The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018) User Reviews

Superb Korean Drama with Classic Themes

[AJ_McAninch · 9/10 · 29 May 2019]

This is a story about two beautiful, good people who adore one another and just want to be left alone; but of course it's a drama, so that isn't going to happen. And the resultant themes that drive the narrative are as ancient as storytelling: secrets, love, sex, jealousy, class, revenge, manipulation: and especially the sins of the fathers (and brother) landing straight on the heads of the children who deserved none of it.

Writing, direction, and cast are all excellent, though I did shave off a point because there are some questionable plot decisions. That said, the series belongs to SEO IN-GUK who is extraordinary. This is one of the best Korean series I've seen, and he is an incredibly gifted actor--now one of my favorites, because as superb as the cast is, Seo In-Guk is working on a different level that no acting class can teach: he simply becomes the character and breaks your heart. For as one commenter wrote, this drama is not for the faint of heart: it is a complex, mature story that will cause both joy and anguish in viewers--will steadily pull in every emotional direction, right through the conclusion, where I sat stunned. But I was grateful for the experience of this drama.

mesmerising performances and magnificent cinematography

[aminifatimaaa · 8/10 · 16 February 2019]

The story of 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' is something so vastly different than most Korean dramas. It is a melodrama that sublimely incorporates the genres of thriller, mystery, romance, and tragedy of all things--and on top of your not-so-typical antihero lead, it sheds some light on some controversial topics. The story starts off quite eerily, full of suspense and mystery, and gradually as the drama progresses, the melodrama kicks in while retaining most of the suspense. Definite a recommend from me if you're looking for a melodramatic romance with thriller and mystery!

Underrated Drama

[taneaMr · 8/10 · 22 April 2019]

I don't understand why this drama did not receive the spot light it should have. It's based on a Japanese drama, except that the plot took a different ending. I loved it, the actors, the suspense to it, the traumas, everything! I enjoyed the psychological aspect to it too, just make sure that you have a box of tissues next to you watching this.

Great and suspenseful!

[jthecl1 · 10/10 · 27 October 2018]

The actors are bringing their A game with this drama. I am watching it not knowing anything about the original Japanese version so spoiler free. So happy to see the reunion of Seo Inguk and the Director. By the way, if you haven't checked out the previous dramas by this Director, take a look. My personal favorite is Tomorrow With You. He has an amazing eye for detail in all of this shots and can't say enough good things about him. Can't wait to see this drama through to the end!

I guarantee, once u watch it u will never forget.

[selasendi · 10/10 · 20 May 2020]

This is one of my top 5 kdrama. Seo inguk and So-Min have the best chemistry in kdrama that I ever watched. U can feel the deep love by the way they look each other. Maybe u can say that its kinda dark for romance genre, but its really worth to watch.

everyone on this work DELIVERED!!!

[elghayani · 10/10 · 3 April 2019]

I loooooved this drame OH MY GOD its so freaking sad i cking creid my eyes out tho i do not want to rewatch it cause it ucking tragic it broke my heart But seo in guk owened his role he DELEVERED I AM SO SATISFIED its been since forever.... i loved the three main leads tho the female was a bit off at times. overall 10/10

DO WATCH IT

One of a kind

[Cps1818 · 10/10 · 27 January 2020]

Every aspect of this little masterpiece is really great. For those who love realistic stories without the typical kdrama cliché, this is a must. The script is amazing, but the cast was even better. Both of the lead actors were insanely good, you can't forget them after this performance. The lead actor in particular, was something out of this world. The role he portrayed was difficult, unique. Very skilled actor. It's a shame this drama is so underrated.

A True Tragedy

[fake_moviestar · 7/10 · 3 September 2020]

This was one of the most depressing KDrama's I've ever watched. It was very good, the plot was suspenseful, and the acting delivered. The main couple have lovely chemistry and are super sweet and wonderful to watch together. This was basically a modern-day Korean Romeo-Juliet type of story. Prepare to be impressed but also sad and depressed.

Outclass Korean Drama ,Surprised rating very low

[jsaleem-89705 · 10/10 · 31 May 2020]

A very Satisfied Drama ,,, an Outclass,Awesome,superub Kdrama Every episode was sooo perfect Direction,Script was soo good Story different & was Hearttouching ,Acting Good by all cast Especially lead Actor In-Guk Soo & lead actress & his brother all Acting was toooo good & their character was very likeable but End was Sad & heartbreaking

All in all a good drama

[ninchenbienchen · 7/10 · 19 March 2021]

Watching this drama was a series of ups and downs, me liking it, me being annoyed at it, me being bored and me being completely caught by what was shown on screen.

The first few episodes were kind of boring and I was quite confused for at least 2/3 of the show - the latter is obviously intentional as the confusion, suspense and unknown is what keeps you watching.

But around episode 10 I was kind of fed up with the ups and downs and I felt like the drama kind of stopped evolving? Like, nothing new was being explained and I felt like the content of the episodes were repetitive in a way. So at that point I was actually looking forward to finishing the show.

And that was the case until I actually finished the drama. Because that was the first time everything that has happened in the drama made sense to me. Like everything concluded well and although the ending is sad, it just made sense to me in a way because I could pinpoint where everything started to go wrong and why everything happened the way it happened.

I also loved the way you keep seeing the characters in different lights throughout the journey the more you find out about them: you literally go from hating to liking back to hating and again back to liking a character or various of them. It also made me realize what an amazing job the actors did, especially the male lead though.

Even though I felt good and content at the end of the drama, I still gotta admit this show was a constant up and down which is why I removed a few points.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 24 November 2018]

An intense drama with a heavy plot this one. The story has so many leyers that sometimes it wasn't easy to keep up. However, the many twists and the drama from the past were really entertaining. This drama follows the japanese original closely, but add it own touch to it, with the final ending similar and yet very different. Actually, the ending was a shock and it suited the relationship overall, the later being a very well presented one, as the two actors had chemistry. There were two things however that I didn't like about this drama : they left some things unconcluded and unexplained (a); Jin Kang was sometimes annoying as a character (b). But, overall, it was a great drama, so 8 out of 10.

Hit a wall

[sepidehzekavat · 7/10 · 4 February 2021]

It was great and very intense, kept me hooked until episode 13 then it felt like it dragged a bit.

Booring

[oishyiffatara · 1/10 · 26 November 2020]

One of the most boring drama i have ever watched...Specially the last 6 episodes...feels like the storyline is being unnecessarily dragged....it is just 🤢🤢🤢🤢

A love story that will shake you

[Hwangkidong · 9/10 · 30 August 2020]

I didn't know anything about this show before watching it, not even that it is a remake of a Japanese drama. I am glad because I was genuinely surprised by the ending. I don't want to spoil anything if you're interested in this show. Just know that it is not a romantic comedy and the actors are fantastic, especially the male lead. He really brought his character to life with such mastery that it gives me the chill. Highly recommended if you are looking for a love story that comes with more than a thrill or two.

I can never get over this.

[elsamirre · 10/10 · 2 September 2022]

Where to begin?

Someone wrote boring. Boring???!!!!!!!!

Upon reading other reviews, I thought I'd come here after watching episode 13, as some people said it was the moment when the story started to drag. Most KD drag indeed, because of the 16 episode frame. I wanted to write that I wouldn't mind it if only trash came after episode 13, for I was already satisfied, mesmerized, elated, and I knew nothing would change that.

I think I know why some people were dispappointed. After episode 13, the genre goes abruptly from thriller to romance. Except that for me, it was no disappointment at all. The story actually got deeper, more touching, and surprisingly enough, more thrilling. I sat on the edge of my seat, holding my breath/tears/heart.

The mysteries. Nothing is what it seems. I thought I knew. "Oh, so obvious, I figuered everything out, already!" Or did I?

Their love. Is one of the most beautiful in KDland. I liked the contrast between the fake relationship with fireworks, money, precious vases getting shattered... and the genuine one, so ordinary, so down-to-earth. They needed only to be together, like all lovers. I kept thinking OMG they're so cute! It's never about chemistry or urges, or lust, it's all about feeling good together, belonging with each other. Simple as that. Even making love, is like eating or sleeping. Natural and easy.

This makes me feel very thankful and admirative towards the director. I couldn't help but notice the hard and clever work. There is this scene, it occurs twice. The main character is treated like garbage, but he's used to that and doesn't care, right? Then we see him from a distance as he goes down the street. We can't really see his face, but he wraps himself tight in his shirt and crosses his arms. This means. I feel like naked, vulnerable, miserable, hurt. I want to cry. Wow. What can be said with just a shirt!

Also, the actors'performances. Jaw-dropping. I love the main actress ever since "playful kiss". She's so cute!! Seo In-Guk is the one who (accidentally) brought me there though, right after watching "Doom at your service". I could compare his performances and I realized that, once again, the director must have been genius-strucked. SIG is un-believable in this drama. Gosh.

I edited to add this part: THE ACTING. OMG, OMG! The male lead, OMG, he plays with every last bit of his body. I'm watching for the second time and, knowing the character's true colors, I can focus on the performance that brought him to life. "Out of this world", someone wrote. This is it. Pay attention to the guy's fingers, legs... He acts with his whole body, kissing the girl's hair, stroking her shoulder with the back of his fingers, swallowing heavily or beathing deeply. WOW.

The music. Someone compared this to Romeo and Juliet. The music, the piano, especially in the last episode, matches this impression. But it wasn't only the music that was perfectly accurate. Stuff like a bird shirping. I noticed a bird shirping at the worst possible moment, irony. Even the silences were meaningful, masterfully used as story-telling enhancers.

Every detail was thouroughly crafted. I usually nitpick about plotholes, but couldn't pinpoint a single flaw. I liked how people kept saying that KMY wasn't human, because he didn't have a heart. And I liked that, in the end, we realize that he was exactly that. A boy who someday lost his heart and set off to seek it.

The endind. Kind of killed me. I stayed still for a while, with my hand over my mouth, in shock, speechless.

I think this drama is my number one out of fifty.(scratch that, number one out of 85, I counted)

PS: I wanted to say that this drama is not depressing, at least it wasn't for me. Quite the contrary. I felt high for two whole days after watching. Two weeks later, it still comforts me, the warmth. All the sad parts evaporated to leave me with the beautiful, endearing memory of their love. Every time I think about them, I smile. It feel like... I went to church and found that God was actually there. (you'll know what I mean when you watch;) I am very grateful for that feeling. That's why I decided to watch it again!

I've never seen such a beautiful love before.

Daebak..

[ciocolatzik_amara · 10/10 · 22 November 2018]

Just perfect..i really enjoyed it! Best kdrama in 2018!

Brillant Script and extraordinary actors

[iramwyne · 9/10 · 5 February 2021]

Its one of the visual piece that left mark in one's memory . I have watched twice because I couldn't find anything like that in Kdrama's . Unfortunate couple who goes through many ups and down but dont leave beliver on one an other . This is a very well written story and more importantly script . Writer didnt miss to make a point and took us to an emotional rollar coaster ride . effortless chemistry between 2 actors and every single charactor perfectly fit in their role . It will make you smile and cry on the same time and you will fall in love with these 2 charators .

Timing is key!

[sickbigeyes · 6/10 · 13 July 2023]

My advice is to pick this drama when you feel like watching something romantic but at the same time, you want to cry. Otherwise, you might find it boring since the story is super slow paced.

From beginning to end, this series is full of mystery. Kim Moo Yeong himself is a mystery. It was very hard to figure his character out at first. I kept wondering: What is his true intention? Where's his head at? He is such an antihero; his action is sometimes confusing, but a lot of things he said actually make sense. He's also cool. When he was told to go away, he really did go away. That's what makes him charming yet cold. Along the way, however, he's getting softer and becomes more likeable after meeting Jin Kang.

Seo In Guk and Jung So Min have an amazing chemistry. Their interaction feels so natural, and they look good together *heart eyes*

WOW!!!! A story and acting masterpiece!!!!!

[natassa-athens · 10/10 · 6 December 2021]

What a series was that !!!!! 😲😲😲😲 A true masterpiece!!!!

Emotionally riveting from start to finish!

The story, the thriller, the excitement, the drama, the romance, all were so wonderful!!!!

Seo In Guk was SO SO SO AMAZING, in the best role of his life!!!!

What a great performance!!!!

And his chemistry with the protagonist was incredible !!!!

All the actors were also great!!!

Worth to watch it!!!!!!

Worth to watch it

[Mr_Avenger · 6/10 · 5 November 2023]

Having see a lot of kdramas , this one is absolutely worth to give it a try.

The storyline starts with some coincidences among the main characters. Gradually , a murder case unfolds and dark secrets from the past appear.

I really loved the main characters chemistry , the suspense and the murder case which direct the whole story.

The only part which I didn't really like it was the last 5 episodes which focused a lot in main man's child trauma. Things were seemed unrealistic and the story between the two children were in some way idiot.

The end of the whole series managed to gain back my positive review.

Just perfect

[psalunke · 10/10 · 7 October 2020]

No words to describe this series. Its so subtl and realistic that you can connect with the character. The actors done Justis special Kim mo young and jing kook. The few episodes are heart wrenching. You can't forget this series after completing for 3-4 days.

Best Kdrama!

[LDRmuffin · 10/10 · 8 January 2021]

So many emotions going on during watching this drama (in a positive way). The lead actors was so good in making the character's development. The chemistry between the two was perfect and felt so real. They don't have to talk much but we can feel the emotions from their eyes looking each other and from the skinship. It also have so many beautiful, sad and deep lines. Though there's 1 or 2 part was missing but for the whole package this drama is amazingly beautiful. Shout out to Seo In Guk-ssi for his facial expressions and for PDNim for directed beautiful scenes. I cried a lot tho!

Great storyline

[Bulinka369 · 10/10 · 20 January 2022]

I defended this series for a while, especially Seo In-Guk. After a while, I said to myself that I would give it a chance, just because of the good evaluation, and something just told me to try it. As usual, it paid off. During the series, I actually understood that Seo In-Guk is not really unsympathetic but he played his character so great. I guess that half of the series I was on a swing. I tried to find out what he was thinking, what he was up to ... So the creators were able to honestly confuse the viewer's mind. The series is mostly melodramatic, but the main actress brightens it with her energy. The series is not childish and naive, but quite the opposite. Here again we have a well-known Korean fatefully, but this time do not expect the happy ending that you get used to. The main character will play with fate, which will have a cruel consequences.

You must watch it

[maryamrood · 10/10 · 18 January 2021]

Beside the brilliant story I literally enjoy watching seo in guk act. I was bored by watching stereotype drama. Of course it has some flaws but everything does, right? Anyway I'm going to watch it again as soon as I find a free time.

Really good

[kajalkashsinha · 9/10 · 17 June 2021]

I like this drama because of performance given by seo and park. I liked seo's performance the most. It was gripping and entertaining . I liked they romantic part of the show.