A high school student suffers repetitive emotional and physical abuse at the hands of her rich and selfish classmates, while the parents of the bullies buy off school administrators to look the other way and ignore it.  Forced off of the traditional path, the student spends years working and putting herself through school to become a teacher.  But her career path is just one step in an elaborate plan to get revenge on those who hurt her.  Now, after years of careful planning, she is ready to make them pay for all she has been through.  And when she meets a thoughtful young doctor who understands her anger and offers to be a weapon for her in battle, she begins to see a life for her beyond the pain she has carried for so long.  

Lee Do Hyun as Joo Yeo Jung

Joo Yeo Jung first meets Dong Eun when he is still a medical resident.  And their relationship begins when he offers to teach her to play go.  Even though Dong Eun suddenly breaks ties with him and runs away, he never forgets her.  And fate seems to be on his side when he continues running into her through the years.  Now he is a plastic surgeon looking to open his own clinic.  And after seeing Dong Eun’s physical scars, he pledges to be her executioner and tells her to use him in any way she wants.  In her he sees a kindred spirit, because underneath his calm exterior is a similar anger over the wrongful death of his father.  And together, they just might be able to find a strange kind of healing through their revenge.  

Joo Yeo Jung is known as a talented and cool-headed doctor.  His mother is the current director of Seoul Joo General Hospital.  She took over the role from Yeo Jung’s father after he was killed by an angry patient.  Yeo Jung’s warm, calm presence is the perfect compliment to Dong Eun’s steely anger.  Lee Do Hyun is an amazing young actor and he does it again in this role.  He is quietly confident in his delivery and the role sits comfortably on him.  

Park Sung Hoon as Jeon Jae Joon

Jeon Jae Joon was Yeon Jin’s partner in crime throughout high school.  The couple have carried their “relationship” into adulthood, including using each other for sex.  He is the heir of the local country club.  He and Yeon Jin are the actual parents of Yeon Jin’s daughter, although Yeon Jin never told Jae Joon about her.  The gene for colorblindness that Jae Joon hands down to his daughter will be the evidence that exposes that truth.  

 ♥ Clever Scheme

While maybe not altogether realistic, the intricacies of Dong Eun’s plan are beautifully subtle and powerful.  Each step in her revenge is appropriate for the crime each person committed.  And her ability to make it all happen without ever having to do any of the dirty work herself is inspirirng.  I loved the complexitites of this plot and the way Dong Eun never rushed into making a mistake or altering her course.  Each piece was methodical and well-executed.  

♥ Bullies

There is no doubt that these villains are a box of crazy, but I enjoyed watching their characters slowly implode.  The cast was phenomenol, and although this level of melodrama can be tricky, I felt like they all carried it well.  Also a special shout-out to the crew from Season 1 who played their younger selves.  I especially enjoyed Shin Ye Eun as the younger Yeon Jin.  She really sold the role and it was fun to see her step into a villain character.  

Chu Jeong Ho

Chu Yeong Ho is the creepiest character in this whole drama.  Though his role was subtle, and never in the fore-front, his story was enough to make me feel sick.  And I really wish I could have seen him get the punishment he deserved.  Of course, it was implied, but with every crime in this drama getting the punishment that was befitting it, this one stands out as feeling a bit unfinished.  It would have been nice to have a grand moment of reckoning for Jeong Ho.  

Losing Her Job

After years of putting herself through school and sleepless nights working to pay for it, I expected more of a reaction from Dong Eun to the fact that she is fired from her job.  It is true that the job was a means for her to get her revenge, and that part of the plan was pretty much finished, but it still seems like she would have been a bit angry or disappointed about it.  Maybe walking out calmly and leaving Jeong Ho’s career in flames, was her final purpose.

“The Glory” ends with a traditional happy ending for a revenge drama, which, in short, means the villains all get their comeuppance and the lead couple end up together.  In the villain lottery,  Hye Jeong is the clear winner, as the only one to walk away with both her life and her freedom.  Of course, she has lost her voice and bears a nasty scar to remind her of her ill-deeds.  It doesn’t pay to be a guy in this drama economy.  Both Jae Joon and Myeong Oh end up dead.  Sara and Yeon Jin will be spending most of their lives in prison.  And Dong Eun’s mother is tucked safely away in a mental institution.  Once all of these storylines wind down, we see the police detective declare everything regarding Dong Eun’s case to be closed.  It is obvious that he knows not all of these events have been above board, but he chooses to ignore her questionable actions out of sympathy for what she has been through.  After a rocky patch of separation, Dong Eun comes back to Yeo Jung’s house, ready to take her turn as his executioner in a new game of revenge, for Yeo Jung, this time.  In the final scene, we see Dong Eun and Yeo Jung both take jobs at the prison where the man who killed Yeo Jung’s father is being held.  So, here we go again.  Will there be a season 3?  There is definitely a possibility, although no official word has come out yet.  

A former handball national athlete is forced to give up her sports career after the sudden death of her mother leaves her with a  younger brother who has Autism Spectrum Disorder and a young niece to raise.  Now she owns a small side-dish shop with her best friend.  But when her niece enters high school, she discovers there is a whole world of educational training and demands that she had never known.  When she meets a famous math tutor, she strikes a deal with him to trade math lessons for food from her shop.  And as the pair get to know each other, they find comfort in each other’s company, and learn that they share a surprising connection from their past.   

Jung Kyung Ho as Choi Chi Yeol

Choi Chi Yeol is known as the “1 Billion Won Man” because of his popularity as a math tutor.   Mothers are lining up to get their children enrolled in his classes.  In the classroom, he is passionate and full of energy, but after hours, he has become increasingly cold and withdrawn.  He is haunted by the suicide of one of his first private students, and he has never forgiven himself for her death.  Because of this, he struggles to eat or sleep.  But when he tastes Haeng Seon’s cooking, he is surprised to find it doesn’t make him sick.  He offers to teach Hae Yi both because he has seen her potential, and because he wants Haeng Seon to cook for him.  But he never expects to become so attached to their family and especially Haeng Seon.  

Choi Chi Yeol is competitve and driven when it comes to teaching.  His students have been the thing that kept him going through years of emotional struggle.  But when he meets Haeng Seon, he starts to find real joy in his own life and their relationship.  Jung Kyung Ho is a great actor and I love his breezy personality, and the way it comes through on the screen.  He exudes a charm and confidence that brings his characters to life.  I really enjoy watching him act, and I think he fit this role exactly.  

Shin Jae Ha as Ji Dong Hee 

Ji Dong Hee is Choi Chi Yeol’s personal assistant.  He has worked with the teacher for years and is his most trusted employee.  But Dong Hee has a dark secret from his past that connects him and Chi Yeol in a surprising way.  His sister is the student that killed herself after being tutored by Chi Yeol.  And now, Dong Hee’s obsessive attempts to “protect” Chi Yeol will lead to further tragedy.  

 ♥ Nam Jae Woo

Oh Eui Shik is a wonderful actor and I really enjoyed his portrayal of the neurodivergent brother in this drama.  Jae Woo’s character was more than just a man with Autism Spectrum Disorder.  The role had depth and development, and his interactions with some of the other characters highlight the fact that while his brain may process things differently, he is still a man and not a child.  I especially loved his relationship with Chi Yeol, who often appealed to him man to man.  

♥ Teaching

As someone who has spent the last 30 years of my life involved in some facet of teaching and education, it was a pleasure to see Chi Yeol’s passionate approach to teaching.  His love for the subject and his students was fun to watch and I believe that good teachers like him do exist in the real world.  So often, dramas portray all teachers as disillusioned and burnt out.  It was interesting that in this case, Chi Yeol was burnt out in his life, but work was the only thing that gave him any joy.  

Haeng Seon’s Appearance

Haeng Seon’s character was unique and interesting, but whoever was responsible for her wardrobe choices should be fired.  I get it that she isn’t overly interested in fashion or spending money on fancy clothing.  But she didn’t need to dress like an 80 year old woman whose sight is failing.  The hair and clothing choices only excentuated the 10 year age gap, which was totally unnecessary.  Just a bit of subtelty would have gone over so much better.  

Sub-Plots

This drama was full of sub-plots that didn’t really add anything to the story as a whole.  For me, those storylines would include Soo Ah’s journey into madness, Hae Yi’s mom’s brief return, and Dong Hee’s career as a serial killer.  All of these stories had potential, but there was no way to do all of them justice within the 16 episodes of this series.  It just felt like they tried to do too much, and it negatively affected the overall focus of the show.   

“Crash Course in Romance” ties up most of the loose ends pretty well.  Dong Hee’s true identity is exposed, but he ends up falling off a building before he can be arrested. Hae Yi’s mother quietly runs away again, which restores some much needed peace to their family.   Haeng Seon and Chi Yeol get engaged before jumping ahead 2 years.  In the future, we find a pregnant Young Joo happily married to Jae Woo.  And Hae Yi and Sun Jae are together at university.  Hae Yi finally agrees to make their romantic relationship official, which makes Sun Jae overjoyed.  After 2 years of studying and test attempts, Haeng Seon passes her exam to become a sports instructor, which means that she can finally marry poor Chi Yeol, who has been waiting none too patiently for this joyous event.  It seems like smooth sailing from here on out for our 3 main couples!

A successful account executive for an advertising firm works tirelessly in the hopes of getting a promotion.  But her personal life is troubled by a secret power that allows her to see into someone’s future if her lips touch them.  When an unfortunate fall causes her to accidentally kiss her prickly and difficult boss, she is shocked to see them involved in a romantic relationship.   As she explores her own beliefs about destiny, she finds they share a connection that goes back farther than she could have ever imagined.  And as she gets to know him, she is surprised to find that he has a secret power of his own.

Seo Ji Hye as Hong Ye Sul

Hong Ye Sul is an advertising executive who is mentored by her boss, Cha Min Hoo.  She has lost her memories of when she was young, but just before her father’s death, she mysteriously gained the power to see someone’s future by touching any part of them with her lips.  When she trips on the job and lands on top of Min Hoo, her lips accidentally touch his and she sees their future together as a couple.  Eager to see where this could be leading, she suggests that they start to date.  But just when her life is starting to look up, her ex-boyfriend shows up, and he shows her that her gift is not as accurate as she assumes and that maybe destiny is more complicated than she had believed.  

Hong Ye Sul has always dreamed of following in her father’s footsteps as an advertising agent.  And when Pil Yo broke her heart, she threw herself whole-heartedly into her work.  Now, with her dream job around the corner, her life is really starting to look up.  I liked Seo Ji Hye in this role, and it was fun to watch her grow and mature through her ability.  This role didn’t seem like much of a stretch for her as an actress, but she sat comfortably in the character and played the part quite naturally.  

Lee Joo Yeon as Oh Ji Young 

Oh Ji Young is the daughter of Min Hoo’s doctor.  She has known him since they were young, and she has always loved him.  Unfortunately for her, Min Hoo thinks of her as a younger sister and has no romantic interest in her.  He has always been honest with her about his feelings, but Ji Young refuses to believe him.  Now she is a famous actress who is starring in the car advertisement being produced by Min Hoo and Se Yul.  

 ♥ Super Power Concept

I found the idea of two children who developed unexplainable powers as a result of a shared trauma to be interesting and original.  Having them both be particularly susceptible to kissing added an extra layer of depth, as if maybe the CPR created some kind of cosmic bond between the two.  I was sad to see them lose these abilities in the end of the series, and I wish the magic had been used more in the plot, but the small bit that we got was sure fun while it lasted.  

♥ Interpretations of Visions

This storyline dives into some deep philosophical waters with the question of what makes fate and whether it is unchangeable.  I thought they did a nice job of showing how Ye Sul saw a vision that she thought she understood from her perspective.  But when the event actually takes place, we see that things can be very different from what they seem.  And we are left questioning whether Ye Sul and Pil Yo could have shared a destiny, if she hadn’t pushed him away for a simple misunderstanding on her part.  

Final Episodes

I was really disappointed in the final couple of episodes.  I hardly know where to start with this one.  First of all, we didn’t just sit through endless flashbacks and cosmic connections to have the lead couple end up in a toxic bickering relationship just because Ye Sul can no longer see the future. I wanted to finally see them matured and happy together. Second, why squeeze 2 mystery stories into the series, and then just rush through their conclusions.  And lastly, if the leads were not each other’s destiny, then why did they have those powers in the first place.  I just felt like they ripped apart every element of the plots they had so carefully constructed.  Also, Pil Yo and Ji Young?

Mystery Storyline

As this concept of mixing genre into one drama is becoming more popular, I kind of feel like a broken record.  Here’s the deal.  The writers want to add some elements of a thriller to these dramas.  But they also understand that in the end, people come to a rom-com for the romance. The way they just suddenly solve the whole mystery and then move on with no effect to the character’s lives is frustrating.  Also, the office politics and espionage story was a non-starter that didn’t flow with the rest of the story.  It’s not that I don’t want these elements added, I just wish they would give the villains and plots they set up the respect they deserve in the context of the overall story.  

So, I have already said that I didn’t love this ending, so I’ll keep this short and simple.  Hae Jin is finally exposed as a stalker of Ye Sul and her mother.  Ye Sul and Min Hoo both get injured before the police show up.  And when it is all over, they have both lost their special abilities.  Now that things have changed for them, there relationship becomes rocky and volatile as they fight and break up constantly.  This makes work a tense environment. It finally comes out that Kyung Seok is the one releasing company secrets and trying to make trouble for Ye Sul and Min Hoo. Seung Taek and Ho Woo announce that they are getting married since Ho Woo is expecting a baby.  And Ji Young confesses to Pil Yo that she likes him in the middle of a press conference for their new film. He is shocked but obviously pleased. In the final scene, we see Ye Sul and Min Hoo fighting.    Ye Sul runs off and he chases after her.  And after some minor cajoling, they make up and decide to forget about what might happen in the future and just love each other in the present, living for today.  

Kim Hyang Gi as Seo Eun Woo

Seo Eun Woo grew up as the daughter of the Magistrate of Sorak, and when the region was in need of a medical examiner, she often stepped in to fill the position.  She left home when her family arranged a marriage for her, but her groom died before she even got to see his face.  Because of this, she is mistreated by her mother-in-law, until she finally cuts ties with them and moves to Soonpoong Clinic to continue her study of medicine.  She studies acupuncture from Se Poong and treats the patients as he walks her through the steps.  Over time, their close working relationship turns to something more romantic.  But as a widow, she is prohibited from remarrying, unless the couple can find a way around their circumstances.  

Seo Eun Woo is independent and outspoken.  But she is also a dutiful daughter who would never purposefully bring shame to her family.  Luckily for her, her father has always supported her pursuit of medicine.  Eun Woo fits right in with the family at the clinic and she is at peace for the first time since her tragic marriage.  She is also a gifted doctor, who helps Se Poong save lots of patients.  Kim Hyang Gi has a spunky personality and an expressive face that help her easily convey strong emotions.  I feel like she was well cast in this role and I liked her chemistry with Kim Min Jae, although they spent much more time apart than I would have liked.  

Jung Won Chang as Jo Shin Woo

Jo Shin Woo is a childhood friend of Eun Woo and her family.  He is also the adopted son of the corrupt Left State Councillor.  Now he works for the King as a Royal Inspector.  He has feelings for Eun Woo, but she sees him more as a big brother than a love interest.  In secret, Shin Woo is investigating the death of Se Yeop’s father and the mysterious death of the former King.  

 ♥ Medical Theme

I am a fan of medical dramas in general, but I really enjoyed the blending of acupuncture and mental health that this drama focused on.  The cases were unique and interesting, they touched on some interesting historical and social issues of the time, and the people involved added a depth to the main plot.  I enjoy the episodic nature of medical shows that allow us to get to know the patients they meet along their journey.  

♥ Country Setting

It’s always fun when a Joseon period historical drama takes us outside the palace walls and looks at life for the non-royals.  This drama focuses most of it’s scenes in the Village of Gyesu and around the clinics run by Kye Ji Han.  One of the surprising things that this setting did was give us lots of interesting conversations as characters walked from one place to another.  I really liked listening to the characters as they strolled through some beautiful scenery.

Second Lead Change

It’s true that Shin Woo is exiled at the end of the first season, but I feel like they could have still found a way to bring him back.  Changing second leads between seasons didn’t really work for me.  And honestly, Kang Il wasn’t a very interesting character.  Maybe if he had more episodes to let his character develop a bit, I might have liked him more.  As it was, there just wasn’t enough story for me to care about him much at all.  I would have much rather left the double agent work to the villains and had Shin Woo back.

No Secondary Love Story

Especially with the addition of a second season, it would have been nice if they had included a secondary love story, even just at the very end.  Maybe that wouldn’t have been on my mind so much if they hadn’t hinted at romance for Ib Bun, Man Bok, and Ji Han.  But I felt like they were setting us up for someone to find true love along the way.  And then nothing.  And I know that Eun Woo is cute, but it doesn’t seem fair that she managed to make 3 men fall in love with her during this seris and no one else managed to turn a single head.  

“Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist” gives us the standard rom-com ending.  The villains are all held responsible for their crimes and our couple end up happily married.  We do have to say goodbye to the beautiful soul that is granny.  Her illness finally claimed her mind and her life.  Se Poong and Eun Woo end up back running the clinic together.  Ji Han is travelling the countryside, playing Robin Hood with food and goods for those in need.  But he comes home whenver he gets a chance.  The rest of the clinic family have stepped up to fill in for his absence.  The final scene shows all of them teasing the newlyweds about the possibility of them welcoming a new member to their happy little family soon, and judging by the glances exchanged between Poong and Eun Woo, their suspicions are definitely correct.

A woman attorney becomes the first female to ever work for Gilmu Law Firm.  The firm specializes in defending those in the entertainment industry.  So when she is asked to become legal advisor to an actor, famous for his parts in romantic comedies, she has no choice but to take the job.  But she has never trusted men in general, and a misunderstanding about the actor himself starts their working relationship off on the wrong foot.  And when he finds out that she is the cure to his past trauma, he is determined to convince her he is someone she can trust and hopefully even love.  

Yoo Teo as Nam Kang Ho

Nam Kang Ho is an actor known for his romantic comedies.  But behind the scenes, he suffers from extreme PTSD caused by his first love.  He is not interested in love or romantic relationships.  But when rumors of his sexual orientation threaten to tarnish his spotless reputation, his agent comes up with a scheme to have him pretend to date his new attorney.  As he spends time with her, he is shocked to find that she isn’t like the women he has known before.  She is not consumed by money, shopping, and status, and he feels an instant attraction to her unique personality and perspectives.  But her own mistrust of men and the prying eyes of his avid fans will make it hard for him to win her heart.  

Nam Kang Ho was destroyed when his first love cruelly broke up for him because of his lack of success.  The trauma left long-term emotional damage that impacts his ability to be around women at all.  But he fought his way through it and became a successful romantic actor.  Yoo Tae is great for this part.  He handled the dual role of Kang Ho’s arrogant and cold public face with the more sensitive and vulnerable private side very believably.  And I loved how patiently he worked to win Mi Ran over .  

Go Won Hee as Shin Na Eun

Shin Na Eun is Mi Ran’s best friend and roommate.  She is a flight attendant, although flights are limited and she relies on Mi Ran’s higher income to keep their rent current.  She is a hopeless romantic who is repeatedly hurt by falling for the wrong men.  When she meets Won Joon, she falls hard, but convinces herself that he is too successful and handsome to be serious about someone like her.  But fighting against his stunning charm is almost impossible.

 ♥ Kang Ho and Won Joon

This bromance was done so well.  Not only did they have their comic moments together, but there were earnest conversations about love and life that gave the relationship depth and a realistic edge.  I really enjoyed all of their scenes together.  Also, just a moment to totally fan girl over Won Joon in general.  Kim Ji Hoon looked amazing and stole the show with this character. And while I liked his sweet romance with Na Eun, my favorite scenes were still the ones with Kang Ho.  

♥ Strong Female Lead

Mi Ran is such a strong, modern style female lead.  I liked how unconcerned she was about what others might think of her.  She was true to herself in all situations, and whether you agree with her life choices or not, it’s hard to deny that she deserves all the respect for living life by her own rules.  Her scenes as a night vigilante, training Kang Ho in martial arts, and working as a stunt double were fun to watch and gave her character an extra added dimension that I enjoyed.  

Oh Se Na

What exactly was Oh Se Na thinking?  Sure I know I totally crushed my ex’s heart for ridiculous, selfish reasons, but I bet if we star in a movie together he will take me back?  In what world was that ever going to work.  I guess you have to have a pretty big ego to become a famous actress, but still.  Her character just came across as self-centered and pathetic.  I didn’t find much that made me like or understand her, but she also wasn’t really bad enough to be hated.  In the end, her character seemed flat and uninteresting to me.  

More Choi Soo Jin

So, I really loved the 10 episode format of this drama.  It kept a good pace without feeling rushed.  But that did mean that there wasn’t a lot of time for character development.  And one of the most obvious cases of this was Choi Soo Jin.  As a seasoned actress, she was such an interesting addition to this cast.  And there are hints to her failing marriage and a scandalous cheating scandal.  But we never quite get enough information to understand who she is or what makes her tick.  I found myself wishing I could see more about her character and the  life that she had led.  

“Love to Hate You” gives us the happy ending we would expect.  But frst, we need a bit of drama, so we get the obligatory break up.  Mi Ran’s dating past is exposed and Kang Ho’s fans come out in full force to demand they end their relationship.  So Mi Ran makes the leap and breaks it off for the sake of Kang Ho’s career.  Luckily, Jin Seo musters up the common decency we all suspected he had in there somewhere.  He gathers information on all the people Mi Ran has helped through the years and airs the information in a tv interview.  And as soon as public opinion begins to turn, Kang Ho marches over to Mi Ran’s house and they get back together.  Choi Soo Jin has her day in court and is granted her divorce and cleared of all cheating accusations.  Kang Ho’s movie premiere is a success.  And Won Joon finally makes a dramatic love confession to Na Eun.  The final scene shows the 4 freinds on a double date.  Mi Ran revisits her vigilante ways against some drunk jerk on the street.  And they all lived happily ever after.

Chae Soo Bin as Go Eun Gang

Unlike most of her classmates, Go Eun Gang didn’t always dream of becoming a Police Officer.  But when the tutor she has a crush on gets into KNPU, she is determined to follow him.  But Eun Gang is the kind of person who always gives her full heart to what she is doing, and studying to be the perfect cop is no different.  Not only does she discover a love of law and justice, but she finds her girlhood crush is no competition for the heart-fluttering attraction she feels for Seung Hyun.  And the support of her new friends brings her true joy.  But when they lose one of their own, she will stop at nothing to expose the villain and see justice served.

Go Eun Gang is spunky and fearless in the face of danger.  Her unswerving perserverance is what drives this group to success.  I love her character for her strength and fighting spirit.  Even when Ha Na tried to hold her at a distance, Eun Gang refused to give up on her and eventually made her a part of their group.  Chae Soo Bin has an infectious enthusiasm that brought this role to life.  I think the part may have fallen flat without her natural charm to pull the audience in.  I loved the chemistry she had with Kang Daniel.  Their relationship felt smooth and natural.  

Park Yoo Na as Ki Han Na

Ki Han Na becomes Eung Gang’s roommate after they move out of their initial training.  Their relationship is rocky in the beginning, but Eun Gang is determined to become her friend.  Han Na was raised by a single mother who works as a hostess in a bar.  Han Na is constantly trying to pay off her mother’s debts.  Her personal debt to a Police Detective who has helped out with her mother in the past leads her to be a spy among her classmates.  

 ♥ Squad Goals

The interaction between this group of characters is fun and interesting.  The loyalty that they develop with each other keeps the storylines fresh and engaging all the way through.  Some of the scenes with the whole group together are my favorites of this whole drama.  The cast has a natural chemistry that makes their bond feel realistic.  Whether they are having fun and being silly or sharing moments of emotional vulnerability, I enjoyed watching them together.  

♥ Professor Cha

I love Kim Sang Ho as an actor.  And watching Professor Cha shift from being the former detective with a troubled past to being the trusted advisor that the students come to whenever they are unsure of what to do, was perfect.  His quiet concern for his students and his vow to protect them at all costs, made this character very endearing.  His guilt for what happened in the past to Tak’s brother was not overplayed, as he struggled with how much he was willing to bring out into the open.  

Dae Il

So, I know I often complain about secondary characters getting killed, but lots of people seem to agree with me on this one.  Dae Il’s death was heartbreaking and pretty pointless.  There were other ways for them to get that key piece of evidence.  I do thank the writers for giving us a hint to prepare for a tragedy, although I must confess, I really held out hope they were only bluffing.  I really wish he had lived to get to share a romantic moment with Han Na.  

Professor Bang

Maybe it was because I liked Professor Cha so much, that I found the sudden absense of his teaching partner Professor Bang strange.  There is a definite shift between the early scenes that take place during training and the later ones when they become full-time students.  We see quite a few characters quietly disappear.  But the show took the time to give Cha and Bang their own backstory and personal relationship.  It wasn’t like there was a whole faculty of teachers that we met.  So why not give her a part in the growth of her students?

“Rookie Cops” ends as we knew it would from the beginning.   Our officers in training go head to head with Han Sol and his thugs.  Tak comes back and Han Na gets a chance to prove her loyalty to the team by working as a double agent and saving Eun Gang.  Han Sol and his cronies are all taken into custody for their crimes.  Unfortunately, that includes Commissioner Wi, who turns himself in.  After being awarded for their bravery, our crew settles into university, each pursuing their own interests, although obviously still close.  And at each special occasion, Dae Il is remembered fondly, especially by Han Na.  The series ends with their graduation and a romantic kiss between our leads.  

Park Ju Hyun as Ye So Rang

Ye So Rang was part of a wealthy, influential family before her step mother sent someone to throw her out of the house and kill her.  So Rang survived and went into hiding, while her family believed she was dead.  Now she makes a living as a swindler who pretends she can predict compatability between a man and woman.  When she is caught in one of her cons, she worries that she will be stuck in jail.  So she pretends to be be channeling the spirit of the former Crown Princess.  She is shocked when the King not only believes it but asks her to work for him and continue delivering messages from the woman.  But over time, it becomes more about helping the King to move on with his life than trying to fool him for her own selfish reasons.  And as her feelings for the King grow, so does her guilt about lying to him.  

Ye So Rang is a survivor who has lived by whatever means necessary.  So in the beginning, lying to the King is just part of the role she is playing.  But she never intends to hurt him.  So Rang’s rough exterior and overzealous personality give this character the interesting edge she needs.  Park Ju Hyun captured this exuberance well, and although her character could be a bit over the top at times, it worked for the comedy elements of this series.  

Yang Dong Geun as Jo Sung Gyun 

Jo Sung Gyun is the Byeongjo judge who is the villain of this drama.  He is behind the murder of the Crown Princess as well as the kidnapping ring that is snatching young women and selling them into illegal marriages. Secretly, he is also sleeping with So Rang’s stepmother, the former concubine, Seo Woon Jeong .  Together the two of them plan to put So Rang’s step sister, on the throne as Queen.  

 ♥ Anchoronisms

One of the best parts of this drama was the comedy based on subtle, tongue in cheek, modern touches.  These silly little tidbits are thown in casually enough to catch you a bit off guard, which is always fun.  From manga style romance books to paternity leave, the modern era comes crashing into the Joseon Period in unexpected and crazy ways.  

♥ Queen Dowager

I loved the balanced naure of the Queen Dowager in this drama.  We don’t find out much about what happened to the King’s parents, but the Dowager is a kind and benevolent grandparent who seems to want what’s best for her grandson and their nation.  She was no pushover, and she never let past loyalties get in the way of doing the right thing.  So often, this role is villafied but I really liked this more even-handed approach.  

Villains

The Villains of this drama seemed to lack any real depth or backstory.  Other than being evil and greedy, we never really hear of any motivation that would push them to such extreme measures.  And there is no shade of decency which gives us pause in our hatred.  They never show us an ounce of regret or repentance up until the very end.  A bit more complexity would have made them infinitely more interesting, in my opinion.  

So Rang’s Dad

So Rang’s dad is such a pitiful character in this drama and his only real purpose is to step forward as a witness and tell the truth about So Rang’s identity.  For the rest of the drama, he is the poor guy who is bedridden and simultaneously being cheated on while being poisoned by his second wife.  It’s a shame that even after he saves the day by admitting that So Rang is the real Hyeon Seon, he makes no move to reconcile with his daughter.  Certainly he was a bit stupid and blind when it came to his wife, but he was never evil in his intentions.  I wish, especially for So Rang’s sake, that he would have done more to atone for his mistakes.  

Rather than the traditional ending of time skip, 3 minutes of current life, and then roll credits, this drama spent the majority of the final episode giving us full ending stories for all our favorite characters.  Yes, it was filler, but I rather enjoyed the less rushed approach.  First the Dowager helps So Rang prove that she is fit to marry the King.  And with that in the open, Hyeon Hee is sentenced to a life of slavery and the evil stepmother Lady Seo is hanged.  Minister Jo is cornered by the King and his men.  Though he puts up a good fight, the King kills him in the end.  And now that the marriage ban is lifted, the country is having proposals and weddings.  Artist Jung is on hand to make the first legal proposal to Hae Young, and this time she says yes.  Even Court Lady Won and the Eunuch get in on it, by setting up house and adopting 3 children.  And friends and family all team up to bring Shin Won and Hwa Yoon together for their happy ending.  Meanwhile So Rang, who is now Queen, is actively helping the King implement fair and forward-thinking laws to benefit the people.  The final scene shows a young boy and girl, presumably Shi Won’s son and the King’s daughter meeting in a foreshadowing of the love to come in the next generation.  

A tough prosecutor is hit by a car while chasing a suspect and wakes up with amnesia.  She is told that she is the daughter-in-law of the wealthy and powerful Hansu Group.  But even though she has no memories of her life before the accident, something definitely feels off.  As she tries to piece together what actually happened on the day of her accident, she gets some help from an estranged member of the Han family.  Each of them has their own reasons for wanting to get to the truth of what happened that day, and together their resources and knowledge may be enough to expose the lies and crimes they uncover.  

Lee Sang Yoon as Han Seung Wook

At one time, Han Seung Wook was the heir to Hanju Group.  But when his father is framed for embezzlement and killed while Seung Wook is still a minor, his uncle manages to take control of the company.  Now that he is an adult, Seung Wook is determined to reveal the truth of what happened to his father and take back control of the business he should be running.  Kang Mi Na was his first love, so when he meets Yeon Joo, he immediately knows she is not Mi Na.  And he suspects that helping her find her true identity may also help him with his own quest to expose the secrets the family has hidden from him for years.  

Han Seung Wook has been in the US for years, rebuilding the life his uncle stole from him after Seung Wook’s father’s death.  He has worked for years to build the money and power he needs to fight the powerful Hanju Group and make himself the CEO.  Lee Sang Yoon plays this role of the calm, and stable male lead so well.  Seung Wook’s quiet confidence was the perfect pairing for the loud and chaotic Yeon Joo.  I enjoyed their playful back and forth, and Lee Sang Yoon managed to hold true to his character and still make his presence felt.

Jin Seo Yun as Han Seong Hye

Han Seong Hye is the eldest daughter of the Hanju Group.  She shows more interest and skill in business than any of her siblings, but because she is a female, her father never takes her seriously.  She works at the company and is in charge of their hotel chain.  She is ambitious and narcissistic, and she will stop at nothing to take control of the family business.  When she was younger, she accidentally killed Seung Wook’s father and framed Yeon Joo’s father for the crime.

 ♥ Comic Melodrama

Comedy and melodrama don’t often go together and that is for good reason.  But every once in awhile, it is fun to become a parody of yourself for the sake of humor.  And that is exactly what makes this drama so fun.  The ridiculous, over-the-top storylines are taken to the extreme so that no one could possibly take them seriously.  It is meant to make us laugh in its absurdity.  And yet we still root for good to triumph over evil and for our vicious villains to get their comeuppance.  

♥ First Love

The trope of lost first love is used well in this drama.  While Seung Wook thinks that Mi Na was his first love, Yeon Joo apparently thinks he was just some passing stranger that she had a romantic encounter with at the hospital on the worst day of her life.  Neither one is aware that they aren’t meeting for the first time.  It gave a unique twist to the idea of destiny and true love.  I enjoyed watching them put the pieces together slowly and in their own way.

Return to U.S.

I thought Seung Wook’s decision to go back to the U.S. at the end of this drama was a weird choice.  It’s true that he grew up there, but with the death of his mother, he doesn’t seem to have much waiting for him there.  On the other hand, he is now the CEO of his father’s company and he has Lawyer Noh there to look after him.  Add to that the fact, that Yeon Joo had to retake the bar to work in the States and her father is finally out of prison, so they can work on rebuilding their relationship.  Having them pick up and move seemed strange and unexpected to me.  

Seong Hye’s Ending

After watching 16 episodes of Seong Hye be the absolute worst human being on the planet, I felt like we should have seen more of her punishment.  The last thing we see is her getting arrested.  At least we see the Chairman and Chief Prosecutor side by side in their cells, getting what they deserve.  Just one more shot of Seong Hye actually paying for her crimes would have given me some satisfaction.

Well, as all good melodramas do, “One the Woman” ends on a happy note for our lead couple, getting both love and revenge. The Chairman, Chief Prosecutor, and Seung Hye all end up in prison for their many crimes.  And in the wake of all of that revelation, Seung Wook is finally named CEO of Hanju Group.  He tells Yeon Joo that he is moving back to the United States and he will wait for her there. Yeon Joo’s dad is out of prison and he has opened a restaurant with her “uncles”.  But even with them there, she decides she needs to be by Seung Wook’s side.  The final scene shows the couple celebrating Yeon Joo passing the U.S. bar exam by flying home for a visit.  Lawyer Noh is there to meet them in the airport.  And as they walk out a Yeon Joo doppelganger with a haircut suspiciously like Yeon Joo’s aunt Eun Hwa walks by them.  Whether it’s Mi Na returning to her original face, Aunt Eun Hwa running from her financial fraud crimes, or a completely new and unknown twin, we may never know.  Take your pick!

Lomon as Ji Soo Heon

Ji Soo Heon lost his brother to school violence, and his mother never recovered from the shock of losing her son.  Now Soo Heon lives alone at the gym where his coach teaches him boxing in between his studies and his part time job at the bowling alley.  His mother is in a nursing care factility, but her bills are piling up and the doctors are threatening to throw her out.  He is approaches by a classmate, who was also bullied, about beating up the worst offenders of school violence and being paid for it.  Desperate for money, he agrees to take the job.  But as the cases grow, the police start to get involved, and they are close on Soo Heon’s tail.  When he meets Chan Mi, she is also looking to punish the people who hurt her brother.  He can’t help but become involved in helping her find the truth and punish those responsible.  

Ji Soo Heon is a complicated character who lost both his mother and brother to school violence.  On top of trying to pay for his mother’s hospital bills, he also finds out that he has an inoperable brain tumor.  For him, he is aware that even if he is caught taking revenge on these terrible bullies, he will probably die before he has to pay for it legally.  Lomon’s popularity has really grown over the last year or so.  He is rough around the edges and yet very charming.  His characters have a rawness that makes them feel realistic.  I liked him in this role and felt like the sincerity he brought to this character helped make the drama a success.  

Chae Sang Woo as Gi O Sung

Gi O Sung is a class president who is the son of the Police Chief.  He is one of the only people left who knows anything about Ok Chan Kyu’s death.  But as pieces of the truth begin to come out, it is hard to tell when he is telling the truth, and when he is purposely misleading someone to protect himself.

 ♥ Students vs. Detectives

I liked the push and pull this drama had between the professional detectives and the students, who always seemed to be one step ahead of the officers.  Detective Jin was a great character, who insisted on seeing justice served, even when she had to challenge her boss to do it.  But even her best training and resources could never compete with students who were living in the reality of school violence every day.  This sad truth was well displayed throughout the story.  

♥ Ok Chan Kyu

Especially since Ok Chan Kyu is already dead when the drama starts, it would be easy to make him either the perfect villain or victim.  But when all facts come to light, we find Chan Kyu to be neither all good nor all bad.  The terrible things that Chan Mi heard that he did, did actually happen.  But he did them because of O Sung’s blackmail.  This balance and realistic portrayal of Chan Kyu fits the tone of this drama well.  Few people or things in life are strictly black or white.  Many of us fall into that blurry gray area.  

Open Questions

As the credits rolled on the final episode of this drama, I couldn’t help but wonder about all the unanswered questions.  There was so much left unresolved, that I felt a bit let down.  What was the point of Soo Heon’s brain tumor?  What happened with A Jung’s idol boyfriend and pregnancy?  Is Jae Beom punished for his actions?  There is a whole drama worth of open-ended storylines.  On the plus side, I was invested enough in all these characters, especially Jae Beom, to care what happened to them next.  But I was definitely left wanting more.  

DID

The whole Disassociative Identity Disorder story felt kind of sudden and unexplored.  First of all, was the twin all in Jae Beom’s imagination or did Jae Beom really assume his identity when he died?  Also, it seems like Jae Beom’s parents were aware of his condition, but they just let him to drift alone with no professional help?  What kind of parents do that?  And what is the outcome of it all?  I mean Jae Beom is also a victim of O Sung besides the fact that he has a diagnosable mental health issue.  Did the police take all of this into account?  I think Jae Beom was one of the best characters in this whole drama, so I wish he had gotten a stronger ending.  

So, if you are here for the romance, than the good news is that our leads do get a happy ending.  But as I said earlier, most of the other characters don’t get much of an ending at all.  The full truth about Ok Kyun’s death finally comes out.  Jae Beom is arrested by the police before Jae Jin can pull the trigger to kill himself.  O Sung and Soo Heon have one final battle, where O Sung ends up falling off the roof of the school and dying.  All of the students see Soo Heon there, but when Seon Ha spreads the rumor that Soo Heon is the real “Hero”, they all decide to cover up the fact that Soo Heon was there at all.  The final scene shows everyone but Jae Beom and Soo Heon graduating.  The voice over tells us that Soo Heon dropped out of school to do what he wanted and that Cha Min got accepted to the Marines, as she had always dreamed.  Cha Min leaves the group and meets Soo Heon.  The two join hands and walk off together.