Welcome to Samdal-ri

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.

This rom-com is a contemporary take on classic romantic tropes set in a charming town on Jeju Island. The two charismatic leads, Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun, carry this story, owning every moment they're on screen.

For Korean drama buffs, the themes are familiar. They are soulmates born within minutes of each other (à la The Good Bad Mother) who break up although they still have feelings (Our Beloved Summer). They reunite in the setting of heartwarming friends and endearing locals in a beautiful small town (Hometown Cha Cha Cha; Our Blues). Amusing twists and turns (and slapstick comedy), not to mention challenges, abound. Those who love these themes are likely to find this show delightful as well!

On the other hand, the exaggerated problems and crises that punctuate the storyline could be viewed as flaws. It might be helpful to keep in mind that Korea has an especially harsh cancel culture. It's not unheard of for baseless accusations to stymie careers (Tablo of Epik High comes to mind).

Enjoy this journey of two inseparable friends rekindling love, supporting each other, and helping each other grow!

This one didn't made it into my list as i don't follow much kdrama headlines or review articles but man oh man i got hooked after the 2nd episode. God this one will go down in history of the best KDrama Production,Acting and Visuals. Its a must watch for those who loved Reply 1988 and Twenty One Twenty Five.

I haven't seen other show of any of the cast members but these actors and actresses are very well fitted in their respective roles. Thanks for producing a high quality show like this. Looking forward to the next weeks delight.

For me i think my December and start of a New year will be great because of this show & fingers crossed for a great run and finale in January.

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.

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.