The storyline of "Melting me softly" is a unique one, but the the biggest challenge with sci fi story line is that it should be backed up with thorough research. The solutions to the challenges that arise out of a bizarre experiment seem oversimplified, making the script too loose for its viewers. I appreciate how they have dared to explore something like this but it required better execution. Ji Chang Wook is a pleasure to watch, as always, and the lead pair looks cute together. However, what falls through is poor editing that focuses too much on forgettable side characters. K-dramas are known for their memorable side characters with impressive character arcs. The comic timing was also a little off and unrealistic with the lead characters being unrealistically jealous in their relationship when there's the looming concern of their possible fatality.
30 Reviews
Melting Me Softly
reganmonique-2309715 July 2020
The concept for this story was quite good. The execution wasn't bad either for the most part. The visuals were excellent - Ji Chang-wook ... they took every opportunity to show his best sides and I bet he melted everyone softly. <3
The ending was terrible though. It was weird, anti-climatic and felt rushed. It disappointed a lot of viewers despite it was a happy ending.
My personal gripe is the way they dressed the female lead. You can make a woman look sweet and innocent without dressing her in Grand-mas curtains. Seriously.
The ending was terrible though. It was weird, anti-climatic and felt rushed. It disappointed a lot of viewers despite it was a happy ending.
My personal gripe is the way they dressed the female lead. You can make a woman look sweet and innocent without dressing her in Grand-mas curtains. Seriously.
Slow paced of 16 episodes
lmerana8 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I love Ji chang wook so much so that is already the five points of the rating. Another 1 point for Kim Wonhae, and the kiss in the shower scene. I don't like that it is a slow paced like it has 50 episodes. I don't like the Miran's former bf. I also didn't like on how the moment of miran waking up the second time, it was so boring. Atleast they should had made it grand with kisses and all. Any way it is an ok kdrama.
It's good i guess
noodiamr20 September 2021
At first, it was very interesting with a great plot line but as getting towards the end, i felt that they were rushing the end.. The acting was a 10/10 and i love how Ji Chang Wook portrayed his character but the ending was a little unfair comparing to the acting skills.
Good Couple....Bad Show
LadySpice14 March 2021
This series suffered from a common problem that I see in a lot of the Asian dramas...Bad genre-bending. What is "bad genre-bending"?....Put simply, this show had way too much going on, genre-wise. There was the central romance (the only good thing!), Science Fiction (flawed but interesting), Slapstick Comedy (ugh!), Mystery/Thriller (plot holes), Memory Loss/Medical Drama, some weird Russian(?) Mafia side-story (wtf?), Family Drama...you get the picture. There's just no way to cohesively tell *that* many stories at once. To be fair, I do enjoy a moderate amount of genre-bending but they need to trim 2 to 3 side-stories off this genre-monster. I finished it because I really liked the central couple, but I wouldn't recommend it. To anyone looking for a good Kdrama to watch I'd say, watch Healer instead.
I enjoyed it
talitafourie31 December 2019
I really enjoyed it. The last 30 minutes was rushed but overall it was very enjoyable.
Everyone is upset that they wanted to live like "normal" people but imagine not being able to hug, kids or make love to the person you love without risking your life.
Everyone is upset that they wanted to live like "normal" people but imagine not being able to hug, kids or make love to the person you love without risking your life.
Good in theory, mid execution
ES008727 February 2023
The premise of the story was good and felt a bit more unique than typical drama concepts. However, if it didn't have Ji-Chang Wook in it I don't think I could have finished it. While I appreciate a good she falls first, he falls harder trope - it almost took him so long that by the time he did it felt a bit insincere and I just didn't see much chemistry between the two leads. There was a bit there where I couldn't see how he'd leave his original girlfriend for Go Mi Ran.
It felt really lopsided at times at what genre or "trope" of sorts it was going to be. Sometimes it was incredibly goofy, then super serious action political scheming, and then the science side of it all. I did really love the scenes where he's so worried about Mi Ran though, those were always sweet.
That being said, I would've let most of the above go if it didn't have such a mid ending. While it was "happy", I'd almost rather it end in her dying or something incredibly sad if they didn't want to go all out on a good ending. It was way too rushed in the end and super slow at times in the beginning and middle. Poor planning is most likely why, since a better ending would've needed more than the allotted episodes. Maybe I'm just picky because I love a good basic get married have a family ending - but come on... don't bait with the "he bought the big house so he's move back to it married" and then ten minutes later she's absolutely denying wanting to get married.
It felt really lopsided at times at what genre or "trope" of sorts it was going to be. Sometimes it was incredibly goofy, then super serious action political scheming, and then the science side of it all. I did really love the scenes where he's so worried about Mi Ran though, those were always sweet.
That being said, I would've let most of the above go if it didn't have such a mid ending. While it was "happy", I'd almost rather it end in her dying or something incredibly sad if they didn't want to go all out on a good ending. It was way too rushed in the end and super slow at times in the beginning and middle. Poor planning is most likely why, since a better ending would've needed more than the allotted episodes. Maybe I'm just picky because I love a good basic get married have a family ending - but come on... don't bait with the "he bought the big house so he's move back to it married" and then ten minutes later she's absolutely denying wanting to get married.
Had the potential
neenawsokita21 June 2020
The overall concept is really cool and I enjoyed watching most of the show. I did kind of feel like they were dragging the main problem a lot, which was a little annoying. The show is just a simple fantasy romance with a ...wait for it... lazy ending.
Plot had promise but screenwriting was just pure let down
rookiewookie19 September 2021
The plot was good and had promise, but the screenplay was a let down, the show cannot manage to capture the emotional attention of the viewers.
The show had a comic tone making it enjoyable until episode 11. But after that the plot just unravels in a disappointing way.
The love story portrayed was good and the actors take the credit for that since it's what keeps you finish watching it.
The show had a comic tone making it enjoyable until episode 11. But after that the plot just unravels in a disappointing way.
The love story portrayed was good and the actors take the credit for that since it's what keeps you finish watching it.
Disappointing
thespira22 October 2019
I'm trying to love this drama. I love the lead actor who impressed in Healer but appart from the romance with the lead actress, which is quite cute, the story plot is completely unrealistic and each episode moves sooooo slowly. Nothing really happened till now.
2 eps in and it's funny
yankeedoo30 September 2019
Frozen in time
alaningle72 July 2023
Won Jin-A plays Go Mi-ran a student who is working on an entertainment programme as an assistant and is in a shallow relationship with a fellow student. Ji Chang-wook plays Ma Dong-chan who is a tv producer at the same station and is in a serious relationship with a newsreader. Circumstances means that the two leads are to be frozen for twenty four hours in a tv programme exclusive, sadly it all goes awry and they end up not being frozen for a day but for 20 years. It is a clever idea and as a romantic comedy it is enjoyable because the actors do a convincing job of making the feelings between them believable. Some interesting side characters and stories which I think should have been explored to make it more interesting. Overall a good story but too many things going on and little background or depth given to any of the stories apart from the romance.
Not Good Enough
PennyReviews18 November 2019
" Melting me soflty " had potential. But, I guess, the whole buzz about it only remained on the hype about the main actor's return to the silver screen.
The drama had some nice elements in the first episodes. There was some potential about the whole freezing the main couple plot. However, the rest of the drama was boring. The story was messy, the romance forced and most of the scenes cheesy and predictable. The addition of the mystery-political trope was just not well developed and often forgotten in some episodes. Some characters, too, were annoying.
So, overall, three out of ten.
The drama had some nice elements in the first episodes. There was some potential about the whole freezing the main couple plot. However, the rest of the drama was boring. The story was messy, the romance forced and most of the scenes cheesy and predictable. The addition of the mystery-political trope was just not well developed and often forgotten in some episodes. Some characters, too, were annoying.
So, overall, three out of ten.
Gives scientific buffs a lot to think about with the cryogenics.
jgardiner-871-72672922 January 2022
Even though I'm totally against the violent solution. It really is funny when Won Jin Ah/Go Mi Ran parents find out that their tenant Shim Hyung Tak/Hwang Byung Shim / Hwang Dong Hyuk Mi Ran's ex-boyfriend / College professor is a married man is trying to get their daughter to fall in love with him. Her mother attacked him several times. He was kneeling in front of them and she kicked him. Just missed his head.
Let just get this straight one of her best besties Seo Jung Yeon/Oh Young Sun, Byung Shim's wife married her ex boyfriend Hwang Dong Hyuk. Yes the crazy one who's trying to win her back. They have a 20 year old son, Choi Bo Min. Hwang Ji Hoon, College Student / Byung Shim's son who has a crush on Go Mi Ran. Yeah! That the way it is. So funny!
Ji Chang Wook/Ma Dong Chan and Won Jin Ah/Go Mi Ran kissed and the alarms went off on their watches because their bodies were over heating so he took her in the bathroom under the cold shower to kiss her so they wouldn't overheat. Good thinking but you don't want to do that all the time.
Twenty years previously these two had take part in a cryogenics experiment where they were to have been frozen for 24 hours but this turned out to be twenty years. After their awakening a flaw developed and their body temperature needed to remain at 31.5 degrees for them to remain alive. They could not stand the raising of their temperature by any external stimuli or they would not survive. This included love.
My personal opinion Ji Chang Wook doesn't really suit these roles as the love stricken lover. I prefer him in his action hero roles, but I liked the drama it gave us scientific buffs a lot to think about with the cryogenics. Is this the way to preserve your life while waiting for that miracle cure? It going to be really expensive so only the rich can afford it.
Let just get this straight one of her best besties Seo Jung Yeon/Oh Young Sun, Byung Shim's wife married her ex boyfriend Hwang Dong Hyuk. Yes the crazy one who's trying to win her back. They have a 20 year old son, Choi Bo Min. Hwang Ji Hoon, College Student / Byung Shim's son who has a crush on Go Mi Ran. Yeah! That the way it is. So funny!
Ji Chang Wook/Ma Dong Chan and Won Jin Ah/Go Mi Ran kissed and the alarms went off on their watches because their bodies were over heating so he took her in the bathroom under the cold shower to kiss her so they wouldn't overheat. Good thinking but you don't want to do that all the time.
Twenty years previously these two had take part in a cryogenics experiment where they were to have been frozen for 24 hours but this turned out to be twenty years. After their awakening a flaw developed and their body temperature needed to remain at 31.5 degrees for them to remain alive. They could not stand the raising of their temperature by any external stimuli or they would not survive. This included love.
My personal opinion Ji Chang Wook doesn't really suit these roles as the love stricken lover. I prefer him in his action hero roles, but I liked the drama it gave us scientific buffs a lot to think about with the cryogenics. Is this the way to preserve your life while waiting for that miracle cure? It going to be really expensive so only the rich can afford it.
Rollercoaster of feelings?
eli-stuttgart13 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The series had the potential to be really successful with the simple storyline, maybe it failed precisely because of this, because it is far too banal.
Really sweet and funny moments were brought in. It was nice to be able to follow their relationship and overcome the pain after their long return. The way the two found their way in the new century was also very amusing to watch, most of all how the little girl tried to explain the trends to her uncle. I also found it nice to see a different kind of love. The family love from both sides was very touching and leads to reflection.
The elements were not bad, I mean that despite fantasy it was made realistic. There was nothing superfluous, but kept very simple. The way it was shot gave an atmosphere of a black and white film, probably due to the clearly recognizable black bars at the top and bottom as well as the existing gray veil (little contrast), which reproduced everything much more evenly.
However, the story had dragged on and seemed lengthy. The reason for this is simple: there was no roller coaster that knocked you off your socks and shocked you from your chair. Not a single scene kept the tension or was exciting. Everything was going on constantly, step by step, from time to time, so the series seemed a bit monotonous and was reinforced by the viel.
Politics were hardly entered into, sometimes made to appear to have forgotten them. I hadn't been able to fully understand the relationship between the friends regarding the main actress, whether they had bad or good dealings with each other.
The end was very disappointing as the last episode sped up after her second awakening. The quiet follow-up of their relationship and their change was suddenly driven only to finally be able to complete the last episode of the series.
Really sweet and funny moments were brought in. It was nice to be able to follow their relationship and overcome the pain after their long return. The way the two found their way in the new century was also very amusing to watch, most of all how the little girl tried to explain the trends to her uncle. I also found it nice to see a different kind of love. The family love from both sides was very touching and leads to reflection.
The elements were not bad, I mean that despite fantasy it was made realistic. There was nothing superfluous, but kept very simple. The way it was shot gave an atmosphere of a black and white film, probably due to the clearly recognizable black bars at the top and bottom as well as the existing gray veil (little contrast), which reproduced everything much more evenly.
However, the story had dragged on and seemed lengthy. The reason for this is simple: there was no roller coaster that knocked you off your socks and shocked you from your chair. Not a single scene kept the tension or was exciting. Everything was going on constantly, step by step, from time to time, so the series seemed a bit monotonous and was reinforced by the viel.
Politics were hardly entered into, sometimes made to appear to have forgotten them. I hadn't been able to fully understand the relationship between the friends regarding the main actress, whether they had bad or good dealings with each other.
The end was very disappointing as the last episode sped up after her second awakening. The quiet follow-up of their relationship and their change was suddenly driven only to finally be able to complete the last episode of the series.
Excellent.... highly recommend
postusmail-604-82532613 November 2019
Original concept and good chemistry
hanalisss14 August 2023
This is a charming and endearing Korean drama that offers a unique blend of romance, comedy, and science fiction. Despite any criticisms, the drama's heartwarming moments and creative premise make it a delightful watch.
The drama's premise of cryogenically freezing the main characters for years is a refreshing departure from the usual tropes, and it opens the door to exploring both personal growth and the challenges of adapting to a new world. This creative twist adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.
The chemistry between the lead actors, Ji Chang-wook and Won Jin-ah, is palpable and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the series. Their interactions are filled with humor and tenderness, making their evolving relationship a joy to watch.
Melting Me Softly manages to balance moments of lighthearted comedy with deeper emotional moments, creating a well-rounded viewing experience. The drama's ability to evoke both laughter and empathy is a testament to its strong writing and performances.
While some viewers may have had reservations about certain aspects of the drama, it remains a testament to the power of inventive storytelling and heartfelt performances. If you're seeking a drama that offers a mix of romance, humor, and a touch of science fiction, this series is well worth a watch for its unique premise and heartwarming moments.
The drama's premise of cryogenically freezing the main characters for years is a refreshing departure from the usual tropes, and it opens the door to exploring both personal growth and the challenges of adapting to a new world. This creative twist adds depth and intrigue to the storyline.
The chemistry between the lead actors, Ji Chang-wook and Won Jin-ah, is palpable and adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the series. Their interactions are filled with humor and tenderness, making their evolving relationship a joy to watch.
Melting Me Softly manages to balance moments of lighthearted comedy with deeper emotional moments, creating a well-rounded viewing experience. The drama's ability to evoke both laughter and empathy is a testament to its strong writing and performances.
While some viewers may have had reservations about certain aspects of the drama, it remains a testament to the power of inventive storytelling and heartfelt performances. If you're seeking a drama that offers a mix of romance, humor, and a touch of science fiction, this series is well worth a watch for its unique premise and heartwarming moments.
A Litle Slow Paced but JI CHANG WOOK Always Worth Watching
PalmBeachG17 January 2023
Well JI CHANG WOOK is on my top 5 FAV list for K-Drama actors so you will usually see me giving him support for his male lead roles because he always brings a smile to his work. Some o the comedy is corny but that may be the style - with mystery mixed in. I thought the mystery part got a little drawn out, but the romance was there for sure. I didn't particularly like the ending of the show. It could have just ended at the embrace and left the rest off which seemed to ruin the vibe of the show. Not sure how that even fit into the script at the end - better just left off completely IMO. There was much to think about with this scientific method of preserving our bodies - kind of scary to think about it and the ethical views of it are brought out in the drama.
Not worth it
aashizin21 November 2019
Good but not great - very slow moving plot
leahcubed20 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
8.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2O19 South Korean tv drama with 16, 60 minute; episodes.
Go Mi-ran (Won Jin-ah) Is a fearless "stunt" woman working for a variety show. The very talented director of the show, Ma Dong-chan (Ji Chang-wook), is always coming up with fresh ideas that have won him acclaim and kept his projects at the top of the ratings. His next big venture is "the Frozen man" and, since it is risky, he plans to be one of the subjects but they need a 2nd and , specifically a female, to round the show out. While the Director does not know her at all, his assistant is aware of Mi-ran's willingness to do almost anything to earn money to help support her family while attending college. However, this is even a bit too far for Mi-ran and she originally says no. She changes her mind when her long term boyfriend cheats on her and she finds out that if the experiment is successful it may help people with health conditions - people like her beloved younger brother. It is, after all, only for 24 hours and it is a good cause that pays well. Things go wrong during the experiment and those that were only to be frozen for 24 hours wind up frozen for 20 years. The world and everything in it has changed in 20 years and they both experience a side effect where they must keep their body temperature at 31.5 °C (max. 33 °C/88-91 °F) in order to survive. With so many bonding these two together will circumstances drive them apart?
I liked the beginning a lot as it was fun to watch Mi-ran doing various experiments and what the Director would come up with. About 3/4 of the way through it felt slow and I was having a hard time continuing to watch. The concept of being frozen and response of all around them was intriguing but there were not enough plot elements to keep it interesting throughout. I also was disappointed that they were not married or at least a strong commitment by the end. With talk throughout of bad marriages I do not know if one of the writers was jaded that way or if some are embracing the idea that marriage does not need to happen for Happily ever after and I do not agree. I was glad they found a way to stay together but more formalized would have been good. Enjoyable but not one of my tops.
Go Mi-ran (Won Jin-ah) Is a fearless "stunt" woman working for a variety show. The very talented director of the show, Ma Dong-chan (Ji Chang-wook), is always coming up with fresh ideas that have won him acclaim and kept his projects at the top of the ratings. His next big venture is "the Frozen man" and, since it is risky, he plans to be one of the subjects but they need a 2nd and , specifically a female, to round the show out. While the Director does not know her at all, his assistant is aware of Mi-ran's willingness to do almost anything to earn money to help support her family while attending college. However, this is even a bit too far for Mi-ran and she originally says no. She changes her mind when her long term boyfriend cheats on her and she finds out that if the experiment is successful it may help people with health conditions - people like her beloved younger brother. It is, after all, only for 24 hours and it is a good cause that pays well. Things go wrong during the experiment and those that were only to be frozen for 24 hours wind up frozen for 20 years. The world and everything in it has changed in 20 years and they both experience a side effect where they must keep their body temperature at 31.5 °C (max. 33 °C/88-91 °F) in order to survive. With so many bonding these two together will circumstances drive them apart?
I liked the beginning a lot as it was fun to watch Mi-ran doing various experiments and what the Director would come up with. About 3/4 of the way through it felt slow and I was having a hard time continuing to watch. The concept of being frozen and response of all around them was intriguing but there were not enough plot elements to keep it interesting throughout. I also was disappointed that they were not married or at least a strong commitment by the end. With talk throughout of bad marriages I do not know if one of the writers was jaded that way or if some are embracing the idea that marriage does not need to happen for Happily ever after and I do not agree. I was glad they found a way to stay together but more formalized would have been good. Enjoyable but not one of my tops.
Disappointed
gensearcherpatti12 February 2020
Maybe this movie was rushed to match the return of the star from mandatory military service. Maybe the script or the director was unprepared. On the whole, the pacing was bad, the script was inept, the characters were disconnected and unconvincing, while the movie as a whole seem to serve as a star vehicle. I was disappointed.
It was ok...
morebon19 November 2019
This series started out interesting enough for me to watch: the concept was intriguing. But the drama turned out to be rather slow and juvenile. The writing and directing were below standards. I'm usually sucked into Ji Chang Wook's works just from his name alone, but this wasn't one of his finest. That said, I still liked the story, just not how it was staged. It was an okay filler drama while I await my wuxia costume dramas to become available.
Unusual story
cdayoning24 January 2021
Frozen concept
Infycd_26 December 2023
One time watchable drama. Did not like the concept of the drama that much I mean I feel weird while watching this drama, direction is the problem or actors are the problem I don't understand but I don't feel anything while watching like it is really a Frozen drama.
Both leads are good looking still don't have much chemistry. I don't like their expressions in some scenes don't know why. Male lead character was really the most stupid character. Most of the chang-wook dramas are always boring. He is really a good in action scenes he should do more of action dramas. His romcoms are not good.
If you don't have any drama to watch then you can try this for timepass otherwise don't watch it.
Both leads are good looking still don't have much chemistry. I don't like their expressions in some scenes don't know why. Male lead character was really the most stupid character. Most of the chang-wook dramas are always boring. He is really a good in action scenes he should do more of action dramas. His romcoms are not good.
If you don't have any drama to watch then you can try this for timepass otherwise don't watch it.
Watch it for JCW and the romance
Bigmac12325 September 2021
Ahh I'm binge-watching Ji Chang Wook's shows and this one didn't disappoint either. The concept is a little far-fetched but who cares. JCW was amazing as always. Chemistry between the couple was good and it was funny at times too. Ending could've been better but enjoyable overall.
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