalgic for a time I don’t care to remember. I’ve watched so many rom-coms and high school movies, but none of them truly made me wish I’d had a perfect boyfriend who steadied my raging perfection.
Every episode being named after great movies was fantastic. Examples: 500 Days of Summer, 10 Things I Hate about You, Just Friends, Pride & Prejudice, Catch Me If You Can. And the docu-series set-up had the flavor of the greatest rom-com of all time—When Harry Met Sally…
The show had one of the most memorable “one that got away” storylines, with two exes reuniting after 5 years apart. The show zeroed in on this awkward, tense reunion between two stubborn people who don’t want to admit that they still love each other. You root for them, celebrating every breakthrough in their relationship. Placing the story between two pivotal times in their growth as a couple and as individuals meant that they each made stupid mistakes, errors of youth. Hindsight is 20/20. How can they navigate the hurts of the past that they inflicted on themselves without hurting their chances at a real future together? Riveting central couple and riveting themes.
I’m beyond impressed that this show was written by rookie screenwriter Lee Na Eun. Here is a superb interview with her from The Korea Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2022/02/688_323191.html. I expect great things from her.
I did take issue with the pacing around the middle of the show, as it slowed down way too much, but it overcame it in the end. Oh, and the kissing is not that great. Sure, it’s cute and tender (like the Corn Dog Kiss®), but no tongue or open mouths at all. And in this day and age, with this many years of K-drama under my belt, I will begrudge a show, even one as great as this one, if the kissing isn’t up to snuff.
Choi Woo-shik as Woong
Choi Woo-shik is the perfect boyfriend. His Choi Woong was loyal to a fault, had figurative blinders on so he could never cheat on you, worshiped the ground you walked on, was the first to apologize, listened and REMEMBERED everything you said, catered to your every whim, was sensitive and romantic, and otherwise completely whipped for you. NAME A BETTER MAN, I’LL WAIT.
However, I couldn’t quite wrap my head around the fact that he had no ambition in life. He kept stating that his dream was to lay in the sun during the day, leading a carefree life just drawing for fun. Woong was generally unconcerned with honing his craft either. He was talented but lazy—and that spoke to me—but not the part about loafing around for the rest of his life.
I found him incredibly feeling. I have in my notes around episode 6, “He’s in so much pain.” I respected his characterization, and while many male leads in K-drama are in touch with their emotions, Woong seemed much more delicate. It made me want to protect him at all costs.
The show mildly explores how Woong is capable of hurting himself just to hurt others, which is why he agrees to do the follow-up documentary—to spite Yeon Soo. It’s quite a dark concept for such a bright character. Did I catch a Parasite reference in episode 3, though? As kids, Woong gave his friend Ji Woong shaved ice with peaches as revenge, even though they were both allergic to peaches. (If you’ve seen Parasite, you know what I’m talking about.)
I didn’t expect Woong to be an adoptee and for the fear of abandonment to play such a big role. Woong’s parents were caring and cherished him to no end; it was heartwarming to see. Their devotion to him was why the fact that they shared no blood was shocking. I shed a few tears in the final episodes with the conversation between Woong and his mom. They admit that the other has known the adoption secret for years, and it was so sad and happy at the same time. Woong said he was terrified that he wouldn’t take after them, be as good as them. But she says that he does take after them, that she’s proud to have him as her son. He is precious, and he’s never disappointed them. These are words every child wants to hear from his or her parents, but it’s more affecting when you realize that, although he’s not their biological son and in no way replaces the child they lost, she meant every word.
Why did Woong never say “I love you” or truly confess his feelings to Yeon Soo? I think it’s for the partially same reason as Deok-im in The Red Sleeve. Woong probably felt it was so obvious that he loved her that there was no need to say it, but at the same time, if he could keep this one dignity to himself, keep Yeon Soo guessing, then maybe the power dynamics between them would even out. And just like San in The Red Sleeve, Yeon Soo would beg for validation from him, asking outrageous “what if” scenarios in lieu of straightforwardly asking if he loved her.
Kim Dami as Yeon Soo
Coming off her Itaewon Class role, which was both revolutionary and annoying to me, I didn’t necessarily have a high opinion of Kim Dami, but holy hell, she charmed the pants off of me just as much as Choi Woo Shik did.
I felt such a kinship with Yeon Soo. She was this prickly personality with a short temper, intelligent and diligent. She pushed people away because all people did was judge her for her different personality and her sad life as an orphan. I empathize with her in that respect—if people don’t like me, then I won’t like them. Who needs ’em?
I adored her “take no prisoners” attitude, how she never backed down, how she was prideful. It reminded me of not just myself but one of my best friends. It’s so hard to admit when you’re wrong, to apologize, to show any signs of weakness. I’m thankfully way better now, so I find that I’m more like Woong’s laid back personality, but seriously, I was a sarcastic, biting b*tch back in high school and into college. Seeing Yeon Soo in all of the flashbacks felt like I was looking at myself.
There’s this awesome and terrible song by The Click Five called “Just the Girl”, and she’s exactly like the rude-ass girl they sing about:
She’s cold and she’s cruel
But she knows what she’s doin’
She pushed me in the pool
At our last school reunion
She laughs at my dreams
But I dream about her laughter
Strange as it seems
She’s the one I’m after
‘Cause she’s bittersweet
She knocks me off of my feet
And I can’t help myself
I don’t want anyone else
She’s a mystery
She’s too much for me
But I keep comin’ back for more
She’s just the girl I’m lookin’ for
A major issue during their 5-year relationship was Yeon Soo’s inability to let herself be loved. She took great pains to hide her affection and make Woong feel comfortable and unburdened by her. She hid her true intentions by saying she disliked things that she truthfully did like: flowers, gifts, Woong walking her home at night, etc. Part of her growth was admitting her true feelings and letting Woong love her. It was adorable to see him so excited to give her the Swarovski earrings after hesitantly giving her the necklace, thinking she’d reject it. He’s a lavish lover and never was allowed to show the full extent of his adoration.
Why wouldn’t Yeon Soo go with Woong to France, even after randomly receiving a wonderful job offer from the red herring Second Male Lead (SML)? Her beloved halmeoni and her longtime sunbae boss both urge her to take this opportunity and live her own life, on her own terms, not live for other people or because she had large responsibilities. In the end, Yeon Soo did some soul searching and found that she really wasn’t alone or lonely all this time, that she’d only just begun to appreciate the life she crafted and truly enjoy her work. So she chose to stay. While I respect her decision, I think she should have taken the France job and lived with Woong abroad.
The Lovers
Every moment they were together on screen was mesmerizing. The perfect opposites attract: He’s innocent but petty (e.g., the salt throwing), while she’s chill but fierce. She’s fire, and he’s ice. He’s a lover; she’s a fighter.
My favorite parts of the show were any high school flashbacks—a rarity for me since I generally feel like I’ve aged out of high school K-dramas. But in the present day, I loved when she decided that she wanted him back, but he insists that they remain just friends. She proceeds to call him on his bluff, staying over and inserting herself into his little life. She finds remnants of their previous relationship, like the yellow couple sweaters and the drawing she ruined. He complains but very obviously enjoys her company and misses her once she leaves. I like that kind of tension and their banter.
(Shout-out to the black-and-white segment at the museum in episode 12! ❤️🔥)
Their relationship arc reminded me of the 80s movie Say Anything…: a beautiful valedictorian falls in love with high school underachiever Lloyd. She’s got a bright future, while he has no idea what he wants to do with his life. She’s enchanted by his shyness, his endearing personality, and she eventually breaks up with him over mounting pressure from her father and over their differing futures. Her family even goes through major financial strife.
He has an absolute shit time trying to get over her, and when she inevitably comes back to him, he vulnerably asks, “Are you here ’cause you need something or you need me?” It mirrors perfectly how Yeon Soo and Woong reunite because of her work. In Say Anything…, she has the opportunity to go abroad for a fellowship, but unlike Yeon Soo, Lloyd actually decides to go with her: “What I really wanna do with my life, what I wanna do for a living, I wanna be with your daughter. I’m good at it.”
Although Woong finally found his passion and attended architecture school abroad, he ultimately felt the same as Lloyd. He was the best at loving Yeon Soo.
Episode 16 had the “I love you” scene I think everyone was waiting for. It took him so long to say! But the execution was brilliant, with him surprising her in person while on the phone with her. I got super emotional when HE FINALLY DREW HER!! I think that was more meaningful than even the ILY. Throughout the whole show, Woong was being criticized as an artist because he never drew any people or living things and so his art seemed empty and lonely. Art is always interpretive and subjective, but the critique became personal and malicious, especially coming from his arch nemesis Noo Ah. When Woong drew Yeon Soo, it was a breakthrough, catharsis, an acknowledgment that he’s no longer lonely or alone. She holds just as much inspiration as the buildings he finds so intriguing. And her presence will linger, just like the buildings.
The OST
Oh my goodness, and just like Say Anything… is known for its iconic “Your Eyes” boombox scene, Our Beloved Summer boasts a ridiculously amazing OST. From V’s record-breaking “Christmas Tree” to Sam Kim’s sweet vocals on the soft “Summer Rain,” it’s all a mood. It evokes this lamp-light, homey feeling… a comfort-inducing atmosphere. It’s a warm blanket straight out of the dryer. It’s orange and red sunlight from behind closed eyes. The music from this show will live on.
The Break-Up
Yeon Soo being fiercely protective of and reliant on her grandmother touched a particular nerve. I was watching the tail end of the show and ruminating on what I would say in my review all while in the process of losing my own grandmother. I felt Yeon Soo’s responsibility for her grandma and also her helplessness during her medical crises. I could totally understand her when she dropped everything to be with her only family instead of choosing to attend Woong’s art exhibition. It took precedence over everything, this intense fear of losing her.
At first I couldn’t wrap my head around why she so cruelly and suddenly broke up with Woong in the first place, but I understand now.
She grew up poor and became stronger and self-centered to cope. She always viewed Woong as an escape from reality, a refuge where she could love without being reminded of her desperate life status. When her reality became more complicated (i.e., debt collectors raging and her halmeoni falling ill), she cut Woong loose. He was doing very well in his arts program, and his school advisor practically begged him to go overseas to study for a few more years, yet he declined saying it’s not his ambition to become an artist full time.
Seeing him give up such a precious opportunity when she’s out here hustling for every little scrap must’ve felt degrading. If I inserted myself, I imagine I’d feel jealous and, at the same time, that I was holding him back. Yeon Soo says she was afraid that he’d notice her inferiority complex. She broke up with the perfect boy because of her pride; she convinced herself that she could live without him.
A bit more life experience and humility helps her embrace Woong once again in the present timeline, but it’s still tough for her to express her own insecurities and complexes to him. She never does tell him why she broke up with him, and instead he finds out from the halmeoni that she imploded her own love life so she could focus on saving her small family. As an intensely private person myself, I found it believable that she still wouldn’t exactly be an open book; her vulnerability and humility are a work in progress.
As stated above, the abandonment trope has been coming in hot recently (e.g., When the Camellia Blooms, Her Private Life). The break-up hit Woong especially hard because of his traumatic memory of being abandoned as a child. Thus, being abandoned by the love of his life was enough to make him break down and then build himself back up.
Second Male Lead (SML) & Noona Romance
Nearly every epilogue had something to do with SML Ji Woong (played by Kim Sung Chul). What can I say about this melancholy, long-suffering character? I’ve had more one-sided crushes in my life than I can count on two hands, and the way he tries to disentangle himself from his feelings while simultaneously a slave to them was all too famililar. I felt deeply for his struggle: bitterness over liking Yeon Soo before Woong and watching helplessly as they fell for each other. Being unable to truly be happy for your best friend because you’re secretly hoping for their relationship to fail. It’s a precarious position.
Ji Woong’s relationship with his mom was profound. A mom who hated being a mom, who did the bare minimum and looked tortured and tired while doing it. She cruelly blamed Ji Woong for her life being so shitty, coldly and with a glass of soju in her hand, and it broke his heart. Any love or hope he had for his mom died the day she said that.
But then episode 16 comes along. Wow. What an arc. She basically says that she left him to raise himself because she didn’t want her mental health issues (probably depression) to drag him down. He says he will never forgive her, actually, that he can’t (and that distinction is so important). That her sudden illness doesn’t negate the hurt that she caused. But… maybe in the future, he might change his mind, so fight to live so they can start over and finally live like everyone else. Ji Woong being the bigger person, essentially forgiving a parent for deep-rooted wrongs while she’s on her deathbed… powerful.
With the dying of his decade-long crush, Ji Woong was all like “I’m erasing myself from the narrative”—he even said at one point that he doesn’t feel like the main character. But with his budding reconciliation with his mom, it’s like he’s saying “I’m putting myself back in the narrative.” (Please tell me you get the Hamilton reference.)
On a final note, I wish there was more of that noona romance between bff Sol Yi (played by Park Jin-woo) and manager Eun Ho (played by Ahn Dong-goo)! There were a few episodes where their back-and-forth tension was more compelling than our main leads. I said what I said. They were cute, and I was left unsatisfied.
———
I recommend this show wholeheartedly for all you hopeless romantics out there in K-Drama World. And if you want to see Kim Dami and Choi Woo-shik together again, try watching the movie The Witch: Part 1: The Subversion—but holy shit, it’s nothing at all like Our Beloved Summer. You have been warned.
Did you see Our Beloved Summer? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below!
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