Single in Seoul

It's a nice past-time. No more no less. It's definitely not a bad watch but there is absolutely nothing gripping about this movie. There's no build-up to anything remotely major. Lee Dongwook looks as good as ever so there's a plus.

If you're looking to watch a series of tedious events unfold over a simple meal, this is pretty perfect. However, if you're looking for something deeper, with more drama, or at least a thicker plot, this is not for you.

The one thing that resonated with me after watching this was how memory and perception go hand in hand. More importantly, how perception has the power to change memory. No matter how perfectly you think you remember something from the past, the other side of the story will always be different. Which is why self-reflection is necessary for every single person on the planet for without it the spur for change may never occur. I wish this part of the movie had been explored a lot more than it was.

Directed by Park Beom-Soo, this 2023 film is a fairly inconsequential romcom set in the commercial paperback publishing world where Hyeon-jin, a lonely, whipsmart editor decides to find writers who can speak credibly to the single life in Seoul and Barcelona, respectively. A popular female writer named Joo-ok has been recruited for the Barcelona book, but the Seoul tome proves to be more elusive. Enter Yeong-ho, a young, poker-faced teacher unproven as a writer, yet Hyeon-jin is convinced he's the one to write the book based on a crush she had on him in college. Inevitable complications ensue but nothing that prevents the predictable from occurring. Lim Soo-jung and Lee Dong-wook play the initially mismatched pair with aplomb, and Esom brings a flirty freshness to Joo-ok. Otherwise it's a rather forgettable affair offset by the cool urban Seoul setting.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are the ones that resonate on a personal level, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

The film is gentle, relatable, and realistic, much like our everyday lives. In an era dominated by sharp cinematic techniques and thrilling fantasies, this movie might seem plain and quickly become tiresome. However, to me, it is rich in psychological and human flavors. The subtlety of each character moves me just enough. Sometimes, pain exaggerates a person's memories; sometimes, separation teaches us life lessons that help us rise above ourselves and make changes.

Without dramatic peaks, lingering tears, or intense tension, life is like that. It's not just for entertainment or to satisfy your curiosity; it is a lesson for those who understand their own psychology. The film reflects this essence beautifully, making it a poignant watch for those who appreciate the subtleties of human emotions and relationships.

The leads had good chemistry and I liked how their relationship developed. It wasn't anything extraordinary but there was a sweetness to it and their interactions. As the movie progressed, you could see them start caring for each other in small ways. They were two single people who found love in each other.

I thought that because they had started off on the wrong foot that they would constantly butt heads in the movie, but this time around the writers were all about mature characters, so although they did misunderstand each other at first, they were able to resolve it and work together. There were short bursts of humour sprinkled throughout the movie so overall it was quite heartwarming in the end.

The story is about a writer and an editor working together and falling in love. She is an editor trying to get a series of books published featuring writers in different cities justifying their single lives. Unfortunately the story isn't eventful enough.

Lee Dong Wook has been appearing with monster makeup or looking bad and crazy in his recent shows. So this is a chance for his fans to see him as a normal person in a romantic role. Im Soo Jung looks too goofy the whole time with her eccentric get up and granny glasses and over curly hair. There is absolutely no chemistry between them. He looks like he is modelling the latest mens wear coats and turtlenecks perfectly groomed and with perfect hair. In contrast she looks like a blast from the past. No one in their forties can get away with that grungy look droopy glasses and over permed hair. No reason to fall in love is shown in the movie. There is little build up in the relationship or even signs of attraction. The first almost kiss on the street was totally unromantic. And Esom who plays his first love looks even less likely to have had an affair with him. Why didn't they pick actresses to better match his looks like Seo Ji Hye or Han Hyo Joo? At least then the main couple would have looked good together.

A bunch of familiar faces in supporting roles including Lee Sang Yi looks unrecognisable with the glasses. He shows off singing talent.

The pseudo drama at the end is such a non event. What was there to be mad about? Then his acceptance of the issue was unexplained.

One thing about the subtitles which were in white and often played out on a light background so they were often difficult to read.

Fans of LDW will like this movie but for others it may be lacking in substance even for a rom com.