Mary Kathleen Cabugnason
Grade 12- St. Ignatius of Loyola
K-Drama Reviews for 21st Century Literature
Our Beloved Summer
20th Century Girl
When Life Gives You Tangerines
Our Beloved Summer
Review of Our Beloved Summer K-Drama: A Heartfelt 9.5/10Okay, so let’s talk about Our Beloved Summer. I can’t even begin to describe how much I adored this drama! It’s got everything—great chemistry, brilliant acting, and a vibe that’ll stick with you long after the final episode. Seriously, this show is a mood.First things first, the chemistry between the lead couple, Choi Woong (played by Choi Woo-shik) and Kook Yeon-su (Kim Da-mi), is pure magic. They’re one of those pairs where you can feel the tension and love through the screen. Every glance, every awkward moment, every sweet interaction just feels so real. The actors absolutely nailed their performances—I'm talking Oscar-level talent here. You can tell they’ve put their heart and soul into these roles, and it shows.Then there’s the whole feel of the drama. The cinematography is breathtaking—every scene is shot beautifully, from the rich color palette to the stunning locations. It's like a visual feast that matches the emotional depth of the story. It’s cozy, warm, and just beautiful. Every episode feels like you're watching something a little bit magical unfold.Now, let’s talk about NJ (Kim Da-mi’s character). She’s a bit of an enigma. At first, you’re not sure what to make of her—her aloofness, her complexity—but by the end, you totally get why she’s the way she is. She’s strong, vulnerable, and utterly fascinating to watch. There’s something about her character that keeps you guessing, which I loved. You just want to know what’s going on in her head at all times.All in all, Our Beloved Summer was a gem of a drama that kept me hooked from start to finish. The cast, the vibe, the emotions—it all just worked. I’m giving it a solid 9.5/10. If you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? Trust me, you won’t regret it!
20th Century Girl
Review of 20th Century Girl Movie: An 8/10 Emotional RollercoasterOkay, 20th Century Girl? Wow. Talk about an emotional gut punch! From start to finish, this movie took me on a wild ride. If you’re into a good tearjerker, this one’s for you. I don’t think I’ve felt this invested in a movie in a long time. It’s got that big feels vibe, and trust me, you’re going to need tissues.First off, the plot twist—oh boy, I won’t spoil it, but just know this: you’re NOT ready. It’s one of those moments that hits you like a ton of bricks. I thought I had it all figured out, but then BAM! The twist is so gut-wrenching, it will leave you questioning all your life choices. I’m still not over it, to be honest. If a movie can keep you thinking about it days after you’ve finished it, you know it’s done something right.Now, let’s talk about the vibe. The whole retro 90s feel? YES. It’s nostalgic and cozy, with a bit of bittersweetness that matches the emotional depth of the story. The music, the fashion, the little details—they all transport you to a different time, making you feel like you’re living in that era with the characters. It’s a vibe I could watch for hours.And oh my god, the characters—I’m still not over the leads! Both of them broke my heart in different ways. You can’t help but feel sorry for them. You root for them, you feel their pain, and you just want everything to work out. Their love story is complicated and messy, but that’s what makes it so real. It’s not perfect, but it’s beautifully imperfect, and I think that’s what makes it stick with you.In the end, I’m giving 20th Century Girl an 8/10. It’s emotional, it’s raw, and it’s one of those movies that makes you feel deeply. If you’re in the mood for a love story that’ll rip your heart out and leave you a little bit broken (in the best way possible), this one’s for you.Seriously, though—if you haven’t seen it yet, grab your tissues. You’re going to need them.
When Life Gives You Tangerines
Review of When Life Gives You Tangerines: A Perfect 10/10 DramaOkay, When Life Gives You Tangerines? 10/10. I’m not even kidding. This drama is the emotional rollercoaster you never knew you needed, but once you hop on, you’ll be hooked. It’s one of those shows that will play with your heartstrings every single episode. You’ll laugh, cry, and probably spend half of it wiping your tears off your face. Honestly, it will drain your eyes out in the best way possible. And the journey? Completely worth it.Let me just start by saying—the actors. I mean, IU and Park Bo-gum? Talk about dream casting! They’re two of my absolute favorite Korean actors, and they nailed their roles. IU’s acting is subtle yet so powerful, while Park Bo-gum brings that perfect blend of charm and depth. Together, their chemistry is off the charts, and every scene feels so real. The way they portray their characters’ emotional struggles and growth... you’ll be feeling everything. These two definitely make this drama one of the best things I’ve watched in a long time.And then there’s the cinematography. I couldn’t help but be in awe of how beautifully shot this drama is. The scenes are framed so well, with the natural beauty of the locations only adding to the emotional weight of the story. The camera work captures every small detail—every expression, every tear—and it just pulls you deeper into the world the drama creates.Now, the plot—you’ll be hooked from the very beginning. The story is so well-crafted and full of life lessons. It’s not just a romance; it’s a story about healing, growth, and finding hope in the most unexpected places. Each episode leaves you with something to think about. You’ll learn about love, life, and how even the smallest things can make the biggest impact on your heart. I couldn’t stop thinking about the messages and themes after each episode. It’s powerful stuff.This drama will definitely play your emotions—it’s a beautiful journey of pain, joy, and redemption. But by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve gone through something transformative yourself. It’s emotional, but in the best, most cathartic way possible.I’ll say it again: When Life Gives You Tangerines gets a 10/10 from me. If you’re looking for a drama that’s got heart, soul, and incredible performances, this one is an absolute must-watch. Prepare for an emotional ride—and bring tissues. Lots of tissues.Trust me, you won’t regret it!