Love & Wish (2021)
Discover the heartfelt journey of Son Da Eun and Kim Seung Hyu in Love & Wish as they navigate love, friendship, and the scars of bullying in high school.
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Info
| Original Title | 러브 앤 위시 |
|---|---|
| Formats | Streaming |
| Seasons | 1 |
| Episodes | 9 |
| Duration | 16 mins |
| Status | Ended |
| Year | 2021 |
| First Air Date | December 24, 2021 |
| Last Air Date | December 24, 2021 |
| Network | Daum Kakao TV |
Trailer
Synopsis
Son Da Eun, 17, is the youngest of three sisters. From an early age, she and her sisters would spend their time reading romance-themed comics and novels, and Son Da Eun would spend her nights dreaming of finding true love. Her family moves to the South Korean capital, Seoul, and she finds herself living next door to a handsome high schooler named Kim Seung Hyu. He is charming and attractive and she feels that perhaps he might be her first true love.
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Editor's Review
“Love & Wish,” a 2021 South Korean web drama, is a charming yet intense depiction of youthful romance and the complexities of high school life. Directed by Jang Jae Hyuk and based on the webtoon by INE, this drama stars Choi Ye Bin and Choi Young Jae from the popular boy group GOT7, bringing fresh talent and vibrant energy to the screen.
Plot and Characters
The story revolves around Son Da Eun (Choi Ye Bin), a 17-year-old girl who dreams of experiencing a fateful love. Her family moves to Seoul, where she meets Kim Seung Hyu (Choi Young Jae), a mysterious and reserved high school student who carries the burden of past trauma from severe bullying. This encounter marks the beginning of a heartfelt and tumultuous journey as Da Eun tries to break through Seung Hyu’s defenses, uncovering his painful past and navigating the challenges that come with it.
Themes and Performance
“Love & Wish” successfully blends the themes of romance and social issues, particularly focusing on school bullying. Son Da Eun is portrayed as an optimistic and diligent student, whose unwavering kindness gradually helps Seung Hyu open up. Choi Ye Bin shines in her role, displaying a range of emotions from cheerful innocence to determined resilience. Her performance is complemented by Choi Young Jae, who brings depth to the character of Seung Hyu, making his struggles with bullying and emotional vulnerability both believable and relatable.
Supporting Cast
The supporting cast also delivers commendable performances, adding layers to the narrative. Notable mentions include Yoo Jae Sang, who plays Na Yoo Il, a supportive friend with a subtle romantic interest in Da Eun, and Kim Sa Hee as Son Da Mi, Da Eun’s protective older sister and a prosecutor who becomes pivotal in confronting the school’s bullies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
One of the strengths of “Love & Wish” is its concise storytelling. With only nine episodes, each under 30 minutes, the drama maintains a brisk pace, ensuring that viewers remain engaged without unnecessary fillers. The direction and screenplay efficiently capture the essence of teenage life and the emotional turmoil that comes with it. The chemistry between the leads is another highlight, as their evolving relationship is depicted with sincerity and charm.
However, the drama is not without its flaws. The storyline, while engaging, follows some predictable tropes common in high school romances. The handling of the bullying theme, though important, occasionally lacks depth and could benefit from a more nuanced approach. Some viewers might find the resolution of conflicts too swift, considering the gravity of the issues portrayed.
Conclusion
“Love & Wish” is a delightful watch for fans of high school romance dramas. It offers a blend of light-hearted moments and serious themes, backed by strong performances from a young cast. Despite some narrative shortcomings, the drama’s heartfelt portrayal of love and friendship makes it a worthwhile addition to the genre. For those seeking a short, emotionally resonant series, “Love & Wish” is a perfect pick.
Final Thoughts
The drama is available on platforms like Viki and KakaoTV, making it easily accessible for international audiences. If you’re looking for a brief yet impactful high school romance, “Love & Wish” should be on your watchlist.