Bun-venit în Samdal-ri (2023)

Draggy love story, immature characters, meandering plot, saving grace is humor and scenery

The love story is uninteresting and the only thing that is drawing the audience from watching is whether the ML and FL will get together, and the reason why they broke up. Other plots serves as fillers most of the time. Otherwise, most of the time the ML and FL are hanging around having conversations like teenagers and the FL is always acting like an immature teenager girl. The drama keeps having flashbacks of them as teenagers, and although the drama also tells of stories of friendship, the other supporting characters do not quite have good character development.

The upside of the drama really is the depiction of the relationship of the FL’s mother and her family, and the scenery around Jeju.

I cannot find myself being engrossed with the ML or the FL. The ML is too passive, and only took action in episode 11. The FL is too incongruent, whiny, behaved like a teenager and awkward to be very likeable. I understand it is a character setup but for kdramas to always setup female leads that way, and have relationships only work out towards the last few episodes does not work well for me.

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A heartwarming and beautiful story that sadly isn't for everyone to enjoy!

I'll start my review off with a a line quoted from the series.....

“ keep your head below the water only for as long as you can breathe and when you feel like you can't do it anymore then get out of the water and catch your breath "
- Samdari hanyeos.

This drama has been a pleasant journey, it managed to mix up different genres and tags and still made things work some how, we had family friend romance an ex lovers troupe childhood friends to lovers troupe and many more.

What I loved about this drama?

- The consistent story telling...they stuck to what the story had to be from beginning to end..it had to be a healing drama filled with life lessons, rekindling relationships such as friendship and family and it did exactly that..I was sold to the way the story was being told in an engaging manner and with atmosg consistency.
- The acting..this was one of the dramas biggest strengths...every character in the series even the little girl could actually act or potray their feelings In the most believable way in a way that getting attached to the characters didn't feel like a problems because it happened naturally.
- The characters...Except for a few annoying ones most of the characters in the drama had personality...they could stand on their own because they had their own stories....one more thing is the flawed presentation of characters that was done absolutely well, these characters were hurt and flaws and imperfect but that was the charm they added to the series...their character development seemed natural and it happened along the way without feeling random or forced..the characters were given room to make mistakes and heal and make wrong decisions that they later learner from and that was another charm in the series.
- The couple's chemistry.. The main couples served longing and Agust and it was done really well....the other side couples were also cute and were the cherry on top of the drama either way all had amazing chemistry.
- The Samdarli community that I felt part of in these six weeks.

Overall there was plenty to like about this drama to be honest...I felt healed and warmed up and also heartbroken by the story..I was so emotionally invested.

Things I didn't like?

- The unnecessary love triangle that was trying to be created...it felt not needed in the progress of the story.

Other than that...this was a good watch....I mean what do I expect from putting together amazing actors and actresses...Shin Hye Sun's acting range and emotion potrayal got me so attached to her character and rooted for her...Ji Chang wook proved once again that he's a versatile actor and I support him trying out different roles because he's an amazing actor...the rest of the actors and actresses too did a good job with their roles.

Do I recommend this drama?

YES..it might seem like the type of drama that isn't for many but it's a nice watch if you want something healing relaxing yet heartbreaking at times..you will laugh and cry but it will all be worthwhile....so please don't mind the ratings and give it a chance yourself.....

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Not happy with the ending

Each aspect of the drama was impeccably executed. All the lingering questions were addressed in the final episodes, so I highly recommend watching it through. The acting from every character, including the leads and supporting cast, was truly remarkable. Whenever the male lead shed tears, I found myself deeply moved, mirroring the emotions of the female lead. Their performances truly touched my heart. However, the ending of the drama left me somewhat disappointed. I felt that not every character received a proper resolution, especially the one who harbored unrequited love for the female lead. Similarly, the female lead's sister deserved a fulfilling love story of her own. Ultimately, I yearned to witness the marriage of the main characters. Despite this, the drama was an overall enjoyable experience.

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A wholesome sometimes chaotic drama that shows the values of having family and friends

A good wholesome heartwarming story that shows you can withstand everything when your family is by your side.
A girl who loses everything in an instant unwillingly goes back to her hometown and slowly gains back her confidence and rises up again to face the world. In the process old scars are healed, broken relationships are fixed, the love that was once lost blooms up again.

Shin Hye Sun nails it again just like she has done in every drama she has starred in. Be it portraying a strong and ambitious photographer Eun Hye or the girl behind that strong persona who is just trying to run away from her painful past. She manages to show all the emotions spot on.

Ji Chang Wook is one hell of a versatile actor. From portraying a monstrous grey character in "The Worst Of Evil" to the sweet yet chaotic guy next door in this show, he shines brightly. Him as Yong Pil is one big green flag of a guy who is always there for his loved ones and is ready to sacrifice anytime for their happiness.

The chemistry between the leads as two childhood sweethearts turned ex is amazing. Be it their childish banter or making up for regrets, everything is done beautifully. It isn't just the leads but also the side characters that make it even more fun to watch. Each and every character is placed well in the story and are quite enjoyable to watch.

The show has plenty of cute, funny, chaotic, emotional and uplifting moments making it a really good watch and worth your time.

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This is it. This is my comfort drama.

This is it. I found my comfort drama. Whenever people would say that "this was their comfort drama", I never understood what that meant. Sure, I had dramas that I loved, dramas that I would rewatch, and dramas that I thought were absolute masterpieces. But this is the only drama where I definitely felt "this is my comfort drama". This was such a feel good, slice of life, realistic drama. I absolutely loved it and I know I'll be coming back to watch this time and time again.
I don't think I have much else to say, sure the drama may have its flaws but this was such a heartwarming ride that I really don't mind. It was still such a beautiful portrayal of life, friendship, and family.

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Un cast sprecato per un drama piatto e superfluo

Quando ho letto di questo drama poco prima che iniziasse ad andare in onda, qualche perplessità già ce l'avevo. La trama sembrava già mancare di sostanza. Però c'era Ji Chang Wook, attore che apprezzo moltissimo, e speravo davvero di ricredermi, magari già dopo i primi episodi. E invece...
Invece no.
Qualche nota positiva c'è, e a volte è contemporaneamente negativa. Se da una parte l'ambientazione è diversa dai soliti drama, alla lunga stufa. E 16 episodio sono lunghi da trascorrere tra immersioni subacquee, previsioni meteo e i cortili di un piccolo paesino. Se Seul rappresenta la frenesia, Samdal-ri è un luogo placido e tranquillo, molto placido e molto tranquillo. Senza pretese, con il suo piccolo, ripetitivo e ordinario quieto vivere.
La trama ruota attorno al ritorno di Sam dal, autoesiliatasi per anni a Seul, e ora pronta a partire alla riscoperta di sé stessa. In realtà, il suo personaggio non mostra una particolare evoluzione e ciò che costituisce l'ostacolo che la coppia protagonista deve fronteggiare sono sostanzialmente il padre di lui, ostile alla relazione e in balia di un lutto che non riesce a superare, e la madre di lei, che con la sua boa a fiori tiene sostanzialmente ancorato Cho Yong-pil all'isola. Tutto qua.
Tasto dolente è proprio lui Yong pil: un personaggio inconsistente, un bravo ragazzo così esagerato da risultare tonto, più che sincero e genuino. Ed è stato davvero un colpo basso vedere un attore con il potenziale di Ji Chang Wook sprecato - e sottolineo sprecato - in un ruolo/drama che offre davvero così poco. Un attore tra i miei preferiti, ma i cui capolavori come Healer, K2 e Suspicious Partner sembrano ormai vecchi ricordi se paragonati agli ultimi lavori, dove finisce a rivestire i panni di protagonisti poco performanti in drama costruiti su sceneggiature che sembrano fin da subito non voler lasciare il minimo segno. Al contrario, ho apprezzato l'attore che interpretava il padre di Yong-pil, e anche la madre di Sam-dal (la mitica e indimenticabile Ahjumma di Healer).
La serie, dicevo, procede con quelli che vorrebbero essere dei piccoli colpi di scena ma che in realtà trasmettono ben poco, e si avvia verso un finale che lascia ancora qualche flebile speranza di veder decollare qualcosa, per poter dire che tutto sommato ne è valsa la pena di vederlo, tra alti e bassi. E invece no, nemmeno quello. L'ultimo episodio, se possibile, riesce solo a peggiorare la situazione: la tanto attesa mostra di Sam-dal si risolve in modo quasi frettoloso, certo i soggetti delle foto erano scontati, ma confidavo almeno in qualcosa di più toccante - mi sono chiesta per molte puntate che fine avrebbe fatto quel filo rosso, e invece è tornato ad essere una banale sciarpa inquadrata quasi per caso per una manciata di secondi - e gli stessi protagonisti e personaggi secondari sembrano non averla vissuta, figuriamoci chi sta dall'altra parte dello schermo e dovrebbe emozionarsi per riflesso. La puntata finale si consuma, minuto dopo minuto, nell'attesa di qualcosa che non ci sarà: le varie coppie si ritagliano una fetta dell'episodio per concludere le singole vicende, e ai protagonisti non resta che una breve, brevissima scena a dir poco insulsa. E sembra uno scherzo di cattivo gusto, ma lo spettatore a una certa non può che rassegnarsi al fatto che no, non c'è davvero nient'altro. E' tutto lì. Insipido e sbrigativo.
Qualcosa di apprezzabile, qua e là, c'è. Qualche spunto, qualche riflessione, qualcosa c'è. Ma è un qualcosa che doveva fare da perno centrale, mentre invece restano piccoli momenti che emergono da una trama spesso soporifera. Un drama superfluo, del quale non si sentiva la mancanza.

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Worth Getting Past The First Few Episodes

I really felt like the story picked up much more around halfway through, and it has been the most enjoyable ride ever since. Incredible acting and just a great comfort watch in general. all the characters are so cute, I don’t feel the need to skip through anything. It was hard for me to like the female lead in the beginning but once the story starting picking up pace, and we got to see her motivations and empathetic character come forward more it was a lot easier to enjoy the FL story and plight more. All of the characters are adorable in this show, and it was very cathartic with a wholesome & happy ending.

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sheer joy

It was such a nice drama, i loved it.
Refreshing, satisfying and so lovely
made me laugh so much and some time it made me cry
every actors were amazing
Shin hye sun and ji chang wook is my all time favorite actors so i have a special love for this drama.
As a person who watched most of the completed k dramas out there i am really amused by recent dramas.
There was a time i thought i want be able to find nice dramas anymore but dramas i watched recently were all amazing.
I am such a simp for feel good dramas
anyone who want to have a peaceful and refreshing time amidst this tiresome life ,i assure you that this series will be a great choice.
And the ost guyzzzz it was the bestt....
the song brings a nostalgic and happy feel to the whole drama that fills our heart with sheer bliss. This drama introduced me to this great song which is going to be one of my all time favorite korean song.

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100% biased but I'm in love

I had somewhat mixed feelings going into this drama. I’m a pretty big fan of both Shin Hye-sun and Ji Chang-wook, so I was on board for them, but as a general rule I don’t love second chance romances, so I wasn’t super keen on that aspect of it.

I’m beyond glad that I gave it a change though, it 100% won me over, and quick too. It’s been a good long while since I’ve scored a show this high, I’m madly in love with it.

Okay first off, the freaking cast. This was an absolutely phenomenal cast, Shin Hye-sun as Sam-dal and Ji Chang-wook as Yong-pil were perfect. I don’t know how they managed to bring so much emotion into each of these roles, it was perfect, zero notes. And the chemistry between them was definitely there from their first interactions on screen. As previously stated, I’m not a huge fan of second chance romances, but this one had me rooting for them to get back together pretty much from the beginning.

Every other character was well cast too, from Sam-dal’s sisters to her parents, the haenyeos, to the friend group. Even the characters that didn’t get very much screen time brought something to the show and I was rooting for every single one of them.

The filming locations were stunning, and I found myself falling in love with the little town of Samdal-ri and the whacky cast of characters that live there. I got excited every time I started a new episode and heard the intro play since I knew I was in for something good.
Sam-dal’s journey was so beautifully done. Watching her character go from her lowest emotional state and building up from that was amazing, it got to me. Seeing her reconnect with her friends, her family, her ex and herself was just AHHH. I want to say something articulate here but I don’t even know how, It was just amazing.

Yong-pils character, Oh my gosh. I love this man. I would die for this man. He’s one of the greenest green flags to ever green flag, Ever. Enough said.

The romance developed pretty slow, but the progression is steady, and it always gave me just enough to keep me wanting more from them. And because the build up was slow, it made those little moments that much better. I love them together so much I don’t have the words for it.

Welcome to Samdal-ri had me pretty darn emotional in every episode, and the flashbacks, the freaking flashbacks. They wrecked me, in the best way possible. I don’t cry when I watch shows, but this one got me close.

The music was perfect for the show, I don’t have too many notes about it, but it served it’s purpose well, and I liked it enough to add most of the OST to my playlist. So yeah.

I dunno may, maybe it was just the right story at the right time for me, but I loved it so much. This was definitely one of the most, if not the most healing dramas I’ve ever watching, it’s probably my number one comfort drama right now, it’s got the perfect amount of funny and feels to get me through the day.

I could probably gush about it for the rest of the day, but I’m running out of intelligent words, so bye.

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SENSATIONAL STORY AND PHENOMENAL ACTING

I could go on and on about this drama, and I will. But for now, all I want to say is that THIS IS MY COMFORT DRAMA. Yong Pil and Sam Dal's chemistry was so outstanding. Shin Hye Sun and Ji Chang work are two of the most impressive and versatile actors I have ever known, and they did justice to Yong-Dal relationship dynamic.

Both Yong Pil and Sam Dal's character individually are just as impressive as the couple. Yong Pil is such a green flag, I love how Sam Dal could always count on Yong Pil and how he never left her alone. This is true love right here.

As for Sam Dal, she's truly iconic. A woman who possessed great talents, worked hard to make her dreams come true and yet she had to find herself in order to heal her heart. She is unstoppable.

I also loved the slight contrast between their characters that, in my opinion, made them understand each other better. Their personalities fit together so perfectly, they truly redefined soulmatism.

The story is comforting and uplifting. It's all about healing and finding yourself. It's about being able to spread your wings and flying high, knowing that there are people who have your back and they will always catch you when you fall. This drama truly taught me so many things.

I could go on and on, but I need everybody to watch it!!

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