We here at Dramas With a Side of Kimchi usually give new shows the good ol’ two-episode/two-hour try when trying to decide if a freshly premiered drama is one we want to pursue. However, I felt I had to make an exception for the MBC drama Love With Flaws. I thought the premise sounded promising. BUT initially, I found myself getting hung up on a certain plot device. Join Karie the Maknae and I to see whether this new Kdrama made the cut for us!
But first a quick synopsis from AsianWiki:
Lee Kang Woo (Ahn Jae Hyeon) is a handsome guy, who enjoys being the center of attention. In his past, he was dumped for being ugly. Since that moment, he has been obsessed with his appearance. Joo Seo Yeon (Oh Yeon Seo) is an enthusiastic P.E. teacher. She does not like handsome men, because she went through a lot of trouble due to her 3 handsome brothers. Her ideal guy is someone who is closer to normal. Lee Kang Woo and Joo Seo Yeon happen to meet. They initially argue about everything, but they develop romantic feelings for each other.
Characters
MiataMama: Lee Kang Woo carefully maintains his diet and exercise to promote a suave exterior, befitting of a chaebol heir. And Ahn Jae Hyeon does a great job of bringing to the surface the awkward teenage kid that still resides under the surface of this leading man.
Karie the Maknae: I have LOVED Ahn Jae Hyeon since Cinderella and Four Knights. I love the understated way he’s playing his character for laughs — I think this is going to be a fun ride.
MiataMama: Oh Yeon Seo is very believable in her role as a tough but caring PE coach, Joo Seo Yeon. Whether it’s keeping her brothers in line or tracking down wayward students, her motivation is always in the best interest of others!
Karie the Maknae: I’m loving Oh Yeon Seo in this role! Her character became a huge disappointment in Hwayugi, so I’m glad to see it was the writing and not her acting ability that caused my disappointment. I love how she interacts with her overly-handsome brothers and her very silly best friend.
MiataMama: There are SO many supporting characters in this drama. I was happy to see a favorite Korean halmeoni of mine, Kim Young Ok (Shopping King Louie), as Kang Woo’s grandmother. I’m also entertained by Seo Yeon’s idol-in-training, younger brother, played by former HALO member Kim Jae Yong. And keep your eyes peeled for a special guest appearance of Kang Tae Oh (Tale of Nokdu) too!
Karie the Maknae: I am SO GLAD to see Kim Seul Gi as the silly best friend! I love her in anything I watch, and she’s been a delight without getting too sitcom-y. The brothers have been fun to watch too — the youngest brother has been hilarious so far.
Plot
MiataMama: The story between our OTP is pretty straightforward and is moving along in a fairly predictable fashion. Yet there are a few things hinted at that leave me curious for answers as the drama unfolds. Because the supporting cast is so large, I do find myself struggling a bit to keep up with all the secondary narratives. However, it was the Korean toilet humor that ultimately caught me off guard! Between the background story from middle school, which lands Kang Woo with the nickname ‘Poop’, coupled with our leading man’s current gastrointestinal issues. . . the subject was focused on heavily, and I wasn’t sure I could keep watching. (This is one aspect of the Korean drama culture that I do NOT understand or enjoy.)
Karie the Maknae: It will be interesting to see how this journey unfolds, because Seo Yeon seems to be oblivious to Kang Woo’s distress. I also love that our second lead is completely incapable of lying — it’s adding an interesting dimension to their relationship. To address the poop humor — I am NOT a fan of such. However, it’s being handled for laughs without crossing the line into vulgarity, so it’s just making me chuckle or cringe in sympathy.
Final Thoughts
MiataMama: So I kept watching, past my usual review time, to see if Kang Woo’s tummy troubles would ever take a back seat and allow me to continue with this drama comfortably. And thankfully they have! I plan on keeping up with Love With Flaws and am looking forward to seeing more sparks flying between our OTP.
Karie the Maknae: I’m in. I may not be sub stalking Love with Flaws, but I’ll definitely be watching for more fun and Ahn Jae Hyeon.
How about you, drama fans? Share your thoughts on Love With Flaws in the comments below!
(Viewer note: Seo Yeon’s brother, Joo Won Suk, is played by Cha In Ha who recently passed away. Both the production company and his family wanted his memory to remain intact through this, his final role. Personally, his scenes on screen are bittersweet, knowing this bright young actor has left this world much too early. –MM)
화이팅!
MiataMama & Karie the Maknae
Dramas With a Side of Kimchi