Synopsis
A young woman, Han Yoo Kyung, strolls around through Soul after her recent break-up and her latest unsuccessful attempt to be recognized in photography. As she tries to rejuvenate herself and remind herself just why she loves photography she meets Cha Hyun Oh. Hyun Oh like Yoo Hyung is running away from his unhappy lifestyle. He leases behind a dull life as an office worker to try and pursue his passion in dancing. They first meet by accident four times before Hyun Oh begins to call it fate. It isn't long before they begin to develop feelings for one another, but there is one catch they both have to return to their lives.
Review
First, let me apologize for not posting something earlier. Things just got so busy lately and I've not had anytime to write a review. That being said, let us carry on with this review. I was honestly unsure if I should even watch this series, dear reader. The plot sounded a bit cheesy for me, which to be honest isn't usually a problem. There was just something about it that made me a bit wary. Well, fortunately enough for me I actually gave it a try. It wasn't as bad as I anticipated but it also wasn't as great as other K-Drama's I've seen.
On my sticky notes I have given it a 80% on story telling and a 3/5 on direction. Of course, that is on the first 5 episodes alone. My opinion may change once the series continues on. It did basically what I detest the most in any drama either American, British or Korean. I dislike it when the main character's go back and forth between "I like you" and "I don't like you." It's tiring to see and listen to.
However, I do have to say that to a degree the "I like you," "I don't like you" situation was understandable. Yoo Kyung had just gotten over a bad break-up with her longtime boyfriend and they were both from completely different places. Although they both sought for a similar reprieve they eventually had to return from whence they came. It's just, the quasi prickly behavior on Yoo Hyung's part was a little exhausting to see. Thankfully, it changes over a few episodes.
The side character's also have a interesting arch, for the most part. I do find the character Ban Gu Wol to be a bit annoying at times. He is whiney, lazy, and I believe he's supposed to be the comic relief, but he doesn't deliver much. This is not to the fault of the actor, Yoo Joon Hong, but the writer. Hopefully the writer changes that soon.
The direction had a few kinks in it that I didn't quite like and distracted me from the story. Of course, some of the problem didn't completely fall on the director but casting. Yoo Kyung is from America, New York to be exact and a great deal of the english speaking actors that they have acting are really bad at it. It is almost as if they themselves can't speak english or it's like a computer is saying their parts. Yes, I know that is not the focus of the story, but it is in the show. Therefore, put your best foot forward. The director should have heard and seen the mechanicalness in their speech and asked them to reshoot the scene. I'm not asking for Mr. Sunshine here where the english actors are super great. I understand that english actors may be expensive and you gotta make due, but try and make it a little more believable. Badly delivered lines and bad acting are a BIG pet peeve of mine. I know I'm being picky but that is just me. As an actor myself I'd like for the paid professionals to be better than I am.
Other than the problems I've mentioned above 12 Nights is engaging enough to keep me coming back for more, and the acting from the leads isn't awful. The acting isn't the best that I've seen, but it also isn't the worst. I do have to say that Shin Hyun Soo, who plays Cha Hyun Oh, plays his character with an innocence that I find adorable and believable. Even Han Seyung Yeon, who plays Han Yoo Kyung, has her moments that make her shine. However, over all the actors can be a bit more believable. I am looking forward to seeing what else will happen in this unique story of how fate can bring two strangers from two completely different places together.
If you give this drama a chance or have already begun to watch it, please leave me a comment and tell me what your thoughts are. I am curious to see and hear from you and what your take is on the series. I am watching it on Viki.com, which is a free streaming service. Although, you'll have to wait a few days for it to be available to you if you are not a paying member. Also, I am highly anticipating for the drama Mama Fairy and the Woodcutter that will be airing on TvN. If anyone knows where I can watch it please let me know! I've not seen any advertisement on Viki.com or Kocowa.com and I honestly think the series will be a knockout. Goodbye and until next time, dear reader!