So I Married an Anti-Fan (2021)

Brilliant Rom-Com

For K-drama followers, it is not a mystery as to why the airing of “Anti-Fan” was delayed. Not picked up by any of the TV/cable stations, this drama which was due to air in 2018, took more than two years to reach us through leading streaming sites. Regardless of rhyme nor reason, I am so EXTREMELY GLAD that this drama fell onto our lap this year in 2021. Right after the 1st episode, I already knew there was no need for my magnifying glass and my di-section tools. From 2nd episode onwards, I was so enamored by the characters and mood of the drama, I could actually just sit back, relax and enjoy the drama effortlessly, week after week. Simply my most favorite Rom-Com in 2021.

Though categorized as a Rom-Com, this drama carries poignant elements on life and does give us an insight about sacrifices on being a celebrity, the politics of the entertainment industry, the level of fans love and obsession, that has its ups and downs, friendship, jealousy, trust, trauma and how does this one person Hoo Joon (played by Choi Tae Joon) maneuvers his path with everything that went so wrong, to make things right. CTJ is really well suited to this character and carries out his role to perfection. The antagonist in this drama is Jae Joon (played by Hwang Chan Sung), whose friendship turned bad with Hoo Joon. Again, another well placed actor, as HCS also did a most believable job for us to really hate his character JJ to the point of feeling sorry for him. What is a drama without challenging turns and the second leads story definitely took us to the edge, which takes those who have lived a little to understand.

And now, the back story. In Hyung (IH), Hoo Joon (HJ) and Jae Joon (JJ) all met whilst they were training at the Talent Agency Academy and became close friends. Then IH and HJ fell in love with each other and became a couple. JJ had secretly loved IH first, so his heart was broken when he lost her to HJ. Then suddenly, HJ career started to take off, leaving IH and JJ behind. A lot was left un-said which spiraled into a load of mis-understanding, hurt and sense of betrayal.

Fast forward to 6 years later, which is how the drama starts, HJ returns to Korea and finds that IH is now in a relationship with JJ. As HJ has a better understanding of the entertainment industry, he could see that JJ is not helping IH. With IH being his first love, HJ still cares for her well-being and gets upset when he sees IH being taken advantage of by JJ.

And in all this mess, in-walks Guen Yong (played by Choi Soo Young), the character which is forefront to the title “So I Married An Anti-Fan”. Ambitious and naïve, she is a rookie writer for a magazine. Emotional in her thoughts and writing, she chanced upon a scene between HJ and IH. Without checking the facts, she tattled on HJ causing a rippling negative effect on HJ’s impression of her as well as his supportive fans, hence gaining herself the title of "Anti-Fan".

Reaping the rewards of it’s aftermath, a reality show was suggested starring HJ and GY. GY by then lost her job, had no money. HJ reluctantly accepted to do the show with GY (to avoid letting the show cast his first love IH). Two really reluctant people, both who detest each other at every turn. The energy between these two ML is insanely clichéd, cute and delightful to watch. Something I have not seen in a long while when it comes to all the facial expressions and body language. Really refreshing and many memorable moments. Even the songs which would normally give you goosebumps, became comfortable to listen, with catchy tunes and feel good energy befitting the tone of the drama.

This drama had so much material to work on, with many other stories connected and yet, really well executed. I truly suggest you do not let this drama slip you by especially if you are wanting to take a break from all the heavy dramas. This is one drama that will not disappoint from start to finish.

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It’s not that serious lmao just enjoy it

This is a pretty simple generic enemies-to-lovers storyline bordering on “but they were roommates.” The drama wasn’t promoted as some revolutionary love story so I’m confused on the low ratings for it being cliché???

Anyways, In my opinion it gave exactly what it said it would give. It may have been a little cliche and cheesy but that’s it’s charm. Maybe I’m biased because I like the actors and I’m a whore for a cheesy romance but I think it was a pretty cute drama.

I really liked the leads relationship and how patient they were with each other and that they gave each other space when needed. Most of the downs in their relationship weren’t necessarily because of what was happening between them. The lead couple barely fought and were actually pretty supportive of each other and got along well.
I appreciate that Whojoon wasn’t the typical cold male lead who doesn’t know how to show love and blah blah. He was rude asf in the first episode but after that you could tell it was really just a front and he’s a pretty nice dude.
JJ got on my damn nerves but I guess that’s what it’s like being a good actor?? I was ready to not watch anything with Chansung again😭 but by the end I did kinda feel bad for him. I understand where he’s coming from but I think the way he went about things made him very unlikable.
Fvck Inhyung. All my homies hate Inhyung. I’ll admit I felt bad for her at the start but after a while I was like 🤨 homegirl kind of manipulative. And her attempting suicide to guilt trip JJ like ?????
I don’t know if I agree with JJ and Inhyung ending up together. Tbh I think they’re better off separated but oh well.

This is getting too long lmao uh everyone acted their part well. & OMG CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE DIRECTORS AND HOW CUTE THEY WERE!! Their proposal was too adorable🥺!! Anyways the actors did what they had to do. All in all very cute and light drama. A few frustrating characters but it’s cool

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Sweet and funny

This is a sweet, not much new but perfect to binge drama if you like the whole idol + enemies in to lovers theme that I LOVE!

I have been struggling s bit with my bingable self choosing short series or movies lately but this one was very easy to binge,

Most of the characters here are just so sweet, complex and loveable with some really fun friendships and snarky remarks (just my kind of humor). There was not one single character that was made in a way that annoyed me. Though they did bring out some of my inner anger and I do believe that one of the males toxicity was not properly addressed over all this drama let both leas and second leads where complex human being capable of feeling a range of emotions as well as making some bad decisions. The dynamics between the couples and their friends are great, so are the female leads parents. Oh how I love the female leads mom she is just cool, funny and lovable in every single way.

There where however a few invigorating choices towards the end that just felt unnecessary and brought down the total score for this otherwise really fun drama.

So all in all if you like watching dramas about enemies to lovers that deal with the harsh life of being a star this is definitely worth a watch.

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Do you remember the good old days when Kdrama used to be so damn simple?

Do you remember the good old days when Kdrama used to be so damn simple? Where the male character was almost always the rich narcissistic guy going around bullying some weird af girl and they end up bickering, getting at each other's nerves but eventually falling in love?? No complicated plot twists, no complicated emotions. And we just used to watch them so excitedly even though we know how it's going to end.???!!
While watching this drama, it brought back all those nostalgic feelings. Because this drama too is simple. No complicated emotions, just a sweet fun ride. I think we need dramas like these from time to time because modern Kdrama seems to venture more into exploring deep social issues. Although this is a plus point, it won't hurt to watch something sweet and simple like this from time to time.

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So I did a review as a fan !?

Ótimo, um toque clichê com uma trama envolvente, além de uma pitada de comédia (eu ri muito), e claro o romance super fofo e maduro. Não vou negar que a gente sofre um pouco, a vida da protagonista no começo é só tragédia -e olha que eu não tenho muita paciência pra tragédia- (além do "plot" que nos faz sofrer mais um pouquinho), mas depois de todos os momentos vividos no dorama é perceptível o quanto vale a pena. Vemos tanto o retrocesso quanto a evolução dos personagens de uma forma humana. Foi muito bacana ver o romance acontecer e e confiança construída nessa relação - que diferente de muitos clichês não acabou em meio as tretas e dramas. Além do casal principal nós temos outros casais muito interessantes (um deles é muito fofinho por sinal), e claro a amizade nesse drama é uma delícia de assistir (a inimizade pode ser um pouco cansativa). Em alguns momentos senti o antagonista um tanto tóxico, e algumas atitudes (da parte masculina da trama) um tanto questionáveis, mas depois do plot, eu não vou negar que me emocionei (com os outros que causaram alguns problemas na trama também)...
Nós temos alguns problemas na história, alguns eventos ocorrem de forma meio corrida, alguns pontos poderiam ter sido mais desenvolvidos, mas mesmo assim vale a pena dar uma chance ao dorama ( mesmo pra quem já assistiu o filme ou leu a novel) .
Ps.: A trilha sonora não saí da cabeça.

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Sweet romance drama oldies vibe

It has been a long while since there was such a sweet, simple romantic k-drama! It brought back the Full House, Secret Garden vibe (the romance plot, characters, music). So plot wise it was interesting for the start, however towards the middle, everything is pretty much expected. The drama fully focused on romance between the leads and I felt they skipped a little on the details for some parts, especially on the fans reaction and the progress of the second lead. I wish more closure on that tho.

Acting wise, Sooyoung is good as usual!!! But imo Taejoon and Jian's acting can be improved. And the supporting characters are chosen well. They build up the drama mood a lot~ And I love it.

If you want to watch this, it is best to watch it in a go for the build up suspense, else the plot may bore some out. I watch till ep8 and waited till it finishes.

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I Wish This Was Aired Sooner

So as we have heard, this was filmed in 2018-2019, but released this year (2021). Now, I get production issues and I'm sure the pandemic didn't help either, but where was this show during quarantine??
I myself had a rough AF time through 2020 and would've liked such a cute RomCom like this to help throughout the times.
This show is so cliche and downright predictable, but we all need those types of dramas to comfort us and help relief stress from those action shows, etc.

At first I hated JJ, but at episode 15 I found remorse for him and even In Hyung too. Han Ji An and Hwang Chan Sung's compatibility while acting took this lighthearted show and turned it down a notch, while lighthearted shows are easy to sit through, these two actors' dilemma made me want to watch the next episode, and kept me hooked on the show.
Now for the main couple, Hoo Joon and Geun Young, played by Choi Tae Joon and Choi Soo Young. Wow. Just wow! Their relationship throughout the show made me feel nostalgic. Their dynamic made what could've been your average RomCom into an actual RomCom (If you get what I mean lol)! They both set this piece starting right in the intro of episode one.

I recommend this drama to anyone who has that long lost feeling of nostalgia, or those who need to get a little laugh into their day. It's a truly heartfelt show, 10/10 <3

12:13 AM CST 6/23/2021

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It was my oxygen for a couple of weeks but...

This drama is one of your typical haters to lovers story, but kind of better.
I absolutely enjoyed the first 12 episodes from the bottom of my heart and was willing to give it a 10 stars rating.
The love story of the main leads develops fascinatingly, and we've got some nice side characters, besides the second lead couple. It is overall fun, cute and moves with the right pace. The cast did a great job in portraying their roles.
I literally could not start watching anything else in between and waited until the next Friday to continue, because I was so invested. Of course, at some points, the acting was kinda off and cliché, but it did not bother me at all. Sometimes, I need a break from all the intense dramas which are currently coming out.
Now here comes the BUT.
I was okay with episode 13 and 14 to be kind of boring because this is where usually the turning points comes (it did here too) so it was allowable for me. The thing is they did not get back on track with the last two episodes.
First, Joon repeatedly asked for more time, while dealing with his issues. Shouldn't people in a relationship talk about what is going on in their lives and try to support each other? Probably, but he did not bother and went through it alone, and she was okay with it. At one point she even said something like "and here I am living my own life". Like girl, what did you do before???
Second, the second lead couple was insanely toxic. I really do not understand why the writers gave them a happy end, if they are literally better off without each other. I mean, one of them tried to take her life several times and the other ends up suffering damage from it. I already forgot her name, but she was overall a terrible character who played with the surrounding people, while the guy definitely had anger issues.
Therefore, it turned out that the last 4 episodes are just long and annoying. They do not even include the interesting reveals like how Geun-young managed to make Yoon popular again and how he reacted to the article, etc.
But they had the time to fill the last episodes with at least 7 flash backs about Yoons trainee time and how he and the toxic couple became friends. It wasn't even new stuff.
They also left some questions open. The one bothering me the most is why his mother didn't care for him at all. He tries reaching her 15 episodes long, and she immediately calls him after somebody else tells her about him knowing who his father is? For me, she has no reason to not pick up anyway.

Well, I guess I am done ranting here. :D.
I focused on the negative plot here, but keep in mind it is very watchable.
Thank you for the exiting weeks. I will definitely come back here.
See you.

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Guilty pleasure...

There are a lot of people, who hate this drama. They find it too cringey and cliché, they hate leads' acting or characters. But personally I think that it's very cute. I really liked the chemistry, I have to say. Also my favourite trope is Enemies to Lovers, so might be biased.

But God, I just couldn't help but watch... Main couple was funny and cute and they made me smile!!

Second leads were toxic, that's a fact, but to be honest, I never cared about them. They frustrated me once or twice, but that's it. I just chose to ignore them and it wasn't that bad.

And now minor spoilers:
Last 2 episodes were kinda boring? I don't know, they just didn't fit, I don't know if it's only my impression - him going God-knows-where, public loving him again but why?, how long was he gone?. So many questions... I'm also kinda sad, that they forgot about that fangirl. I wondered what her reaction would be. All in all, this drama really
deserved better ending.

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Guilty Pleasure

"So I Married an Anti-Fan" is a mediocre drama at best but also highly addictive. I did not see the original, so I can't compare it, but the appeal of this drama has nothing to do with the story and everything to do with the chemistry between the two main leads. The concept is standard, two people who can't stand each other falling for each other. It may be cliché, but that's what this drama gets right. Unfortunately, the rest of the drama is filled with an annoying rivalry and a 2nd toxic couple that gets way too much screen time. Still, it was all more entertaining than not, until the last episodes at least, and the exact kind of romcom junk food I sometimes crave.

This drama stars Choi Tae Joon as Hoo Joon, a worldwide pop star whose public image contradicts how and who he is in real life. Is he the most believable pop star? Not really, but his low-key arrogance did work well for the role. He is matched with Choi Soo Young as Lee Geun Young an ambitious reporter who is also super passive until an encounter with Hoo Joon pushes her over the edge. I guess it's pretty cute to have the pop star play the anti-fan, and I liked her in the role. Their story is filled with annoying misunderstandings, ridiculous coincidences, and cute banter, and the latter is what got me hooked. No matter how corny the story got I was completely invested and couldn't wait for the next episodes. The chemistry is just really good, and it's been a while since I've seen a couple this fun to watch... corniness and all. Neither of them gives truly amazing performances, but I still loved watching them flirt and fight on screen.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have Hwang Chan Sung as JJ matched with Han Ji An
as Oh In Hyung, two truly unlikeable characters. Both are Z list stars desperate for fame and jealous of their former colleague Hoo Joon's success. If you like characters that make you so mad you want to yell at the screen then they fit the bill. They both do a good job at being awful but their acting is also super overdramatic, which does fit the style of the drama. Their whole storyline from start to finish is a mess though and takes up way too much of this drama's time.

Other characters are great too, including Hoo Joon's Hottie manager, the reality show staff, Geun Young's friends, and the real scene stealers... Geun Young's parents. The whole cast honestly does a good job with this weak plot. You know a show is bad when they have to constantly rely on flashbacks... the same flashbacks... over and over again. I also will never understand what Korean's expect from celebrities so these scandal-trope storylines are hard to get into. The whole premise of creating this reality show also made no sense to me either. The show within a show concept just felt like an excuse to force them into cute situations, which worked for me, but that's what makes this drama more of a guilty pleasure than great.

Would I watch this again? Sure with, with my finger ready to fast forward when necessary (especially every "who's my daddy?" scene). I would even endure listening to the same 3 annoying songs over and over... I swear "Baby, youuuuuuuuuu" will haunt my nightmares... And I would definitely skip most of the final episode which was painfully slow and seemed thrown together without a plan. I get that covid delays may be somewhat to blame, but it was still really bad.

Overall, If you don't like the main couple this drama doesn't really have much else to offer. I liked them so much I would watch them team up again for a better storyline. I admit I had a lot of fun reading Viki commentary while watching which probably made me tolerate bad moments more. This is definitely a watch with friends and talk back at the screen kind of drama. If you're looking for a meaningful script with depth, you've come to the wrong drama. At most you get some basic character growth. If you're a romance fan with a high tolerance for tropes then you might end up being a fan like me. I felt a little like the leads, falling for what I initially expected to hate. "So I Married an Anti-Fan" may not be a great drama but Drama youuuuuuuuuuuu... I'm still with you!

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Are these toxic fans for real in this country?

This is not the first drama where toxic fans are highlighted. Even in Her Private Life and a couple of other dramas, the toxicity of fans is clearly shown.

As a foreigner who just loves k dramas, it is very disturbing for me to digest and believe this.

Do these toxic fans not have a life of their own?
Why does the entertainment industry and the government allow them to destroy lives like this?
Can there be severe punishment for threatening and spreading falsity?
Why don't they make dramas or documentaries revealing this sickness because it truly is an obsessive disorder.

The k entertainers work and train so hard, give up their privacy, live a tough life albeit with wealth.
We have to let them live and breathe..

What right does a toxic fan have to mess around with their lives?
It's akin to murder - of their soul!

Please k drama producers and directors - create awareness that this is not acceptable.

Even when a negative review is posted on this website,the toxic fans respond with sharp claws.
Jeeeez......get a life of your own!!

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Great first K-drama

'So I Married an Anti-Fan' was my first Korean drama and it definitely met all and more of my expectations, even for avid K-drama viewers it was a great show. The story line was amazing, nothing was predictable which made the show that more enjoyable. The actors really portrayed their characters well, I would occasionally forget it was a k-drama rather than a reality show. There are a total of 16 episodes with the 16th being a recap, the ending personally wasn't what I wanted/expected but that out of all things was the biggest thing for me. Like every drama there were characters I disliked, to the point where it was annoying seeing them on screen but all I can say is that it gets better. Overall, the drama was everything I expected and more, I absolutely loved watching the show and couldn't get enough of it. I'm glad this was the first drama I watched to introduce me to the world of Korean dramas.

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