I’m a relative newbie to the world of webtoons, but I am having so much fun delving into that world of K-entertainment as well! And I love it when one of those webtoons comes to life on my small screen. I have been waiting months for Meow, the Secret Boy to air! And the first two episodes did NOT disappoint. Join me and Telzytalks to see if this cute and fluffy adaptation is one you should be watching too!

But first, a quick synopsis from MDL-

A graphic designer in her mid-twenties, Sol Ah harbors dreams of becoming a web-based comic author and has always had a love-hate relationship with cats.

But Sol Ah’s life changes fast when she brings home a friendly feline. It turns out, however, that this is not any old cat. Named Hong Jo, he can take human form.  Hong Jo becomes exceptionally fond of Sol Ah, and goes to great pains to hide his human identity from her. He soon proves that he will do anything that is required in order to stay near her.

Will Hong Jo manage to keep his identity a secret? 

And what could be in store for this remarkable feline-human duo as their relationship deepens?

Cats vs. Dogs

Our drama begins with some introspective food for thought— There are two types of people; those who are like dogs and those who are like cats. And as each subsequent character is introduced, we see how those tendencies manifest!

MiataMama: I absolutely loved how each character took on a dog or cat personification. From Sol Ah’s high school friend, who is a bouncy puppy come to life, to her co-worker who prefers to communicate from a distance via post-it notes, each role accentuated their four-footed stereo-type. I’m a cat person, both in demeanor and choice in pets, so I felt akin to those in the story who appreciated solitude, quiet and minimal attention!

Telzeytalks: Sol Ah even compares her dad to a cat. He sits in his rocker in a sunny window and hardly moves or talks. Not talking seems to be a cat trait in this show. Dad is in for a surprise when a certain white fluffy cat shows up and claims his spot in the sun!

Sol Ah the ‘Dog’ Girl

Sol Ah is a dutiful daughter, reliable worker and good friend to those around her – the epitome of loyal and true. Even as her world gets turned upside down, she presses forward determined to make the best of things. Plucky heroines for the win!

MiataMama: I’m really enjoying Shin Ye Eun in the role of Sol Ah. She has great comedic timing and her chemistry with her furry, four-footed co-star is on point as well. I most love that she’s all-around cute and lively, with just a dash of awkward! 

Telzeytalks: She’s really a friendly, likable person. I especially like her mini-expressions, such as her secret grin and shyly ducked head when she admits to coming to the bench by the river because Jae Sun usually sits there. And then when she offers to take the cat, she averts her eyes and purses her mouth – her face is never still.

Hong Jo the Cat ‘Boy’

How our cat boy gets his ability to shape-shift from fluffy feline to fluffy sweater dude, we’ve yet to find out. But whether it’s on two feet our four, he is staying close to his new person and figuring out what it takes to be a part of her world. 

MiataMama: I love Kim Myung Soo (aka L)! I was especially excited for this drama when I found out he would be taking lead. It’s a well-known fact among my kimchi sisters that I swoon for dimples. So, L as Hong Jo in his human form with his sweet smile, slow blinks, and soulful stares has me falling HARD!

Telzeytalks: I am enjoying the beautiful white cat with the big innocent eyes, and enjoying even more the mannerisms of our guy in the white sweater when he is human. He moves slowly until he suddenly jumps. His eyes dart around skittishly as he avoids loud noises and dogs. He is alternately on high alert and quietly uncertain. And in the first couple of episodes at least, he never talks. (MiataMama: The white cat is gorgeous – I love him too!)

Hello Second Lead Syndrome!

Sol Ah’s love-hate relationship with cats seems to have originated from her one-sided crush on her high school love. Jae Sun’s cat-like tendencies frustrate her to no end, but she’s still hopelessly enamored with him. The love triangle is going to be strong in this drama – I don’t know who to root for! 

MiataMama: Seo Ji Hoon’s portrayal of the standoffish, yet caring Jae Sun is making my heart flutter – I was not prepared for this!!!  I foresee some SLS angst in my future. 

Telzeytalks: When Jae Sun walks up behind Sol Ah with a bag of groceries in his arms, I knew he was serious competition for the cat boy. A man who knows the importance of baguettes is a keeper! He doesn’t seem to particularly like her, although we can’t really tell what he is thinking.

Final Thoughts

MiataMama: There were many little details that I appreciated as I watched this drama. The vibrant colors and camera work that made me feel like I was watching the webtoon pages come to life. And the subtle mannerisms of each of the characters that furthered the cat and dog theme. But mostly I loved that the story is cute and fluffy and sweet. . . and did I mention cute?! This drama is the perfect distraction for me right now and I can’t wait for the next episode!! 

Telzeytalks: I really love the way this drama is shot, so often with low cat’s-eye views from under the bed or looking up at doorknobs. They have the cutest little boy ever in a white sweater playing our cat-boy from a few years ago. And when that maple leaf drifted down on him, was I the only one who was reminded of Goblin? The whole thing is very charming and light-hearted, with a touch of wistfulness.

Are you watching Meow, the Secret Boy? Let us know in the comments below! 

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MiataMama & Telzytalks

Dramas with a Side of Kimchi