Summer Strike

Only 12 episodes, a nice, mostly sweet K-Drama with some murder solving drama mixed in. Thought the male lead Siwan was the main attraction to the show who was the sweetest character that you can't help but like in the series. The series is great at forming friendships but the romance is actually a little lacking - not even one kiss that I saw between any of the characters thus rated only 8 stars. Quite honestly the dog made one of the best additions to the story as well as he was so lovable and made the story even sweeter. Thought it was strange that the FL would get involved with making friends with young high school kids in the first place and their side story was a little distracting.

It tells a very precious story about human emotions, friendship, loyalty, love and how important it is to create a family with people that you care about and that cares for you. Not always blood is what's important, family is chosen.

You will be left with a valuable lesson about how not everyone in this life is destined to follow what society has prepared for us.

We live in an extremely shallow and materialistic society where the aim of most people is to get as much money and highest status possible, sacrificing very important things like time, self care and sometimes even family and loved ones.

This drama will show you how we can live with only the bare minimum necessities and be immensely happier that way.

Some say that romance is a bit lacking and slow burn but I don't agree, from the very beginning there's an amazing chemistry and attraction between the two leads and you will find yourself smiling and watching them awkwardly flirt with each other, such innocent and genuine love story.

The series has also a very well paced suspense plot that will keep you super hooked and will shock you at end. Nothing is predictable at all.

This drama was a very pleasant surprise, it's very well written and its a wholesome and all rounded watch.

Summer Strike depicts the slow emotional evolution of 2 characters who are on the quiet side.

FL leaves Seoul in frustration, disgusted by scheming, evil co-workers, the monotony of her life and her inability to get ahead in any meaningful way. For young people watching this healing drama I think this will strike a chord and trigger the question "Is it worth it? Is all this study and thankless work and pressure really worth it? When do I get to live well?" I think it's a question worth asking, especially in Korea with its high female suicide rate and low birth rate.

She decides to relocate to a seaside town and re-calibrate, reboot and take a moment. And so we are introduced to the townsfolk who are kind and cruel in equal measure, some under protected and maliciously judged with few opportunities to move ahead unless they leave for Seoul.

The slow burn romance that takes place with the ML is satisfying enough but the series really shines when it depicts our strong human need for connection, whether from family or people who become family.

The murder mystery element really only comes to the fore at the end so if you are looking for a strong thriller drama this is not the show for you. Instead, its about people with their quiet desires and unmet expectations and how they deal with it.

The supporting cast is very strong and the message of sufficiency and contentment is wholesome.

Sweet, uncomplicated (and short) healing drama that showcases our human need for connection and community.

An exploited Seoul office worker played by Seolhyun faces a crisis when her boyfriend breaks up with her and her mother dies in a tragic accident. She decides to give up Seoul life and travel, on her travels she comes to a small coastal village with an underused library where she decides to stay and do nothing for a year. The librarian is played by Im Si-wan who is a maths genius but hides away from the world due to a tragic family incident. Both the main leads are shy introverted characters so the romance side is very slow burning but amusing to watch. There are great characters particularly Bom, who is played by Shin Eun soo and some interesting side stories which look at the things in life which money cannot buy. It is based on a webtoon and is beautiful story which is gently told.

There is nothing extraordinary in this drama yet it will give you content, it will heal you and it will comfort you.

It's not only about making time for yourself, it's also about coming out of a trauma. The changes are gradual and slow. But trust the healing process because it's very satisfying.

Plot: A woman(FL) decided to make time for what is important for her own mental health and happiness. There she meets different kinds of people who teach her many things about life.

The story also has a little bit of suspense/ thriller plot but it's just a space filling kind of thing which in my opinion is not even needed.

Yim Si Wan: His calm voice is itself a therapy. Even though he had a traumatic childhood, he is still a sweet, loving and caring gentleman. He is shy and introverted but happy in his own world.

Kim Seol Hyun: The FL did a good job transitioning from being tired and depressed to someone who embraces life living slowly and happily.

Summer Strike also taught me that being soft and polite is not a bad thing. You don't have to be an ambitious person. You should just accept yourself as you are and what you need. Just know your needs.

This is a fresh take on living your own life and finding genuine happiness.

I really hope more people discover this drama, it's just too good to ignore.