24

Kolorful Palette: Loving Trot Lovers

Overall, I’ve been disappointed with a lot of 2014’s dramas, so I was pleasantly surprised to be so pleasantly surprised by Trot Lovers. It had all the makings of a potentially good drama to begin with, but I think I’ve become a bit of a skeptic over the years, so I’m always a bit wary about how good a drama will actually be. I’ve found that the magic is usually in the details, and that’s a hard thing to predict. So far Trot Lover’s directing seems a cut above the norm, but I think what I most appreciate is that the characters are all a slight twist on their stereotypes.

(Note: the scene I drew is in both Episodes 2 and 3, but I’ll be talking in general terms about the first 4 episodes since I marathoned them all together.)

Chun-hee is probably the most normal character of the bunch, but rather than being the stereotypical down-on-her-luck breadwinner, she ends up being a “parachute” (hired based on her connections), which completely contrasts with the rest of her life (and I love it!). When I think of parachutes I think of entitled rich kids with powerful parents, but instead Chun-hee is being chased by loan sharks and acting as parent to her little sister. I suppose her situation would be worse without her mysterious connection, but it’s still tough to envy her, and I can’t help but feel sorry for all the hazing she receives as a result of not joining her agency via audition.

I think one of my favorite things about Chun-hee is that music is less about music for her, and more about family. There’s nothing wrong with just loving music pure and simple, but I think her motives make for a more interesting character. To her, music seems to represent past and future happiness with her family, and that makes me root for her all the more. It’s both endearing and refreshing that her dream is to simply be together with her loved ones. That’s probably something that most people take for granted, but there’s not much in life that’s more important.

I decided to draw the scene above because it seems to encompass everything I just talked about. She has to endure her first musical audition ever with almost no prep, but she gets through it by thinking of her sister and parents. She flips from terrified to seemingly having the time of her life, and it’s hard not to find her happiness infectious. It’s like her singing is entirely fueled by her love for her family, which makes her utterly radiant. I overworked this drawing into looking like a screenshot again, but I’m still glad that this is the scene I chose. I don’t really know if I like trot music or not, but when I’m watching Chun-hee I do!

It doesn’t end there though, and I find myself endeared by all the characters. Geon-woo is a more typical parachute, in the sense that he’s rich and entitled, but his awareness of his entitlement makes him extremely likable. He knows that he has a pretty easy life, so instead of fighting for more power or acting like a jerk to his underlings, he’s actually surprisingly kind and even has a good relationship with his father (which is pretty unusual as far as second leads are concerned). I expected that he would either ignore work completely or use any means necessary to establish himself, but instead he seems to be walking a happy middle ground, with a charmingly odd personality to round it all off. After You From Another Star I never thought I could see actor Shin Sung-rok as anything but the creepiest of murderers, but so far I’m actually liking him more than Joon-hyun (despite my best efforts).

I do still like Joon-hyun though, so don’t get me wrong. I thought he would spend the majority of this drama as the douchey idol with a superiority complex, so I was practically applauding when he so quickly committed himself to hard work after hitting rock bottom. I thought it was unusually dark for him to consider suicide, but it was believable, and added a lot of depth to his character. He really does empathize with Chun-hee now that he’s experienced some lows himself, but he’s even more likable for not openly comparing his situation or trying to get her to feel sorry for him. I don’t think anyone would find it easy to be so quickly humbled, so I find the way he’s fighting for himself extremely admirable (at least now that he’s done conning Chun-hee).

My only real concern so far is that Soo-in will end up the typical bitter and jealous second lead, but so far she’s been surprisingly understanding, if a little shallow. Her mother is a tyrant, so I’m hoping she’ll ultimately get out from under her thumb and not give into her pettier emotions. Even if she doesn’t, there are still the loan sharks to appreciate, and who doesn’t love them? Joon-hyun complains that he has to be Chun-hee’s manager, but really, aren’t the sharks already filling that role? They supply her wardrobe, drive her around, and even cheer for her. They’re kidding themselves if they think they don’t enjoy it, and by the end of this drama I have no doubt that they’d take a bullet for her.

Overall, this drama is a breath of fresh air despite its rather typical setup, and that makes me one happy drama-watcher. It feels like forever since a show has exceeded my expectations, although I suppose there are still plenty of episodes left to disappoint me. It’s a bit like a reality show though, and I already feel like I have to see my favorite contestant through to the end. I can hardly believe my luck between this and Joseon Gunman. Thank you summer dramas!

RELATED POSTS

Tags: ,

24

Required fields are marked *

I love that you chose this scene to draw. Jung Eunji may not be hyped for her looks, but when she smiles she puts all the other kpop beauties in the shade. There is something so lovely and infectious about that smile of hers.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

You should check out Marriage Not Dating. It's really good.

0
8
reply

Required fields are marked *

I really liked the first episode of that drama.

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I like Han Groo a lot but the main couple have no chemistry. Even less than Eunji and Ji Hyun Woo in Trot Lovers.

0
6
reply

Required fields are marked *

At the end of episode 2 the scene between Han Groo and the guy from 2AM/Dream High 2 is wow. Sign me up ;)

0
4
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh yeah she has great chemistry with that guy. Too bad he is not the one she will end up with. She had much better chemistry with Kim Young Kwang and Sung Joon in Can We Get Married.

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

I think it's actually fitting that their chemistry is low key at this point. The whole reason they decide to go for the ruse is because they're not attracted to each other.

0

@agentawse - eh, I've never seen a kdrama where the couple totally lacked any chemistry initially and then developed it later - it has to exist from Day 1, and in most dramas anyway the leads don't start out attracted to each other and still those dramas have it.

I love Han Groo but I don't feel anything between Yeon Woojin and her. No sparks, not even of mutual dislike or just-about tolerance.

0

They would make kind of a boring couple imo, even though I do want her to date someone who will treasure her. I'm all for the lead guy!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I actually think they could be really fun to watch together and I like their chemistry, I just think that they haven't quite interacted enough to work up a sense of camaraderie or reach a point of mutual understanding. I'm hoping the next two eps will explore that as the marriage plot begins!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yay! I'm so happy you created an artwork for Trot Lovers! I was really hoping that you did.

But I love this scene as well, mainly because of her genuine smile and energy on stage. Before, she was a nervous wreck but once she had the support of her family, she thrived. I hope that throughout the series, she grows to love music even more--not only because it reminds her of her mother--and continue to smile like that on stage.

Thanks again for this beautiful artwork!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love the scene you draw and I love your mini-recap of the first 4 episodes. I completely agree with you. Despite being such a typical setup and containing many over-used K-drama formulas, this drama is surprisingly entertaining. I think the credit goes to the refreshing characterization, nice music and the acting. Specially Shin Sung-rok and Jung Eunji. Jung Eunji is once again owing her character and Shin Sung-rok..I have already fallen for him.

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

*owning

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

That's an interesting take on the characters in this show. Thanks for sharing. Reading about the characters from your pov is great, however, my problem is in the execution. I wish this drama was better directed or edited and therein lies my dissatisfaction with it compared to the other current dramas (FTLY, HSKoS, MND, JG, YAS). Though I like Chun-hee, Geon-woo, and Joon-hyun, I still don't like Soo-in mainly because of the actress playing her. I also wish that Haitai gets more scenes.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I haven't started watching Trot Lovers yet but looking forward to checking it out in the next week or so.

Thank you again for the artwork! Jung Eun-ji is lovely and her singing is fantastic.

1
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Yes, I'm really enjoying her singing too - is there anything that girl can't sing?!

Always love a drama just that little bit more when the cast contributes to the OST - it makes the characters seem more authentic, and showcases just how multi-talented these actors are (not to mention hard-working)!

0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I love trot lovers too. I'm hopeful this summer. You should also try Fated to love you. It's super fun XD

Thanks for supplying us with great drawing.

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Oh, I really like this picture!

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

"After You From Another Star I never thought I could see actor Shin Sung-rok as anything but the creepiest of murderers, but so far I’m actually liking him more than Joon-hyun"

I feel exactly the same way! It seems he is a really good actor... =)

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Liking trot lovers a lot..hope it doesn't go into same cliches...

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

I started falling in love with Shin Sung-rok's role more than I did Ji Hyun woo's (noooo, second lead syndrome!) but with this week's episode 5 I'm rooting for Jang Joon Hyeon all over again :) episode 4&5 =cuteness overload between the couples

0
0
reply

Required fields are marked *

Am I the only one who felt that episode 5 was awkward? It felt like a different writer.

Why does Jang Joon Hyun get a pass? He's working off a debt that he put Choi Choon Hee in, and he ran off with the money. I'm sorry people are treating you horribly but really, this is your fault is what I felt.

Then an awkward kiss, lighbulb change fall into like, and sick girl all in the same episode? Not to mention the extra side of injustice with skewed voting results on the singing show and a mini "scandalous" picture? Oh and she can't read sheet music....really?

No one recognized Shin Hyo Yul from the picture? Really?

Also, is this going to turn a bit into You're Great Lee Soon Shin with Soo In's mom?

Aigoo! I like Trot Lovers- I'm already suffering from Second Lead Syndrome and I like Choon Hee and the show, but this episode was really doing the most. Awkward.

Has a recap of ep 5 come out..I should vent there shouldn't I?

0
2
reply

Required fields are marked *

Good thing I already watched it or else I'd be crying SPOILER ALERT! 8P

0
1
reply

Required fields are marked *

Aw man. I totally forgot to put the warning...sorry :P

0
reply

Required fields are marked *