Did you ever start a drama, and by the end of the first episode, you realized that this show is something that you needed in your life? That is exactly what happened when watching the new drama Do You Like Brahms? Come find out what made this click and why you should join in on the Brahms fan train.

Cinematography

Kmuse: The color palette and beautiful filters make this drama feel like you are slipping into something comfortable and drinking a warm beverage. Everything about it is smooth, beautiful, and relaxing. The fact that our OTP are both certifiably gorgeous doesn’t hurt.

Kdrama Jen: I have been away from dramas for a bit, but this one has just drawn me in because it is soft and subtle. The visuals feel like a perfectly composed piece of music. I have had trouble sitting through even the first episode of a romantic drama, but this one pulled me in before I knew what was happening.

Karie the Maknae: Agreed on the color palette and the overall composed and genteel feel of the cinematography. And the styling! Everyone looks sharp and elegant, even when they’re just hanging out at home with the family and picking on each other’s life choices…

Drama Geek: This show is such a nice change from all the darkness of the serial killer dramas or the flashy sci-fi that is on right now. It settles the mind and allows you to enjoy the characters on the screen.

Dynamic leading lady

Kmuse: Chae Song Ah comes across as a timid/quiet character, but you soon discover that she has a spine of steel. Song Ah isn’t going to be aggressive, but she isn’t going to be a doormat either. She stands up to her family over studying music and then continues to make strong life decisions when things don’t go the way she planned. I love it when a heroine is written as polite and nice, but not a pushover. There is also something beautiful about how much she continues to love music, even when her dreams of being a top violinist doesn’t pan out.

Kdrama Jen: I am usually more in favor of strong and bold female characters. At first, I did not know if I was going to connect with this outwardly meek leading lady, but then she surprised me. She may be quiet, but she is strong. The play on her name is also a wonderful touch. When she says it fast, it sounds to people like she is saying the Korean phrase for “I’m sorry.” It just adds to the outward view that she has something to apologize for and is uncertain. Inside, though, she has strength that comes out when she needs it. I also love that she is a music lover. She is not just someone who plays violin, but she understands music and what different program arrangements might convey. I absolutely adore this about her character!

Karie the Maknae: I was a little bit delighted with Chae Song Ah after the first episode. She’s quiet in situations where she’s not certain of herself, but as my kbesties have said, she does have that inner layer of confidence that keeps her from backing down. I think she’s going to be a good catalyst for the unfortunate love triangle our lead finds himself in.

Drama Geek: I was hesitant too, but what I love best about her character is the quiet insight she gives at just the right time. She may not always persuade people with what she has to say, but she’s tenacious and she will persevere.

Finding his way

Kmuse: Am I the only one that thinks that Kim Min Jae is killing it as famous pianist Park Joon Young? His portrayal of the musician who has hit a bump and needs to find himself is mesmerizing. You can tell that he truly is talented and loves music, but somewhere along the way has lost his way as to why he is performing and for who. He is also just a generally really nice person who instantly clicks with Song Ah.

Kdrama Jen: Nope. Not the only one. I love that despite being a talented pianist, he is a kind-hearted and thoughtful person. My heart was his when he went out of the way to keep Song Ah from feeling embarrassed.

Karie the Maknae: YES! His humility is an absolute draw, as well as the loneliness that he wears without really thinking about it. When Chae Song Ah went back to sit with him at the end of episode 2, the shock and happiness on his face was so poignant.

Drama Geek: I love him in this role. It seems to be a perfect sweet spot for him. Elegant and quiet, while also being observant and caring. The leads are very much alike, but also very different.

OTP chemistry

Kmuse: Neither of these actors has done any past projects where I was overly impressed by the romance. They are both talented actors but never had that “it” vibe when part of an OTP. That has now officially changed because their awkward connecting with each other is SO GOOD! Who knew that introvert stammering when accidentally meeting over 120 minutes could be so engaging. They are not a flashy OTP, but you can feel sincerity and connection from the first fifteen minutes. I look forward to them going from fringe coworkers to friends to lovers.

Kdrama Jen: They have such a sweet connection. It just has to be experienced. They seem to understand one another. It is not a fiery connection (yet), but it holds so much promise. Count me in!

Karie the Maknae: They already have shown that they care about each other in the small ways — him protecting her from embarrassment, her wanting to apologize for her coworker’s harsh words — and it makes for a believable first connection. I’m loving the foundation that’s being laid here.

Drama Geek: I LOVE their awkward relationship that actually feels very comfortable too. They are used to being the socially odd one so they kind of quietly understand one another and instinctually protect each other. They also have potential for having tons of chemistry once they progress in their relationship.

Multiple layers of romantic triangles

Kmuse: Not only do we have one friendship group/love triangle, but we have a second added in. That is right; both halves of our OTP are romantically entangled with feelings for their friend who is dating/dated their besties. That is a lot of one-sided pining going about. It isn’t really my favorite trope, but it does beat the more extreme childhood trauma trope that we have seen in most dramas over the past year or two. So I will sit back and enjoy the mild angst it brings to the storyline.

Kdrama Jen: What I love about this is how they explain the way they are all feeling through their various interpretations of classical music and, in particular, the story of Brahms. I can’t wait to learn more and see how all of this builds to a crescendo.

Karie the Maknae: I’m trying to decide if the triangle Chae Song Ah finds herself in is one of her making. I *think* she’s just friends with the violin maker, but could be on the tipping point of more if he pushed that way. Jun Young’s triangle is pure angst — he needs to be rescued from that quicksand!

Drama Geek: My biggest worry is how much the second lead girl will bring angst (and become possessive) as the story progresses. I usually hate when a lead is already in love with someone else when the show starts, but they’ve handled the main OTP so well that I’m willing to overlook it.

Do we recommend?

Kmuse: As I said in the intro, this is the drama I didn’t even know I needed. It is the perfect slow burn comfort show to watch as the nights get longer, and the days get colder. I 100% suggest that everyone give it a try, and maybe you will enjoy it as much as I am.

Kdrama Jen: Serendipity. I did not know I was looking for it, but here it is! This is a string quartet, cup of cocoa, a dog-eared book, and a favorite sweater in the form of a drama. It is exactly what my heart needed. I will be here for the full performance and the last standing ovation.

Karie the Maknae: I have a lot on my drama plate, and I have to admit that the flashier shows will get my attention first. But this one is a keeper — I will come back to it when I have the time. I think it’ll be a great binge-watch. BONUS: Both leads can actually play their instruments — or are being edited to look really good at it. I’m a musician myself, so I appreciate this attention to detail.

Drama Geek: This is a keeper for me. I actually hit play on this instead of what the Maknae deemed a flashier show. LOL.

Til our next random thought,

The Fangirls

Dramas With a Side of Kimchi