Il Dang Baek Butler (2022)

There are weeks where I watched this, and I get a good sense of enjoyment and then there are other weeks where I'm like why the writer wanted to include this? Started off pretty good with the whole concept of this drama, getting to know the ones who passed away and grant them their final wishes but then they added some things to this drama (like the ex-girlfriend returning arc) that I just wasn't a fan and at times ruin the flow of what this drama was about. Though the romance was somewhat lacking towards the end, the drama does wrap up loose ends and show a connection for all of the side stories. So at least I can give points to that.

What I like:
* Some heartwarming stories of the ones who passed.
* Good osts playing just at the right moment
* Chemistry between the leads
* Good amount of funny scenes (a lot with the uncles).
* A bittersweet ending that makes you treasure your love ones even more

What I didn't like:
* There were 21 spirits with wishes to be granted but I felt like some spirits didn't get a full satisfying ending. Some stories ended properly while others didn't have full conclusion. I mean at least show each spirit walking to the afterlife, but they didn't even do that.
* The ex-girlfriend arc. I felt like there were too many wasted episodes on this. Nothing meaningful occurred with this arc and even the conclusion of this arc seemed very lacking, as in it didn't felt like anything was resolved.
* Turning a good friend to an evil one: Honestly, I hated the direction the writer decided to take for this character. It was a twist I didn't expect but also one I didn't like. I would've preferred the story where he had to choose who to save first and he chose his older brother instead of the ML's brother. Then followed with guilt and eventually a broken bro-ship once the truth was revealed.
* Just not enough romance scenes with the leads - After they officially get together, it just seemed like there wasn't many scenes of sweet moments together. Even towards the end seemed lacking.

Overall, not a bad drama. Despite some story arcs I wasn't a fan of, it does have a good overall message, treasure the ones you love. You never know when it's going to be their last.

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May I Help You?

At first, one would think it is just another comedy, 'feel good', “very fictional”, TV series. It was easy to drop it just because. But, a fair warning, doing so would be to your detriment. This series is about life, the value of relationships, and yes, what death means for you and me.

The story transcends faith and religion. This was beautifully depicted with the Catholic priest and the Catholic confessional box; as well as, by the Buddhism beliefs of the other characters. Life, relationships, and death, are universal, and commonly have the same depth of meaning regardless of one's faith and religion.

It isn't about ghosts. In fact, there is nothing paranormal in the story, rather, it is more supernatural. A higher being supernaturally allowed the female lead character to have a spiritual “Stella's touch”. One last opportunity to for the dead to make their wishes known; and for the living to have peace.

The ending is a must-watch, but only if one watched the series from the beginning without skipping anything. It is rare to see an ending that blows the audience, and leaves a long-lasting impression. An ending deserving of the beautifully woven story of the male and female lead characters, and their relationships with their loved ones, their regrets, and their hopes.

This TV drama is a story about you and me. It is a story about the living and our dearly departed. It is a story of healing and moving on. A story of regrets and hopes. It is painful, sad, and you will definitely cry no matter how strong you may be. But in the end, it reminds us how good it is to live, and that all the pain and hardship of life we may have gone through and will go through, are nothing compared to having been loved.

May I Help You?

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Originally posted on my blog: Snoworld | YourOnly.One (https://im.youronly.one/snoworld/may-i-help-you-일당백집사-2022-review-2022357/)

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There's something missing

This drama started with not exactly new story but a fresh take on it. It started simple but then got complicated (in a good way) as you continue. Like an onion being peeled layer after layer.

Do you know how peeling one makes you ugly cry? Yeah that! It was exhausting to watch the dead people stories and regrets. I cried every episode. I knew what I was getting into when I read the premise ig. It was done beautifully too but I'd have appreciated a few lighthearted stories to take a break from all the sadness.

The end felt lackluster to me. You have 15 episode with really sad storied so you'd naturally expect the 16th to be a little relief. A bit satisfying. It's not a lot to ask. But instead you only have an end. It sounds weird but I bet people who watched it would understand. Something was missing and it was annoying.

The cast was really good and I got attached to every single one.

*special shout out to Song Deokho because imo he was the best acting wise throughout the show.

I loved both the main leads but felt like Lee Hyeri was overreacting a few times (I absolutely love her she's the reason I decided to watch the drama but I have to be honest)

Overall it's a great drama (can't say otherwise) but could've easily been better!

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Worst writer of 2022

This is one of those cases, the writer only has the synopsis and nothing else so they use the forbidden book. Also, enemies to lovers is better for dramaland cuz sweet fl meets sweet ml and they don't play games, so they get together fast, and "breakup" or get thrown in a mess of we can't talk right now...


The story of a girl who worked at the funeral home that could see the ghosts in their final moment and grants them 1 wish
She had X amount ppl to deal with, some wanted small revenge, some wanted a message or a gift delivered. Sounds interesting right?
And it was until the writer stopped using that and instead went to the "sht my characters got together too fast, bring in the ex" honestly atleast 3 or 4 eps were wasted on the ex and her nagging.. and her mom...
Then the writer not only had the most basic past trauma, which was the exact copy of love is for suckers, but she made the three leads share the same traumq and worse, made 2nd lead a psycho..
And that took 3 more eps until poof, 2nd lead feels remorse and regrets it..... oh whoops, I didn't help a dying kid cuz I wanted a better life.. and I blamed my brother for it. And I tried to kill fl, omg I never wanted to be like my dad TT

And the last straw that black listed this writer... SHE MURDERED FLS DAD! the sweetest dad in dramaland, the most harmless dude... and how? By reusing another pregnant lady.. like where was her husband? Why kill the security guard/dad... why leave the house if you're not smart enough to not get near a movers truck..


Sure I knew with the countdown someone important had to die, which is another cheap mistake. But a big accident with multiple ppl would've been tragic enough

Maybe the itaewon tragedy made the writer change things but I doubt it. The story was laid out from the start. The writer obv used the "cliche kdrama guide for dummy writers" but things moved as planned

Cuz no drama makes the fls dad meet and like the ml unless what? They wanna murder the dad

Like there were 2 uncles they could've taken.. the fl was already momless.... just a few tears and she moves on for her happiness with the ml...

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Uneven but enjoyable

This was a somewhat frustrating watch for me. I vacillated between enjoyment of the characters and anger with the writing. Some of the episodes felt like they were penned by a different writer. One episode would be romance, one episode would be mystery, throw in some comedy every now and then. I do have to admit, I enjoyed it more the further I got into it.

What I liked:
-I enjoyed Lee Hye Ri and Lee Jung Young as the main characters. However, the writing for him was all over the place. His sense of guilt, his dumping the ex-girlfriend after ten years, his leaving a profession that took years to get into (and then falling back into it right at the end like he'd never been gone). The man had a serious martyr complex.
-The main characters
-The resolving of the issues of the dead. Some of them didn't get enough closure and there seemed to be large gap in the middle where they didn't get addressed at all.
-Vincent and Michael. They were both very caring and were fun/funny to watch.
-Tae In Ho as Im II Sub. I loved FINALLY seeing him in something where he wasn't a complete and total jerk.
-The dad.
-The music.
-The couple, once they got together, supported one another.
-No time jump.

Issues for me:
-ML was too much of a "poor me" kind of guy.
-Ex-girlfriend and that whole storyline. It felt like his feelings for her were never resolved, just swept under the rug, which diminished his feelings for the FL as far as I was concerned. And can we just talk about how the ex-girlfriend had absolutely no self-respect? Move on, honey.
-The ex-girlfriend's mother. What a terrible, screechy, woman. Terrible relationship between the two, which made the death and reactions to it so unbelievable.
-Friend whose personality does a 180 shift halfway through the show and becomes a terrible person.
-Too many irons in the fire with unnecessary characters/plots. Im II Sub and the woman/baby that show up, the ML's ex-girlfriend immediately spring to mind.
-Once the couple got together, the romance was forgotten, and the couple became boring.
-Storyline for the dad. REALLY!?!?!?!
-The ending didn't feel satisfying to me.

I was REALLY tempted to drop it early on. I'm glad I watched it, but the writing/editing could have been better.

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Felt like three different shows mashed together

Before getting into the spoilers. Would I recommend this show? Sure. I think there is somethings to like.

The premise is a lot similar to Mystic Pop-up Bar and the show focuses on it well enough for the first 4 episodes, which are my favorite of the entire show. The contrast between the FLs world of giving reprieve to the recently deceases and the ML's of doing errands for select clients was what made the show interesting. Once that focus shifted to the romance and, especially, the ML's trauma, the show started to decline.

You have the early episodes that fit the 'May I Help You' (and even the alt title '1000 Won Butler') a lot more. The middle part focusing on the ML's trauma and establishing the romance. Then the third part that shifts to a crime drama. I would have liked the stories a lot more if they were different shows. But it only served to wane my interest in the show as it proceeded.

The biggest turn off in the show is the ML. In an attempt to make him a sympathetic character, he just ends becoming contemptible. The entire history with the ex-girlfriend doesn't make him look good at all and I believe that's why despite the SFL being introduced as an empathetic well-minded character (seeing her interactions with colleagues), we immediately see her turn miserable and overbearing just after coming across the ML once. Now the issue isn't them breaking up, it's the lack of communication between them. Which is weird since that is one thing they do well for the leads. I just wish it was maintained across the board.

Another weird turn was the abrupt turning of the cop to a criminal. Again it's not exactly wrong that he ended up that way but the sheer lack of anything hinting at that even a few episodes before the reveal.

I've heard that they had to make changes after the Itaewon incident to make the show lighter, but the show became darker towards the end so I don't know if I buy that anymore.

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This drama fits my taste perfectly.

UPDATE AFTER I FINISHED WATCHING THE DRAMA

It wasn't as fluffy as I expected after watching the first episodes, but instead it was a story involving a mature relationship. The beginning was so-so, a bit irritating (really only the first episodes). But it got better with each episode. In the end, this drama became all I needed. "May I Help You" contains many sad but also many funny scenes. It is perfectly balanced.

This drama fits my taste perfectly. I recommend everyone to try to watch a few episodes and see if you like it.



I feel like I've finally broken my streak with the dramas I started watching this year.

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AFTER WATCHING 12 EPISODES
Rating: 9.5/10

There was a time while watching this drama when I was afraid it would become tiresome because of the love triangle. However, the creators didn't let this happen.

The relationship between Dong Joo and Tae Hee, which was initially based on misunderstandings, has become more mature over time. The characters have also developed compared to the first episodes.

I understand why others may not like this drama. But it has something for me. I like watching this type of drama. It has funny scenes, usually lead by Vincent and Michael. It also touches on more serious topics.

There are only four episodes left until the end of the drama and I don't think it can be spoiled. I'm curious how the stories of all the characters will be closed.

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AFTER I WATCHED 2 EPISODES
Rating: 8/10

It is a fluffy romance drama with a little comedy and a ghost theme. Sometimes I like to watch these types of titles. However, one thing about this drama pissed me off.

{A slight spoiler. The scene takes place at the end of the first episode and at the beginning of the second episode.}
Why didn't FL believe ML when he said he was not the son of a dead man? Like wtf!? It was so unrealistic. She only had information about the son from his father, she couldn't do much research. She had no reason not to believe ML. She was the one who created this misunderstanding and, despite the explanations, she continued to wade into it.

I hope there won't be many misunderstandings in this drama. I hate it when characters don't know how to talk to each other or don't listen to each other which is why they create misunderstandings in this stupid way.

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Too many irons in the fire

The show had great potential concept wise. A female funeral director itself was a great start. But there were just too many things going on at once. I think whatever they picked was done nicely except the ex-girlfriend arc that was unnecessary and time consuming especially with how it was closed.
The good part about the show was that it is a warm watch with nothing over dramatic or nonsensical. It shows you how every good deed is eventually rewarded in some way. It also shows how important it is to live every moment preciously.
The acting was good. My favourite characters were the Priest and Vincent.
What I didn’t like about the show was they had too many things going on and they weren’t closed off properly.
- The ex girlfriend arc was pointless. Especially how she was sidelined with no closure. Her character had no impact on the story and had way too much screen time.
- The ML’s trauma was not construed properly - he was going through self blame and gave a lot of shit to his ex for the same but he recovered pretty quickly without confronting his guilt or pain or whatever. His character needed more depth.
- Needed a bit more on the 21 people - expected the show to be more slice of life.

All in all, too many things seemed rushed but I guess the last episode saved it. The last episode was heart warming and a very good wrap up to the whole supernatural thing. Be good and do good.

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Seeing the final moments of the dead, is it a miracle or a curse?

I watched this series because the story of seeing the dead alive totally piqued my interest.

Why does this series need to be watched by many? I enumerated the topics that I really love in this series.

1. The stories of the dead
2. The stories of the ones who are left behind
3. How these stories would affect the main characters
4. How these could be a lesson to the watcher

Truth be told, there are some characters that were emphasized in some parts, but they didn't have a proper character development which they deserved to have.

Also, the background music didn't give off the vibe of most of the scenes. I'm slightly disappointed because it could bring more hype and emotions to the viewers.

But as a whole, I am not saying that this is the best series, but THIS SERIES DESERVES RECOGNITION AND POPULARITY. I have already watched more than 50 series so far (it does not include the series I dropped and currently watching) but May I Help You is included in my top 20 series. The actors portrayed their roles well as if I was also a part of it. The last episode summarized the whole story and ended this series perfectly.

No more doubts, people. Just watch this series.

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I love this drama so much

I stared watching this because it's premise reminded me of one of my favourite kdramas ever and because I love putting myself in emotional pain using kdramas. And I'm really really glad I did. From the first episode, I really enjoyed the drama and was immediately invested. I love Dong Joo, probably one of my favourite female leads I've watched. I also loved TaeHee, mostly, and the other main characters. My favourite characters were the uncles, Vincent and the priest. They were so funny and co led the Dong Joo x Tae Hee ship club which I am a member of. The romance, btw,is adorable. The bad beginning (screw her ex by the way, if i could enter dramas I would have gone in and nutted him) and then them getting to know each other better and slowly coming to have feelings for each other. I literally screamed at my screen when he first rejected her, it upset me so much. Wanted to shake him and ask him wtf he was doing. Speaking of romance and rejections, justice for Chung Ha. He was so unnecessarily hostile towards her, she literally did nothing wrong yet he treated her like she ruined his life. I'm glad he became nicer in the end but jeez, he was so harsh.
The plot twist in the drama was crazy. I started to see it coming about an episode or two prior but it still was insane. Did not expect that when we started. I have mixed feelings about him. I liked him in the beginning but the more we learned about the incident and all the events, the less I liked him.
I love Dong Joos friends, they had such a good relationship. We only really saw So ra but they were both great. Dong Joos dad was great, I really liked him. I saw spoilers so I knew what was coming but I still sobbed and I'm definitely judging if you didn't at least get a little choked up. The acting in the drama was really good. I haven't seen the ML actor in anything else before but I have seen the FL. I watched the first few episodes of My Roommate is a Gumiho but I stopped. She was really good in this and her fashion was everything, I aspire to dress like her.
I'm not religious myself but I didn't really mind it. I liked the priest uncle and Dong Joos confessions were always fun so I didn't mind. Usually anything with excessive amounts of religious anything make me uncomfortable but this didn't focus too much on it so I think even if you are atheist or believe in a religion other than Buddhism and Catholicism, you will likely still enjoy it.
Over all I really love this drama and the only thing I'm upset about in the long run is the fact that they didn't kiss more than once. I was so happy when they kissed and I love them together so I was waiting and waiting but no :\. Anyway, please watch this if the concept intrigues you even a little, it's really good

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Beautiful Tales Celebrating Life & Death with underlying Rom/Mystery

It is a very mature and well-written drama where a heavy mystical element of life/death blends in beautifully with romance & mystery. At end of every track - romance, the stories of the departed, accident/murder mystery - you get absolute closure, and there is a sense of understanding more than any other emotion.

Brilliantly narrated the different stories of the 21 souls who have passed away but momentarily resurrected by the FL's gift/curse to share their regret/last wishes. Each story is heart-warming & provides closure not only to the bereaved but at times are the missing pieces of the underlying mystery that impacts the lives of the main & supporting characters of drama.

The romance and mystery element are synced perfectly with these stories and at no point you feel like they are parallel tracks.
Very rarely you get dramas where they are able to seamlessly blend such a heavy subject of life/death with romance. The mystery also was not dragged but done neatly, leaving you with a heavy heart cause in the end you must learn to forgive & move on for the sake of the departed.

Would highly recommend watching it for the following:
• Great storylines - amazing mix of heavy topics of death, romance, mystery, comedy! For this seamless blend it is a 10/10.
• The acting by all but especially - ML,FL, FL's father & uncle. ML's uncle is top-notch.
• I am giving it 8.5: only cause in some instances for the last episodes I felt the pace dipping & [minor spoiler] I wish the ending case could be someone else. Not a masterpiece, but almost perfect!

❤️ Special mention for Lee Jun Young
Hyeri (FL) is already known for her work & as an idol. Many would also know Lee Jun Young but he is still called an upcoming actor. I think in 2024 we should declare him a superstar - cause the man has got it all - the looks, the talent (Acting and Singing), he's a complete package. I have been following him from some time now & the range he has in acting, who'd say he is an idol-actor? Only wishing him more success & can already see he has many projects planned!

❤️ [WILD SPOILER] MAN CAN KISS!
Omo, Omo, Omo! In a land of cardboard and fish kisses, this man make your toes, feet, arms, body curl & tingle in ways I never thought was possible with the way he kisses. Like seriously, he is already panty-dropping hot and handsome but the moment he kissed that was just another level. I literally choked on my spit - Hyeri you lucky woman! ~(˘▾˘~) New watchers you have been warned, LOL!

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About the last will of the deceased

I don't want to die
I want to live
I want to color my hair
Get on a plane, have a boyfriend, have one more boba tea
I don't care if I'm poor
I don't care if I starve
I want to live
Please save me

The moaning of the spirit of a girl named Yoon Seol-A makes me cry. He was killed by his mother before she committed suicide for financial reasons.

Maybe the mother reasoned: "I'm sorry for the future of my child, it's better to die with me." However, he is not the one who has the right to determine the fate of his child. If you want to die, just die alone. Don't bring children. Who knows the fate of the child will be better after the mother dies right?

Hehehe so hot!

The premise of the Korean drama: May I Help You is actually very simple, which is about fulfilling the last wish of the deceased.

Like Kim Joon-Ho who wants to meet his son one last time. Suk-Chul who wants to deliver a check for 100,000,000 won to his wife. Yeon-Hee who wants to 'clap' her husband and his lover. As well as other desires that block and disturb the peace of the last deceased's journey.

The result? Very nice! Rating 8/10 for overall drama and desire for rewatches. In addition to many good scenes, it also reminds us not to die in a state of curiosity, because there are many things that have not had time to be done.

Hyeri's acting, playing Baek Dong-Joo, is one of the points that made me want to watch the Korean drama: May I Help You. Hyeri's acting never disappoints.

Included in this drama, his acting chemistry with Lee Jun-Young who plays Kim Tae-Hee, is really intense.

As well as sentences that really hit the conversation, like a message to Seo Gang's husband who wanted to end his life when his beloved wife died along with the baby she was carrying:

If you are alive you must live
So that it is not painful for the dead

The next review can be read here: https://www.maria-g-soemitro.com/2022/12/may-i-help-you-drama-korea-review.html

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