Kdrama check-in: March Madness

This time, we've got a body-swapping, hate-to-love story and a contrasting fluffy but endearing enemies-to-lovers pairing.

We’re in the middle of March and personally, I feel like it’s the longest month ever. I thought February dragged on for too long, but here comes March to prove me wrong. 🫠 The good thing is that the recent kdramas that have been airing are right up my alley and I am thrilled.

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“Branding in Seongsu”

I watched this one without any expectations. I didn’t even read what the plot is about. It was just one fateful night, without having anything left to watch because I was all caught up with my kdramas when I stumbled upon this little gem.

It turns out “Branding in Seongsu” was more than what I initially thought to be an office drama. I loved that the setting was a marketing agency because working for one used to be a dream job of mine. (The other was to work for a magazine.)

I didn’t really like the female lead, Kang Na Eon, during the first few episodes. She’s too cruel and cunning for my liking. Then we’ve got Seo Eun Ho, their cutely naive intern with a passion that only newbies in the field could have. The two are polar opposites and it made things interesting.

What I wasn’t counting on was the body swap plotline. First, we’ve got an attempted murder of Kang Na Eon. No surprise there, as she isn’t exactly lovable, let alone likable. Second, there’s the rising tension between Na Eon and her assistant/former best friend, Do Yoo Mi. Those two points were enough to keep the show going, but add into the mix Na Eon and Eun Ho swapping bodies? START THE CHAOS NOW, PLEASE.

The moment those two exchanged bodies, that’s when things got messier. It’s also when they were able to uncover the mystery behind an incident five years ago (something to do with Bandi, an indie candle company), which involved Na Eon and a higher-up from the same company, Min Hee Jung. It’s also the reason they started to become closer and closer still, eventually developing into romance.

Overall, this is a fun kdrama. I loved the office setting, as well as the marketing team that occupied the office basement. They were such a cheerful and loyal team, sticking with Na Eon and Seon Ho all throughout. ❤️ Were they wacky? Absolutely. I loved them. They’re now on my list of favorite kdrama office gangs.

“Doctor Slump”

I started to watch this kdrama because of Park Shin Hye. Now that the drama’s ending this weekend, it is official: I have a huge crush on Park Hyung Sik. Also? “Doctor Slump” is now one of my favorite kdramas.

This show is more than just a romantic comedy. It’s also about finding yourself while hitting rock bottom; learning things about you that you weren’t aware of because you were so busy living life – trying to survive the concrete jungle – that you forgot you matter, too. Life isn’t just about chasing your dreams and goals; it’s about taking time for yourself along the way, too. It’s about facing your fears and issues as well, and eventually learning to let them go.

When the life I had worked so hard for fell apart, I was expecting something grand to comfort me. However… tteokbokki, the arcade, his ridiculous words of comfort. These three things will bring me peace tonight.

“Doctor Slump” starts off with two high school rivals, Nam Ha Neul and Yeo Jeong Woo. Jeong Woo was just so dramatic and Ha Neul was so nonchalant. Their high school scenes are always so hilarious! 😂 Now fast forward to some years later and the two accidentally meet again, while they’re at the lowest point in their lives.

They still don’t warm up to each other right away, but both of them did start growing close. As they navigate the rocky terrain in each of their lives, Ha Neul and Jeong Woo take comfort and happiness in each other’s presence.

The growing romance between Bin Dae Young and Lee Hong Ran, friends of the main leads, is also just as funny and cute. Their meet-cute is, indeed, cute. Very cute. It’s an interesting love story all on their own.

“Doctor Slump” is a healing and comforting kdrama. It has everything: romance, comedy, and mystery. It also has the found family trope for Jeong Woo, who has an interesting rollercoaster ride of experiences and emotions while being involved with Ha Neul and her family. Those scenes are the best and this kdrama is one of the best that’s come out recently. I highly recommend this if you want something fun and heartwarming.

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And that’s it for now. I’d like to know: What kdramas are you currently watching? What are the ones that you’re loving? Not thrilled about? Please do share! I’d love to hear from my fellow kdrama fans. 🙂