The Ballot

Oh wait! This is something else! Something New and exciting and wonderful and funny and smart. It ticks all the boxes but it also adds new boxes that create new demands for series to come. Humoristic and intelligent with a fabulous female lead backed up by an equally fabulous male lead and an amazing chemistry between them. This drama feels fresh and modern and it actually touches some of the more provocative questions about social structures today. Excellent! Lean back and Enjoy the ride!

A great option for a lazy weekend binge! Loved the characters, the plot points, the romance and everything about it. Both the leads were inspiring and they share such a healthy and beautiful relationship throughout the show. Both are very strong, determined, smart and fun characters, who are a little annoying at times, which only adds another dimension to their character arch.

Additionally, it highlights the importance of active participation in our communities. Far too many of us are complacent and often become the cause of our own destruction and downfall. 💯 will recommend this show!!

PS: the leads' chemistry was definitely the highlight of the show.

Nana and Park Sung-hoon are an absolutely adorable romantic couple from start to finish. The laughs and the romance are scattered throughout every episode. All of the side characters are really well acted. The OST is amazing Loved it! The main reason to watch is Nana... who has been in three really good dramas in the past year. In this one, she finally gets to play comedy and romance... and she does it brilliantly. She deserves some awards at the end of the year.

The actors had amazing chemistry. Their relationship is cute, inspiring and healthy. The cinematography is on point as well as the musical score. I had their OST's on replay. Love the different characters on the drama from Goo Sera's mom, dad, her friends, workmates. Everyone seems relevant and not portrayed as an add on. You can learn so many lessons in the drama. Goo Sera was portrayed well by Nana as well as Gong myung was portrayed amazingly by Park Sung hoon. This is the kind of series you want to watch over and over again.

Was really surprised to find this truly hidden gem!

Before anything, The Script Writer Moon Hyun-Kyeong (brilliant!) and Director Hwang Seung-Ki (brilliant!) deserve the highest praise! What a wonderful collaboration, and whoever chose the camera person gets an extra star! The camera work in this entire drama is amazing in a way that is truly art-of-filmmaking brilliant. (Sorry to use this word so many times, but there just isn't any other than fits as well.) And, now...the actors...all of them were so perfectly cast, but special honors go to Im Jin-ah and Park Sung-hoon. Wow, the chemistry between the two leads, especially as they bonded throughout the drama is so entertaining and endearing. And special mention goes to the little boy who is always the fourth character among Se Ra and her two best friends. He's the "And a little child shall lead them" character throughout, and he'sl as so adorable!

I happened upon this drama because I was watching Don't Dare to Dream and was drawn to Park Sung-hoon's role there as Secretary Cha. I was hoping I would find a drama he stars in where he plays a similar endearing character. Into the Ring delivered so much more than that!

If anyone is familiar with the western director Wes Anderson, you might love Into the Ring as so many scenes remind me of some of his funniest and quirkiest films. I do hope there's a future collaboration of everyone who was instrumental in making this wonderful drama. (As a side, I'm surprised to find so few awards for this. S Korea doesn't seem to reward art in filmmaking as much as popularity, which is a shame. Over here, I can think of at least eight Oscar category nominations.)

Special recognition also goes to the storyline, which for me in this terribly contentious, political climate here in the USA (2024), this story worked like a healing balm for my soul that has been so worn down by ridiculous politics and the greed that seems to survive in a way that is so disheartening. This drama storyline makes you feel hopeful that the underdog, the candidate who really cares most for the majority of average, hard-working citizens can make a difference even when all the odds are stacked against them. If for only this, it's a must see these days. Bravo to all the cast and crew of the endearingly entertaining drama. <3 <3 <3 . . .