Take a chance, and you might be surprised

When this drama first started, there was a lot of talk about fat shaming and how larger body sizes were negatively represented in the show. I have to admit in the first few episodes of this drama it will really seem like that, and it will definitely turn some viewers off into dropping the show but I say give it a chance and you might find yourself with quite a funny and beautiful drama on your hands. The drama quickly matures and revolves around how a woman is able to grow to find the self-agency to act on her own and personal confidence, not by being skinny but by support and love from others.

This is not to say this is a super nuanced story and deserves endless critical acclaim. At certain times the story can get a little absurd, whether it be the mythology of the magical perfume or the "love triangle". Also if you're looking for some Sismance, you will definitely not find it here lol. However, I went along with the ride and was entertained throughout the series from start to end.

Shin Sung Rok is really the star of this drama, and it would definitely would not be the same without him. I've heard of him before but this was the first thing I've ever seen him in, now I fully understand all the love for him and he's become one of my new favourites. He can range from being cute, enraged, heartfelt, to distraught. Go Won Hee was just as good, and I was impressed how despite her age she was able to perfectly embody a woman who is in her 40s. Between the two leads, I really felt the connection and emotions between the two. Ha Jae Sook who plays the real Jae Hee also does a nice job. In the beginning, I wasn't really feeling Kim Min Kyu but he definitely won me over.

If you're considering this drama but are concerned about the low ratings from others or the fat shaming controversy, then I say take a chance with the first few episodes to judge for yourself. You might be find yourself enjoying this drama as much as I did.

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Honestly, I found this show to be just okay.

The main issue with this show is the writing, which felt uninspired and lazy at times. Characters would find answers/clues sometimes too conveniently to move the story along. Thus as a result, the investigation did not feel super compelling to me. Additionally, Seo Hui was criminally underwritten. That character had an underwhelming amount of development/growth, and wasn't given much to do. Also, I didn't like how in the beginning the (only) female detective was often the comic relief as a result of her foolishness. I've seen this type of humour is older dramas and thus it felt stale to me, and a little offensive to still be seeing token female characters in male-dominated work environments portrayed like that nowadays. That being said, the show definitely had its moments that were either intense or intriguing.

The acting is really the best part of this show. Lee Min Ki gives a great nuanced performance as a character completely different from his most recent drama work, thus further proving how exceptional he is of an actor. Lee Yoo Young was good as well with what she is given, I just wished she had more to work with. I also really liked Kim Shi Eun as Jin Kyung and Yoon Jong Seok as Ho Gyu, who both were endearing and truly earnest. This is probably just me, but I didn't really like Seo Hyun Woo as In Dong Gu, as the performance felt one-dimensional and it really felt like he was "acting".

Music was alright, I like the 80s inspiration. But also it didn't really suit the style and tone of the show, thus it felt like a superficial attempt to be "trendy".

Reading this over, I sound a little harsh but I just wished the writing/story could have delivered the same level as the cast did.

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If I had to describe this drama in one word, it would be grounded. The writers for this show did a nice job, it takes talent to balance tension, action, humour, and politics into one. On top of the great lines, I also enjoyed how the writers were able to take such an extreme situation and create a scenario that felt truly realistic. I found it so fascinating how the script interweaves a contemporary South Korea and the country's current political climate into its story. With that said, in the beginning I thought the pace of the show was too slow by focusing too much on the early days of the acting president and there were times I tuned out just a little bit. However, now having seen the ending I appreciate the pace of progression and how the show took its time to tell its story. I also thought certain characters could've have used more development/screen time, such as Oh Young Seok.

Now the best aspect of this drama is the ACTING, the show would be nothing without each and every member of the cast. Even the most minor actors really held their own. Each group had such a interesting and/or fun dynamic, especially all the secretaries and the NIS team. I would name my favourites, but I just have too many lol. Sometimes other dramas focus too much on the main actors, shafting the supporting characters. So what I really love about this show is that it really feels like an ensemble cast. What I mean by that is everybody has their moment, and has a role to play in the story.

If you like political dramas, then this is definitely for you. If not, then maybe move on because some people will definitely found this type of show as boring. As for me, I have to say that I really got sucked in into this drama! I haven't watched the original so I can't compare the two, but this adaptation definitely stands on its own.

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A realistic and moving story about pursuing your dreams

Although the story may not be groundbreaking or entirely new, the film delivers a touching message along with an excellent performance from Lee Joo Young.

Story
Even though the title of this movie is literally "Baseball Girl", I would say this isn't really a baseball movie. I truly believe you don't even need to like sports to enjoy this film. At the forefront, this film is about the obstacles and difficulties that we all have in life and trying to face them. The primary character Joo Soo In is not the only one fighting for her way, but others around her too. However despite the hard times or failures that all the characters have, we need to find the determination to continue forward. Overall, the tone of the movie is subdued and slow. However that is not a criticism as this gives time for reflection and really conveys the mood of characters, mainly the female lead Joo Soo In. I also appreciated how the family felt very real, and personally I could heavily relate to the relationship between the mother and daughter.

Acting
The standout in this entire movie is definitely Lee Joo Young as Joo Soo In. From her performance, I really felt the character's struggles but also determination. The rest of the cast was very good as well. It is always nice to see Lee Joon Hyuk, especially in role completely different from those he's done before. Without this cast, the movie's story would have fell completely flat.

Aside from the story and acting, the cinematography was quite nice as well. All in all, Baseball Girl is a well crafted film that I recommend you to watch when you're in the mood for an uplifting but realistic female-lead story.

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Just finished watching this drama on Netflix, and I have to say it lacks the suspense and energy of the Japanese original. If you had to pick between the two, I would definitely recommend the Japanese films. With that said, I don't regret watching the show. I did get sucked into the story and cared for the characters. In terms of the story, I wished they focused a little more on So Woo as I was watching I kept wanting more development to understand more of his motivations/history. I also wish the writers didn't have to insert the romance aspect. Even though it was subtle and wasn't at the forefront of the story, it felt unnecessary and a little forced.

The favourite part of this drama was definitely the cast. I adored the friends, especially Soo Hee, Yoo Jin, and Seung Hyun. The actor who played Woo Hyeok was very sympathetic. Joo Ri and Cho Rong were portrayed perfectly. Seo Young Joo, who played So Woo, was so good and I just wished he was given more. My only complaint would be that the main actress and actor, who played the prosecutor and counsel, were a bit wooden and could've been a bit more emotive.

Overall this drama has a good message and great acting. If you want to watch this drama, give it a chance and watch the first episode. If you don't like it by then, I would consider dropping it and moving on to something else.

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Truly one of the best acted, written, scored, directed, and shot dramas I've ever watched. With that said I understand this drama isn't for everyone, especially if you're used to watching light and fluffy dramas. Even so, I recommend this show wholeheartedly, but keep in mind that the overall tone is heavy and mournful.

Story
What I enjoyed about the writing was that it felt real and raw. I could believe the dialogue between the characters as actual conversations versus lines on a page. What I usually hate about the writing in dramas is that the characters are too one-dimensional, inconsistent, or simply don't change. Not here as you will find complex and authentic characters, no doubt helped by the excellent cast. The only thing I disliked was how Jin Kang was perhaps a little too forgiving of the people around her for acts that were quite heinous, which felt unrealistic but perhaps that's just her character trait.

Acting
I say with confidence, every single actor here was amazing. I've watched Jung So Min before in "The Sound of Your Heart" where she was quite funny, but this role transformed how I see her from now on. She has a special mix of charm, strength, heart, and humour. This is the first time I've seen Seo In Guk in anything, and I was speechless. He completely transformed into an enigmatic, tender, and dangerous Moo Young. Overall extremely impressed by the entire cast.

Music
The orchestral and instrumental pieces really elevated the scenes they accompanied. Definitely far better than average background music. I actually want to buy the OST.

If you can't tell, I really loved this drama. It balances the mystery, drama, crime, and romance very well. Production value is high here, and you'll be able to tell as soon as you start to watch. Just a warning, don't watch if you can't handle serious and tragic themes which can affect rewatch value.

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