Bun-venit în Samdal-ri (2023)

The drama isn't peaceful or wholesome but rather weird and frustrating at times

Before anyone says i like ml a lot , i loved fl in "see you in 19th life stillhere things aren't working for me

The cast is great no doubt
But it seems they couldn't put everything together , the drama is scattered here and there
They wanted to show comedy but did too much with their anger , frustration especially gossip
I mean why would they thought lead actors or even the side ones being angry and frustrating will make viewers think it's fun ,
Also the gossip part , they showed too much gossip from town which leads to think there is no warmth which everyone is talking about
The drama isn't really wholesome or warming ...
If you have watched hometown cha cha cha and came thinking it would be like that it's a big no , they showed the location of countryside but couldn't really show the beauty apart from few seconds of sea .

The three girls are too much for the mother , they are shown as if they are naive , i mean why would anyone in their late 30s would be this clueless about their mother , none is shown caring in nature , again in order to show their funny side it is irritating


I think they just could shown them in their late 20s or around 31 but 38 is too much , neither they look nor their behavior that way

And ml character is not really detailed , his life is all around fl , which i can understand but it feels the drama revolves around her only , he is there to accompany her

The first ep is good but then things go downhill till 6th episode as i thought now it would be better , they popped the love triangle , it was okayish but still bit irritating till ep 11 , it was okay thenwards but .... didn't really satisfied me

The love triangle was so unnecessary, it sucks
The way 2nd lead says he let the ml have her ot gave up on her was just too irritating and destroyed the story too badly

There wasn't really sweet moments shown from their pas or even present which is unsatisfying

I skipped a lot of drama and watched at 2x still seemed too much for me .

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More of a healing drama

I don’t like storylines where a person is falsely accused of some misdeed or misconduct, and the public suddenly turns against them so fast without concrete evidence and without knowing the full story, quick to judge. And the victim has no way to vindicate herself- I which I find incredulous it being 2024 with all its advance tech etc…

Anyhow, so ya. That’s how the story goes for our FL to run away back to her hometown. It’s very much a healing drama, so there will be lots of crying. I would say the main underlying ripple here would be the issue of unforgiveness, which involves not only the main leads but the families as well. The comedy and supporting cast are not too bad, I was able to watch without ff too much ;)

The romance and chemistry is not so evident. So if you’re looking for that then you will be disappointed. Both actors did a great job though, and I’ve like Ji Chang Wook since Healer, but his other dramas after were not so promising.

All in all this was a pretty good watch. Just get ready those tissues!

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Great cast and acting

A pleasant show with a mainly interesting storyline. Perhaps what I enjoyed the most was the cast and their exceptionally skilled acting. They managed to portray their characters and emotions in a genuine and heartfelt way - while the chemistry between the leads was definitely also on par. The setting and supporting cast were really good, too. The downside is the fact that it is yet another plot where the inability to communicate or be truthful, is what causes their issues and suffering. As such, the plot core drama-storyline seems more juvenile than challenging and makes for a deflated climax during the second half of the episodes.

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Dramatic but not dramatic

Welcome to Samdalri is Ji Changwook's drama that I watched again after only managing to finish his drama entitled The K2.
This drama doesn't seem to be very popular internationally compared to other dramas that also air in the same slot. This drama has a vibe like a mixture of the dramas Hi Bye Mama, When the Camellia Blooms, and Hometown Cha-cha-cha with conflicts that are much lighter than those three dramas.

All the characters in this drama are interesting and have their own characteristics. My favorite character is Cha Ha-Yul, the daughter of Cho Hae-dal, namely Sam-Dal's younger sister.
In my opinion, the plot of this drama cannot be called slow, because actually every episode always reviews and resolves problems, so every episode is worth watching or even needs to be watched to better understand the plot.
It is true that perhaps the nature of this drama which tends to be relaxed and not dramatic might make us a little bored, but in my opinion, this is not something that can reduce the point of this drama.

I like the development of each character which doesn't develop significantly, but looks like it will continue to develop in the future.

This drama is like a comfort zone when you don't want to think about very complicated things, theories, and secrets.
I also like the resolution of Bang Eun-Ju's conflict which is not made dramatic. This drama from the start always focused everything on Sam-dal's character, they didn't want the audience's focus to run to Bang Eun-ju when she finally got her karma.
Actually, this drama has many messages that can be taken away. But I don't think I need to explain it because everyone has their own perception.

In terms of flow, I think it's pretty good, but not so great that I can rate it more than 8.5. But this drama is really enjoyable and I always look forward to it every week. This drama feels like a friend, watching it makes us feel calm and comfortable.
I really appreciate all the actresses and actors who play in this drama, after a long time I finally really saw a drama where all the actors acted very well, especially the Hanyeo ladies who always entertained every scene they appeared in. Maybe because in this drama there are not many newcomer actors, and newcomer actors such as Cha Ha-yul and Gong Ji-chan also play very well. This drama also attracts the idol, Kang Mina. But Kang Mina's acting is one of the idols with good acting, so it doesn't matter what her real profession is, in this drama Kang Mi-na is Cho Hae-dal.

This drama doesn't seem like an interesting drama to rewatch because the conflict is simple but relatable. I think it will take a while to remember the plot of this drama because it is packaged in the easiest way to digest.
Apart from that, this drama is a good drama and I highly recommend it to be watched with friends, family, and all your favorite people.

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A great summer comfort :)

I was a in a k-drama withdrawal for months so I needed something to take me back, and a comfort drama set in a cozy village with local best boy Ji Chang Wook? I was SAT.

I'm not the biggest fan of the trope "childhood friends to lovers" BUT I think it's done quite well here, I find it really interesting how close their moms were and how Yong-Pil and Sam-Dal were born on the same day and basically grew up attached to the hip.
Sam-Dal and Yong-Pil have a really cute relationship, they know each other well but can also be completely oblivious about some things. I know the "strong independent woman who needs no one" trope is a must in these kdramas, but sometimes it really felt like Yong-Pil was much more into in than Sam-Dal , or at least I got that impression; at the very first hiccup she was ready to hit him and run away, while he fought and chased her over and over.

In general I would've liked to see Sam-Dal stand up more for herself, especially with the scandal with her assistant. That woman stole your boyfriend, your projects, your career and your reputation from you, you have the evidence to prove she's lying and you just do nothing? Come on!! I get that Sam-Dal didn't want to go through the revenge route (plus it's difficult to deal with the media in these situations) but anytime someone insulted her it was always her family or her close friends defending her, and it's also thanks to them that in the end the assistant got what she deserved. In that regard, she didn't grow at all.

What I really loved about this is the people. I love love LOVE the relationships in this drama, the sisters are really close and always 100% supportive of each other, and the Power Rangers?? I wish I had a group of friends like that.

The side characters are also super interesting and I actually enjoyed all their storylines and adventures. Jin-Dal was definitely my favourite, but Hae-dal and Hae-yul are adorable together and their newfound dolphin dad was very sweet!

Honestly, the only exception is Yongpil's dad, oh how I hated that man. I'm sorry, you can be in all the pain of the world and that still doesn't give you the right to treat your own son like shit , his girlfriend or Ko MI-Ja's family. I can understand not wanting to interact with them and blaming them, but come on, he threw away anything Ko MI-Ja cooked him and SPAT in front of her? that's disgusting and rude. I don't even care he got a redempion arc in the last two episodes, it was WAY TOO sudden and honestly felt a little fake but, oh well.

To wrap this up, I want to say I really liked this drama. It was genuinely funny and made me laught a lot in some parts, but it also made me cry a lot, especially in some stories like the story of the two Mi-jas or the final exhibition. All the townies are super funny and sweet and they really help you get into the story

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Let’s go back to the beginning…

Self Discovery.

Who are we outside of our profession? What is our drive and passion in life? I think these are the main questions this series wants viewers to dig within.

It wants us to recall. To go back into time and discover who we are before we grew up to be workers. It also urges viewers to take a chance again. Failure doesn’t mean it’s the end. We can all stand up again. We can try again.

The picture and the lesson the show wants to send is truly heartwarming. Growth doesn’t truly mean we should forget everything that made us who we are. It shouldn’t change the youth and joy within us.

Beautiful really…

The issue FOR ME, is that there are so many things that needed more attention in this series. The story focused so much on just Samdal- and yes I know she’s the star of this show, but there are people behind who she is.

Her sisters, her friends, and the diving residents of Samdalri also had really great stories to share. Stories that are all part of her as well. I mean her exhibit showed that. I just wish that they were all given proper endings rather than all of it being crammed in the last episode. It would have made a great full circle.

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MUST WATCH!!

Ahhhhhhh what can i say....this drama was just so wholesome and the osts, acting, story, place was on POINNTTT! It just feels cozy, warm and healing. For those who are impatient, i would not recommend this series to you but regardless its very enjoyable.
You think the story would get boring halfway but no there are many interesting elements in it. The casts are also my favourite, they were just so into their roles making it very fun. Also not forgetting JEJUUUU ISLANDDD!! So beautiful, the show has portrayed every corner of the island so beautifully and it looks as majestic and beautiful like I've heard from people. Every bit of this drama was like home to me idk why but i felt so connected, there were many times when it got so emotional for me. But overall i very much recommend to EVERYYYONEEEEE
Just so worth it!! THANKKKKKKKKKKKK YOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU "WELCOME TO SAMDALRI" for making my weekends wholesome!

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Hidden Gems Amidst Familiar Plots

If you’re looking for a drama that wraps you in a warm, cozy blanket and takes you on a picturesque journey to Jeju Island, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" might just be the show for you. It’s not without its quirks, but here’s why I found myself enjoying it despite a few bumps along the way.

From the very start, Jeju Island’s breathtaking scenery set the stage for a visually stunning experience. The lush green hills, sparkling turquoise waters, and vibrant tangerine farms created a backdrop that was as comforting as a home-cooked meal. The OST perfectly captured the coastal vibe, with upbeat songs and soulful ballads that added to the show’s charm.

The cast brought their A-game, with Ji Chang Wook as Yong Pil delivering his usual stellar performance. He’s got that magic touch – when he loves, you feel it; when he cries, your heart aches along with him. His portrayal was a highlight and kept me invested in the story.

Eun-ju, the fiery photographer, and Haebang, the enigmatic weather forecaster, had a chemistry that simmered nicely. Their relationship, though sometimes a bit melodramatic, was engaging and added a lot of heart to the drama. The quirky villagers of Samdal-ri also brought a unique charm to the show, making the small-town setting feel like a second home.

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The drama had its moments of overacting and plot detours that felt a bit forced. Early on, the pacing was uneven, and it took a while for the story to find its rhythm. The excessive alcohol consumption in some scenes felt a bit excessive and didn’t add much to the overall narrative.

The ending, while heartfelt, left me wanting more. The resolution of Eun-ju’s storyline was also a bit rushed, and I would have liked a more satisfying conclusion to her character arc.

Despite its flaws, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" was a delightful watch. It’s one of those dramas that might not be perfect, but it has enough warmth and charm to make it worth your time. The beautiful setting, touching performances, and the overall feel-good vibe made it a comforting escape. If you’re in the mood for a slow-paced romance with some lovely coastal scenery and endearing characters, give this one a try. It’s a cozy watch that might just leave you with a smile and a few lingering fond memories.

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found family

Achei a história do dorama muito boa, os personagens muito bem construídos e adorei como eles evoluíram ao decorrer do drama, todos os casais tem muita quimica e são uns fofos.
Adorei a relação do Yong-Phill e da Sam-Dal, além de ser muito linda a amizade que eles tem e como as pessoas de Samaldari sempre acabam ajudando a Sam-Dal.
O final também foi bom, gostei de como todos tiveram uma segunda chance e deu tudo certo
Me envolvi com os personagens e com a história ao desenvolver do dorama e fiquei bem satisfeita!❤️
O único problema é ser um pouco repetitivo e demorado, eles tratavam as coisas como se fossem adolescentes não adultos mas mesmo assim não tive vontade nenhuma de dropar.

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Romantic series "2nd chance" and "return to the countryside", with Ji Chang Wok & Shin Hye Sun.

PLOT: FL, a renowned photographer, returns home to Jeju with her sisters, to escape a scandal. There she finds the ML, her childhood friend - ex lover, who will help her face the situation.

PROS:
+ 2 great leads for the CL: Ji Chang Wok & Shin Hye Sun.
+ endearing characters, fairly well described (but a little one-dimensional).
+ a magnificent setting which highlights the island, its culture, its values.
+ “relatively” realistic story.
+ Dynamic production, but the plot is simple and the rhythm is slow at times.
+ This series aims to be feel-good, with a light and “comedy” tone.

CONS:
- the characters lack depth.
- the narration is sometimes slow, which does not make the series addictive.
- Some narrative arcs are not credible: I am willing to believe that the media have a significant influence in some industries, but the fact that journalists are unleashed on a popular photographer based on a simple denunciation? The fact that they arrive in force for a small exhibition in the lobby of a remote weather station?? Seriously ?? The FL could solve everything by simply telling the truth about her ex's betrayal with her assistant. Why did she never say anything?

=> The series is nice, light, and it's an opportunity to see JCW, but it won't go down in history...
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Série romantique "2e chance" et "retour à la campagne", avec Ji Chang Wok & Shin Hye Sun.

PLOT: la FL, photographe renommée, rentre chez elle à Jeju avec ses sœurs, pour fuir un scandale. Elle y retrouve le ML, son alter ego (ami d'enfance - ex lover) qui va l'aider à affronter la situation.

PROS:
+ 2 super leads pour le CL : Ji Chang Wok & Shin Hye Sun.
+ des personnages attachants, assez bien décrits (mais un peu unidimensionnels).
+ un cadre magnifique qui met en valeur l'ile, sa culture, ses valeurs.
+ story "relativement" réaliste.
+ Réalisation dynamique, mais l'intrigue est simple et le rythme connait des longueurs par moments.
+ Cette série se veut feel-good, avec un ton léger et "comédie".

CONS:
- les personnages manquent de profondeur.
- la narration est parfois lente, ce qui ne rend pas la série addictive.
- certains arcs narratifs ne sont pas crédibles : je veux bien que les médias aient un poids important dans certaines industries, mais que les journalistes se déchainent sur un photographe en vogue sur une simple dénonciation ? qu'ils débarquent en force pour une petite expo dans le hall d'une station météo reculée ?? La FL pouvait tout résoudre en disant simplement la vérité à propos de la trahison de son ex avec son assistante. Pourquoi n'a-t-elle jamais rien dit ?

=> La série est sympa, permet de voir JCW, mais elle ne restera pas dans les annales...

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To have a place to return to is an incredible relief

Ending on a positive and lovely note, the drama's run was sure a rollercoaster of emotions. While at times I felt extreme amounts of hate towards the writer for not having the female lead take very obvious logical decisions, she managed to calm me down by the second half of the drama. The journey of finding herself was beautifully portrayed. Shoutout to Shin Hye Sun, what an actress she is! The sheer amount of emotions she can convey with just her eyes is *chef's kiss*. The cast did an amazing work, especially Jo Yoon Seo, god did I hate her character's guts. Overall a good slice of life drama with great side character arcs, wouldn't go through the pain of watching the first half of the drama again tho.

The Man-Su arc was the best in my opinion XD

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