The situation
ENA's new romantic comedy "Dream to You" premiered, telling the story of Joo Yi Jae and Woo Soo Bin as they navigate first love, regret, and heartbreak. The show's early episodes balance optimism and harsh realities, but some elements feel clichéd and frustrating. The drama follows the complexities of life, love, and adulthood, with a unique blend of youthful romance and cinematographic setups.
What the internet did with it
- The show's slice-of-life vibe and youthful romance have been well-received, with many praising the charming and nostalgic portrayal of the characters' high school days.
- However, the disparity in circumstances between the two leads and the overflowing melodrama have been criticized, with some finding the poor woman-rich man trope and the abundance of tragic plot points to be off-putting.
- Netizens on Theqoo seem unbothered by the drama's flaws, focusing instead on the chemistry between the leads and the potential for character development — "she really said what we were all thinking and left", one commenter noted, though the room's overall vibe is more *답답해* (frustrated) than enthusiastic.
The open question
The key to the drama's success will be how it balances the lighthearted, comedic moments with the heavier, more dramatic plot points, and whether it can subvert or effectively utilize the clichéd tropes that have been introduced. Specifically, the show's ability to make Soo Bin's character less controlling and more supportive of Yi Jae's goals and desires will be crucial in winning over viewers.