Summer Strike

I really enjoyed this drama. Who has never dreamed of leaving the soulless life in a big city behind and escape to the countryside and do nothing? I love seeing how the friendship develop between the female lead and people in her new town but in my opinion don't think the huge shock late in the show was necessary for the storyline. The protagonists already have a sufficiently tough life as it is and I personally don't think we needed a tragedy of such magnitude for the show to demonstrate how they survive adversity and overcome yet another hurdle. Plus it takes away time and focus from the romance, which I like even though it was very timid and of a very slow pace. The ending is fortunately not overly dramatic but believable and uplifting. In retrospect, the story only lasted the short time of a summer in our characters' lives but we are happy they found each other and came out strong, ready for the future, together.

This was the first Korean series I've ever watched (I watched it with English subs). I got into it because Netflix posted a collage of a scene in the first ep when Yeo Reum is tired of her pointless life that is all about work. It really caught my attention. After the first episode, this series was totally not what I anticipated. It was much better. It felt like a summer breeze - the scenery, the music, the characters, the jokes, just Angok itself and the (seemingly) simple, quiet lives of people living there. I wouldn't say the series was perfect, actually I think the crime parts were not very well executed, but I do understand that the plot needed something like that at that point. However, all in all this was a lovely experience. 12 episodes was just enough, but I'm sad it's over.

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.