Two of the k-drama series I’ve been following ended this week: Record of Youth and Zombie Detective.
Recorded of Youth started with a bang! Ending? Meh.
Zombie Detective had me having second thoughts with the first two episodes. Ending? Clap, clap.
Record of Youth
I loved Record of Youth. The stories of friendship, grit, perseverance, and yes, love too, were all wonderfully mixed. Besides, Park Bo Gum is my second favorite versatile actor (next to Ji Sung). In Record of Youth, BoGummy showcases his talent even more as he plays various roles (as an actor and in the series).
I truly enjoyed watching this drama. I especially love the feeling of relief after worrying that the next episode would be so sad, and then it turns out, once I watch, that it’s not sad at all. It was a good feeling since I don’t like sad stories.
However, while I was expecting what would happen between Sa Hye Jun (Park Bo Gum) and Ahn Jeong-ha (Park So Dam) at the end of the series, I was disappointed at the seemingly neglected growth of supporting characters.
Typically, everyone (from main characters to helping ones) would significantly change by the end of every movie or drama series. However, in this one, it seems like the only characters that grew were Sa Hye Jun, Ahn Jeong-ha, Sa Young-nam (Hye Jun’s dad), and…that’s it!
Kim Yi-Young is still selfish; nothing happened to Won Hae-Hyo’s career and love life. I’m not going to continue with the other characters because I don’t want to spoil this for everyone.
I just feel like the other characters, whose stories are genuinely just as impressive as that of Hye Jun and Jeong-ha, deserve growth as well. I mean, growth in personality, not just in career.
Of course, if I try to justify everything, the ending is still realistic since I don’t really believe that people change. However, it’s a drama! It’s supposed to give me hope that somehow, at least, in a drama, people could change (bitter mode LOL).
Still, despite the disappointment I felt about the ending, I will say that this drama’s casting is inarguably splendid. Every actor played their characters convincingly.
Record of Youth ended with a rating of 8.7.
Yes, this is a drama worth watching!
Zombie Detective
I felt meh (borrowing my kids’ expression) while watching the first two episodes of Zombie Detective.
I actually dropped it after the second episode. Then, one day, when I was feeling utterly bored, I saw an update about the 8th episode. I told myself, ‘Oh heck, let’s give it a try!” So, I picked up where I left off. I then realized how funny this drama is. I enjoyed it!
Yes, I love ridiculous comedies. In fact, I sometimes love slapstick comedy (sue me!). Even with what seems to be a mediocre story, Zombie Detective kept me happy on days when life is too overwhelming with work and other personal stuff.
I like the ending of this drama also. I was initially afraid that the writers or director would drag the story to 16 episodes when by the 10th episode, there’s really nothing more to tell. I was so happy that they ended it at 12, with proper wrapping up, without forcing a happy ending (of zombie turning human) for the zombie.
Zombie Detective ended with a 2.6 rating.
While the rating is average, I will recommend this drama if you want a really good laugh.
Fare thee well Record of Youth and Zombie Detective. While I will miss these two dramas, I’m still happy because Kairos has started just in time to take the place of these two.
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