Air Date:  August 21 – October 2, 2023

Episodes: 12

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Romantic Sports Drama

Starring: Lee Sang Yeob and Kim So Hye

A teenager boxer whose sudden rise through the ranks took the nation by storm, suddenly disappears before her eagerly anticipated match.  Now, 3 years later, she is living a quiet life as a kindergarten teacher with no intention of ever getting back in the ring.  When a crafty sports agent shows up at her job, promising he can help her officially retire from boxing and finally put the sport behind her once and for all with just 3 matches, she hopes she can trust him to keep his word.  But first, she needs to get back into fighting shape and find a way to step foot back into the fighting ring she hates so much.  

Kim Tae Young had hoped to play major league baseball himself.  But a career ending injury left him sitting on the side lines.  So he used his sports knowledge to help other athletes by becoming an agent.  And although many athletes distrust him, those who know him well see him as loyal and caring.  I love Lee Sang Yeob, and the emotion he brought to this role was well-done.  Although the age difference was pretty substantial, I thought he was perfect as Kim Tae Young.  

Lee Kwon Sook lost her mother when she was young and grew up with a controlling father who pushed her beyond her limits, both physically and emotionally.  She never wanted to be a boxer in the first place, and she certainly doesn’t want to go back now.  But the promise of putting it all behind her and the support of Tae Young make it all seem worthwhile.  Kim So Hye also gave a beautiful, emotional performance.  You really feel the complexity of her vulnerability, but also her inner strength.  I enjoyed watching her character grow and develop during the course of the drama.  

Ah Reum’s character in this drama was both well-written and well-played.  The actress did a great job and I loved that she was portrayed as an “opponent” but not an enemy.  And the fact that, despite Kwon Sook’s best efforts, Ah Reum came out the winner was a bit surprising but so well-deserved.  

The plot of this drama was complex and well-designed.  I enjoyed the story, and although the theme of healing is common these days, this one stood out to me as particularly well-done. These characters didn’t just magically decide everything was better.  They worked through a painful process to come out on the other side of their despair, and it was both heartbreaking and beautiful.  

I kind of wish they had  gone a less extreme route with Hee Won’s character.  I get that he had to cause Tae Young to be in debt and help bring Tae Young to rock-bottom so his character could grow.  But I think having Hee Won be forced into retirement, especially since people already accuse Tae Young of doing that, would have been enough to bring Tae Young to an emotional crisis.  But seeing his suicide and the family he left behind was a real kick in the gut.  

I really loved the lead characters’ stories, but the villain/match-fixing ring plot felt a bit weak for me.  There isn’t enough development into who Kim Oh Bok is or where he came from.  His power-base and influence were vague and I didn’t really understand his motives most of the time.  I mean, sure, he is all about making a profit, but it seems like there should be more to his character than that.  

‘My Lovely Boxer’ brings everything together for a happy ending.  Although Kwon Sook decides not to throw her final match, it comes down to a tie and the judges award the win to Ah Reum.  This is for the best, since Ah Reum wants to go on with her career, while Kwon Sook was going to retire anyway.  Kim Tae Young makes sure that Kwon Sook gets to give her all for her final time in the ring before turning himself in.  

One year later, we find Kwon Sook helping her dad teach the young kids while studying for her horticulture certificate.  Tae Young hasn’t been in contact, but she is waiting for him.  Ah Reum is training to be a champ in all four boxing associations.  And when Jae Min comes in as a new agent, he does a bit of flirting that hints at a possible future.  Yuck!!  Ho Joong is training for a comeback, and dating Ah Ra.

Tae Young has served his time and is released early to help the police catch Oh Bok.  And all the hard work finally pays off when Oh Bok is arrested.  Only then does Tae Young allow himself to read all of Kwon Sook’s messages from the last year.  The final scene shows Kwon Sook out for her daily run.  But this time, Tae Young is waiting for her.  After punching him, she accepts Tae Young’s apology and boldly demands he show her with more than just words.  The drama ends with the couple finally sharing a kiss.  

‘My Lovely Boxer’ is a romantic sports drama.  I really appreciated the complex characters, the unique theme, and the heartwarming story.  This is a charming, slow-burn drama that takes its characters through an intense emotional journey that highlights redemption and new beginnings.  Lee Sang Yeob gives an amazing performance as the shifty agent with a heart of gold.

But this drama isn’t for everyone.  It is purposefully slow paced and the trauma experienced by the leads isn’t always easy to watch, with subjects like emotional abuse and suicide.  There is a small amount of violence, both in and out of the ring, although it is not extreme.  Also, the leads are 16 years apart as well as being in an agent/athlete relationship.  And while the romance and skinship is subtle, some people seem to have an issue with that.  But for me, it was an enjoyable series with genuine characters and a talented cast.  I give ‘My Lovely Boxer’ an 9 out of 10 ramen.  

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