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More Than Friends: Episodes 1-2 (Review)

Friends-to-lovers stories never get tiresome. Or do they? JTBC’s latest romance/youth drama More Than Friends tells an age-old tale with some cable channel frankness, but also leans heavily on all the storytelling elements we might expect.

Note: This is an opening week review only.

 
EPISODES 1-2 REVIEW

Like many a drama that relies on relationship background, the premiere week of More Than Friends is heavy on its backstory. When we open, we meet our heroine KYUNG WOO-YEON (Shin Ye-eun) in the past during her high school days. She’s adorable and sweet, but a bit persecuted by the cool girl clique. For all the high school angst, though, she also makes two wonderful girl friends, who we’ll also follow through the drama’s storyline — they’re HAN JIN-JOO (Baek Soo-min who I always seem to love), and KIM YOUNG-HEE (Ahn Eun-jin).

But there’s a third character that becomes the centerpiece of her high school years, and that’s the school heartthrob, LEE SOO (Ong Sung-woo). He protects (and yet playfully torments) our heroine like the best of dramaland’s male leads — for all the teasing and mockery, though, Lee Soo is totally charming. It’s easy to see why Woo-yeon falls head over heels for him.

The basic construct of More Than Friends is Woo-yeon’s unrequited love for Soo, and how it’s held her back in more than just her love life. But it’s not like she didn’t try to win him over, either. Our first two episodes chronicle not one, but two, earnest confessions — once in high school, and once when Soo returns from school in the States during their college years. Both times she confesses, or any time she’s honest about her feelings for him, he’s just as frank back: he only sees her as a friend. Pfftt.

Soo often admits that he’s selfish and self-centered — maybe that’s why he has no qualms about being swoony and sweet to Woo-yeon, knowing full well he’s only encouraging her feelings for him? It’s a little cruel, because no matter the time frame we’re talking about (high school, college, twenties), he can make a girl weak in the knees.

Though he denies it, it’s pretty apparent on camera (at least to me!) that there’s some serious chemistry between them. Picturesque laundry washing scene where Woo-yeon trips and Soo has to grab her not once, but twice? Swoony meet-ups and the hints of liking her? Early on, the drama almost gave me Sense and Sensibility vibes, with Marianne waiting-waiting-waiting for a love confession from the rakish Willoughby.

Much like that Jane Austen story, though, the love connection doesn’t happen for Woo-yeon and Soo. And even worse, Woo-yeon spends ten years of her life unable to fit anyone else inside her heart. When we meet her in present day, she’s in her twenties and has racked up more than a dozen ex-boyfriends. She tries to have feelings for them, and dates people she thinks she could grow to like, but it always ends with a dumping: she can’t forget Lee Soo.

Ten years is a long time for a young girl to nurse feelings for someone, but Woo-yeon is totally believable in this circumstance for two reasons: one, that Soo is so flirty and familiar when they’re together that it’s hard not to take it romantically; and two, because Lee Soo is unequivocally melty and appealing.

In fact, I would argue this drama is basically held together by the boyish charm of Ong Seung-woo. If he wasn’t so convincing in this role, I don’t think the drama would be able to carry its construct as far as it does.

But does More Than Friends lean too much on Ong Seung-woo and his boy-next-door appeal? There were times during the premiere week when I thought they did. Even though Soo often gives Woo-yeon good counsel, whether she’s a struggling high school student, or a floundering twenty-something, it’s still not enough to balance all the mayhem he creates in her heart.

And so, by the time we reach our present-day story, and the two are thrown together as young working adults, I’ve pretty much had it with him. Yes, you’re adorable. Yes, you’re charming as hell. But you’re also taking this girl for a ride, and I’m getting tired of it.

It’s then that I started to wonder — is the drama doing this intentionally? Am I feeling this emotional exhaustion when Lee Soo is around because that’s what our heroine is also feeling? While I’m not yet sure if the drama is clever enough to be doing this purposefully, either way, by the end of Episode 2 I was done with him being swoony and ready for Woo-yeon to be done too. And lucky for us, at this point, she’s gotten there too.

Woo-yeon has long been dealing with what she calls the “curse” of Lee Soo — it’s what has rendered her unable to move on after all these years, and it’s what keeps her coming back to him even after he steps on her heart. But, in a perfect little turn of a fairy tale trope, our heroine decides she has to break the curse herself. And what better way to do that than with a kiss?

This early-in-the-drama kiss was a fun inversion for our premiere week. Not only did it bring in the idea of a kiss to break (instead of build) unrequited love, but there’s also the fact that it was our heroine that made the decision, and the first move. I don’t imagine this will go exactly as she intended, but for now, it works for me.

During the first two episodes of More Than Friends I kept trying to like Woo-yeon more than I did. There’s nothing particularly unlikeable about her, and she’s easy to root for and to understand. I also like the story of her early dream to be a writer and calligrapher and how she’s given them up in order to scrape together a living. But at the same time, there’s a little something missing from her character that I’m hoping turns up in subsequent episodes.

I know Shin Ye-eun can be great (she was totally magical in That Psychometric Guy and I’ve been a fan since then), but I’m waiting to see that same spark in her role as Woo-yeon. Maybe a little love triangle will help?

Before our premiere week closes, we meet our other hero, OHN JOON-SU (Kim Dong-joon). He’s a young and successful publisher, and his storyline is quickly connected to Lee Soo (who’s now a highly sought after photographer) and Woo-yeon (who’s now a struggling calligrapher and part-timer).

Woo-yeon’s calligraphy work catches Joon-su’s finely tuned editor’s eye — but that’s not the only thing that catches him. As if we needed confirmation that he’s a possible love interest, when the two first meet, there’s not only a trip/catch scene, but Woo-yeon’s hair gets caught on his suit jacket button.

It’s actually quite a cute scene, and tells us something about his character and manners, but there are so many falls, trips, and catches in the first two hours of this drama! I’m not exactly complaining, because I really do get a kick out of this trope, but there’s a point where it starts to feel like the only way to show interest and attraction between two characters.

There were things I really liked, and things that disappointed me, but it’s a bit early to judge More Than Friends just based off of the first two episodes. After all, they were full of important set-up, because in order for the rest of the drama to unfold, we need a heroine who’s ready to break her own spell, and change her course.

The love triangle will certainly be at the center of our action, but I’m also interested in the professional side of things, and I hope we’ll get to explore the more artistic side of our characters, and their respective artistic endeavors. Who knows, there might even be a book collaboration in the future, if the hints that have been dropped come to fruition.

While I wouldn’t argue with a little more substance and a little less lovesick heroine in the follow-up episodes of our drama, I also probably won’t complain if what we get is flirty and/or jealous meetings between the three when their paths (and careers) start to converge.

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Yikes... I was initially excited for this. But all I've seen is negative reactions towards the male lead. Which makes me less gung ho to actually take the plunge and start it. I'm not about to willingly sign myself up for a case of SLS!

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What is SLS?

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Second lead syndrome

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#MoreThanFriends caught my heart unexpectedly just by one episode. you know the school romance & slice of life lines that all in all makes the drama a heartwarming one.

I really loved the 2st i really enjoyed it much more than i expected!! it was like a roller-coaster of emotions;
one scene is cute and happy and then it suddenly turn emotional and sad which i ended up loving it lol i cant wait to start ep 3💖🤍💖🤍💖

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The male lead, Lee Soo - he’s scarred, broken even. He basically grew up hearing his parents yelling at each other and it’s only after they divorced that his parents got closer like really good friends. Probably the reason why he is adamant to take his relationship with his best friend, female lead Wooyeon, to the next level. Though it’s really apparent that she is the most important person in his life. Actually, all the characters in the drama have personal struggles preventing them from doing what their hearts truly want them to do. It’s just the first two episodes and there’ll be character developments for sure. And Ong Seongwu as the male lead is very convincing. This is just his second drama but props to his acting. Hope you’ll give it a try.

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agree.. this character is pretty cliched and yet OS is doing wonders with it.. very good..

the FL not so good..

But overall show is interesting.. captures attention

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All i see was positive tho. One or two people complained about the cliche storyline or lack of chemistry. But that's it. You should give it a try. I was not interested at first (only watched cause of PO) but then i can enjoy this drama and can't wait for next eps

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Near-universal K-drama trope: Make the male lead an ass in the first 2 episodes so he can have 'character growth' in the next 14,

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Ah yes, "character growth"... aka becoming marginally less of an asshole and still "getting the girl" anyway! 😂

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I hope it is not just first week review but we will get weekly review on this one. This drama has potential to become that drama that makes you feel happy.

Lee Soo is all thorny but becomes all warm when it comes to one person in his life. To her, he is just supporting, encouraging and life coacher. He is a through and through tsundere that is easy to love.

Yeeun is so beautiful and such a fun actress that it is a joy to watch her. They have perfect chemistry.

Lee Soo has the best lines in the drama. There is no way, you will not fall in love with that dude.

But for now, I need him to start chasing our girl and get over his friend zone.

Can't wait to see that because it is exciting.

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The simple one is the best. I think Ong Seong Wu really good on represent his role as Lee Soo. Without many dialogue between lead role, but we can feel their chemistry. Yes there's still lack of some part, but for rookie, they really build good team & make this drama so adorable. I believe the writer will make good and interesting story. So, pls keep watching till the end 😊🙏🤗😉

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It is so early to judge judge this drama. The first two episodes were not interesting enough in fact there were portions I was damn bored. Will watch few more episodes to see if I should drop it or continue

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I love this drama. I hope the audience not only focus on the “rejection”. It’s way more than that if you pay closer attention. Love the beautiful cinematography and OST

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I can smile everyday after watching this drama. :)
The chemistry from all cast is good.

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I think viewers need to understand Lee Soo's point of view. He was traumatised by his parents and therefore not willing to start in a relationship seeing how his parent's marriage fell apart but only when they remained as friends did they not fought.

Even tho I'm a ong fan as well personally felt it was a bit boring but its too early to judge for now I think we should see how the soo will be to slowly get over his trauma and be willing to get into a relationship

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It's ONG SEONGWU (옹성우)
Not Ong Seungwoo (옹승우)
Please edit it..
Thankyou

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I hope Next episode will showing more lee soo’s point of view so the audience will understand why he became like that. Even though actually it’s already shown in first 2 eps at a glimpse. But i think many audiences didn’t pay attention on that part. They judge lee soo easily.

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Thank you for your review on the drama and the roles. His name is actually Ong Seong Wu. He is a new actor and hope more many can know him through your website. Hope you can continue to see how the drama develop. Thanks😊

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I think I got tired by the plot when the FL is in love with the ML during years and being miserable and suffering alone... Because the ML always loves the FL back, it's just he can't express it because of a stupid reason (past trauma, family, etc.). It's only when a nice guy is falling for the FL, that the ML realizes he could lost her and fight for her...

So I'm rooting for Kim Dong-Joon's character!

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I second that! Go Kim Dong Joon! Win the girl for all the second leads in the k-drama world.

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The male lead, Lee Soo - he’s scarred, broken even. He basically grew up hearing his parents yelling at each other and it’s only after they divorced that his parents got closer like really good friends. Probably the reason why he is adamant to take his relationship with his best friend, female lead Wooyeon, to the next level. Though it’s really apparent that she is the most important person in his life. Actually, all the characters in the drama have personal struggles preventing them from doing what their hearts truly want them to do. It’s just the first two episodes and there’ll be character developments for sure. And Ong Seongwu as the male lead is very convincing. This is just his second drama but props to his acting. Hope you’ll give it a try.

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i unexpectedly love this drama for two ep so far. When I read the plot I was hesitant to watch due to the cliché there is.

Ong Seongwu and Shin Yeeun have good chemistry so far. I wish they will also built up the plot for Dongjun character naturally and more screentime for the other friends story later on. Lowkey wanna see Junsoo and Leesoo together more.

Especially love their Jeju encounter, the scenery makes me wish I could book a ticket there.
Definitely gonna keep watching.

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The drama is beautiful in all it’s form. What I found amazing was the fact that OngSeongWu was able to dissect a character who well that he indeed made us hate the character so much, just like how the makers wanted us to feel and what’s amusing me is, yes we are annoyed at him for rejecting our girl’s feelings but what we fail to realise is that, he’s had a reason for it, he’s been through a traumatic experience in his life and maybe that is a reason good enough for him to be afraid to open up to someone so dear to him because the thought of him loosing her is stronger than that of love at the moment? Hoping the following episodes really unfold his storyline and what led to him being what he is today.. his acting skills just get better with every scene. Yeeun is the cute bubbly character we all love to see in a female lead. As far as the second lead is concerned, I’m not sure if Wooyeon will like him, like how she likes LeeSoo, again because of the curse or what not, but she’s going to consider him to get her mind off leesoo maybe

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My experience with the premiere week was very mixed. On one hand, this show is beautifully shot. I like the story it's trying to tell. The supporting characters are seriously charming (especially Ahn Eun-jin's character, I hope we get to see more of her long-term relationship with her boyfriend). But I don't like the heroine yet, and I hate to be that person again after Was It Love, but she is enough to really tarnish the experience for me. What makes this different from Was It Love is that I can't see anything wrong with how she's written, it's Shin Ye-eun's performance that I'm not a fan of. I don't like anything she's doing with this character so far. And this is going to sound harsh, but I think she's a pretty unremarkable actress who isn't bringing the kind of unique charisma to her role that Ong Seong-woo is. But anyway, I can overlook this for now because I want to know where this story will go and I'm genuinely excited for the next episodes.

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Agreed about SYE performance. She's a mediocre actress. Her acting wasn't particularly bad but nothing stands out either. Personally, I think she's not ready for taking any lead roles yet. She's the kind of actress that needs more experience (not lead role) to nurture her acting skill

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I think if she tried more dynamic roles - maybe a villain, or a second lead, or part of an ensemble - it would better prime her for roles like this!

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totally agree

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I hope people will understand that trauma and family matter is not just a stupid reason that shape lee soo’s character. For some people, it’s a big deal. Trauma is serius matter, regardless what kind of trauma. We are not allowed to judge someone’s trauma. Coz everyone handle it differently.

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it's too early to judge the whole drama only based on 2 episodes. Aside from the love story I can learn a lot of meaningful dialogue about life in the drama. I think it will be good if audience can also get Lee Soo's side story, so the whole plot will be much interesting. Need to check on the next ep.

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When i first watched More Than Friends i'll always asked why Lee Soo always rejecting Wooyeon? In ep 1 we see this parents already divorced but they act like friends, and in ep 2 Lee Soo needs to take sleeping pills every night because he in the past he always hear his parents fight. Lee Soo is not a jerk, he's just afraid that if Wooyeon becomes his girlfriend it could happen in their relationship. So why does he always make Wooyeon as a friend because he wants to see Wooyeon wherever he is. seongwu is really match well with his role as lee soo

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I miss this kind of drama because nowadays too many dramas that makes our brain work harder...

The chemistry between Ong Seongwu and Shin Ye Eun are so goooood. All i can say is More Than Friends makes me smile a lot. Also i love the cinematography and ost too <3

Cant wait for eps 3 :"""

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I forgot to include that Lee Soo's gaze was so ASJADSJDAJKSAKLSJ. It makes me flutter <3

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I really enjoyed watching it. This is the drama that I waited Seongwu to act which is rom-com. All lead casts are good. Can't wait for the next episodes. I don't care for the hate comments on the drama LOL.

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If U hate lee soo character, didn’t it means that ONG SEONGWU successfully delivering the role?

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i really enjoyed the first two episodes of this drama. i was looking forward to it and it definitely didn’t disappoint me. lee soo has a totally wrong view on love because of his parents divorce that caused him trauma so for him, staying friends with someone he treasures is the right way and he doesn’t realize his true feelings. i think ong seongwu delivered lee soo‘s feelings very well because he had that selfish and arrogant attitude but towards wooyeon, he can be charming and caring. i also really like the chemistry between the two leads, wooyeon is absolutely adorable! i‘m excited to see where the story is going!

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*Potential spoiler alert*

Yes, Lee Soo is selfish in wanting to stay as friends because he didn't understand the feelings and pain of Wooyeon's one-sided crush on him. However this is also due to his inexperience and ignorance.

It's most likely that he has difficulties in differentiating between love and friendship due to his parents. They were unhappy during their marriage but managed to get on fine as friends. Maybe he thought it'd be a better idea to stay as friends to avoid all sorts of complications later on.

This drama is very interesting because there were many parts written so subtly that some might not notice it. The dialogues between male and female lead are very important because they showed the difference in their thinking. For ex. the part where they talked about flowery wind at the end of ep 2. Wooyeon thinks the wind is mean for passing by just to knock over the flower petals and leave just like that. The wind and flower is a metaphor for both of them, Lee Soo as the wind who passes every now and then to shake Wooyeon's heart (the flower), yet leaving later on. But Lee Soo on the other hand, thought differently. He said, the wind didn't mean to knock over the petals, he just wanted to see the flower (Wooyeon).

Although the show didn't portray him in the most favourable light, there are some parts which showed his consideration for Wooyeon. For ex. when Wooyeon cried after the 2nd rejection, he faltered and respected her wishes to stay out of her way for 3 years (despite him still wanting to see her) and even changed his phone number so that she couldn't reach him in her drunken state. They only reunited by accident in Jeju island where Lee Soo resided there in isolation.

Due to his selfish nature, he didn't have much friends other than Wooyeon so when he saw her again, he was really happy. It's obvious that he tried to spend as much time as possible together with her, asking her to take a ride in his car, accompanying her to deliver postcards, creating all sorts of opportunities. But what he didn't realise was how he made her heart flutter again, and it was tiring for her to know that he wouldn't be able to give her what she wants.

But anyway, if the curse is really broken like what Wooyeon claims, wouldn't it mean Lee Soo is now free to see her whenever he wants? :)))

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Was my comment too long? The previous one didn't show up lol.

This drama is very interesting because there were many parts written so subtly that some might not notice it. The dialogues between male and female lead are very important because they showed the difference in their thinking. For ex. the part where they talked about flowery wind at the end of ep 2. Wooyeon thinks the wind is mean for passing by just to knock over the flower petals and leave just like that. The wind and flower is a metaphor for both of them, Lee Soo as the wind who passes every now and then to shake Wooyeon's heart (the flower), yet leaving later on. But Lee Soo on the other hand, thought differently. He said, the wind didn't mean to knock over the petals, he just wanted to see the flower (Wooyeon).

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++adding on

Yes, Lee Soo is selfish in wanting to stay as friends because he didn't understand the feelings and pain of Wooyeon's one-sided crush on him. However this is also due to his inexperience and ignorance.

It's most likely that he has difficulties in differentiating between love and friendship due to his parents. They were unhappy during their marriage but managed to get on fine as friends. Maybe he thought it'd be a better idea to stay as friends to avoid all sorts of complications later on.

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I'm not sure why I started watching this. I guess I just want to see Lee Soo get his comeuppance. Am still on the fence as to whether I will end up watching this all the way through, but I find Shin Ye-eun's character quirky and charming enough to check out the next couple of episodes.

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Just to add on, the synopsis for the show states that LS and WY are best friends, but I honestly didn't see that much evidence of it in the two first episodes. There were lots of heart-fluttering and angsty moments between them as to be expected as the ML and FL, but it appeared to me that WY is closer to their other friends than LS. Most of his actions and words have a duality in their interpretation, for which I hope the show will make his real intentions clearer in episodes to come. In some ways, it appears LS takes pleasure in tormenting WY with this duality, as he could have been straightforward nice to/protective of her in many situations instead of shrouding it behind (oftimes mean) teasing and reactions. It doesn't help that when she does confess, he implies she's the one responsible for her feelings, not him (gaslighting her in a way). I get that he's a damaged soul, but he's not doing himself any favours treating his friend (or best friend, as the synopsis says) that way.

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Ong Seongwoo... I love you so much... Your acting is super good... You did an excellent job for ep 1 & 2... Fighting! I will support you whatever happen...

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Hmmmmmm...... these comments 😏

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I've decided they're all posted by Ong Sung-woo's mum

I lasted half an episode.

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👏👏👏👏👏

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LOL it made me think of the Stage Mom in Record of Youth, buying all of the comments for her son.

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I feel like it's the same unregistered person using different names, out here supporting Ong Seungwu...
dear user, you need to chill... it's ok if you like him and the show. no one is fighting you on this...

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Well you can at least rule me out because I didn't know anyone in this drama except p.o and dongjun XD i only left a comment because I keep dropping kdramas recently but I might continue this one.

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Thanks for this, I was wondering if I accidentally wandered into the Amazon review section :D

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ROFL! I was not curious about the show. I liked the FL in "That Psychometric guy" but not in the role with cat and this looked like a rehash of the same story (minus cat) so avoided it.

But the comments were fun!

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I was wondering about them as well! So I was not the only one who noticed! :-D

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I don't think Lee Soo deserves This much of hate,,,,
Yes, he isn't even hardly perfect or positive (though this works for me as i love fucked up characters) but it's not like his flaws are inexplicable and he's just a manipulative bastard (more of a simple asshole and, maybe, coward)
Let's start from the beginning. Soo is a (the only??) child of quarelling parents, he has experienced neither family love nor safe home, which stops him from believing the ideals the society teaches kids and develops (severe??) trust issues. Now, where did it lead? Questionable coping mechanisms, selfishness as an axiom and answer to all world problems, inability to understand other people and loneliness. Soo IS lonely, HAS BEEN for years or, well, for his whole life, and it DOES hurt and affect him (as it does to everyone else).
Here comes Kyung Wooyeon; it seems, that she is the only person Soo cares about and feels less alone ("bored") with. (People with poor social skills tend to have a very few deep connections). She's, like, too important for him to start fighting with her (and eventually let her go) for stupid romantic feelings. But the second time Wooyeon confesses, she doesn't say "okay, let's be friends" (as the egoist wants). He leaves and never comes back because now Seoul is nothing more than "cold and cruel".
Three years Lee Soo avoids any deep connections (and his family of course), has no friends, travels all over the world, obsesses over photography (it's also kinda harmful since it's a solo job and he doesn't work with portraits); he doesn't socialize at all??..
In Jeju he meets KWY by accident. She says she's totally comfortable with him now. Soo thinks they're now back to what they were. Shit happens, you know already. Boom, boom, Wooyeon kisses Soo, Soo realizes he's too deep in love to give this up.
Besides, I like the way Wooyeon slowly shutters his worldview standing up for herself. Looking forward to Lee Soo's development!!!!

Kyung Wooyeon is understandable as well?? She grew a lot during ep1, main reason of what was LS. It's hard to forget the person that made you who you are. LS always believes in her, she knows it and needs it the most (??? i'm not sure but it feels so).

Anyways, hope More Than Friends fulfills all the potential it has! I liked everything except weird editing at times.

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The acting of Ong Seong Wu and Yeeun just excellent. They can make feel the ups, down, sad, fun, angry, irritated, flutter vibe through those 2 episodes. For me when actor who can deliver emotion and make us the viewer feel the same is a sign of a good actor
For this kind of simple and light story line, the acting of the actors become the heart of the drama. Can't wait for the next next development in this drama! Definitely be in my kdrama watch list.

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There is no other way to say this Lee Soo was an ass. Not even in the vein of 2010's tsundere MLs, he was just an ass. Woo Yeon is also not particularly likeable. I don't think I've ever watched a drama where both leads were not it. It is odd because he obviously likes her but because of personal hangup he doesn't want to date her, instead of just saying that he insists that they stay friends. He was gone for 10 years, move on silly girl. Even if he liked her back that would have been a hell of a long distance relationship. The creepy phone calls everytime she got drunk, none of that is cute. This drama is a whole mess, but oddly I'm still kind of into it. Will they be unlikable until the end or start to become likeable.

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We understand your point. But I hope you will like this one soon :)

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Ong Seong-Wu was fantastic in A Moment at Eighteen so I had been waiting for this drama since I heard he was confirmed to play the lead role.
To be honest, I was disappointed a little.
It has nothing to do with Lee Soo's character.
The story/plot didn't excited me... I found it sort of boring.
I think Ong Seong-Wu is doing a great job but Shin Ye-Eun's acting is hmmm, I'm not sure....
But I'll continue to watch next week.
Maybe it will get better?
I don't know it it's true but I heard it won't air this week...

I just wanted to mention this....
I was happy to see the actor played Ma Hwi-young's dad (in A Moment at Eighteen) together with Ong Seong-Wu in the Je-ju island scenes. He was super awful character there but in this drama, he was so nice and good, completely different from Hwi-young's dad role.
Such a great actor

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So far, I like the drama. I like that the FL told her crush that she liked him. I enjoyed that he told her "no". The hurt she continues to feel is on her, and I hope she can continue to work on growing up. It's a predictable plotline, but so far, I stayed intrigued, and didn't find any of it boring. I hope this continues. I also hope the usual tropes were all employed in these 1st two episodes, and that the series unfolds with some unpredicability.

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I like Ong since "Moment at 18" and keep an eye on Shin Ye Eun since "That Psychomatric Guy".

So far, I feel great watching them together and the reaction with their group of friends make me thinking of my friends.

Weekend needs to come quickly.

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We are used to the shallow beautiful girl who takes for granted the guys who are falling all over themselves around her- and tramples on hearts without a second thought. Here our male lead is the male equivalent. Examples of such people actually exist in real life. The key is to understand how very thoughtless they are.

Yes, my first reaction to our ML is a desire to punch him in the nose, then slap him and yell at him to buy a clue. If this story is to have substance then we will need to see something at this level happen to him. Until then I am rooting for our second male lead, the publisher. In fact, I would dearly love to see our thoughtless male beauty left in the dust at the end. I vaguely remember one K-drama where it is the second female lead who gets the guy- and deserved to, even though the FL was a good person, etc.

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I am more curious about that show where second FL gets the guy. I guess I am tired of watching women with education, taste and grace being dissed along with making them second FLs. :-D

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"I vaguely remember one K-drama where it is the second female lead who gets the guy- and deserved to, even though the FL was a good person, etc."

I just remembered Kim Takgu. He ended with the second female lead.

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I wish I could remember the name of the drama that I was thinking of, but this means that it has happened at least twice in K-dramaland.

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This was kind of... flat? But I liked Dongjun and the lawyer best friend, so I’m hoping this will get a bit better as plot picks up ✨

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I really like out heroine. She's a bit timid but she goes after what she loves (Lee Soo, writing and calligraphy) no matter how much it breaks her heart. I cheered for her when she threw out that pocket watch after the kiss scene. It solidified her intentional to quit Lee Soo.

The group of friends are great too. PO is adorable as always.

Can Lee Soo and Wooyeon not be the end game? Realistically, first love lasting is rare. I just want her to grow despite of Lee Soo, and for Lee Soo to find his happiness (whatever that means for him).

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"Can Lee Soo and Wooyeon not be the end game?" SAMMEEE

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To me, male lead (Ong) acting here is just.... I can't feel anything, I'm not charmed by it, and it's awkward.

The guy is already 30 and still have problems with relationship commitment, he has money, he could do therapy tbh.

He is selfish, girl is telling him seeing him HURTs her, it is making her suffer and he is like "Don't matter, I'll still see you and follow you" toxic.

Watching the preview, we can even see he will be even more selfish, acting jealous about her relationship with Boss.

How he can act like that? Didn't he reject her? Why he is trying to stop her from dating the boss if he just wants her friendship?

Btw, second lead is not perfect I bet he is the one listening female lead drunk calls

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Universal military service in Korea makes for some oddities in dramas. We either get actors in their early 20s playing industrialists or actors in the late 20s-30s playing guys still going through a awkward phase.

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To be fair to Lee Soo though, Woo-Yeon did date (and failed to maintain a relationship) 12 other guys and the show didn't indicate he had any problems with her doing that. My guess is that up until the end of episode 2, she had always maintained her friendship with him all this while (drunk, unrequited love confessions not withstanding), and as long as he had that connection, he was content to let her date others. It's only when she ends their friendship because she feels that's the only way she can move on that he's spurred to do something about it.

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I think this drama has potential and will definitely give it some more time!! It became apparent that Lee Soo has trauma and scars and seeing his parents’ past (and present) is not only keeping him from progressing further with Wooyeon but I think it’s also hindering his ability to establish meaningful relationships with people in general. He’s guarded and protective of himself and it shows through his actions and the countless times he has told Wooyeon to care for herself before others. I’m interested to see how Lee Soo will try and win Wooyeon back, and how the healing of both characters will go!

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Ngl I was very disappointed about the first 2 episodes. It was really boring and nothing interesting that kept your eyes on the screen. I mean ROY and DYLB considered a boring slice of life too but there is this factor that kept you from dropping it.

I was really looking forward to this drama because it looked so swoony in the teasers but I feel cheated. I do not find Lee Su as charming, to be completely honest, he's a selfish asshole while the FL is too obvious and desperate which is very pitiful but I'll check the next 2 episodes before dropping it.

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Ngl i dropped ROY & DYLB after few episodes too. Guess i'm not a fan of these type of dramas

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Thanks for the recap!
I watched the first hour and as cute as the soundtrack and leads are. I just can't get past Soo's behaviour. He is completely leading woo-yeon on because he can or he is bored? It did seem like he too had feelings for her and is choosing to tease her instead but his actions are unnecessarily cruel. I was looking forward to a friends to lovers romance but this sadly isn't it.

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"In fact, I would argue this drama is basically held together by the boyish charm of Ong Seung-woo. If he wasn’t so convincing in this role, I don’t think the drama would be able to carry its construct as far as it does."

Kinda agree on this part.
Idk mostly i don't feel the "storyline". I love the friendship between the girls. Yet i don't feel the "friendship" between soo and wooyeon. Maybe bcs the back story was too short?
I heard the male lead received praise at his last drama and the fm lead also got praised at ateen (not watching both) but their acting is quite good here. The 2nd male lead also got my attention.
Anyway i still enjoy this and tho i'm not that curious about the next ep i will still watch it. I can relate the first-and-onesided-love so much, i think that's why i'm not droppin this.

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<3

So far I love the flow of the story and I have watched the episode 4 already. Now, I am looking forward to it :)

I think all characters are effective and they express well what their roles are :)

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I love this drama a lot :)
Narrative flow + Settings (I love the places where they shoot each episodes) + actresses/actors who portray + acting = <3

Others may think that Lee Soo's story is quite shallow
But psychologically, it is not. It is a serious problem in reality :)

Looking forward for more episodes :)
Can't wait for Friday already ❤️

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Wow I hate this premise... as someone with a major complex that derives from losing a best "friend" after that friend's romantic attachment to me faded, I am particularly adverse to the FL character. 

REGARDLESS of whether the ML has/had romantic interest in her, the fact that she ONLY wanted to be around him if he would accept and reciprocate her feelings is just as gross as any redpilled incel who claims being friend zoned proves all women are b**ches. Or whatever.

I might jump in after a few more episodes air, but episode 2 just knotted my stomach in a particularly bad way.

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This drama and when I was the most beautiful are effectively Rorschach tests for women. A puzzle to see if women can see through guys crap and understand what is really important in life and what isnt. The script writers wrote the story as Ye-ji being one of the stupid ones.
Here we are testing to see if Woo Yeon is woman enough to follow her heart or settle for anyone who is just nice. The facts are these.
The FL has liked the ML for 10 years.
FACT: Through that time he was a best friend. He never encouraged her love due to his own problems with his parents but protected her at every obstacle in her life. Selflessly. Doing it all without her even knowing.
During this time SHE dated 12 guys. He never dated anyone.
Through a series of events the ML could no longer deny his feelings for her as if those feelings were overpowering and rewriting his love perspective due to his parents.
FACT: The 2ML witnesses the FL making one of her confessions to the ML so he knows her and of her love for the ML from his day 1 of seeing her. He has a cellphone that has the same number the ML used to have and recieved messages and calls on it from the FL for years and has listened to her feelings and issues with the ML. He eventually meets her, uses his position as a publisher to get close to her, offers her a job.
Through many situations the 2ML KNOWS he is the second fiddle, but he uses every trick in the book to persue the FL. The 2ML gives the FL till a musical event to say yes or no to accepting him.
She attempts a relationship as she has done 12 times before but when the ML finally comes to terms with his true feelings and how they outweigh any past traumatic relation based reservations he has grown up with he confesses and arranges to meet for a date at Namsun Tower. She is noncommittal but he says he will wait.
The day comes, she turns down the 2ML at the venue and goes to Namsun. When she gets to Namsun the ML is there but being put into an ambulance because he is uncousious from being hit by a car. He remains unconscious for an hour at the hospital. When he wakes he rips out his IV runs out and back to Namsun. On the way he calls and asks if she is waiting. She lies says shes with the CEO and didnt come.
All this eventually comes to light be she, thinking he had stood her up, has already accepted the 2ML who was waiting at her house as a consolation prize.
The 2ML also knows all this and continues to skeeze his way into her life further. The FL sees many signs as he is doing it. If she would realize it she would see he is a blank paper, molding himself into whatever form would appeal to her. He admits it. He will learn to like spicy food because she does etc....
Ladies, this is not a personality type that will last long term in a realtionship, you know that! Quit wanting them together because he seems to be the "nice" guy.
Even the FL's girlfriends like the CEO because he seems to treat her nice but they eventually recognize and tell...

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Even the FL's girlfriends like the CEO because he seems to treat her nice but they eventually recognize and tell her that if she is wavering that bit means she doesnt really like the CEO and it will end in failure and unhappiness.
In one scene where the ML is basically saying "Whats the problem? I went to Namsun and you went to Namsun. We both know what we want." And yet the FL is saying "why now after 10 years? Just because I am with the CEO now you change your mind? Why did you lie and say you werent at Namsun because something came up and when I asked you said it was nothing? Why dont you just leave Korea and never come back? etc"
The ML should have told her, "I am not the one who lied am I? I said something came up and it did. You are the one who lied and said you didnt come. You lied and said you were with the CEO!! You accuse me of interfering because of the CEO but I didnt with your last 12 boyfriends. Whats different is my feelings!!"
The FL here is outside of reason. She wants her pound of flesh for her 10 years of suffering.
She cruelly removes what turns out to be the last surviving picture he had of her from his wallet and when he moves heaven and earth trying to find it all while selflessly not telling her what he is looking for and keeping her safe and comfortable in the car in the rain.
When she comes to look for him and finds him soaked and desperately searching she KNOWS what he is looking for and WHY!
Summary.
If she stays with the CEO the ML will never be able to see her again! Never able to be her friend again! And also never be able to see the one person he has ever felt love for again! That picture is all he has left!!!
He was always a friend even if he didnt love her.
She wants him to leave forever!
Other than not loving her, he cared for her all this time.
She however seems to enjoy causing him pain.
His unrequited love is WAY more painful.

Compared to the ML the CEO is a stalker manipulating her. Proof: Female commenters say she should be with the CEO because he's "nice" as if thats how they chose their boyfriends. Just go and look for the 1st "nice" guy.
They should have cast a less attractive guy as CEO and seen the female commenters opinions change. Where is the female recognition of the ML doing things seeking no credit and the 2ML doing things COMPLETELY for credit?

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I just finished binge-watching this, and I'm glad I did. I might not have finished watching if I had seen this relationship repeat itself over and over again for 8 weeks.

I really want to like Shin Ye-eun - she was so good in He Is Psychometric - but after Welcome (the cat show) where she ended with a really unhealthy "I'll wait for my cat boyfriend forever" relationship, this felt like something similar, where she's just the girl that this guy plays with and picks up whenever he returns to Korea.

So much beef to pick with this show! (Given the show's over, the rest of this post will have spoilers.)

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Firstly, plot holes. She got a chance to be a movie consultant and hand actor, and that coincided with them leaving on this 1-2 yr trip together. There's a cool concept called "meet you later" and "I'll buy my own ticket and see you on top of the Empire State Building" or wherever. Do it, and then head out to meet your boyfriend for a while.

In fact, I was kind of expecting it since the story already had precedent - they already did the whole photoshoot + calligraphy quotation book together, so it's not like she can't wander around with Soo while he shoots.

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Secondly, why drag out the use of telling each other honestly what you feel, and also drag out Soo's personal growth? He already started photographing people when he and 2nd lead gave Woo-Yeon that one month time skip, so technically he was already "growing". That could have been extended a couple of months more, and he could have had his big exhibit anyway; then the story would not have need to drag out another 4 painful episodes.

Third, fourth, fifth, hundredth complaint would be that there was just basically too much dragging out of the cycle. She likes him, confessed at 18, then again at 28 or whenever, got rejected, and then it's his turn to crush on her for like 2 seconds while she gives the 2nd lead vain hope, but then she gives in and they date for 2 seconds and then break up when they separate, and then they get back together again just because she still loves him.

I'm really trying to see the value of being a doormat to a guy who treated her like trash for 10 years, and I think Ong Sung-woo managed to salvage some likeability for Lee Soo, but OMG this is a toxic relationship.

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I want to be convinced that Woo-Yeon and Soo are "meant to be" and that the whole idea of "if I decide so then he is my destiny", and also Soo's personal growth where he truly sees and appreciates love (including loving himself), but that really didn't come through enough/long enough in the show.

That being said, the good thing about the show: I actually think this is quite true to life, having seen some friends who have always been circling each other back and forth and they can ONLY make a relationship work if they're with each other. So in a sense, the rejection of the 2nd lead played by the awesome Kim Dong-joon - another doormat, I'm afraid - is quite true to life. That may or may not be a plus.

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I was moderately impressed with the three-phase styling of the cast - high school, 20-agers, and then 30-agers. They did what they could with the hairstyles and clothing and it was quite fun to see.

I loved the girlfriends together, and also the related theme of hanging out with friends who have grown with you through the awkward teenage years together - that these are your friends for life. As someone who has a precious group of such friends - nothing could replace years and years of friendship together. And that's the thing which I'm taking away from this show.

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