Air Dates: October 17  - December 6, 2020

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Drama

Starring: Bae Suzy and Nam Joo Hyuk

Sandbox is a program designed to help start-up IT companies get their businesses of the ground.  Participants are chosen through a rigorous competition.  Seol Dal Mi is a young woman who dreams of establishing her own successful company.  She shows up at Sandbox by herself and builds a team who will help her try to achieve her dream and hopefully find their own success along the way.  As the community at Sandbox begins to take shape, Dal Mi finds that she is surrounded by people who share a piece of her past.

Bae Suzy as Seol Dal Mi

Seol Dal Mi has had her fair share of jobs but she has never found anything that stuck.  After meeting her "first love" again after 15 years, she is inspired to start her own company.  By a stroke of luck, she wins a CEO position at Sandbox's hackathon.  Together with a team of programmers and a publicist, they build a company and create a successful mobile app for the seeing impaired.  Business is not the only thing on her mind, as she rekindles her relationship with the computer programming genius she thinks was her first love.  Things are not what they seem, and she soon finds out that the boy she spent a year writing letters with is indeed close by, but not who she thinks he is.  So, who does she really love now;  the boy from her past who wrote letters using someone else's name or the genius she has just met with the strong, reliable hands?

Seol Dal Mi is driven and passionate.  Without any real knowledge of the coding side of app development, she is focused on finding new ideas and the financial backing to make them possible.  Loyal and charming, her character is not overly complicated.  Succeeding in a career while protecting those she loves is her main priority.  It's unfortunate that they didn't add more dimension to her character, to challenge Suzy's acting skills and allow her to show more depth.  As an actress, I think she played the part that was written;  she just wasn't allowed to really shine much.

Nam Joo Hyuk as Nam Do San

Nam Do San is a child genius without a lot of social skills.  Having never dated before, Do San is nervous at first when Han Ji Pyang asks him to pose as Dal Mi's first love, but after meeting her, he falls for her almost immediately.  Applying for Sandbox's hackathon is a way to bolster his struggling computer programming company, SamSan. Teaming up with Dal Mi as their CEO, SamSan finally stands a chance of finding success.  When Dal Mi finds out that he her grandmother and Ji Pyang had only used his name to sign the letters they wrote, Do San promises to make her fall in love with the real him.  Their business is aquired by a business in Silicon Valley, which sends the three original members of SamSan to the US for 3 years, but Do San continues to do research on the project Dal Mi's new company is working on. Once he comes home, they are able to get the team back together and Do San and Dal Mi also get back together.

Do San is an interesting character who is full of sublety and nuance.  A smart kid who grew up lonely and insecure, he is desperate for the approval of those around him.  No matter what he achieved, his parents always wanted more, so he never had time to think about his own dreams.  Do San's character is not meant to be flashy or charming.  Fading into the background is what comes naturally to him, and when he is noticed, he is quirky and awkward.  I have read a lot of reviews by people who found Do San to be flat and uninteresting, but I actually enjoyed his quiet nerdiness.  Again, I'm not sure the role allowed Nam Joo Hyuk to show off the extent of his acting ability, but he fit the part well and I believed his guarded personality.

Kim Seon Ho as Han Ji Pyang

Wow!  Where do you even start when discussing Han Ji Pyang's character.  I will get into his fan appeal below, but for now lets just say that while Do San was quiet and ackward, Ji Pyang was energetic and charming.  He and Dal Mi's grandmother were the original letter writers because her grandma felt like Dal Mi needed a friend.  When they met again, he also fell for her immediately.  Working at Sandbox for years, he was able to sign up as a mentor when he found out that Dal Mi was participating in the hackathon.  Even though he has carried feelings for Dal Mi since her letters came to him 15 years ago, he never confesses his feelings for her, and she doesn't really see him in a romantic light at all.

Kang Ha Na as Won In Jae

In the same way that there is more than enough to say about Ji Pyang's character, the opposite can be said for Won In Jae, and I will talk more about this below.  In Jae is the sister of Dal Mi.  After the divorce of their parents, In Jae left her dad and Dal Mi to go with her mother and her rich, new step dad.  Unfortunately, life with a rich and powerful father wasn't as great as she imagined.  Traditional Korean values left her undervalued as a business partner and In Jae learns what a cold and unfeeling man her father can be when crossed.  Her relationship with Dal Mi is strained as both try to prove to the other that they were the one who made the "right"choice.  But once SanSam is recruited to the US, In Jae and Dal Mi end up teaming up to form a new company.

Kim Do Wan and  Yoo Soo Bin as Kim Yong San and Lee Cheol San

Kim Yong San and Lee Cheol San make up the rest of SamSan with Do San.  Both had programming jobs working for other people, but after Cheol San is involved in a ransomware situation they decide to form their own company.  As their leader, Yong San and Cheol San always follow Do San without question.  They have his back without question, even though much of what happens within the company could not happen without their contribution.

SamSan Nerds

These guys are friend goals all over the place.  The interaction between this sweet group of guys was heartwarming and gave a great demostration of true friendship.  Ego and pride seldom factored into the decisions they made as a group, and I really appreciated their selflessness and understanding toward each other.   

Sandbox

Just the concept of the Sandbox is fascinating to me.  That a place could exist, that, while definitely competitive, could mentor start-up companies and teach them how to turn their ideas and skills into a lucrative business is fascinating to me.  Of course, I know this place is fictional but the core ideas are uplifting and the principal is interesting.

Han Ji Pyang

So, second lead syndrome was alive and well in this drama, to the point of causing war between the fans.  The writers really did a disservice to the fans here.  Do San's character was never going to be any competition for a character as charismatic as Ji Pyang.  That isn't the actors fault.  But whoever you wanted Dal Mi to end up with in the end, it is hard not to fall in love with Kim Seon Ho.  He is adorable character and his relationship with Dal Mi's grandmother would melt the coldest heart.  

Time Jump

Time jumps in general are not my favorite, but this one was particularly frustrating.  Namely, what was the point, when no one seemed to have changed or matured at all.  Do San and Dal Mi spent the whole 3 years waiting for each other.  Ji Pyang never got up the nerve to confess his feelings for Dal Mi during the whole time, even though he knew Do San was only on a 3 year contract and would be home soon. And in that whole time, no one bothered to tell In Jae that her grandmother was losing her eyesight and she should go visit her as soon as possible, even though Dal Mi and In Jae worked together every day.  Seriously, were they all just frozen in ice the whole time?  Doesn't it all seem pointless?

Dal Mi

Dal Mi's character was disappointing because she started out as such a strong, independant woman with a dream.  But once she meets Do San and Ji Pyang she regresses into a helpless damsel in distress.  How many times did she run to one of them to be rescued instead of relying on her own skills to find an answer?  She started out as such a great business role model and I was happy that they made her the CEO instead of Do San, but I would have loved to see her character continue to grown and blossom as a leader.  Instead, she just seemed to go backward and become less capable.

Won In Jae

Poor Won In Jae had so much potential to be a second female lead with an interesting side story.  Whether it was focused more on her relationship with her sister, a romantic interest, or her strained relationship with her stepdad, there were plenty of opportunities to explore her character.  But instead, the only time we found out anything about her character was if she happened to be with one of the leads.  This seems like a wasted chance to have an interesting side story and as an actress, I believe Kang Ha Na deserved more.

I liked that Start-Up had a happy ending for Do San and Dal Mi, but I would have like to see hints of a happy ending for other characters as well.  Ji Pyang threatens to run away to somewhere where he could lick his wounds, but thankfully in the end he was there as a part of the business with Do San, In Jae, and Dal Mi.  In Jae finally disolves her ties with her stepdad, which allows her to feel free to reestablish her ties with her grandmother.  Other than that, we see a wedding ring photo to tell us that Do San and Dal Mi are married.  That's about it.  As for the other team members, I think it is safe to say they are all still working together but that is just my own speculation and need for a well-rounded happy ending.

Start-Up is a good romantic drama.  With a unique storyline and some interesting character backstories, I expect it to make plenty of top drama lists for this year.  It does a good job of showing the world of computer technology and start-up businesses without digging too far into the technicalities of it all, and the message of "Follow Your Dreams" is inspiring.  As long as you enjoy the romance genre, there aren't a lot of reasons I wouldn't recommend it, but the romance really takes the focus away from any in-depth character development or side stories.  I didn't rate it as highly as I thought I might because, for me, it was just a nice, sweet story that I enjoyed watching, but it didn't leave much of a lasting impression.  I give Start-Up a 3 out of 5 ramen.

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Air Dates: September 25 - November 28, 2020

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Romantic Drama

Starring: Ong Seong Wu and Shin Ye Eun

 The story of a young woman who has spent the last 10 years with a crush on the same guy.  Twice she has gotten up the nerve to confess her feelings and both time she was rejected.  And yet, their lives have continued to be entangled and they have tried to maintain a kind of friendship.  When a new guy appears in her life, the dynamic in their years of friendship suddenly shifts.  Maybe he did like her all this time and just didn't know it.  Is it too late for them to have a romantic relationship?  Can he make it up to her for all the times he hurt her in the last 10 years?

 Shin Ye Eun as Kyung Woo Yeon

Kyung Woo Yeon is a calligrapher who makes personalized items and sells them on the internet  She met Lee Soo when they were in high school together and has liked him ever since.  She has dated a string of other guys, but always breaks up with them once they confess their feelings.  When Woo Yeon meets Ohn Joon Soo, he immediately shows an interest in her.  Soo is immediately jealous, and realizes that he has liked Woo Yeon all along.  The two men fight for Woo Yeon's attention, and she is forced to make a choice.

Shin Ye Eun was good in the role of Woo Yeon.  Woo Yeon's character is portrayed in the beginning as a bit timid and eager to please.  But as the drama goes on, she begins to develop some confidence in her career and personal life.  Really there isn't much that is unique to Woo Yeon's character, except maybe her drunken habit of calling Soo's old cellphone number and rambling on some stranger's voicemail (Who turns out to be Joon Soo!).  Other than that, she could be any almost 30 something, trying to make a living and figure out where life is taking her.  For me, she was likeable but not that interesting.

Ong Seong Wu as Lee Soo

Lee Soo is a cool, good looking guy who works as a travel photographer.  He met Woo Yeon and her friends in high school but he moved away to study abroad.  He has always missed Woo Yeon but he believes those feelings are nothing more than friendship.  But when he moves home and runs into Woo Yeon again he is immediately drawn her her again.  And when she starts dating another guy, he is consumed with jealousy and frustration.  In a flash of understanding, he decides to fight to convince Woo Yeon that he is the one for her.

Ong Seong Wu plays the role of cold, withdrawn, and misunderstood hero well.  Lee Soo has struggled with relationships his whole life.  His relationship with his parents has never been easy and he doesn't seem to believe love is something that is even possible for him.  He turns down Woo Yeon's confessions because he thinks he is being honest with her.  But he eventually realizes his mistake.  Doing his best to make up for all the times he has hurt her already, Soo throws himself into a fight to prove that his feelings for Woo Yeon are sincere and that he understands the mistakes he made.  I found his transformation endearing and genuine.  Ong Seong Wu has grown as an actor and I thought this character did a nice job of highlighting his own professional transformation.  Oh, and his contribution to the OST was beautiful.  What a wonderful voice!

Kim Dong Jun as Ohn Joon Soo

Lots of second lead syndrome with this one.  Ohn Joon Soo is a goodlooking, successful CEO of a publishing company who has a heart of gold.  His first true love ended up becoming his sister-in- law, and now with Woo Yeon, he is willing to give love a second chance.  Unfortunately his desperation to find love may be the thing that works against him the most.  He insists on supressing any anger or frustration because he is afraid of chasing people away. But Woo Yeon would rather have him be honest about his feelings.  Despite her telling him how she feels, Joon Soo can't bring himself to change.  In the end, that is the thing that drives Woo Yeon away, although it is pretty obvious that she is still in love with Soo, so it is probably for the best.

Pyo Ji Hoon (P.O) and Baek Soo Min as Jin Sang Hyuk and Han Jin Joo

Jin Sang Hyuk and Han Jin Joo are probably the sweetest and cutest couple of the 3.  Jin Joo is a hard-working prosecutor who's mother has always promised her that the perfect guy would just show up once she was successful.  Because of that, she has never has a boyfriend.  Sang Hyuk owns his own restaurant where the gang hangs out.  Like Woo Yeon, he has had a crush on Jin Joo since high school, but unlike her, he has kept it a secret from everyone.  He ends up blurting it out in a fit of frustration, while defending her from some creep who had taken advantage of her.  Once things start, they take off in a hurry and, of course, these 2 beat the others to the alter!

Choi Chan Ho and  Ahn Eun Jin as Shin Hyun Jae and Kim Young Hee

Shin Hyun Jae and Kim Young Hee are a difficult couple for me.  Unlike the others, they have been dating since high school, but Young Hee's difficult financial and family life have kept them from getting married.  Hyun Jae has stayed patiently by her side through everything, but she refuses to marry him until her life can somehow get straightened out.  When her mother gets cancer it is the last straw.  Young Hee breaks up with Hyun Jae and the 2 of them live miserably for a whole year until Young's Hee's mother's death and Sang Hyuk and Jin Joo's engagement bring them back together.

Wide Range of Jobs

We see a lot of office workers and the likes in Korean drama.  I appreciated the idea that all 6 of these characters from a similar background came to represent such a wide array of careers.  A prosecutor, restaurant owner, office worker, teacher, photographer, and calligraphy artist.  From the creative to the academic, it was a fun list of interesting careers.  

Seoul Neighborhoods

Even though we only got to see bits and pieces of it, I loved the idea of a book that showcased all the rejuvenated neighborhoods throughout Seoul.  I find the city of Seoul to be fascinating with painted murals and staircases and neighborhoods where houses are built right next to local businesses.  This concept of one person's home being another person's destination is unique and let us see some of the jewels hiding within Seoul's streets and alleys.

High School Friendships

I realized, as I watched this drama, that it is very unusual to have a whole group of friends who all knew each other since high school.  High school friends are not uncommon, but they usually bring in significant others who get added to the group after the fact.  I liked the fact that these 6 were together from start to finish.  That universal history gave their relationships a fun dynamic that I enjoyed.     

1 Year - All or Nothing

So, the only option for Soo and Woo Yeon was for them to either spend every day of the next year travelling together or they don't see each other at all.  They couldn't possibly find a compromise in there somewhere?  Surely they could have split their time somehow; Woo Yeon could meet up with him from time to time and he could take some lay overs in Seoul.  There has to be a better option than this all or nothing.  It felt extreme for a couple who had spent 10 years waiting for each other.

Soo's "Ex"

Honestly, the role of Kwon Yoo Ra seemed pretty pointless.  At first, it seemed like she was there to make Woo Yeon jealous, but that barely lasted 5 minutes.  Then it seemed like maybe she and Woo Yeon would be friends, which could be fun.  But other than one afternoon of shopping, they never interacted again.  They even brought her back for some 3 minute scene having a meal with Soo, which had no real purpose.  I just  don't feel like she added anything to the story.

Soo's Parents

It's not actually that I didn't like Soo parents, but they were easily the strangest parent relationship I have ever seen in a kdrama.  It's no wonder that there son is confused about what a healthy relationship looks like.  The only thing he can know for sure is that his parents are not the example.   It's not that divorced couples can never be friends, but not when they are still in love with each other.  I was happy that they eventually started to get their act together, but watching their confused back and forth just about drove me crazy.

More Than Friends has a nice happy ending, which always scores points in my book.  After their year of separation, Soo's mom convinces Woo Yeon to go see Soo's photography show.  Once she finally goes, she is able to see that he was sincere about his feelings and they reconcile.  Jin Joo and Sang Hyuk get engaged and invite the whole gang on an engagement trip.  Once there, Jin Joo dresses her friends in white dresses, that have the guys dropping their chins, and amazing tuxes, and they take their wedding photos.  Afterwards, the 6 of them go camping and Hyun Jae and Young Hee finally get back together and decide to get married.  Soo and Woo Yeon aren't to the marriage stage yet, but they are together and happy for now.  And they all lived happy ever after.

I really loved this drama.  It has a great cast with amazing chemistry.  So much so that fans have had a hard time moving on now that it is finished.  This drama is strong all around.  There is plenty of romance, some political conspiracy, and lots of comical moments that lighten the mood and give depth to the characters.  The cinematography provides some beautiful scenery, from North Korea and Switzerland.  I guess it does ask you to suspend your disbelief from time to time, but the charm of the story makes it worthwhile.  Definitely give this one a try.  I think you'll be happy you did.  I give Crash Landing On You a 5 out of 5 ramen.

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Air Dates: September 7 - October 27, 2020

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Netflix

Genre: Romantic Drama

Starring: Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam

Enter the world of modelling and acting through the eyes of 2 young men who have spent their 20's waiting to catch their big break.  In an industry where money and background really can make all the difference, we watch these best friends, from very different families, experience the joys and frustrations of following their dreams.  Their friendship is challenged when they meet a pretty make-up artist with her own dreams for success.  As the 3 begin to move into their 30's, they must make some important decisions about where they are going and what they are willing to sacrifice to get there.

Park Bo Gum as Sa Hye Joon

Sa Hye Joon is an aspiring actor from an average family.  In his early 20's, he had some success as a model, but was never able to bridge the gap from modelling to acting.  Now, as his 30's approach and mandatory military service looms closer, he takes one final shot to try to get his foot in the door, while he is still young enough to get entry level roles.  Hye Joon is honest and straightforward.  He never hesitates to speak the truth, even when it is difficult.  Acting is something he gives his full energy and determination to.Park Bo Gum is the shining light in this drama.  He is passionate and emotional in his portrayal of the wannabe actor, approaching his 30's, weighing his military service, and still hoping to achieve his big success.  It could be Park Bo Gum's own story with the exception of the fact that he is already considered a very successful and talented actor.  But it is easy to see how the role would have appealed to him and how easy it would be for him to play it convincingly;  Not to take away from his obvious ability.  Record of Youth was the perfect role for him at this time in his life, and it was so enjoyable to watch him tell this story so convincingly and take us on the emotional journey with him.

Park So Dam as Ahn Jung Ha

Ahn Jung Ha is frugal and hard-working.  By day she works at a local salon doing hair and makeup, and by night she busks, doing makeovers, and has a Youtube channel.  Watching her mother struggle financially when she was growing up, she is determined to stand on her own and never expect help from anyone.  For years, she has followed Sa Hye Joon's modelling career as an avid fan.  So, when she is asked to do makeup at a show he is participating in, she is thrilled.  Little does she know, that first meeting will lead into a beautiful, romantic relationship.

Park So Dam is a great actress and I always enjoy seeing her.  She has a talent for playing a character who holds her emotions tightly in reigh, even though there is obviously so much more going on below the surface.  That is exactly what she brought to Jung Ha's character.  Park So Dam played the part well as it was written, but it was not my favorite role for her.  Even with the backstory of her parent's tumultuous relationship, I still felt like her motives were hard to understand.  As an actress, I feel like Park So Dam has so much more she could have brought to her character, to show more character development.

Byeon Woo Seok as Won Hae Hyo

 Won Hae Hyo has been Hye Joon's best friend since elementary school.  He comes from a wealthy family where his mother continually uses her influence to pull strings and further his career.  To his credit, Hae Hyo is unaware of her meddling, and really believes he has worked hard to achieve the success he has.  But despite all of her meddling, Hae Hyo still finds himself in a position where he has to watch jealously ad Hye Joon achieves everything he wants, from a successful career to Jung Ha's heart.

Kwon Soo Hyun as Kim Jin Woo

Kim Jin Woo is the third childhood friend, with Hae Hyo and Hye Joon.  His father works with Hye Joon's father doing construction, and their families have been close for years.  Unlike his friends, who are in search of the limelight, Jin Woo is happy being behind a camera.  It's not that he doesn't dream of success, it's just that success to him does not equate to fame.  For the most part, he is content with his life and where it is going.  He is secretely in love with Hae Hyo's sister, Hae Na, which leads to complications in their friendship.

Shin Dong Mi as Lee Min Jae

Lee Min Jae worked as a secretary to Hye Joon's agent for years.  Finally fed up with his abuse and dishonesty, she decides to strike out on her own and convinces Hye Joon to come along with her.  But being an entertainment agent is not for the faint of heart, as she is reminded on an almost daily basis.  Luckily for Hye Joon and herself, she is a fast learner with a persistant personality.  Under her hard work, Hye Joon finally finds the success he has been striving for.

Friendship Stands the Test of Time

All friendships encounter difficulties, and the men in Record of Youth are no different.  Jealousy, love triangles, and secrets could have easily ripped apart this long-time trio.  But this time, there was no grand explosion.  They never came to the point where they were threatening to abandon their friendship or let resentment push them apart.  In the end, it was one of a very few storylines that actually ended with any finality.  Their friendship is still going strong, and once again, a little bromance can go a long way for giving a drama positive heart-felt emotions.

Cameos

With such a loaded all-star cast, Record of Youth had the clout to deliver some good cameos, but they really outdid themselves.  It's always fun to see familiar faces pop up and this one had plenty.  My personal favorites were Park Seo Joon and Lee Sung Kyung, but there were quite a few other great ones as well.  I think many of them welcomed the opportunity to see Park Bo Gum one last time before he headed off on his military service, and for me, that just makes it even better.

Unique Straightforward Dialogue

One of my favorite things about Record of Youth, particularly the earlier episodes, was the unique style of dialogue.  Conversations are direct and honest without an abundance of explanation.  There is a certain artistry to this pared-down style.  Yet even with the sense of artistry, it fit the feel of the drama as just regular people talking.  No waxing philosophically or softening of opinions with meaningless words.  I was drawn in by it and it felt very different from most of the other dramas I have seen.

Jung Ha's Dishonesty

For someone who started out as honest and straight-forward, I was disappointed in Jung Ha's inability to be honest about her relationship with Hae Hyo.  First, it felt totally disrespectful to Hye Joon.  It's not that she just didn't tell him about the time she spent with him, but at times she completed lied about it.  And second, it was unfair to Hae Hyo, because it made it seem like she had feelings for him, when she didn't.  Neither of them deserved that.  In the end, it only led to worse misunderstandings.

It's Not a Romance

It really wasn't until I got to the end of Record of Youth and saw the storylines that the writers bothered to give any closure to that I understood my problem.  This was never meant to be a romance.  Record of Youth is just that, a picture of what it's like to be young and all the changes that happen in your life at that time.  Maybe if I had understood this sooner, I would have been more prepared for the ending. True friends and family change and grow with you, while lovers come and go.  All of this helps to form the story of youth.

Inconsistant Timeline

This is kind of a weird complaint, because I usually appreciate a little back and forth in the timeline to keep things fresh and interesting.  For some reason, with Record of Youth, I had points where I wasn't sure what was supposed to have already happened or where the jumps forward had ended up.  I haven't seen anyone else complain about this, so it may truly just be me, but I kept getting confused about where we were in the storyline, particularly at the beginning of a new episode.  Some episodes ended with a jump forward and then the next one went back to before that.  I've seen this technique used in other dramas, and never had any trouble, but with this one it sometimes took me a few minutes to catch up.

So, the ending...I saw a partial spoiler before finishing this one where someone just said "what's up with that ending."  Because of that, I had braced for a sad or bittersweet ending, but what I wasn't prepared for was just a weird, anti-climatic non-ending.  First, let's talk about the endings we did get.  Seeing the healing across Hye Joon's family was heartwarming.  The father's both made peace with their sons and the future seems bright.  Second, all is well between our 3 young friends.  Despite trials and time apart, there meeting in the park showed that very little had changed between them.

Now, we could fill a page with all the storylines that didn't get any closure, or worse yet, never even got started.  First on the list is all of the romances.  Hye Joon and Jung Ha at least got an open-ended maybe ending.  Not super satisfying, in my opinion, but not sad either.  We have no idea what happened with Jin Woo and Hae Na.  And the hint of romance between Min Jae and Hye Joon's brother, Kyeong Jun, never goes anywhere.  Hae Hyo's mother, Yi Young, had an awful lot of screen time with lots of strained relationships, for example, her childen, her husband, and Hye Joon's mother.  None of those issues got any resolution, with the exception of a scene where she and Hae Hyo seem to have come to some kind of peace.  And I assume the evil reporter and agent just kind of went on their merry way.

For me, there was just too much left hanging.  So many potential plots that never materialized.  I was left disappointed and unfulfilled.  If anyone out there loved it, please tell me all about it.  I would love to have my opinion swayed.

Record of Youth starts out strong, and I had high hopes that I would love it, but it left an awful lot of storylines unfinished and unexplained.  If you are a Park Bo Gum fan (and let's face it, who isn't?) then it is worth the watch.  His acting is really great and his sincere emotions come through well.  But the plot is slow-moving and doesn't really go where you might think.  I could have overlooked the slow plot if there was some character development to focus on.  Surprisingly, almost every other character is just used as a backdrop for Park Bo Gum, without any real depth or understandable motivation.  If you like a good slice of life style drama, Record of Youth is a good one.  It just doesn't dig as deeply as it could have.  I give Record of Youth a 7 out of 10 ramen.

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Air Dates: August 31 - October 20, 2020

Episodes: 16

Where to Watch: Viki

Genre: Romantic Drama

Starring: Park Eun Bin and Kim Min Jae

"Do You Like Brahms" is about a group of students involved in an elite school of music at their university.   A struggling 4th year violinist meets a successful pianist.  Despite the large gap in their musical talent, the 2 have many things in common;  most notable, a crush on someone they can never have.  As they commiserate on their painful love experiences, a strong friendship and attraction develops and the process of healing begins.

Park Eun Bin as Chae Song Ah

Chae Song Ah studied business in college, but her true love is playing the violin.  So, after graduation, despite all of her friend's and family's objections, she re-enrolls in the university's Music School.  7 years older than most of her peers and without the classical training and years of private lessons they have all taken for granted, she sits in last place, struggling to keep up.  When she takes a summer intern position at a local music conservatory, she meets a famous pianist who is the same age as her.  Immediately drawn to his quiet charm and overwhelming talent, she recognizes a kindred spirit by the scars he hides deep in his heart.

Song Ah is serious and determined, with a social ackwardness that is endearing.  Life has been a constant struggle for her, as her love of music has warred with a lack of natural ability.  As much as she is attracted to Joon Young, he also brings out her insecurties in music and love.  Park Eun Bin did a wonderful job of showing that conflict of emotions.  Some complained about the lack of chemistry between the leads, but I felt like it was an insightful portrayal of the conflict and confusion that can come with a first relationship.

Kim Min Jae as Park Joon Young

Park Joon Young is a natural pianist who has performed and competed his whole life, but takes no joy from it.  Due to a father who has spent his whole life acting financially irresponsible, Joon Young can not even rest from his demanding career.  He is also in love with his best friend's girlfriend.  The three of them have been friends since they were young, and Joon Young has buried his feelings for the sake of their friendship.  Visiting the conservatory that has supported him financially throughout his music career, he keeps running into Song Ah.  With each encounter, a friendship begins to bloom as they share their pains and struggles.

Joon Young is a soft-spoken musician who has spent his life sacrificing his happiness for others.  In Song Ah, he finally sees an opportunity to chase his own happiness and finally find his voice.  Kim Min Jae played this role beatifully, as a gentle spirit with with a tortured soul.  His indecisiveness in life and love reflect the burdens he has carried his whole life.  And when he shows his rare smile, it's like you can sense the warmth through the screen.

Kim Sung Chul and Park Ji Hyun as Hon Hyun Ho and Lee Jung Kyung

 Hon Hyun Ho and Lee Jung Kyung have been Joon Young's best friends since they were young.  Even though Hyun Ho and Jung Kyung have been dating for 10 years, Joon Young has always been in love with Jung Kyung.  Jung Kyung has always known about Joon Young's feelings, but has ignored them until now.  So everyone is shocked when she breaks up  with Hon Hyun and decides she is in love with Joon Young.

Jung Kyung is rich and selfish, and has never had a loving relationship with her family.  A musical prodigy in her youth, Jung Kyung's talent has ebbed and she is trying to come to terms with her future.  Her interest in Joon Young seems more like an obsession over a shiny toy she wants and can't have.  Now that his interest has started to shift to Song Ah, she is desperate to gain back his attention.

Hyun Ho is a great character.  He has been a devoted best friend and boyfriend, and has lived the last 10 years in blissful ignorance.  Even after having his heart broken, he can't help but step in when either of them are in trouble.  His loyalty inability to hold a grudge are a big part of his charm.  Unlike his friends, Hyun Ho's is as grounded in his music career as he is in the rest of his life.  He has the talent and freedom to pursue music in whatever way he decides.

Lee You Jin and Bae Da Bin as Yoon Dong Yoon and Kang Min Sung

 Unlike the other love triangle, Yoon Dong Yoon and Kang Min Sung only dated for 100 days.  They are not the power couple that Hyun Ho and Jung Kyung were.  But Min Sung never got over Dong Yoon, and Song Ah can't bear to hurt her friend by admitting her own feelings.  To make matters worse, Dong Yoon shares Song Ah's feelings, and when he finally confesses, Min Sung overhears.

Min Sung is a graduate student who loves studying.  Song Ah has been her best friend for years.  Most of her scenes involve her professing her love and crying because it isn't returned.  When she finds out about Song Ah and Dong Yoon's feelings, she breaks off all contact and refuses to "forgive" them.

Dong Yoon is also a talented musician who gave up playing to make and repair instruments.  He gave Song Ah private lesson's when she was auditioning for the music school.  He is a cheerful character who is known and liked by everyone.  When he finally gets the courage to confess his feelings to Song Ah he already suspects that it is too late after watching her with Joon Young.  He accepts her rejection and continues to be a friend to Song Ah and Min Sung.

Brahms/Clara/Shumann Story

The concept of using a real life love story as a back drop for this drama was unique and interesting.  In the beginning, Joon Young refuses to play Brahms because he believes all of his music is about his unrequited love for Clara Shumann.  Song Ah sees the story from a different perspective.  To her, Brahms' music reflected an unbreakable friendship.  Those descriptions reflect both characters' views of life.  And I loved that, in the end, Joon Young was able to play Brahms again, with his friends Jung Kyung and Hyun Ho.  That performance brought the whole story full circle and represents Joon Young's growth and change of perspective.

The Mood

There is a mood that is portrayed through this whole drama.  It reminds me of the feelings I got while watching "When the Weather is Fine".  The subtle colors and the subdued actions all paint a picture for this drama, and I loved the OST.  The mash up of classical music and some really moving contemporary songs set a perfect feeling.  It is a warm, slow-moving story that puts your mind at ease.  Some do find this mood boring, but for me it is calming and rewarding.

Fun Geometry

I don't think this may be the first drama I have watched that started with 2 love triangles that merge and cause a third.  It was a unique scenario that gave an interesting tension to the whole show.  Also, it made it very rewarding when our leads, who had both suffered being the odd person out in their own triangles, got to be the center of their own.

Joon Young's Dad

The character of Joon Young's dad was a weird one for me.  I don't remember ever having a character in a drama that you never see and yet is the focus of so much of the plot.  He could almost be seen as one of the villians, and yet there is so much we don't know.  Not only what he looks like, but how and why he has been such a financial burden on his son.  Why show the mother but never the father?  I don't really get it.  It seems like they could have told the story without an invisible father.  To me, it would make more sense to just have the mother fulfill that role, since we do see her.

Kang Min Sung

First, let me be clear.  I am not talking about the actress Bae Da Bin;  I just didn't like the character of Min Sung.  I found her to be self-absorbed and petty.  Most of her scenes with Song Ah are spent talking about herself and her struggles.  She doesn't seem to care about what Song Ah might be going through.  Also, it seemed unfair for her to get so mad at Song Ah and Dong Yoon when all they really did was ignore their own feelings for her sake.  Neither one of them did anything wrong and they didn't deserve her harsh treatment.  It is true that in the end she got over it and managed to move on, but she held on to it much longer than the situation merited.

Teachers Went Unpunished

Many fans complain that kdramas often let the villians get away with their actions, with very little recourse, but this one got to me.  There didn't seem to be a single teacher in that university that didn't take advantage of their students.  As a whole, they were terrrible people and in the end nothing changed.  I would have liked to see at least one of them get their comeuppance.

This drama ended on a strong note for me.  Most of the stories are tied up nicely.  For Dong Yoon and Min Sung, that was a tenuous friendship, which is really the best they could hope for since they hadn't been in an actual romantic relationship in a long time.  Hyun Ho comes home to play in a show with Joon Young and Jung Kyung, which is a double happy ending.  The friendship has been restored and peace has been declared.  But even more exciting, is the hint that Hyun Ho and Jung Kyung are also on their way to a reconciliation. Jung Kyung is her best self when she is with Hyun Ho, so I was happy to see their relationship back on track.

For our leads, good things are happening.  I was a little sad to see that Song Ah had given up the violin completely, but I think she found peace in embracing her true natural talent.  She is working as a manager for Joon Young, planning his travel and performances.  She seems happy and in her element.  And with Song Ah by his side, Joon Young has finally found happiness through his music.  It is no longer a lonely, isolated existence.

This is another slow moving drama.  Like the classical music that plays throughout, it is beautiful and poignant, but also serious in theme.  Do You Like Brahms is not a lighthearted rom-com.  Some people have complained that it was depressing and frustrating.  I don't agree.  But it is a love story about 2 introverted musicians, who carry the scars of life, meeting and learning how to relate to each other.  Love is seldom completely smooth sailing, and this drama never forgets that life and love are complicated and heartbreaking, at times.  If you love classical music or melodramatic love stories, this is a good drama for you.  But if you get bored by slow moving plots and romances, you probably should take a pass.  I give Do You Like Brahms a 3 out of 5 ramen.

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