I'm a guy and I'm not really into these types of shows but I think personally it connected with me in a way. I was a single dad before so I can relate to the main character in someways. I really felt touched in someways because I know the feeling of being a single dad being scared to commit to someone after having a previous bad relationship. I think what actually made me get emotional in a way was when the main character tell his story of his previous relationship to his new girlfriend and how the mother of his child ran away. I have felt this feeling as well before and it touched me because it's a feeling that will never go away. What's funny about this is that I met my wife in a library which is what made me happy about this because my wife worked part time at the university we went to as a cashier. I'm not really into love story shows but when I saw my wife watching it reminded me of us in a way. I really enjoyed the show it was great overall.
78 Reviews
If you like slowly developing love stories
karoliinaedlund20 August 2019
"If you come to me now, there's no going back."
AJ_McAninch14 July 2019
For me, this series doesn't capture the range of Jung Hae-In or his full charm, as do "While You Were Sleeping" and especially "Something in the Rain", which made him an international star. In the first six episodes of "Something in the Rain" the writer created some of the sweetest scenes in Korean drama, unmatched in this one. But I think this same writer was after more of a slowly developed study of the major themes this time: obsession, misogyny, abuse, intrusiveness, and single-parent shaming. Within that sometimes maddening struggle, there is strength and devotion, friendship and love. But I do wish there was more of our main couple and far less of the annoying obsessive. Even the last episodes had too much of him. I'd rather he had been finished and we spent more time exploring the love story and that evolving family. In both her series, I feel this writer loses her way in the second halves and closing episodes, then tosses a rushed closure at the viewer, which she has been faulted for before. Still, this is a good series with an excellent writer, director, and cast.
Three Luminous Sisters and the Men in Their Lives
dickfluck-3370822 August 2019
Three luminous sisters-the oldest one, Lee Seo-in (played by Im Sung-eon), is in a marriage that's gone from bad to worse; the middle one, Lee Jeong-in (Han Ji-min), is in a 4-year relationship that's gone sour; and the youngest one, Lee Jae-in (Joo Min-kyung), is a maverick who's not yet entangled with a partner-have each others' backs as they come to terms with themselves and the men in their lives. Their mother, Shin Jyeong-seon (Gil Hae-yeon) stands by them-and stands between them and the men in their lives, including their father, whose ideas about marriage are more traditional than those of his wife and daughters.
The plot revolves around Jeong-in's internal and external conflicts as she tries to extricate herself from one relationship (with Kwon Ki-seok, played by Kim Jun-han) and forge a new one with Yoo Ji-ho (Jung Hae-in, who also was a main character in "Something in the Rain"). Jeong-in seems to know where she wants to go with her life, but she can't quite find a path forward. Her performance is nuanced and evolves sweetly and strongly over the 16 episodes.
"One Spring Night" was directed by Ahn Pan-seok, who won awards for his work on "Something in the Rain." The cast of "One Spring Night" also includes several outstanding actors who worked with Ahn in the earlier series. Once again, the ensemble cast work together very well.
In "One Spring Night," Ahn seems to push the envelope for women even further than he did in the earlier series-or is he only reflecting ongoing cultural change in South Korea? The sisters are strong, wrestle with difficult choices, support each other, and are supported by their mother, who in middle age has begun to reclaim control of her own life. The sisters' female friends listen to them, share stories, give advice. The conversations among the sisters and their female friends are smart and sensitive. The men in their lives-many of them dressed in gray, black, or white-are often problematic, but some of them give sage advice and support to each other and the women in their lives.
The soundtrack is excellent and includes several songs-Rachael Yamagata's "No Direction," "We Could Still Be Happy," and "Is it You," as well as Oscar Dunbar's "Spring Rain" and Carla Bruni's "Spring Waltz"-that announce and accompany scenes with no dialog in which actors are thinking, lying in bed, walking in the park, riding in taxis, etc. In several slow-motion scenes, the music is synchronized to the actors' steps.
This is not a plot spoiler: Remember the rubber band in a drugstore scene in Episode 1!
This series warmed me-heart and soul. Check it out!
The plot revolves around Jeong-in's internal and external conflicts as she tries to extricate herself from one relationship (with Kwon Ki-seok, played by Kim Jun-han) and forge a new one with Yoo Ji-ho (Jung Hae-in, who also was a main character in "Something in the Rain"). Jeong-in seems to know where she wants to go with her life, but she can't quite find a path forward. Her performance is nuanced and evolves sweetly and strongly over the 16 episodes.
"One Spring Night" was directed by Ahn Pan-seok, who won awards for his work on "Something in the Rain." The cast of "One Spring Night" also includes several outstanding actors who worked with Ahn in the earlier series. Once again, the ensemble cast work together very well.
In "One Spring Night," Ahn seems to push the envelope for women even further than he did in the earlier series-or is he only reflecting ongoing cultural change in South Korea? The sisters are strong, wrestle with difficult choices, support each other, and are supported by their mother, who in middle age has begun to reclaim control of her own life. The sisters' female friends listen to them, share stories, give advice. The conversations among the sisters and their female friends are smart and sensitive. The men in their lives-many of them dressed in gray, black, or white-are often problematic, but some of them give sage advice and support to each other and the women in their lives.
The soundtrack is excellent and includes several songs-Rachael Yamagata's "No Direction," "We Could Still Be Happy," and "Is it You," as well as Oscar Dunbar's "Spring Rain" and Carla Bruni's "Spring Waltz"-that announce and accompany scenes with no dialog in which actors are thinking, lying in bed, walking in the park, riding in taxis, etc. In several slow-motion scenes, the music is synchronized to the actors' steps.
This is not a plot spoiler: Remember the rubber band in a drugstore scene in Episode 1!
This series warmed me-heart and soul. Check it out!
Most mature KDrama yet
anthonyparker-4214118 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Great story - NOTHING about it is fantasy, everything in it can ( and probably does ) happen in real life.
Not for kids. Strong social statements made for Korean women and it's culture.
To make my point of how different this is ......she proposes to him.
Not for kids. Strong social statements made for Korean women and it's culture.
To make my point of how different this is ......she proposes to him.
Modern romance, but with complications, builds slowly, but worth your time..
davidvincentwolf13 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This is bit different than most K-dramas you'll see, as there is very little humor, and the awkwardness feels realistic. A young man & woman meet by chance, and share an immediate connection, yet try to ignore it. Both have complicated circumstances, (including a boyfriend for her) yet fate keeps bringing them into contact with each other, til they agree to be friends.
It's not exactly smooth sailing, and many obstacles along the way, but it's an interesting look at two people who have their reasons to have given up on true love & idea of a soulmate, yet that desire is find these things is awakened. That's all I can say without spoiling anything, but worth your time!
One interesting note, is that the director and half of the cast in this series are directly from "Something in the Rain", if you happened to have seen that one on Netflix. I did and enjoyed that one as well, and to be honest, it took me a little while to get used to all of these actors I knew so well as different characters from that drama in this new story. But, once I did, it felt strangely comfortable and I got used to seeing them as someone else.
Anyway, If you are used to American mini-series, it takes some getting used to most k-dramas that take their time building their story, but once you've gotten deep into the story by episode 5 or 6, you'll appreciate the slower pace.
It's not exactly smooth sailing, and many obstacles along the way, but it's an interesting look at two people who have their reasons to have given up on true love & idea of a soulmate, yet that desire is find these things is awakened. That's all I can say without spoiling anything, but worth your time!
One interesting note, is that the director and half of the cast in this series are directly from "Something in the Rain", if you happened to have seen that one on Netflix. I did and enjoyed that one as well, and to be honest, it took me a little while to get used to all of these actors I knew so well as different characters from that drama in this new story. But, once I did, it felt strangely comfortable and I got used to seeing them as someone else.
Anyway, If you are used to American mini-series, it takes some getting used to most k-dramas that take their time building their story, but once you've gotten deep into the story by episode 5 or 6, you'll appreciate the slower pace.
Did not believe the negative reviews
jackybrown226 December 2021
I thoroughly loved and enjoyed this series. It's amazing and better than Something In The Rain. I had to look past the cultural stigma associated with being a single dad but once I did that this series had my heart. Watch it and you will love it and come away better for it.
Nice story, slow burn romance
olanqrvdsr16 July 2019
Enjoyed this show, but like so many other k-dramas the soundtrack is far too simplistic - when will they figure out that for 10-20 hours of video, you need at least an hour of music to go with it. Even better get a composer to do an instrumental arrangement without vocals, and save that single song for the title theme.
The title should be
ceciliajarphagen8 February 2021
Makes You Smile
riyadrahimhossain12 July 2019
We can outgrow comfortable relationships
emmetee20 February 2020
And if you're lucky, grow love with new soil. Either way, you have to get rid of the dead leaves for new blossoms. This movie shows the reality of relationships and different situations we may find ourselves in whether it's a fresh start from stagnancy or leaving a painful situation.
I really wanted to like it
steli-os1 January 2021
I really wanted to like "one sping night", but I should have "listened" to my guts. As soon as I've read reviews comparing it to sitr, I knew it would be extremley difficult to be on the same level. But I didn't expect it to be so bad.
Some dialogs are really bad. Who makes conversations like this? And of course the music...For gods sake...The same two songs in repeat. This was my main criticism in sitr, but it is much worse in osn. Jung Hae-In is a great actor but it's impossible to watch a show just for one or two actors.
I managed to watch 5 whole episodes before realising I couldn't torture myself just to see what happens next. 4 stars for the actors trying their best to save what could be saved.
Some dialogs are really bad. Who makes conversations like this? And of course the music...For gods sake...The same two songs in repeat. This was my main criticism in sitr, but it is much worse in osn. Jung Hae-In is a great actor but it's impossible to watch a show just for one or two actors.
I managed to watch 5 whole episodes before realising I couldn't torture myself just to see what happens next. 4 stars for the actors trying their best to save what could be saved.
I really loved this drama
tay-sedai12 April 2020
The only complaint I have is about the constant reuse of the same song in every episode - it's a good song, but by the end of the show I was like, "Do I ever actually want to hear this song again?" That said, I love the song(s?) that Rachael Yamagata contributed to the soundtrack. All in all, music was one of this show's strengths.
The acting and the 'realism' of the story was the other thing I loved most about it (same goes for the other show I just finished watching by this director, Something in the Rain, which I ADORED). Obviously it was a sweet romance, but unlike some K-dramas out there, it was a little more realistic in the sense that it shows more what everyday Koreans may go through as part of their dating lives (I say this as a non-Korean who is no expert on the culture/typical lifestyles).
I can certainly see myself watching this show again, however it was fairly slow moving, and if you're into more action packed dramas, this one may not be for you. If you're into character-driven, realistic and relatable dramas about everyday Koreans (oh, and a beautiful leading man), then I'd certainly recommend it.
The acting and the 'realism' of the story was the other thing I loved most about it (same goes for the other show I just finished watching by this director, Something in the Rain, which I ADORED). Obviously it was a sweet romance, but unlike some K-dramas out there, it was a little more realistic in the sense that it shows more what everyday Koreans may go through as part of their dating lives (I say this as a non-Korean who is no expert on the culture/typical lifestyles).
I can certainly see myself watching this show again, however it was fairly slow moving, and if you're into more action packed dramas, this one may not be for you. If you're into character-driven, realistic and relatable dramas about everyday Koreans (oh, and a beautiful leading man), then I'd certainly recommend it.
Something in the Rain with a bit more depth
wmueller-3189520 July 2019
Han Ji-Min plays a strong willed librarian who, just off of a withering relationship with the arrogant son of her father's employer, happens to meet a pharmacist (Jung Hae-In, Something in the Rain) and falls, head over heels for him, despite all the social conventions that would argue against it. She is very convincing in her portrayal of a wide range of emotions. Her true beauty didn't strike me until a few episodes in when she began to show the more vulnerable side of the character.
This series adds an interesting complication to the usual relationship issues in K-dramas: the pharmacist has a son whose mother abandoned them at birth. There are also some intense side plots that explore Korean culture and the heavy toll it takes on women. One Spring Night gives more depth to many of the characters and paints an overall more somber picture.
Half the cast of Something in the Rain seems to be in this series as well as music by Rachel Yamagada. Overall this series is a bit more mature, three-dimensional, edgy and more realistic than Something in the Rain, which is why I give it one more star.
This series adds an interesting complication to the usual relationship issues in K-dramas: the pharmacist has a son whose mother abandoned them at birth. There are also some intense side plots that explore Korean culture and the heavy toll it takes on women. One Spring Night gives more depth to many of the characters and paints an overall more somber picture.
Half the cast of Something in the Rain seems to be in this series as well as music by Rachel Yamagada. Overall this series is a bit more mature, three-dimensional, edgy and more realistic than Something in the Rain, which is why I give it one more star.
Slow Burn a More Realistic K-Dramas
varun_12015 July 2020
I've started watching K dramas only since last 2-3 months. It's very much like SITR but still the treatment is different. SITR has to be one of the best dramas in its first 6-7 episodes. Then it starts falling flat in someway. The characters start doing unbelievable actions in the second half and it has a rushed ending. People make comparison of One Spring Night with SITR. A lot of people actually started watching this because it's been directed by the same guy who made SITR. You may say One Spring is a mature version of SITR.
I really liked the slow-burn relationship building of the main characters. The soundtrack is amazing. Palpable tension in the scenes are well depicted by Rachael Yamagata's 'No Direction' . When Lee Jung-in tells Ji Ho not to cross or when Lee Jung-in says sorry to Ki Seok and runs after Ji Ho, the soundtrack in the background really captures the mood of the scenes.
Whether it's Ji Ho's vulnerability or Lee Jung-in strong willed personality, it's been portrayed perfectly by the characters. One thing I really liked was there is no over the top acting which you usually find in K-Dramas. The acting and the 'realism' of the story was the other thing I loved most about it. I can certainly see myself watching this show again.
I really liked the slow-burn relationship building of the main characters. The soundtrack is amazing. Palpable tension in the scenes are well depicted by Rachael Yamagata's 'No Direction' . When Lee Jung-in tells Ji Ho not to cross or when Lee Jung-in says sorry to Ki Seok and runs after Ji Ho, the soundtrack in the background really captures the mood of the scenes.
Whether it's Ji Ho's vulnerability or Lee Jung-in strong willed personality, it's been portrayed perfectly by the characters. One thing I really liked was there is no over the top acting which you usually find in K-Dramas. The acting and the 'realism' of the story was the other thing I loved most about it. I can certainly see myself watching this show again.
SITR is way better
ubeze29 November 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Love Korean dramas mainly because they have such great writers and of course amazing actors and actresses. Please keep in mind that this review is not about their acting. It is about the story and this story was just dumb.
While in a relationship, she falls madly in love with a good looking and charming younger man. She is a dominant, headstrong and stubborn person. The "new" guy is looking for someone who is good around his kid. But he is hiding his real self because he is scared to lose her. So she is suddenly going to become a mom to a kid from a different woman because she is in love? With that strong personality? How long will that last? He is not thinking about the long term welfare of the kid. They are totally not suited for each other.
She cheated on her boyfriend because he wasn't paying enough attention to her. The original boyfriend doesn't drink, doesn't go to bars, is not violent or dangerous. His only mistake seems to be that he works too hard and he has taken their relationship for granted. She got bored of him, she can get bored of the new guy. Except now there is a kid involved. After the honeymoon, where do you think his priorities are?: his own kid. And everyone else is backing them because they are "in love". No logic or reason. And everyone is giving her dad a hard time because he is "not making the right decisions" but no one is giving him any of the facts. He is totally in the dark about all his children because everyone is hiding stuff from him. The mom didn't believe the eldest daughter's story until she showed her the pictures. Once she learns that, she is mad at the dad because he is not supportive... so many inconsistencies!
Unfortunately the writers for this show twist things just to make their "love story" work.
5/5 for acting. 0/5 for the story.
Watch SITR, way better.
While in a relationship, she falls madly in love with a good looking and charming younger man. She is a dominant, headstrong and stubborn person. The "new" guy is looking for someone who is good around his kid. But he is hiding his real self because he is scared to lose her. So she is suddenly going to become a mom to a kid from a different woman because she is in love? With that strong personality? How long will that last? He is not thinking about the long term welfare of the kid. They are totally not suited for each other.
She cheated on her boyfriend because he wasn't paying enough attention to her. The original boyfriend doesn't drink, doesn't go to bars, is not violent or dangerous. His only mistake seems to be that he works too hard and he has taken their relationship for granted. She got bored of him, she can get bored of the new guy. Except now there is a kid involved. After the honeymoon, where do you think his priorities are?: his own kid. And everyone else is backing them because they are "in love". No logic or reason. And everyone is giving her dad a hard time because he is "not making the right decisions" but no one is giving him any of the facts. He is totally in the dark about all his children because everyone is hiding stuff from him. The mom didn't believe the eldest daughter's story until she showed her the pictures. Once she learns that, she is mad at the dad because he is not supportive... so many inconsistencies!
Unfortunately the writers for this show twist things just to make their "love story" work.
5/5 for acting. 0/5 for the story.
Watch SITR, way better.
Decent
tester-8414630 January 2020
Can't help but juxtapose this drama with Something in the Rain because it has a very similar feel and 60% of the cast of Something in the Rain is in this drama as well.
I didn't think this matched the melodrama and frustration level of Something in the Rain. As another reviewer pointed out it didn't provide the range of emotions Hae-In elicit in Something in the Rain, maybe because his character in this drama was supposed to be more mature? In any case there is something about him that is very captivating.
I found the female lead very likable, but her character lacked in many ways to develop or show any depth. I wish they did better with her. I really liked the actress.
Ending was not memorable at all, I loved how Something in the Rain unfolded in the last two episodes and exploded in the end into something beautiful yet mysterious... there was none of that in this drama just gradually slow with predictable ending. Don't get me wrong I do not dislike happy endings just wished to be rewarded with some more loving scenes.
I didn't think this matched the melodrama and frustration level of Something in the Rain. As another reviewer pointed out it didn't provide the range of emotions Hae-In elicit in Something in the Rain, maybe because his character in this drama was supposed to be more mature? In any case there is something about him that is very captivating.
I found the female lead very likable, but her character lacked in many ways to develop or show any depth. I wish they did better with her. I really liked the actress.
Ending was not memorable at all, I loved how Something in the Rain unfolded in the last two episodes and exploded in the end into something beautiful yet mysterious... there was none of that in this drama just gradually slow with predictable ending. Don't get me wrong I do not dislike happy endings just wished to be rewarded with some more loving scenes.
Wonderful
Hwangkidong25 April 2020
As a guy who normally only watches romantic movies to accompany my wife, I created my account here after watching One Spring Night so I can write my very first review. While cheesy romances are not usually my cup of tea, unless they are really funny, I do like a good character-driven story that is interesting and hopefully believable. Despite being a longtime fan of Korean movies, I only started to watch k-drama several months ago and since then my wife and I are hooked. However, after almost a dozen shows, while the majority are very enjoyable, most of the story lines start to feel over-the-top and formulistic. After searching for a slower-paced drama I watched Something in the Rain. I loved it as much as I was frustrated by the flawed characters' unbelievable actions in the second half and the rushed ending. Despite its short comings however, I was still in the mood for another "serious" love story and was excited to find One Spring Night from the same writer and director.
I was hooked by One Spring Night after the first episode. I loved the slow burn of the leads' relationship after their love at first sight encounter 5 minutes into the show. I liked watching the characters live as they chat, eat, drink, get drunk and talk some more. The actors are fabulous and it's hard not to root for them despite, or because of, their flaws. The male villains are annoying and pathetic, I find their character reasonably three dimensional (for a drama series) except for the elder sister's husband. I was relieved to find the subplots are not too convoluted or overbearing with unsatisfactory ending - though I would have happily paid the director to shorten the scenes between the ex-boyfriend and evil brother-in-law and give more screen time to the couple and the kid towards the end. Also, the lack of a truly psychotic and indestructible villain (like in Rain) meant our couple's up-and-down journey felt more organic and believable, as they don't need external help to create more insurmountable obstacles, a common trait in many dramas.
Despite it's slow pace, Spring is ultimately uplifting in its portrayal of friendship, family, and, of course, the courage to trust the other person and to take risks in the name of love. It's hard not to be emotional when the sisters came together and support each other. While laugh-out comedy is mostly absent, there are many touching moments that would put a smile - and a tear or two - on your face. My favorites include the dinosaur-sticker-on-the-phone and proposal scenes. Priceless.
Lastly, the cinematography sometimes remind me of In the mood for Love. The soundtrack, while repetitive and admittedly overused, are lovely so I am not complaining.
To those tempted by this drama but are concerned by the slow pace, I'd suggest watching the first episode. You should know by then whether this is for you.
To those hesitating between Rain or Spring, I'd say both are wonderful. To me, the first half of Rain is incomparably adorable. Overall though, if I had to rank them based on viewer satisfaction, coherence of the story line and character development, Spring comes out on top mostly thanks to the personality of the heroine. But the good news is, there's no need to choose. Go watch both of them if you haven't yet.
I was hooked by One Spring Night after the first episode. I loved the slow burn of the leads' relationship after their love at first sight encounter 5 minutes into the show. I liked watching the characters live as they chat, eat, drink, get drunk and talk some more. The actors are fabulous and it's hard not to root for them despite, or because of, their flaws. The male villains are annoying and pathetic, I find their character reasonably three dimensional (for a drama series) except for the elder sister's husband. I was relieved to find the subplots are not too convoluted or overbearing with unsatisfactory ending - though I would have happily paid the director to shorten the scenes between the ex-boyfriend and evil brother-in-law and give more screen time to the couple and the kid towards the end. Also, the lack of a truly psychotic and indestructible villain (like in Rain) meant our couple's up-and-down journey felt more organic and believable, as they don't need external help to create more insurmountable obstacles, a common trait in many dramas.
Despite it's slow pace, Spring is ultimately uplifting in its portrayal of friendship, family, and, of course, the courage to trust the other person and to take risks in the name of love. It's hard not to be emotional when the sisters came together and support each other. While laugh-out comedy is mostly absent, there are many touching moments that would put a smile - and a tear or two - on your face. My favorites include the dinosaur-sticker-on-the-phone and proposal scenes. Priceless.
Lastly, the cinematography sometimes remind me of In the mood for Love. The soundtrack, while repetitive and admittedly overused, are lovely so I am not complaining.
To those tempted by this drama but are concerned by the slow pace, I'd suggest watching the first episode. You should know by then whether this is for you.
To those hesitating between Rain or Spring, I'd say both are wonderful. To me, the first half of Rain is incomparably adorable. Overall though, if I had to rank them based on viewer satisfaction, coherence of the story line and character development, Spring comes out on top mostly thanks to the personality of the heroine. But the good news is, there's no need to choose. Go watch both of them if you haven't yet.
Gentle Love Triangle Drama
refordgarry10 September 2023
It seems counterintuitive that the central theme of One Spring Night is Obsession, that is with a Capital "O", which in many cultures would have entailed at some point violent confrontation, but this love story bounds along with those romantic songs, very much the essence of K-drama. Safe to say then that nothing in the unfolding of this story ever happens to peturb those of a fragile disposition, save one or two broken hearts. Fractious dramas put out by Western TV producers resort too often to overacting as opposed to underacting, and the way Western solutions are wrought tend to be momentous rather than subtle, such as they are here. One often feels the impression in this drama that a Jane Austen novel has been televised in its modern form, which is unsurprisingly a very pleasant experience, since one gets the all the emotions of injustice and wrongdoing without high drama, and solutions without civil war. The only negative impression of Spring Night is there is too little personality in any of its central characters, with even the conniving Jun Han Kin too weak a person ever have the temerity to overturn as much as a coffee table.
Don't Let Anyone Tell You How to Live Your Life!
spasek26 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
If there is one thing that the viewer will hopefully take away from this series, it's this: never, NEVER let anyone tell you how to live your life. It doesn't matter who it is-religious people, family, society, or anyone else. As soon as you allow others to dictate how you live your life, you've given away your power. And when things don't work out, you have also lost any right to get angry or resent them for it because YOU allowed it to happen. And the only person who will be dealing with the fallout is you. Those who counseled you won't be taking the hits. YOU will! Steer your own ship. Don't let anyone else try to steer it for you.
"One Spring Night" is hardly the most romantic series I've ever seen, and it's not necessarily an easy series to get through. This isn't necessarily a criticism as the series is very well-steeped in realism about people navigating the minefield of relationships and the problems that arise because of them.
The "Before Sunrise" film series is the most realistic series I've ever seen regarding relationships...how they start, where they go, and how two people who were once in love, struggle to find that spark that they once shared when they first met.
Ji Ho meets Jung in one random morning when she comes into his pharmacy to get hangover medicine. It's easy to see that he's immediately captivated by her, despite her brusque mannerisms and snippy attitude. However, he quickly finds out that she's already in a relationship with Ki Seok, a guy he actually plays basketball with on weekends.
It becomes very obvious from the get-go that Jung In doesn't love Ki Seok, and the viewer is even left to wonder if she ever has. It's ironic how many people enter relationships out of convenience or simply to use the other person because of money or social status. It doesn't take long for Jung In to realize that she's quickly developing feelings for Ji Ho, and soon she breaks up with Ki Seok and begins a relationship with Ji Ho.
Of course, rarely are things so simple. And yet this dynamic is an interesting one because I haven't really seen it in Korean dramas. Ji Ho has a son, but he's not married. What I admire about Ji Ho is that he doesn't try to hide this fact, and he's very upfront with Jung In about it, letting her decide if it's a problem or not. We also find that a single father is considered to be quite unappealing, especially if you're a single woman who's never been married. Pretty soon, everyone is voicing their opinions and concerns, from his family to hers and even their friends.
Ji Ho is easily the most mature character of the series, with Jung In's older sister Seo In being right up there with him. Ji Ho is honest and seemingly unafraid. He views his son as a strength and not a weakness, and he makes it apparent right from the start that he won't allow anyone to hurt his son, even Jung In. He's also very understanding and considerate, and perhaps his greatest strength is his ability to empathize. He knows the pressures that Jung In will experience, and he gives her the space to figure out whether or not she wants to be in a relationship with him.
Jung In-despite the actress being six years older than her male counterpart-has a number of issues. Don't get me wrong as all of the characters are a bit flawed, but Ji Ho's past experience has only made him stronger and more mature. Jung In's greatest strength is her fierce independence. She has absolutely no problem standing up to anyone, including members of her own family. I LOVE this about her! She proves--at least in that regard--to be the type of companion that I think most men would love-someone who will walk through the fire with you and not look back. However, Jung In is also moody, temperamental, a bit conceited, judgmental, and tends to lack understanding and compassion when push comes to shove. Perhaps her greatest weakness is her inability to empathize. She doesn't smile very much, and it's quite evident that she's not a very happy person. She also has a tendency to be bossy. Ladies, remember this: no real man wants another mother for a wife! One mother is more than enough! That pledge was ridiculous, and if you're in a relationship to try and change the other person, you've already entered into it for the wrong reasons.
In Episode 15, we find Jung In is angry by a "slip of the tongue" from a drunk Ji Ho when he asks her not to leave him or his son. She takes it as a sign that he doesn't trust her-which is actually understandable to a point. Rather than talking it out and trying to understand why he has those feelings at all, she storms out and then tells him that they need to take a brief break. And then, immaturely, she gets angry when he doesn't contact her. However, she never once stops to think about his past situation with the woman who left Ji Ho and his son and why that might be a source of fear and insecurity. If nothing else, this should have been a sign to both Ji Ho and Jung In that they needed more time to get to know each other. Relationships aren't just about sharing happy, quality times. They are also about finding that person with whom you can confide and share your fears and insecurities. Every relationship is flawed and dysfunctional because everyone has those fears and insecurities. It's how you navigate and BE there for each other during such moments that counts!
I'm not sure I've seen two more despicable characters in 45 years of watching shows than Ki Seok and Jung In's "father." I use the term "father" very loosely because such a man has no right to call himself one. Any father who uses his children for personal gain is no father. Any father who's afraid of what people think rather than standing firm with his children is no father. Seo In has been physically and sexually abused by her husband (another deplorable man who won't allow her to divorce him), and yet her father rants about how wrong divorce is and why she should try and work things out with her husband. That scenario literally made me sick to my stomach! And then we have Jung In's father trying to marry her off to Ki Seok-without her consent-so that he can get a promotion at work. Utterly pathetic!
Ki Seok is almost as bad. This is a little boy masquerading as a "man." After Jung In breaks up with him, he still contacts her, demands to see her, and unbelievably still insists that they are going to get married! Now, part of the problem is Jung In herself. She fails to see the obvious: to tell Ki Seok to his face that it's over and then to break off all communication with him. Teasing him and stringing him along was cruel no matter how despicable he was. Ki Seok is an arrogant boy who views everyone as being beneath him, especially Ji Ho. Right up until the last episode, Ki Seok still believes that Jung In will marry him. Nobody-not even his own father-points out the obvious: that Jung In is in love with Ji Ho, and after all that he's done, how in the world would he ever believe that she'd marry him?! Supreme delusion and arrogance.
Women are not property to be bargained off and used any way you see fit. This is something that many of the cowardly men in this world still fail to realize, and this series makes a very fine and bold point regarding this.
The series-for the most part-is well done. It's not afraid to show the flaws, fears, insecurities, and concerns that many people have and why it's important to find someone who's strong enough to go through it all with you. The only thing better than being a person who won't allow others to tell you how to live is finding a companion who lives their life the same way. Such a couple is an "iron couple" who can get through anything. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, then I'm not sure what does. And, frankly, that was my favorite part of the series-watching Ji Ho and Jung In standing firm together and holding off all of their attackers-and as they did so, they began to help others realize just how powerful and true they are together!
If I have one glaring complaint about the series, it's the music. My God! I've never heard two songs repeated (often 5-6 times per episode!) so much. The songs aren't bad, they just didn't quite fit the series. And it was overkill to play them so much. I love the songs from K-dramas. I have a huge list on my iPod from so many shows. Needless to say, I won't be adding any from this series as too often, they got stuck in my head. It got to the point where I was muting the show when the song came on. I had the subtitles to read the dialogue. I kept going, "Oh, God! Not again!"
This is a series that actually gets better the deeper into the show you get. I know a lot of people stopped after four or five episodes. Believe me, it actually did get quite better. "My Business Proposal" is still my all-time favorite series depicting strong women. Unlike Jung In, the two women in that series were also soft, loving, and romantic. I also love the female lead in "Hometown Cha Cha Cha." By the time this series ended, I had hopes for Jung In that perhaps she might soften up a bit and not make everything about her. I'm sure that with Ji Ho's help, she would ultimately allow that to happen.
"One Spring Night" is hardly the most romantic series I've ever seen, and it's not necessarily an easy series to get through. This isn't necessarily a criticism as the series is very well-steeped in realism about people navigating the minefield of relationships and the problems that arise because of them.
The "Before Sunrise" film series is the most realistic series I've ever seen regarding relationships...how they start, where they go, and how two people who were once in love, struggle to find that spark that they once shared when they first met.
Ji Ho meets Jung in one random morning when she comes into his pharmacy to get hangover medicine. It's easy to see that he's immediately captivated by her, despite her brusque mannerisms and snippy attitude. However, he quickly finds out that she's already in a relationship with Ki Seok, a guy he actually plays basketball with on weekends.
It becomes very obvious from the get-go that Jung In doesn't love Ki Seok, and the viewer is even left to wonder if she ever has. It's ironic how many people enter relationships out of convenience or simply to use the other person because of money or social status. It doesn't take long for Jung In to realize that she's quickly developing feelings for Ji Ho, and soon she breaks up with Ki Seok and begins a relationship with Ji Ho.
Of course, rarely are things so simple. And yet this dynamic is an interesting one because I haven't really seen it in Korean dramas. Ji Ho has a son, but he's not married. What I admire about Ji Ho is that he doesn't try to hide this fact, and he's very upfront with Jung In about it, letting her decide if it's a problem or not. We also find that a single father is considered to be quite unappealing, especially if you're a single woman who's never been married. Pretty soon, everyone is voicing their opinions and concerns, from his family to hers and even their friends.
Ji Ho is easily the most mature character of the series, with Jung In's older sister Seo In being right up there with him. Ji Ho is honest and seemingly unafraid. He views his son as a strength and not a weakness, and he makes it apparent right from the start that he won't allow anyone to hurt his son, even Jung In. He's also very understanding and considerate, and perhaps his greatest strength is his ability to empathize. He knows the pressures that Jung In will experience, and he gives her the space to figure out whether or not she wants to be in a relationship with him.
Jung In-despite the actress being six years older than her male counterpart-has a number of issues. Don't get me wrong as all of the characters are a bit flawed, but Ji Ho's past experience has only made him stronger and more mature. Jung In's greatest strength is her fierce independence. She has absolutely no problem standing up to anyone, including members of her own family. I LOVE this about her! She proves--at least in that regard--to be the type of companion that I think most men would love-someone who will walk through the fire with you and not look back. However, Jung In is also moody, temperamental, a bit conceited, judgmental, and tends to lack understanding and compassion when push comes to shove. Perhaps her greatest weakness is her inability to empathize. She doesn't smile very much, and it's quite evident that she's not a very happy person. She also has a tendency to be bossy. Ladies, remember this: no real man wants another mother for a wife! One mother is more than enough! That pledge was ridiculous, and if you're in a relationship to try and change the other person, you've already entered into it for the wrong reasons.
In Episode 15, we find Jung In is angry by a "slip of the tongue" from a drunk Ji Ho when he asks her not to leave him or his son. She takes it as a sign that he doesn't trust her-which is actually understandable to a point. Rather than talking it out and trying to understand why he has those feelings at all, she storms out and then tells him that they need to take a brief break. And then, immaturely, she gets angry when he doesn't contact her. However, she never once stops to think about his past situation with the woman who left Ji Ho and his son and why that might be a source of fear and insecurity. If nothing else, this should have been a sign to both Ji Ho and Jung In that they needed more time to get to know each other. Relationships aren't just about sharing happy, quality times. They are also about finding that person with whom you can confide and share your fears and insecurities. Every relationship is flawed and dysfunctional because everyone has those fears and insecurities. It's how you navigate and BE there for each other during such moments that counts!
I'm not sure I've seen two more despicable characters in 45 years of watching shows than Ki Seok and Jung In's "father." I use the term "father" very loosely because such a man has no right to call himself one. Any father who uses his children for personal gain is no father. Any father who's afraid of what people think rather than standing firm with his children is no father. Seo In has been physically and sexually abused by her husband (another deplorable man who won't allow her to divorce him), and yet her father rants about how wrong divorce is and why she should try and work things out with her husband. That scenario literally made me sick to my stomach! And then we have Jung In's father trying to marry her off to Ki Seok-without her consent-so that he can get a promotion at work. Utterly pathetic!
Ki Seok is almost as bad. This is a little boy masquerading as a "man." After Jung In breaks up with him, he still contacts her, demands to see her, and unbelievably still insists that they are going to get married! Now, part of the problem is Jung In herself. She fails to see the obvious: to tell Ki Seok to his face that it's over and then to break off all communication with him. Teasing him and stringing him along was cruel no matter how despicable he was. Ki Seok is an arrogant boy who views everyone as being beneath him, especially Ji Ho. Right up until the last episode, Ki Seok still believes that Jung In will marry him. Nobody-not even his own father-points out the obvious: that Jung In is in love with Ji Ho, and after all that he's done, how in the world would he ever believe that she'd marry him?! Supreme delusion and arrogance.
Women are not property to be bargained off and used any way you see fit. This is something that many of the cowardly men in this world still fail to realize, and this series makes a very fine and bold point regarding this.
The series-for the most part-is well done. It's not afraid to show the flaws, fears, insecurities, and concerns that many people have and why it's important to find someone who's strong enough to go through it all with you. The only thing better than being a person who won't allow others to tell you how to live is finding a companion who lives their life the same way. Such a couple is an "iron couple" who can get through anything. If that doesn't sound appealing to you, then I'm not sure what does. And, frankly, that was my favorite part of the series-watching Ji Ho and Jung In standing firm together and holding off all of their attackers-and as they did so, they began to help others realize just how powerful and true they are together!
If I have one glaring complaint about the series, it's the music. My God! I've never heard two songs repeated (often 5-6 times per episode!) so much. The songs aren't bad, they just didn't quite fit the series. And it was overkill to play them so much. I love the songs from K-dramas. I have a huge list on my iPod from so many shows. Needless to say, I won't be adding any from this series as too often, they got stuck in my head. It got to the point where I was muting the show when the song came on. I had the subtitles to read the dialogue. I kept going, "Oh, God! Not again!"
This is a series that actually gets better the deeper into the show you get. I know a lot of people stopped after four or five episodes. Believe me, it actually did get quite better. "My Business Proposal" is still my all-time favorite series depicting strong women. Unlike Jung In, the two women in that series were also soft, loving, and romantic. I also love the female lead in "Hometown Cha Cha Cha." By the time this series ended, I had hopes for Jung In that perhaps she might soften up a bit and not make everything about her. I'm sure that with Ji Ho's help, she would ultimately allow that to happen.
Ok
Sarah797198929 June 2022
The story tackles some topics that are a social stigma for instance divorce, being a single parent, control, obsession etc. Thus this series sends a strong message and paves the path to a more open and transparent life.
However, the development of the storyline was slow and repetitive. There was no chemistry between the two main lead actors:(
Jung Hae In did a great job. All other actors did a good job. They should have chosen another actor to play lead actress. Han Ji min was probably not the right fit.
Still I enjoyed watching this movie. The end was a bit rushed. The writer and director of this movie used too much time to fill the movie with strange conversations.
However, the development of the storyline was slow and repetitive. There was no chemistry between the two main lead actors:(
Jung Hae In did a great job. All other actors did a good job. They should have chosen another actor to play lead actress. Han Ji min was probably not the right fit.
Still I enjoyed watching this movie. The end was a bit rushed. The writer and director of this movie used too much time to fill the movie with strange conversations.
What a Let Down!
Geeta35222 September 2019
I had hoped this series would match or be better than Something in the Rain. Unfortunately it cannot compare with SITR, which in my opinion, was a realistic love story. I am a fan of Jung Hae-In, he is a great actor and he is the only reason I watched this series to the end. There were too many sociopaths in this series, including the female lead. The obsessive/manipulative behavior was very annoying. Just when you think things might work out, someone acts out again. Kudos to Jung Hae-In for his great performance in a disappointing series.
Feel Good Series
sheritarman21 August 2019
I've "bing" watched this series 3 times and plan to many more times. I love it. The female sisters are so independent. Great role models. Han Ji Min does a great performance, without giving away the plot. I liked this story much better than his last series, "Something in the Rain". This also had a great message for single fathers.
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