Doona! (2023– ) User Reviews

Be careful around people because it shows. What shows? Your loneliness. Your desperation for love to compensate the lack of it. Your anxiousness over losing people's interest.

[hanalisss · 8/10 · 21 October 2023]

There was a lot of comments when the trailers came out that this was going to be female version of Nevertheless. Well let me tell you that it is not. Not in the slightest.

This series tells you the story about the trauma of a kpop idol who is completely lost and broken, and who finds herself relying on the sweet care and innocent feelings of a young boy living in the same dorm house she is hiding in.

The drama has a straightforward story with well written and complex characters. The more you watch the more about their past you will unearth, and the more of their layers you will uncover. They have an spectacular growth and development and it is truly amazing to watch. How they make mistakes, they regret them, learn from them and heal with the love they give each other.

It was very exciting to me to watch Yang Se Jong after his comeback, he is an amazing actor and he was fantastic in this role, specially in the emotional scenes. He carried the series. I also need to mention that he plays a very shy, inexperienced, crazy in love 20 year old boy, when in reality he is a 30 year old man. Just outstanding.( the difference when we saw him playing My Country: The new Age!!)

Chemistry between him and Bae Suzy was good enough, although I didn't think the skin-ship ( kisses, hugs etc...) in this was as natural and organic as I would have expected from such experienced cast and high quality production, not sure if it was done on purpose for the aesthetics of the drama but it felt staged and a bit fake. But I am used to this already in asian dramas so it might have been because of censorship and all that.

Secondary characters and couples were also fantastic and entertaining . The second female lead had also a very amazing subplot, watching her story with the male lead you were left wanting to know more about them and for a moment you actually rooted for them to become happy forever and ever. Such endearing but bittersweet story.

Overall it was a very enjoyable watch , perfect to binge during a rainy weekend. You won't regret it.

Surprisingly involving love story

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 27 October 2023]

It's refreshing that a love story especially a non action show can be so involving and so popular with audiences around the world. It shows more affection on screen than some previous dramas so things don't feel old fashioned. The POV is more the guy's. For a change 3 girls chase an ordinary guy. Suzy Bae has star quality and keeps you watching her. Given her background as an idol singer this role is tailor made for her. Her haistyle didn't suit her though. Yang Se Jong is well cast as the sweet innocent college student. The supporting cast is great an most K drama fans will recognize veterans cast as her mother (the funny North Korean villager from CLOY) and older manager played by Lee Jin Wook.

Actually the director also directed CLOY and the ending is similiar. Due to the silly idols having to be single requirement they can only meet overseas. Pay attention the opening scene of the last episode and the closing scene which are both set in Japan. The ending should have been clearer and not fragmented.

Something fresh

[blebbe · 7/10 · 24 October 2023]

I definitely don't agree with the critical reviews on here. Just because this series doesn't follow the usual format of traditional k-dramas, it doesn't automatically make this series bad. I actually like this series because of the fact that it tries to do something new. I really like the blend of romance and drama paired with this melancholic vibe. I was interested through out all the episodes, because it was so fresh.

This series also did a great job at casting. Bae Suzy is the perfect person for this role, her delivery was great in this. The story was also really interesting.

For me to have given this series a higher rating, I would have wanted to see more character development. I feel like some of the storylines were left open or unfinished. Some of the plotlines felt rushed or out of place as well. I wanted to know more about the characters and their reasons for doing what they did. Still, this was worth watching.

Mixed Feelings as a K-Drama Fan

[Red_Sparrow_RSA · 7/10 · 10 November 2023]

As a devoted K-Drama fan, I recently had the opportunity to watch Doona!, and my experience with it was a mixed bag. This series had its unique charm, but it left me with mixed feelings.

The most notable aspect of the series was its ability to create a sense of suspense and intrigue that kept me hooked from the very beginning. The plot twists and turns were well-crafted.. I found myself constantly speculating about what would happen next, which is a hallmark of a good drama. The element of mystery and the unexpected surprises throughout the series added a layer of excitement and anticipation, which I truly appreciated.

Doona! Is also worth watching for its raw and authentic portrayal of emotions. The characters were portrayed with depth and complexity, and the actors delivered compelling performances. The series delved into their inner struggles, fears, and desires, and it did a commendable job of making the audience empathize with their plights. The real emotions displayed by the characters drew me into the story and made me feel deeply connected to their experiences.

However, despite these positive aspects, Doona! Fell short in some areas, and as a K-Drama fan, I couldn't help but feel somewhat unsatisfied. The series had moments where the pacing felt inconsistent, and certain plotlines appeared confusing at times. Additionally, the ending left me with some unanswered questions, which can be frustrating as a viewer.

In conclusion, Doona! Is a series that manages to create a emotionally charged atmosphere, making it intriguing to watch. The authenticity of the characters' emotions adds depth to the story and makes it relatable. However, the series has its flaws, with pacing issues and a somewhat unsatisfying ending. Despite these drawbacks, it's a worthwhile watch for K-Drama enthusiasts who enjoy stories that keep them guessing and appreciate real, raw emotions in their dramas.

A tragic masterpiece.

[amazon-51722 · 10/10 · 20 November 2023]

Jung Hyo Lee's previous series, "Crash landing on You" is the best series I've ever seen.

Sorry. Make that, "Was the best series I've ever seen". Simply put, Doona! Is a masterpiece.

Mr Jung's work on Crash Landing on You was pitch perfect but here he spreads his creative wings and the result is both breathtaking and heart breaking, whilst still exhibiting his ability to engage you so wholly with the characters that you feel every bump along their various roads. And, trust me, Doona! Is a bumpy ride like a rollercoaster on a gravel road. Steel yourself...

The cinematography is courageous and beautiful. The editing is superb. Sorry to (and for) those who like things to rocket along at video game speed but the pacing here is slow and with a purpose, gradually gripping your heart with each passing minute until you struggle for breath. For instance, the scenes when Won Joon visits his family are almost silent and seemingly without drama of any kind yet make you feel like a weight is being slowly lowered onto your chest.

Bae Suzy turns in a performance for the ages as the dehumanised ex-pop idol, Lee Doona. Repeatedly used and discarded by those for whom she is but chattel, Doona has been driven to the depths of humanity, showing signs of bipolar disorder and brought back from the brink by an unlikely relationship with Lee Won Joon, her opposite in almost every way and played with studious seriousness by Yang Se-Jong.

Ms Bae's ability to walk the line between joy and depression, hope and desperation, selfless love and narcissism is almost unfathomable and perhaps the reason so many reviewers have given up the series within an episode or two, pointing the finger squarely at a main character they feel is one dimensional. Nothing could be further from the truth. Some people lack the patience or emotional maturity to stay the course as the character is revealed, layer upon layer.

No spoilers here; Doona's story is tragic, regardless of how the ending plays out. A week on and I'm still woken by flashbacks, whether it be mid-series moments or the final frame. Part of me wants to watch this over and over again, while part of me lies balled up and rocking but, despite the gut-wrenching heartache I feel now, I want to go again.

Sick of the no ending endings in these dramas

[shejo-98594 · 6/10 · 24 October 2023]

'Does anyone think we escape into Korean dramas for the "art" ? We want a happy ending for the romance and not left wondering if they just aren't going to get together.....In "Love to Hate You" they show that a celebrity can have a private life just like other people do and that they can fall in love and have a family .....all the things most of us want.... I was so disappointed with Doona for leaving us hanging.

Was the acting good...okay, sure good enough but four years goes by and she now decides to get in touch with the young man she loved and who loved her so desperately.....Please give us a break.

Could've been a 10 but the ending ruined it

[user123idk · 9/10 · 21 October 2023]

Everything about this drama was amazing, the chemistry, the story, the acting, one of the best cinematography I've ever seen. The OSTs were 10/10 loved them all very much. The only thing I didn't like was the ending, I'm so confused, not sure if it was a happy or a sad ending? I don't understand their relationship and whether they're still together or have separated in the end? Some people call it an "open ending" and maybe they're right. I personally don't like open endings and would have preferred some kind of closure.... other than that I really enjoyed watching it, it's one of those dramas that you can binge watch without getting bored and feel all the emotions while watching it. You'll feel both happy and sad.

Neverthe-lesser: Not every webtoon deserves a K-Drama

[rifat-61712 · 6/10 · 26 October 2023]

What kept me going is Bae Suzy, background music & the aesthetics of the series; otherwise, it's a downgrade of Nevertheless.

Even though their acting was decent, I couldn't connect my emotions with the leads or the story. The story felt weak at best & the characters clearly could have done more if the writing didn't force them to talk like video game NPCs. On top of that, some random, unexpected character introductions didn't add anything to the story.

You are either dropping this series on Episode 2 or watching it in full; there are no other choices.

For the K-Drama fans, be aware, Doona is purposefully made to feel like a Hollywood Drama. So you won't find that one super niche plot twist, typical Samsung Galaxy moments, mandatory car accidents, or a kiss scene at Episode 13 followed by a breakup.

Incredible Acting Makes This a Must See - But The Ending...

[OldGuyUS · 9/10 · 24 October 2023]

Rating: I would love to give it a 10 because of a well-crafted story and seriously top tier acting. But I've got to go for a 9 to show my being bummed by the ending. If they come back with a season two, and wrap things up nicely, perhaps I'll come back also and up this rating to a 10.

Recommendation: Watch it for the acting, especially for Suzy. Just be prepared for a lack of real closure.

Commentary: When I first heard this series was coming, I was very stoked. But I thought (for no good reason, I guess) that it would be a RomCom and that it would be a lot of fun. This series is NOT that. It is very much a drama. And even though I was surprised and in a way disappointed, I found this to be a very compelling watch. My wife and I blasted through the series because we could not wait to find out what happened next after each episode.

Suzy's acting here was just incredible. It was literally fascinating to watch. Not to take away anything from all the other great performances, but holy cow was Suzy good. Her ability to portray sorrow and depression, and then happiness without really leaving all the sadness behind... Incredible.

This is a character-driven series, and the writing is superb. You can't help but be drawn in to the characters' lives and feel for them, even when they are behaving badly. That is an accomplishment.

But like many others have noted, the ending just drove me nuts! What the heck??? How can they leave it seemingly open-ended like this? I know this is a thing with KDramas, but in this case it just hurt because the actors were able to make us really care about them. They dang well better come back for a season two or there will be a LOT of really pissed off fans out there. Like me!

Final Note: Will some awesome writer please offer up to Suzy a fun, rainbows and unicorns part to play? I'd watch it in a heartbeat. :-)

Probably the worst script of 2023

[8avian · 29 November 2023]

Out of respect for the cast, I lasted 5 episodes. However, patience, goodwill and trying to understand what the writer and the director wanted to express, in fact, is not art, but only the illogical result when someone is under the influence. In short, the male character, a kind of virgin engineer monk, good at math, has two women who want him, a future engineer and a kpop star, whom he doesn't even introduce to his family. However, he brings home one of the three vamps of the faculty. Where it can be seen that neither the director nor the writer have a clue about the exact sciences. And if the goal was to represent the mental problems in society... they demonstrated it very well. As for the ending, under these conditions, it is left unfinished... At least that's what I read from what those who managed to finish it wrote. Too bad for the actors, they deserved a better production.

Bittersweetly addictive

[jiwonoc · 10/10 · 26 November 2023]

It's always the jealous antis who are more motivated to give negative review. Doona trended, globally rated in top 5 or above, #1 in many countries including SK and in top #10 in many countries for over a month for a reason. Many will agree, Doona is strangely addictive, mainly because of the intense chemistry between Doona and Won Jun and the not obvious happily ever after ending. Yang Sejong is amazing as ever...showing why he was dubbed Monster Rookie his debut year and winning best actor awards. He really convinces as an innocent boy who has pure love for Doona yet manages to not completely lose himself, which makes him even more attractive to the viewers and Doona (versus being a completely lovesick doormat). Suzy is beautiful and part of the fascination is whether she as Doona really loves Won Jun...one can't help but doubt til the end. Not sure if that's good or not good enough acting on Suzy's part? She's definitely Doona tho.

Confusing at times

[Lford4605 · 6/10 · 24 October 2023]

I love both the main actors, but Doona fell a little flat for me, especially the ending. I was hoping for more connecting of the dots. Doona was intelligent, but sat on the fence between her past and present throughout the series. She as crying for help mentally and craved friendship! Won-jun was kind, but I felt his character could have been portraited more assertive. The rest of the supporting cast were okay, but the screaming actor was overstated, when the rest of the cast could've had a stronger role in defining the overall group dynamics. I watched all nine episodes, but it wasn't binge worthy!

I have rarely been so devasted at an ending.

[jdoylewood · 5/10 · 23 October 2023]

The series itself is good, with interesting characters and a great story line...but the male protagonist's decision making in the last episode killed me. I can't recommend this unless you like unfulfilled hopes and expectations.

I am seriously confused and disheartened by the ending and the male protagonist's choice to become a worker drone. I am giving it a 5/10 because it is interesting and well done, and the female leads (all three of them) do an amazing job.

Another reviewer remarked that the director and writers apparently wrote this for the elites, and not normal folks looking for an escape. I couldn't agree more.

Also, I just couldn't understand all the smoking, what was that all about? It was really overdone and really detracted from some of the scene enjoyment at times. It also seemed kind of pointless and really didn't advance the story.

Give this a shot if you like, but you WILL be left with the could've been, should've beens with this series.

One of the best series on Netflix

[soneagu · 10/10 · 21 October 2023]

This is an artistic series, not a crowd pleaser. The characters are very well defined, however, the most impressive part is the psychology of the K-pop idol. The series tries to make everyone understand what the difficulties of being a k-pop (or k-drama actor/actress, whatsoever) star in plenty of cases really are. I loved the miniseries to bits. It fits perfectly to my idea of romanticism as well as the idea of realism. To be a star, in all languages and on all meridians doesn't mean necessarily happiness. It may; but it may not. I am from Canada, but I really appreciate k-dramas. However, watching the weddings of some k-stars (Jang Na-Ra, Kang So-Ra, for example) and the fact that the non-celebrity spouse's face is hidden, most of them cannot really have girlfriends/boyfriends while young and working in this business, made me think a lot about the traumatizing life of idols. The movie is nice, but also realistic, doesn't matter what the others say. Plenty of people will complain about the ending :)) There is no other real possible ending! I strongly recommend it! It's beautiful, romantic and realistic.

Life always has its unexpected twists

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 27 November 2023]

The beautiful Bae Suzy plays Lee Doo-na, a former k pop artist who left the group and now leads an Isolated life in a shared house. Into this house comes Won-jun played by Yang Se-jong a student who has feelings for a long time friend but Doona soon fascinates him with her abrupt uncaring way of life. It is based on a webtoon and this can often be difficult to portray on screen and the pacing often is slow. It is an angst ridden drama but also a story of a group of people coming together at a moment in time. The acting from the entire cast is excellent and you do want to know where the relationship is going to go, particularly as they are from different worlds. The ending is interesting as it can be interpreted in two ways, and I chose the happy option.

A love story with depth and melancoly.

[paula-karlstam · 9/10 · 24 October 2023]

Doona (Bae Suzy) is the front icon of an idol group, when she has a breakdown and drops out. She moves into a small rental complex where the other tenants are college students. Lee Won-joon (Yang Se-jong) also moves into the house.

Doona is a seeker, an insecure soul, self-destructive, unreliable and driven by impulse. Won-joon is cautious, controlled, and tied down. They are each other's opposites, but coincidences cause them to develop a fragile friendship and a mutual dependence on each other.

The plot is subordinate in this fine-tuned little gem where the actors get to excel in low-key portraits of two people who meet and become each other's lifeblood but also their greatest weakness, who challenge the other's self-image and shake up what they thought they knew about themselves, their life choices and their dreams.

Anyone looking for an easy-to-digest k-drama will be disappointed. It's low key, serious, slow and wistful. It is real and painful. The photography is fantastic, the soundtrack well chosen. The interaction is exquisite between Bae Suzy, who gives her (in my opinion) best performance, and the absolutely magnificent Yang Se-jong, who's performance goes straight to the heart.

This is the best I've seen this year. Possibly it could have benefited from a few more episodes, to deepen the characters' backstories somewhat, but that's just a small note in the margin. The ending is unexpected and can be interpreted in several ways, which is quite unusual in Korean series I've seen.

If you enjoyed My Liberation Notes, Our Blues and Nevertheless, this series is for you. I give it 9.5 out of 10 wistful hearts.

A masterclass in character study

[jayantsram · 10/10 · 20 October 2023]

This drama was really so different from what I expected. The drama is kind of a character study for Doona and Doona only which is again,pretty fitting. This doesn't really feel like a k-drama to me..it's more like some indie film with abstract elements and hazy editing which seem to come from some film(8th episode specifically)...And the minimal use of background music really makes it even more indie. Mostly,it's just themselves and no other noise. The series starts on a quirky note with the first 4/5 episodes...and then completely changes from there.... It's completely stripped down to it's core....feels very organic...the bright lighting in the first few episodes is gone too.....It's almost like an experiment from the director.... The drama doesn't feel like the adaption and is more like it was inspired by it and I think it does a very good job portraying parts of the idol industry! The drama is again extremely messy but it's messy in a very lazy way like how it happens in the real world unlike the sudden shifts in some other dramas. Idk but it feels very real to me. It's a melodrama through and through but very discreet and nuanced and the voices are kept to a low.

The main character(Doona) is definitely the best part of the series. Her journey is intriguing and it was etched out pretty well according to me. Doona is literally broken and smoking is her addiction(the original webtoon had even more smoke if you ask me haha)...She,as the plot tell us,is deprived of connection and wants attention/to be desired ig...Won Jun is like a catalyst and she takes interest in him and they match up pretty well in the first few episodes and I love how she actively participates in his love life and tells him to keep trying. She convinces him to loosen up and search for closure. He develops. Doona drives the story. She learns from Won Jun too. Her development is seen too in her ability to control herself from breaking that creep's head for example...Doona is a very beautiful and mysterious girl and one would easily expect her to be badass all the time as like how it's these days in many dramas. Most 'strong' female leads these days are like physically strong and only able to put out some good dialogues and stuff like that. While it is a real joy to see that,I personally don't feel that they have a journey beyond that facade. Doona is obviously very badass sometimes but her vulnerability is shown more and she tries to practice apathy. She seems like a manic pixie dream to many but she deconstructs that trope and in every bit of the way,it's her own journey that gets essayed constantly through her progress. Doona is not like that everyone can change everytime easily...Her character changes but it's not always easy...she's still the same but more expressive by the end probably. She's not like she has to change to be better. She wants to be able to just feel her emotions. She's unsure and lacks confidence but she knows that there is that in her somehow. She can be that girl. She knows that only she can change herself. Won Jun was like the initiator for her journey to self-confidence. Doona is a masterclass in character study. She's definitely the most memorable and interesting characters to ever grace the k-drama land and Suzy owns her completely. She fits the role to perfection and I couldn't imagine anyone else. I only saw Doona onscreen and not Suzy. And Suzy was so charismatic and attractive in this drama:she was unreal. I think she brought out the nuances pretty wonderfully and she understood the character well too mostly because it ties to her life kinda. Suzy's acting in the lighter and the heavier scenes;everything was perfect. Her eyes were so expressive too. The return of idol Suzy was perfect and Suzy is definitely once in a lifetime kind of idol to me. She has that x-factor and is just amazing. I definitely think Suzy's a great actress now. Probably the best of her generation. She gave the best performance of all the artists in this drama.

About Won-Jun is pretty fine most of the time but gets monotone(both character and acting) by the end. I was skeptical by the casting of Yang Se Jong because I thought a younger looking person would be more fitting but after seeing the drama,I feel he is a perfect fit and looked great. He was hot too. He did say that he did so many things to appear as young as suzy was in the drama but couldn't haha but they fit each other well. Yang Se Jong's acting was decent enough.... But his character is kinda off in certain scenes!

I personally loved the chemistry.... They had an organic chemistry to them and were so hot together omg...The passion in their intimate scenes and everything was omg😩...in other scenes too..they are my new fav couple

And here comes the supporting characters. Tbh,having read the webtoon..:I expected a lot and while this drama delivered some,it wasn't enough...apart from Jinju who was named Margo in the webtoon (who is more likeable in the drama adaption than in the webtoon for me personally and the acting was great here too ),I couldn't really care that much for the others...the others were kinda inconsequential too...They had some great scenes and the 2nd couple's chemistry was seriously cute but that's it...Ira was the biggest disappointment...She was the 2nd most interesting character in the webtoon but she was completely butchered here through the inclusion of a weird and unnecessary backstory!!! Whenever these characters popped up,I became a little impatient and only wanted Doona and Won Jun and even Margo...But the highlight of these were definitely their moments with Doona herself. Suzy as Doona had great chemistry with the female characters and I loved her scenes with Margo. Their conversations were really interesting and greatly enacted. I wished for more screentime from them...I was surprised by other minor characters like president ma and Doona's mom(she was in cloy too)...it's nice to see them but they caused Doona pain😕...Jin Wook as the manager is fittingly hot and he was effectively used I would say but more meat could have been given to him for chewing. Her closure/scene with her member was pretty great and I loved that...I wonder if such a similar thing happened between Suzy and any other member of MissA

And for the story,it's actually a melodrama through and through but I liked it's nuanced treatment. It was discreetly structured. But it does get messy(6 and 7 episodes) and gets a bit boring but it stays watchable enough...The ending is very heartbreaking but extremely realistic and it felt fitting to me. Fate and destiny exists for them too...they could meet once they are more mature or maybe they won't...I loved Suzy's act in their final breakup scene...the way she asks him to ask her forgiveness...perfect callback to Won Jun's distressed state.... Their hug in that scene was so fulfilling and I became very emotional..The last scene where both go their own ways but Doona has some feeling and looks back...ughh...I was fulfilled emotionally.

The music is great...Suzy sang 3 songs(one of them is a live of version of the other song) and one more with the members of Dream Sweet...I loved the music so very much especially Suzy's ordinary days and Daylight by Big Naughty.... It was vibrant. The cinematography was beautiful and the visuals were amazing.music and cinematography Kinda similar to Our Beloved Summer(another great drama) but Doona had it's own charm...It feels nostalgic

I can definitely see as to how some have been disappointed by it and maybe didn't like it but I loved it. It's quickly shot to the top of my drama rankings but it might not be everyone's cup of tea. The story isn't some something earth shattering. It's purely character based(Doona based specifically). Doona is one of my favourite characters ever. All in all,I would say that Doona is a masterclass drama in character study. Her creation,her journey,her essence,her presence and her shades:everything was portrayed perfectly. Even if the script faltered sometimes and the proceedings became slow,Doona made me stay and feel for her. She instantly pulled me in the story/back into the story. She made me root for her. And all of this was only possible because of Suzy being Doona in an utterly complete and authentic sense💗

Season 2, please?

[MeiYouBao · 9/10 · 23 October 2023]

The way this show handles its filming style is nothing short of exceptional. It weaves an intricate narrative where time seems to move in its own unique rhythm, perfectly syncing with the characters and story.

One cannot help but applaud the director's brilliant approach to cinematography. Every frame is a work of art, skillfully capturing the essence of the characters and their journey. The way the camera moves and frames each scene is a testament to the director's expertise.

I hope we get to see a season 2, Netflix is moving storylines quicker than normal in regards to kdramas. Still lots of story to tell with Doona.

First "Record of Youth", and now this...

[divemabini · 3/10 · 22 October 2023]

Three stars for the female leads who carry the show.

Folks, it is safe to say that if the main characters in a KDrama tell each other "I love you", you can stop watching right there and turn the show off. Because it is going to end badly.

This one is no different. It is like the writers of the show think their target audience are celebrities, instead of normal everyday people looking for an escape, and a good ending. Instead, they get a show where the characters ignore their feelings for the most inane and trivial of reasons. And when a chance (and then a second, and then a third...) appears to make things right, the writers have nothing but stodgy stoic dialogue that makes no sense and leaves you frustrated. You're pretty much screaming at the TV because of the stupidity that goes down. And don't get me started on how this "world famous" personality can move around the city and never be recognized in public...when it is convenient for the plot to move forward. But that's one of the minor gripes. This show is an abortion of bad choices, senseless motivations, and garbage writing. Only thing worthwhile are the female leads, all of them, because they can act. The male leads, again all of them, are pretty much wooden and are just there for the plot's sake.

So, in summary, love means nothing in these shows. There was no reason for them to not get back together. I guess this is why the birthrate in Korea is so low. Shows like this feeding people the idea that no matter what, your relationship will fail. No use trying to work against all odds and save it.

Another Netflix underdog story where an unsatisfying ending leaves you angry at your monthly subscription cost.

Brilliant Artistry

[svtcobra331 · 10/10 · 17 November 2023]

This series grabs you, and students of film should be required to study all the brilliant techniques, pacing, shot composition, story, likeable characters, tragic yet likeable characters, selfless characters, simply a brilliant production.

The story continued to surprise the viewer by breaking cliches, and one innovative character trait was a character who was comfortable asking uncomfortable questions and seeing through the fake answers people gave. Message: relationships must be built on truth.

Also, the story told was new: that the point of dating was not to live happily ever after, but to become a better, more mature person.

Cinematic aesthetic with moody storytelling

[blahblahfriend · 8/10 · 20 October 2023]

There is plenty to appreciate in this drama, but it won't appeal to all audiences. It is driven by beautiful cinematography and a wistful, moody ambiance. The actors are gorgeous. But the pacing is deliberate and the slower side, and the storytelling could disappoint those looking for something more dynamic.

It's a story that follows the torn feelings of an earnest and hardworking college student who moves in to a home occupied on the first floor by the titular former kpop star, Doona. She is sassy and out of his league but irresistible. The plot thickens as he reunites with a longtime female friend who attends the same college. Bonds form and feelings clash as they grapple with their pasts and futures.

This drama is for those who love the aesthetics within the first few minutes and fans of the actors. But the series is not groundbreaking in its storytelling. I give it kudos for exploring the pain and sacrifice of celebrity figures.

--- Edit 2023/10/22, adding spoilers and discussion of ending

I'd like to add that the language is mature and romance, more intimate for a typical kdrama. I also couldn't help but notice some male gaze/voyeuristic shots. The lingering shots of Suzy's feet seem almost fetishizing.

Regarding the ending, there's some controversy among viewers. The ending is probably bittersweet for most, but there's ambiguity leaving it to interpretation. Some are referring to the intro and vignettes to point to a happy ending, pointing out that the scenes from the intro are scenes that take place after the final conversation between the leads at the end of the series. The intro includes scenes of the sharehouse group at the beach on the "field trip" that Jinju promised to Doona, which is not in the drama itself.

There's enough to interpret either a happy ending or a star-crossed love. Near the end of Ep 1 as Doona enters Wonjun's class, she repeats the words from his texts she first reads in the final episode, saying: "You once said to me that you and I are from different universes. That though we had been living in completely different universes, we found ourselves sitting side by side at the same station purely by chance." (The train station vignettes/intro further this theme.) Then she says, "Even though you may be right--I was happy that it was you." This last expression could be interpreted as nostalgia, not necessarily that they rekindled their relationship. At the same time, there are clearly scenes showing they had additional encounters after their final conversation of the drama. Perhaps the ending is intentionally ambiguous, reminiscent of jdramas with a wistful, dreamy tone.

Finally, I find it amusing they teased webtoon readers when they showed Wonjun sleeping over at Ira's home!

Beautiful and complex

[TheodoraEh · 10/10 · 23 October 2023]

I'm giving this a 10 because I didn't watch this on higher speed, and that never happens. I don't know if it was because of the fact that it wasn't the usual 16 episodes but the dialogues were a normal human speed with normal human words rather than sedated and repeating the same words constantly. Even the slow, artistic shots were normal and not too slow or too long and most of all beautiful. Of course it helps that the two main leads are gorgeous. The pacing in general was great, making me wonder why Kdramas aren't always less than 10 episodes.

As far as the overall subject, personally I loved it. It shows how complex humans and human relationships can be. They can be logical or illogical, predictable or unpredictable, nice or mean. I thought the actors did great in delivering that.

A tickler but a disappointment

[Cinephilos · 5/10 · 22 October 2023]

The beginning of the drama resembles The Sassy Girl, where the rude behavior of the girl catches the guy off guard. The Sassy Girl was a romantic comedy, but Doona! Lacks the comic element, especially for the male lead character, who is wooden, hesitant, and whimpish.

What keeps the story going in Doona's character. The story kept me wondering how the relationship would turn out in the end. I sort of expected that Doona was in the control of an older and father-like, powerful man whom she couldn't forget or get away from. She was like a kept woman of this manager/supervisor/father figure.

At first, I had high hopes for this drama, but the storyline had its severe limitations. No character development, no innovations, but the repetition of the same old stories -- love that can't work.

Totally obsessed with doona truly a masterpiece series

[drutika · 10/10 · 26 October 2023]

Just finished doona i really loved how the story was told in such a realistic and mature way all the development felt so natural. Suzy & sejong slayed in their roles and their chemistry was excellent it's was completely worth watching it even with that bittersweet ending. Their chemistry was on another level the best pair, best couple, the best cinematography. I'll miss them so much. After ages, after so many years I've been in an obsession of such a kdrama, I think about DOONA all the time.

In short IT is A journey of falling into anxiety and fear, lost self-esteem, finding one's self, learning to love and be loved, and developing as a person.

I felt butterflies and pain.

Also, I love the touch of reality in this series.

Seeing myself in the movie

[payzone-85261 · 10/10 · 25 October 2023]

I wish the movie crew could see this but I must thank them for letting me rewind a bit of the journey with my girlfriend. The movie brought me back to the day when me being an innocent boy finding myself at the will for protecting my girlfriend, who was heartbroken through a devastating relationship. I am not a professional in movie review so I won't talk much about the quality. However, I would definitely recommend this movie for anyone who has been through the same circumstance. You will find yourself in the movie, even through the smallest details. And don't be annoyed by the ending. There are a lot of hints that you can find and analyze the director's intention. I believe if you go through it carefully, you will understand that the ending is reasonable and satisfied. Doona! May not be the best K-drama ever filmed, but it will always be a big part in my melodrama list besides Uncontrollaby Fond and Healer. Love i!