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Find Me in Your Memory: Episodes 1-4 (Review)

What would it be like if you couldn’t forget? It might be useful, helpful, and even serve justice, but without the ability of our most painful memories to fade, how can we heal? MBC’s newest drama Find Me in Your Memory just premiered in the Wednesday-Thursday primetime slot and is ready to dig into these questions.

Our hero is news anchor LEE JUNG-HOON (Kim Dong-wook). He’s successful, competent, and seems like your average dude. Even though we learn early-on that he’s got a super-memory, it doesn’t seem to interfere much with his unassuming ways.

Where his memory helps, of course, is with his job — whether it’s remembering scripts, or remembering moments from the past that he’ll use on his news show, Jung-hoon has clearly learned how to make his memory “condition” work for him.

In fact, he’s famous as the “gentle tyrant” who seems so calm and mild onscreen, but then pulls out a secret weapon and attacks the faults and/or lies of his many famous guests. In the first episode, we watch him torch a well-respected business leader for abuse, and learn he’s infamous for putting folks in the hot seat. And you guessed it — our heroine is up next.

But before our two characters cross paths, we have to learn about our heroine, too: she’s the famous starlet YEO HA-JIN (Moon Ga-young). I was predisposed to dislike her character, but it turns out it’s kind of hard. Outside of being gorgeous and successful, she’s actually rather with it. Even though she’s slapped with scandals on a daily basis, she quickly disposes of them with witty SNS posts. When her drama co-star has it out for her and slaps her on camera, she says it suited the scene and doesn’t make a fuss. She’s nervous to appear in her first TV interview, but her assistant gives her her iced black coffee laced with whiskey, and she seems ready to go (hah).

The live broadcast is where and when our leads’ stories intersect — talk about pressure! It’s all well and good until Ha-jin repeats an aphorism that sparks some of Jung-hoon’s dearest (and yet darkest) memories. He spaces out on live TV, and even though it’s kind of hilarious to watch, it’s of course terrible for the broadcast company. This moment is also the first hint to the audience that there’s some meaningful connection between our two leads, and the drama continues to leave some breadcrumbs for us as it lays this groundwork.

Find Me in Your Memory goes a little too heavy on the flashbacks for my tastes — in the opening week episodes, we already see the same memories/scenes played back several times. We’ve got Jung-hoon meeting his love, her red shoes, their romantic kiss, a pivotal romantic scene, and her falling to her (wrongful?) death in front of his car on a snowy night. K-dramas love this stuff, for sure, but a little goes a long way, and it’s better not to drown us in flashbacks if they want to keep the undying memory aspect of the show strong. In fact, the repeated use of memory triggers and flashbacks seem a bit of a clunky way to express the vividness of our hero’s memories, but I suppose there are limited means with which to express that, without showing us.

That being said, I did like the overall feeling in the drama’s opening week — that feeling of waiting for several pieces to shift into place. Or waiting for the ice to crack, perhaps? It’s not exactly a sense of foreboding or foreshadowing, but the feeling that there are more to these characters and their stories than we realize. It’s a K-drama, so there’s sure to be a lot of interconnection, but what is it exactly that’s lurking under the surface?

Even though Jung-hoon dislikes Ha-jin and her crafty alcohol-drinking ways, they wind up in a dating scandal (which Ha-jin seems to deal with and/or cultivate on a weekly basis). Thus, they’re thrown together a whole lot more than Jung-hoon would like.

But there’s more than fake love going on. Jung-hoon’s best friend and neurologist is YOO TAE-EUN (Yoon Jong-hoon). Like his father before him (yay, Kim Chang-wan, another favorite), he’s been doctoring and monitoring and tracking our hero’s “condition.” As it turns out, Ha-jin was also a patient of his, but whatever for? She seems completely well-adjusted. Emphasis on seems.

I wish Find Me in Your Memory would have held onto the question of the Jung-hoon/Ha-jin past connection a little longer, since the mysterious and strange connections between them (and the death of his first love) promised to bring an interesting dynamic to the table.

But this drama wants us to know, and doggone it, they are going to flat-out tell us. So, the drama uses its favorite flashbacks to show us that Ha-jin and Jung-hoon’s first love were besties… and just like that, they’ve explained away all the little breadcrumbs that I was hoping to have stretched out for a bit more of the plot. But, since we’re only two episodes into this drama, I will suspend my disappointment over these quick reveals in the hopes that there are some juicier things that await us.

A strong cast of characters always helps, and Find Me in Your Memory has definitely built a strong cast of supporting characters. Some of my favorite actors are here as well, filling those roles, and I was happy to see Lee Seung-joon as the newsroom PD, and Kim Seul-gi as Ha-jin’s assistant (man, she’s aging in reverse!), to name a few.

The drama also had some spot-on cameos, with Ha-jin’s nemesis played by Yura, and her early dating scandal pals played by Kim Sun-ho (heart) and Kim Ro-woon (HARU!!).

As for our leads, so far they’re shaping up to be the damaged-yet-functional characters we’re all familiar with — but they’re also quite likable. I don’t think there’s a doubt in my mind that they’ll wind up falling in love for real, but what about the rest of it?

Will the drama focus on unpacking their pasts? Will the two realize their connection early in the plot and join forces to understand the death of Jung-hoon’s first love? Or will the drama focus on them healing from that passing? I’m an active avoider of spoilers of all sorts — even plot synopses and episode previews — so these are genuine (though rhetorical) questions.

Above all the plot and character setup of its opening week, I think Find Me in Your Memory worked hardest at its tone. It’s mysterious and a bit eerie, but also full of warm close-ups and dreamy flashbacks. There’s definitely room for some interesting things to happen — so long as the pacing and the story keep up. While the opening episodes were a little slow, that’s not uncommon for a show with a lot to unfurl in later episodes, so I’m hopeful that the drama has more to unpack in the weeks to come.

The idea of memory, how it informs our perception of time, and how it shapes our present — these are all very interesting thoughts that I hope the drama digs into as it continues. With a hero who can’t forget, and a heroine who can’t remember, Find Me in Your Memory is primed to include some interesting psychological elements, so here’s hoping they take full advantage of that. Either way, they have me curious to see where the story will go from here, providing the mystery outweighs the angst.

Note: This is only an opening week review.

 
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Haven't watched much of it yet, but I can't help wondering...

1: If the Memorist guy touches the dude who whose head is FULL of memories, will his (the Memorist's) head explode?

2: If he touches the girl who can't remember, will he think he has lost his ability?

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That is the other on going drama, the Memorist vs. Find me in your memory. Understandibly kind of hard to memorize ;)

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Ok, after several hours of self-reflection and (-isolation) I finally get your comment. I could try to blame it on the overload of my memory drive at the moment...

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1: Your mentioning of head explosion may upset our neurosurgeon. 🤣 (Hospital Playlist)

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Kim Seul-gi as Ha-jin’s assistant (man, she’s aging in reverse!)

Aging in reverse sounds like a kdrama plot.

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One that I would if it had Kim seul-gi starring in it😁

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*Would watch

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I can't get rid of a feeling that Ha-jin might be the one who pushed his girlfriend off the roof.

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LOL we're in makjang territory there. I'm sure the show will go there for a while, now that you say it. We'll all be made to think Ha-jin pushed his girlfriend somehow, even Ha-jin & Jung-hoon will think so, until - it'll be revealed it's not her. Kinda like I Wanna Hear Your Song.

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I think it was an accident. Maybe Ha Jin was in an abusive relationship. Maybe her friend fell while trying to help her out. The drama synopsis says painfull incidents caused Ha Jin to repress memories. Or, maybe Ha Jin was depresses and suicidal, the girlfriend accidentally died while trying to prevent it.

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That could be why she told "I'm sorry."

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I think the mystery is more about who killed the girl-friend than what is the connection between them.

I didn't really cared about the flashbacks because all the point is about him not being able to forget, so it kinda made sense.

I liked the characters. I liked how the his friend is concerned about him more than the father who seemed more focus his condition. I liked the fact he didn't talk about Ha Jin as a patient. Professionnal doctor are rare in Kdrama :P

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Especially at the end when the nurse asked if Jung-hoon knows Ha-jin's condition. Doctors don't share professional secrets! She was perplexed. Yes, they don't.

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The supporting cast of characters are very likeable indeed. My favourite goes to Jang Young-nam, who portrayed the head of news dept, being professional and charismatic during work. Appreciate the healthy married couple dynamics between her and the newsroom PD.

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I really like tJang Young-Nam as an actress.

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Extremely rare in K-dramas.

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I enjoyed these opening episodes, but so far the show hasn't really given us any reason to think it can keep up this pace. I suspect it will start to drag really soon.

Given that, episode 2 was hilarious! I was rolling in laughter at Ha-jin's petty revenge plot, and Jung-hoon's bewilderment at finding out who he's dating. HAHAHAHA

And finally, Lee Jin-hyuk. <3 My one pick from Produce X 101 and tallest person in the world, I see you are a good, funny, likable actor too. Glad to see he's taken on a small role. I hope to slowly see him taking on bigger roles in dramas.

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I get a bit of Queen In-Hyun's Man vibe from the interactions between the actress and her manager. Then the social media posts and rivalry with the other actress remind me of You From Another Star. There are lots of worse things they could remind me of...

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Lol the writer of this also co-write Queen In Hyun and Nine!!

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> and her early dating scandal pals played by Kim Sun-ho (heart)

AKA Woo-shik, the love interest of Moon Ga-young's character in Woohoo Waikiki 2.

As for the opening week, I didn't mind the early reveal of Ha-jin's connection to Jung-hoon, because I feel it gives her character more of a focus. You lose the mystery of why she's triggering Jung-hoon, but you gain the intrigue of her having a big hole in her memory rather than her just being flighty. When they show such a clear contrast to how she was then versus now, it puts more focus on her being potentially even more damaged than Jung-hoon and not just how she's affecting his condition, so it brings the two more in balance.

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I'll past on this drama. How long do you think we have to wait for a Kim Seul-gi to be a main lead?

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What would it be like if you couldn’t forget? It might be useful, helpful, and even serve justice, but without the ability of our most painful memories to fade, how can we heal?
For those interested in real-life cases, TV program 60 minutes: Australia interviewed people with this "condition", including veteran Hollywood actress Marilu Henner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpTCZ-hO6iI.
Fun fact: she starred as the aunt of Carrie Wells, a police detective diagnosed with hyperthymesia on the US police procedural crime drama television series Unforgettable.

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Whoops. My highlight above of @Missvictrix 's intro line did not work. Could anyone please edit my comment above, correct my error and delete this comment? Thank you.<3
PS to @Mary - long time no see. Btw any mention of a bidet automatically makes me think of you. Talk about a Pavlovian conditioning.ㅋㅋㅋ

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Never thought a news anchor could be sexy, at least it proves that smart guys are hot. I like Jeong-hoon as the news anchor, but not so much outside his workplace (also his boss, his news PD, and his junior are awesome).

I think I like Ha-jin, for now at least. It might change very easily tho, depends on how the show will handle her character later. It seems like she wants to live her life to the fullest not really caring what fate brings to her, that I appreciate. My doubt refers to the end of episode 2, we saw how easily she surely said she doesn't know, just because she doesn't remember. She's not lying on purpose, but still, we have a male lead that remembers everything in details. So let's see more episodes before making full judgement.

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We all love Kim Seul Gi, why can’t ppl give her more lead roles lately? She’s been playing the bff for the longest time.

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I wanted to like this drama and I am trying but I can't get behind the female lead. I mean she basically blackmailed him into a relationship (albeit fake relationship) after he told her he didnt like her or want anything to do with her and she recklessly pursed him. The female lead is pretty but seems very dumb and vain. I got so angry for the male lead when she told reporters that they were getting to know one another after he said he never want to see her again. The writers could have gone in another direction because that doesnt exactly endear the viewers to the female lead.

The male lead seemed promising although the whole I remember everything/she remembers nothing cliche is getting a bit old.. I just can't get into it because of the female lead. I Just don't like her because the character does what she wants, ignoring the wishes of others and pretends to act sweet and innocent. I hate hate hate hate hate women like that. The female lead in this drama reminds me of the harlot/mistress in the drama VIP with Jang Nara. The girl tried to act all sweet and innocent while sleeping with someone elses husband and pretended she was the victim.. ARRRGGHHH.. did I mention I really hate women like that! So yeah, the female lead reminds me of the harlot girl from VIP (On Yoo Ri) so yeah I just cant get into this drama yet.. hopefully it changes.

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Finally.. all the comments I’ve read seem blind love for kdramas. I can’t get behind the female lead either because she basically blackmailed him and the mc just went with it.

Like what kind of normal person starts “dating” someone like that, whether their reputation is at risk or not. I enjoyed it until that moment.

I hate when characters do that and just ignore the wishes of others but for some reason everyone finds it ok or normal, I’m sure if I ignored the wishes of others, I’d be on the news with a bad rep because I tried to coerce someone into a relationship.

Also for all the female lead knows, the male lead might already be in a relationship or have a fiancé.

Just wanted to rant ngl, I’m probably going to drop this now for a while because I hate dramas like that. I finally enjoyed an MC that stood up for himself and a Female lead that took hits like an adult for the sake of things.

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I like the character in True Beauty but cant get behind her in this drama..I hate female leads that emotionally blackmail to get what they want. It makes me feel uneasy

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I personally liked this drama and I love the main couple's chemistry. The story is intriguing and fun in some scenes. Though I honestly hate how the female lead is kinda dense and too innocent, blackmailing the news anchor just to date him is too much which I always get a face palm hahaha! but despite of those, it really shows that the characters in this drama has flaws like a human which is effective because we reacted to the role they play. Anyhow, I still love them, the contrast of their characters is very interesting for me and I'm looking forward for the progress of their relationship and also for the mystery in the story that is unfolding! This drama is still wonderful to watch! <3

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I just binge watched this show to episode 8 and I loved it!!!.... and came here to see whats going on here ...but I think everybody hates this show!, you should give it another chance...🙂

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I love it too. I was sold to this drama because of Kim Dong Wook & glad that I invested time to watch this.

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There's much love for this show in fan wall and What We are Watching thread, if you check there. Many beanies are surprised that this drama turns out to be much much better than it seems to be.

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Maybe this will get an Open thread after the show concludes?

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I binge watch until ep11 within one day & hooo boy it was a great roller coaster ride! I love this show so much. I think the characters are great. All of my friends who have been watching it since day 1 love it to death so I’m a bit disappointed too realizing people hate it here lol. No worries, you are not alone! There are many who adores this show hehe. Everybody should give this drama a chance. I don’t mind the repetitive flashback because they gives out additional new hints everytime it was repeated. I never thought an anchorman could be that sexy until I saw Kim Dongwook slaying this character lol. Also Yeo Hajin is adorable af! I love how her warm easygoing character melts Lee Anchor’s cold exterior & later his heart haha. Also they have the best (simple yet realistic) dating scenes ever!

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Arghhh I hate Tae Un's dad, such a terrible father and doctor. He's obviously got an ulterior motive with his interest in Jung Hoon.

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I actually liked this show up to the recent episodes (19-22). The female lead talks like a child, and makes the lead couple a little awkward to watch considering their actual age difference.

I usually have no issue with this as the female lead looks older than her age, But does she really have to talk like this?

I’m not sure what other angst they have prepared, but the plot is developing very weirdly recently and I’m not sure what direction this drama wants to take. :/

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Yeah I still like this show and Kim Dong Wook (Hey your so fine boo lol ;) But the 13 yr age gap in rl kills me :( I didn't mind it and in fact didn't realize it at the time of watching.

However, I feel a bit iffy b/c she's in her young 20s and he's in his mid 30s in rl, and people have been shipping them in rl and it makes me feel a bit weird tbh. It'll pass but it does make it a bit hard when the fl (who is written to be 30) acts her age (23) with her baby voice and mannerisms.

Plus the fact that she doesn't know yet the relation between her bff and her now bf is a bit iffy imo. Surely she deserves to know right? Once this show concludes, I'm curious to see from those who are watching what they too think (Series review here pls?).

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I love this show and didn't really feel like the age gap was so evident in the show until the recent episodes too. Her manner of speaking seems to have gone a little too cute-sy in recent episodes. But it's still ok for me so far. I'm loving this show too much that I hope it doesn't disappoint till the end.

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I ignored this when it was announced, and all through its run, mainly because I was getting sick of the amnesia/hyperthymesia/face-blindness/and-the-likes that seem to populate the world of dramas lately. But a week off work means gal's got lotsa time in her hands to play catch-up on shows and I'm glad this was one of them.
Kim Dong-wook and Moon Ga-young just got themselves a new fan❤️.

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Somehow, i wonder why this drama so underrated?? The chemistry is another level and sinematography is so warm and beautiful.... I really love this drama

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