A Comprehensive Look at Secret Boutique 2019
Dive Into the Sinister world of 'Secret Boutique'
Explore every aspect of ‘Secret Boutique’ in this comprehensive review. Dive into character insights, strengths, and weaknesses. If you haven’t seen the drama yet and are looking for a spoiler-free review, check out the link below.
Spoiler Alert
Please be advised that this review contains significant spoilers about the plot and characters of ‘Secret Boutique’. If you have not yet watched the drama, we recommend viewing it first to avoid any spoilers.
Series Details
General Information
Air Dates: September 18 – November 28, 2019
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Kocowa
Genre: Revenge Melodrama
Starring: Kim Sun Ah and Kim Jae Jeong
The Story
A poor orphan works her way into the glamorous jet set thanks to the favor of a wealthy CEO. Now, she works as the CEO’s private “fixer”, while also owning her own boutique, where she caters to the rich and powerful. And as she makes important connection, she gathers the secrets of her influential clients. But her ultimate goal is to replace the woman she has spent years serving under. making her politically and economically untouchable.
Meeting the stars: Kim Sun Ah and Kim Jae Jeong
Kim Sun Ah as Jenny Jang
Jenny Jang grew up as an orphan and is working in a bath house when she meets the powerful Kim Yeo Ok, Chairwoman of Deo Group. The chairwoman helps her rise through the social ranks by setting her up as the owner of the elite J Boutique. Behind the scenes, Jenny is simply a pawn who is forced to do the chairwoman’s bidding. But with the sensitive intel she has managed to collect on her influential shop patrons over the years, Jenny plans to oust the chairwoman and take over Deo Group for herself.
But just as her plan begins coming to fruition, Jenny finds out that she is actually the long-lost heir of Deo Group, who everyone believes is dead. Now her vendetta has become even more personal, and she will stop at nothing to take down those who stole her identity and left her for dead. But the cost of her revenge will cut deep, and she will lose friends and allies in the battle for power.
Jenny Jang is determined, sharp, and merciless. Her cold exterior hides a raging anger and resentment toward the world and those who have abused her for their own purposes. Kim Sun Ah is a seasoned actress who specializes in melodrama. She played this cold, calculating character well, although I sometimes wished we could have seen more true emotion from her.
Kim Jae Yeong as Yun Seon U
Yun Seon U meets Jenny in the orphanage when they are kids. Jenny takes him under her wing, and he is completely devoted to her. They are separated for a short time, but when she becomes an adult, Jenny finds him again. She supports him through law school and hires him as her personal attorney and assistant.
Seon U has loved Jenny since they were children, but Jenny fell in love with Wi Jeong Hyeok, the son of Chairwoman Kim. Jenny does love Seon U, but she sees him as a younger brother. And as Seon U becomes aware of Jenny’s dangerous ambitions, he vows to stay by her side, even if she doesn’t return his love.
Yun Seon U is loyal and caring. Over the years, his dedication to Jenny has been bordering on obsession. But he plans to protect her under any circumstances. And he is willing to put his life on the line if necessary. I love Kim Jae Yeong and I am thrilled to see he has several starring roles coming up over the next year. He played the devoted defender with the perfect amount of innocent charm.
Supporting characters
Jang Mi Hee as Kim Yeo Ok
Kim Yeo Ok is the chairwoman of Deo Group. She is a ruthless and greedy business person who has no problem breaking legal or moral rules to get what she wants. She plans to use Jenny to her advantage and then cut her loose when she outlives her usefulness.
Go Min Si as Lee Hyeon Ji
Lee Hyeon Ji is an amateur baduk player. But when her mother, a police detective, goes missing, she gets pulled into the web of deceit around the Deo Group. And thanks to her quick thinking and skills of observation, she makes herself valuable to Jenny.
Kim Tae Hoon as Wi Jeong Hyeok
Wi Jeong Hyeok is the only son of Deo Group. Jenny meets him while working for his mother and falls in love with him. But she is brokenhearted when she finds out he is actually gay. Since that time, she has kept his secret. And the couple agree to get engaged to help Jenny’s career.
3 things i loved about ‘Secret Boutique’
1.
Poetic Justice:
This drama had a lot to say about revenge and redemption. But I especially enjoyed the idea that the chairwoman and Ye Nam had looked down on Jenny their whole lives, as part of the rich elite. But in the end, they were proven to only be imposters, while Jenny ends up being the true heiress.
2.
Strong Females:
I did like that this drama really focused on strong female characters, both good and evil. It’s unusual to have such a full cast of women, and that made this story unique.
3.
Hyeon Ji’s Mom:
I have to admit that while I found it a little too convenient, I was happy to see Hyeon Ji’s mom alive at the end. I mean she was “killed” twice, which seemed a bit excessive, but Hyeon Ji deserved this happy ending.
3 things i didn’t love about ‘Secret Boutique
1.
Hyeon Ji:
I thought Hyeon Ji had the potential to be one of the most interesting characters in this drama. But her storyline stopped and stuttered without allowing us to get a full picture of her character. I did enjoy the parallels between her and Jenny. But I wanted to see more. And also, I think Seon U would have been much better off with Hyeon Ji than Jenny.
2.
The Men:
I did like the strong women in this drama, but does that have to make all the men willing to be led around by the nose? I felt sorry for all of them. And honestly none of the “romances” offered in this drama felt healthy or rewarding. There was something oddly incestuous about all of them, including Yeo Ok’s odd obsession with her own son, Jeong Hyeok.
3.
Ye Nam:
I really couldn’t stand how bratty Ye Nam was from the beginning and I didn’t really feel like her redemtion arc at the end fit her at all. We don’t see anything leading up to the finale that would make me believe Ye Nam had the slightest change of heart. And her weasly apology felt too sudden and out of character for my liking.
The Conclusion of 'Secret Boutique'
The Ending
‘Secret Boutique’ gives us a rushed ending that feels a bit too neat for such a messy drama. But justice is served, at least in part, and Jenny is on her way toward finding her own peace. Jenny finally succeeds in exposing all of Yeo Ok’s many crimes. Ye Nam decides to confess to her wrong-doings, but Yeo Ok decides she would rather end her own life that admit defeat. And Hyeon Ji and her mother are finally reunited.
Jenny leaves prison after Ye Nam’s confession. She is met outside by Hyeon Ji and the two shake hands and part ways. Then Jenny goes to see Seon U at the hospial, where she holds his hand and tells him she has thought about him a lot. I guess that’s a love confession for someone like Jenny Jang?
Two years later, we find out that after everything was over with Yeo Ok, Jenny gave it all up to travel and spend time with Seon U. And although she keeps trying to send him away, he persistantly sticks to her side.
My Personal Thoughts and Ratings
‘Secret Boutique’ is a twisted revenge drama. It keeps a dark, somber style consistently throughout the series. The story focuses on a group of powerful women, each unique and interesting in their own way. The cast is strong and the characters are complex and deep. The drama examines the cost and consequences of revenge and the danger of becoming what you once hated.
For me, the makjang got a bit heavy-handed. The plot felt unrealistic and none of the characters felt relatable, likable, or sympathetic. There was also a creepy, incestuous feel to some of the relationships that made it hard for me to invest in. But if you enjoy strong female characters and gloomy melodrama, this one has its moments. I give ‘Secret Boutique’ a 6 out of 10 ramen.
🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜
Want More Reviews?
Did you enjoy this review of ‘Secret Boutique’? Dive deeper into the world of Korean dramas by exploring more of our content. Click below to return to the homepage and discover a treasure trove of reviews, ratings, and entertainment news.
Still thinking about this drama and want to know what others think? Check out what others are saying about 'Secret Boutique' on MyDramaList.
Recent Full Reviews with Spoilers
Stay updated with our latest reviews and dive into the captivating world of Korean dramas. Our recent full reviews section helps you explore in-depth analyses of your favorite series. From heartwarming romances to spine-chilling thrillers, we’ve got you covered.
See How Other Drama Stack Up
If this review has made you curious about where your other favorites stand, here is break down of the other reviews by rating. Links to both spoiler-free and full reviews are available on each page. Feel free to explore all the wonderful dramas I have watched.
