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One Spring Night (aka Bombam) Vs Something In The Rain

Anyone who has seen both these series will recognise that they are two peas from the same pod. They have same director, and writer, similar soundtracks, and many of the same cast, albeit playing different characters in a different story.

In my opinion they are both romantic masterpieces, and should satisfy anyone that loves British period romances, because although they are set in the present, the oppressive nature of Korean society affords these series a subtlety that is similar in tone to Jane Austen.

Each series is slowly (but perfectly) paced, with realistic characters and relationships.

A minor flaw in both series is the repetition in the dealings with the ex-partners (Perhaps ex-partners are actually this persistent in Korea).

SITR is further marred by the overbearing character of the mother, which seems just too over the top (Not the actress' fault who by the way is superb playing a completely different mum in OSN), and by the slightly muddled last two episodes.

However both series have wonderful acting, sympathetic protagonists that you will love, and numerous subtle and realistic romantic set pieces.

So which series is better?

SITR has a faster paced first half, with some of the most enchanting romantic scenes ever as the relationship between the two leads develops.

However SITR somewhat messes up its ending, with events in the last two episodes seeming a bit out of character, and only redeemed by a rushed last 10 minutes. The script definitely needed some more work here.

SITR features a more glamourous lead character, played by actress Son Ye-Jin. In contrast Han Ji-Min (who is just as beautiful in other series) is clearly meant to be playing a more dowdy, introverted character in OSN.

Both lead actresses are very good in their roles, playing characters with completely different personalities (One is soft, one is tough), although I think Han Ji-Min has better acting chops.

While the various romantic exchanges between the lead couples are terrific in both series, OSN is greatly enhanced by the numerous additional scenes with the couple's respective friends and family, which serve to offer a sort of running commentary of the story's events. The dialogue with the friends is particularly good, and often amusing.

I felt that most of the greatest scenes in SITR are in the first half, whereas there are great scenes scattered throughout OSN.

OSN is more consistent and realistic, has a better second half, and a perfect resolution.

Upon repeat viewing of both series (multiple times), I definitely prefer OSN. I think that the creators of OSN made a concious effort to fix the errors that they made in its predecessor SITR.

However it is well worth seeing both series...multiple times if you are a true romantic.

I am yet to see any western made, present day drama/romance series as touching as these.

This series is a compendium of stories about a group of friends and acquaintances living in a seaside town on Jeju Island.

The stories weave in and out of each other, each taking a turn at prominence.

While the whole series is well acted, well made, and well intentioned, I found that only about half of the stories are really worthwhile.

I have given the 7 stories descriptive titles, and ranked them below based on interest and impact from best to worst (in my opinion):

1) The Expecting Teenagers - The young actors playing the central couple are so engaging, with their characters reflecting maturity beyond their years, while also not losing sight of the fact that they are still schoolkids. Meanwhile the feuding parents provide a lot of amusement.

2) The Captain & The Mystery Girlfriend - Han Ji-Min is such an amazing and enchanting actress, she carries this story.

3) The Two Best Friends - This is the shortest of the stories and is both riveting and amusing at the same time. The two confrontations toward the end are extremely well done.

4) The "Abandoned" Child - Some nice drama here.

5) The Peddler & His Depressive Love Interest - Can be a slog at times, but the male lead (Lee Byung-Hun) keeps it interesting.

6) The Gold Digger - I found the male lead too unlikable. The female lead (Lee Jung-Eun) is excellent.

7) Mother & Son - The story goes on way too long and in my opinion has a very unsatisfactory resolution. I also don't like its message which basically says respect your parents no matter how undeserving they are.

If a romantic drama series is going to conclude with an unresolved ending that leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether the couple end up together or not, then the journey toward that ending has to be sufficiently rewarding. I don't think that it is in this case.

The series is very well acted, and has a good ensemble cast, however i found the scriptwriting very disappointing.

This series would have us believe that nearly every Korean lives with their head in the sand, and is unable to carry on a frank conversation, even when they are in private.

I found the main relationship to be unrealistic, with the primary couple failing at every opportunity to behave in a normal human manner.

They appear to prefer talking in riddles, than hashing out their situation like regular people would.

In fact the only main character that seemed to behave in a rational manner was So Kyung Pil, who was too often portrayed as the villain for only being honest to himself and others.

When i compare the writing here to two of my favourite Korean romantic dramas - One Spring Night (Bombam), and Something In The Rain - i find that it pales in comparison.

It is at least better than My Liberation Diary, which meandered along and went nowhere, but not by much.

Despite my frustration with the actions and decisions of the characters, I watched it all the way through in the hope that I would at least be rewarded with a satisfactory ending. Alas i was again disappointed. It is possible to conclude a romantic story successfully with an open ending - watch My Mister for a prime example - however The Interest Of Love fails in that department too, due to the inferior writing.

In the end I felt that my time could have been better invested elsewhere, and am still craving to find another Korean romantic drama of the standard of the aforementioned three series.