Welcome to Samdalri

Note: this is an incomplete review as the series is still running.

Admittedly I almost checked out of this show after the first couple of episodes. Between the flashbacks and some painfully slow character development, you'd be forgiven if you lost interest early on. But if you manage to get past some of the more forgettable background-setting you'll be rewarded with a much better story that lies beneath a very superficial beginning.

I think a lot of K-drama series that originate with Netflix are hurt by the typical 12-16 episode series order. The first few episodes of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" are focused on the events that bring Sam-dal back to her home on Jeju. It's a catalyst that gets the story into its primary setting, but it's not the main focus of the overall arc. The relationships between Sam-dal, Yong-pil, and her family and friends is where the real heart of the story is. A half an episode focused on the abuse of power scandal would have been enough to propel the story where it needed to be.

Once you get to the root of the story, though, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" begins to shine. The multi-layered relationships are very smartly woven together and facets revealed at a good pace. The comedy provided by the haenyeos and the sisters (particularly the relationship between the older sister and her ex-husband) are evenly balanced with the tragedy that underlies the main story arc. By the end of "The story of the two Mi-jas", the series is hitting all the right emotional notes.

Upcoming episodes will return us to the abuse of power story, but I hope it doesn't linger too long there. The real heart of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is, like all good K-dramas, in the relationships of its characters. Revenge stories have their place, but this series is so much bigger than a revenge story.

I think that this drama (rom-com), beyond the two main actors who are amazing and versatile actors, as well as the secondary characters, and the love story, has a depth far beyond what you see, and it touches on the point - how unbearably easily celebrities can fall and be destroyed because Whim, jealousy and rumors of others (actors, singers, models, etc.), without even giving them the opportunity to explain themselves or defend themselves, the first step is to cancel contracts with them, which is really sad. Another point is to show the huge difference between city life (Seoul) and village life, in the big city everything is disconnected, workers are based, jealous competition and achievements at the expense of others, in the village there is warmth, caring "one for all and all for one" (it is true that sometimes it is suffocating , because everyone knows everything about everyone, but that's how it is to live in a small village and that's what's beautiful about it. Another point is the soul-searching we do after something happens to us that shocks us (recalculating the course of our lives) I hope the drama will continue to be deep in the plot ( again beyond what we see) and achieve high ratings. Aim for both drama and actors Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hye Sun totally deserve it.

Honestly it seems lone of the many K-dramas I've watched before. Different actors same premise. Nevertheless, it's quite enjoyable. To be quite honest my only pet peeve, because I can see the ending my mind, is the fact that their supposed to be pushing 40, yet they're behaving like 20 somethings. I recognize that's the script, unfortunately, the childlike behavior is the only thing throwing me off. Like I said in my mind. I already know what's going to happen with everyone from her mother, to her sisters, to the guy. If it's anything other than what I'm thinking I will put another review at the end of the series. I'm beginning to wonder if K-dramas are being dished out too often because the more I watch this, the more it feels like deja vu.

I lovely warm hearted story of life in a village on Jeju. Sadly the the first episode is a reflection of what has happened this last week to a persecuted man much loved Korean actor (Lee Sun-kyun). Showing a side of Korea we could all do without. Ji Chang-wook and Shin Hye-sun have incredible chemistry that it's hard to imagine another couple in these roles. They come here from action (Healer) and hilarious (Mr. Queen). The supporting roles are all well developed. Kim Mi-kyung as Sam-dal's mother as always is excellent. The connections between the parents and the sisters add another dimension to a well written series. As for Kim Do-eun, a star of the future.

Take your time to appreciate this beautiful, delicate and slowpaced story of two soulmates who were meant to be but were separated by cirucumstances.

Romance is not all about physical intimacy, in this drama its a beautiful relationship of belongingness, unconditional friendship, love and support for each other despite the time lapse.

This drama will suit those who really try to understand and savor the story, empathize with the characters while relating to People, Place, and Time. Different people in different parts of the world would have different lifestyles, ordeals and constraints, the boundaries of actions, traditional mindset and manners. International audience should approach this story with a broader mindset, then they will truly enjoy the characters in this drama. Not ideal for those who sift through fast paced dramas to finish and compare.

Special appreciation for the friends group, samdalri community who is always there for Samdal. Even the strongest of successful people would feel fragile when walls cave in and left alone. We all need moral support of our loved ones, and the community that recognizes you for your roots to spring back. The message is simple, sweet and well taken.

Love the OST(In My Heart, Beautiful Day), cinematography and my favorite Leads' acting.