Backstreet Rookie is a hard drama for me to rate.  It feels like the tale of 2 dramas.  I loved the leads and enjoyed their story a lot, but the minor characters just didn't do it for me.  Besides the obvious racial stereotypes that had many fans up in arms, their stories just weren't especially engaging.  So if you like a cute love story and can overlook some obvious flaws, you will probably enjoy this one.  Ji Chang Wook is charming in this pared down role that focuses on the character of a regular guy instead of some hero.  And, despite their age difference, he and Kim Joo Jung have a natural chemisty which is fun to watch.  But there are plenty of moments that have a potential to offend;  from the adult webtoon scenes to the violent female lead who goes around beating people up in the name of justice.  And then there is the objectivication of high school girls.  Many felt that these issues were inapporopriate for a "family drama".  For me, I wasn't particularly offended.  I just didn't find it very funny or interesting.   I give Backstreet Rookie a 7 out of 10 ramen.

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