Useless Lies

When I started watching this one after a recent deluge of rom-coms on OTT, I underestimated its simple plot-line about a woman able to tell liars. After following the initial 6 episodes I can't wait to watch how the drama unfolds and how the leads handle different situations pertaining their not-so-common lives (read: lies).

The story complicates with simple twists and unforeseen but predictable circumstances, presented in a charming and feel-good format. The scenes are as beautiful as the leads. This one is like an icing on top of all the rom-coms released this year, with believable and real characters, charming take on a love story about second chances. To keep the plot running, a hidden backdrop runs throughout, creating sufficient tension between all the characters.

The story actively deals with a few of the current concerns like that of mental health problems: why not to take them lightly, plagiarism in the music industry: how the more-established people exploit, underpay and mistreat ghost-writers and non-famous talented people.

It's a great blend of a sweet second-chance romance, good plot, mystery, and some good acting.

As I reach the midway point of the drama, I can't help but find it absolutely ridiculous, but in the best way possible. It adeptly captures the essence of the genres it aims to portray, particularly excelling in the realms of romantic comedy and fantasy. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their romantic moments are nothing short of heart-fluttering.

The drama fits seamlessly within the genres of Romantic Comedy, Fantasy, and Drama. The very first scene sets the tone as we're introduced to three men on the brink of being thrown off a building, they work for a gang and the boss suspects one of them has betrayed him. This tense situation takes an unexpected turn when Sol-hee, the "liar hunter," arrives on the scene. The writing brilliantly infuses humor even into these intense moments.

The initial meeting between the main leads further illustrates the drama's penchant for blending seriousness with humor. The female protagonist comes to the rescue as she intervenes in a scenario where the male lead is being attacked by his ex-girlfriend's brother on a bus. The juxtaposition of the serious situation and the writer's comedic touch makes for an amusing scene.

While some critics might nitpick about how characters bump into each other numerous times in quick succession, with each meeting proving more unlikely than the last, this drama is more rooted in fantasy and comedy, with moments of gravity interspersed. The story line offers numerous scenes that are utterly re watchable, packed with humor and charm.

To critics, I'd suggest embracing the drama for what it is rather than focusing on what it isn't trying to be. Beyond the romance, the story provides a fresh experience by highlighting Mok Sol Hee, a character with a unique ability. Flaws are present in most dramas, no matter how realistic the story is. But this drama isn't about intricate plot twists. Instead, it offers a straightforward yet engaging narrative that keeps viewers intrigued by Kim Do Ha's mysterious secret. The drama captures curiosity without relying on elaborate twists.

The drama's message is profound. Even though Mok Sol Hee appears to lead an uncomplicated life due to her special ability, true love has the power to challenge even extraordinary skills. Our obsession with truth and lies often hides the intentions of those who deceive. The core of the story is the growth of love through understanding and trust, even when emotions are hidden.

Up to this point, the drama has certainly delivered as a genuinely engaging experience. However, I reserve my judgment about whether it will achieve the status of a "great" drama until I see how the second half of the story unfolds, particularly in terms of the development between the two main leads.

A more comprehensive review will follow once I've completed the drama. Nonetheless, my current perspective remains positive. As I'm halfway through, I've even found myself re-watching episodes and relishing the memorable scenes that never seem to lose their appeal.

Romantic K-drama that brings viewers into a world of love, deceit, and the complexities of human relationships. While the series has its strengths, it's important to acknowledge that there's room for improvement, particularly in the portrayal of the male lead, Hwan Min Hyun. However, amidst these challenges, Seo Ji Hoon shines brilliantly as the second male lead, stealing the spotlight with his exceptional acting and emotional depth.

Hwan Min Hyun, cast as the male lead, unfortunately, falls short of expectations. His acting, while possessing some charm, is found lacking in depth. One noticeable aspect is the limited range of facial expressions he brings to his character. This lack of emotional diversity makes it difficult for viewers to fully connect with his portrayal. In a romantic drama, it's crucial for the male lead to convey a wide spectrum of emotions to establish a strong connection with the audience. In this regard, Min Hyun's performance leaves much to be desired.

In stark contrast, Seo Ji Hoon's portrayal of the second male lead is nothing short of remarkable. Ji Hoon infuses his character with extraordinary depth and authenticity. He masterfully navigates the emotional complexities of his character's tragic backstory, bringing every nuance of sadness, joy, and pain to life. Ji Hoon's immersive performance draws viewers into his character's world, making it impossible not to empathize with his struggles and triumphs.

The love triangle, a common trope in K-dramas, takes on a different dimension in Useless Lies. While some dramas may fall into the trap of predictability, this series manages to breathe new life into the trope. It's true that from the outset, it's evident that the second male lead won't have a chance with the female lead. However, Seo Ji Hoon's compelling performance adds depth to the storyline. His character's endearing yet heartbreaking journey serves to tug at the heartstrings of the audience in a way that feels genuine and emotionally resonant. While the outcome may be expected, the emotional journey of the characters keeps viewers invested and emotionally engaged.

The story is its own unique strength. In a landscape of K-dramas that often rely on familiar plotlines and clichés, this drama stands out with its originality. The central narrative revolves around complex characters and the web of deceit that surrounds them. While the story maintains its originality, it's worth noting that, as with many dramas, it becomes somewhat predictable as it unfolds. To elevate the series further, introducing more unexpected twists and turns in the later episodes could have maintained the intrigue and kept viewers on their toes.

The chemistry between the main couple is a vital factor in any romantic drama's success, and the drama doesn't disappoint much. The interactions between the female lead and the male lead, despite the challenges posed by Min Hyun's acting, carry a certain charm. Their moments of vulnerability and connection are touching, making it easy for viewers to root for their relationship. While Min Hyun's facial expressions may lack diversity, the chemistry between the leads helps compensate for this, drawing viewers into their emotional journey.

The drama commences on a strong note with comedy scenes that infuse humor and levity into the story. These early moments of humor effectively hook viewers with a smile. However, it's worth noting that as the story progresses, the comedic elements become less prominent. A sustained dose of humor throughout the series, especially in the later episodes, could have enriched the overall viewing experience and provided moments of light-heartedness amidst the emotional intensity.

In conclusion this is filled with heart and potential. While it may have its shortcomings, particularly in the portrayal of the male lead, it remains a compelling series that offers a fresh and original storyline. Seo Ji Hoon's exceptional acting elevates the drama, and the love triangle, though seemingly predictable, is made more poignant by his performance. With a commitment to refining its comedic elements and introducing unexpected plot twists, could have been even more exceptional. Nonetheless, it remains an entertaining and emotionally resonant drama that captures the complexities of love and deceit in a unique way, making it worth the watch.

I'm actually very surprised how ratings go on most k-dramas and how some very good storylines are underrated. I immensely enjoyed the mystery throughout. I wasn't bored and found each character played well. The actors did a great job. Some dramas like family by choice, love next door are so overrated and the fact they have a higher rating truly upsets me. This k-drama deserves much love compared to a lot of others, that are hyped without any reason. I will totally recommend anyone to watch it. The fact that I could watch it in one sitting itself says it's a good plot. You cannot do it with most of the kdramas.

Korean Drama " My Lovely Liar " is a fantasy romance about a girl who can detect lies and a man who is done lying.

The drama starts off strongly, with the main couple getting to know each other and a love story slowly brewing, with enough adorable moments to support the light atmosphere. The mystery of the male lead's past was another factor that kept things interesting for a while, confusing the viewer as to what was his true intentions.

However, towards the ending, things started getting messy. Sure, the romance was cute and the couple had chemistry, even though the love triangle was underdeveloped and unnecessary, but the mystery wasn't handled nicely and it got chaotic. The use of many cliche tropes as well as boring twists didn't aid at all to make things better. The final episode, in addition, felt like a filler rather than an actual conclusion.

Finally, the performances were enjoyable by everyone in the cast, and the fantasy element was managed nicely.

So, overall, six out of ten.