Was It Love (2020) User Reviews

Maybe Korean writers are getting tired

[fifteenpiecesofflair · 6/10 · 21 August 2020]

"Was It Love" does indeed have its charming moments, but when our protagonist Song Ji Hyo, may quickly become Korea's scream queen. Yes, being under debt is by no means fun, but the premise of her owing someone else's debt doesn't let this really get off the ground. It's entertainment too be sure, but "Crash Landing On You" "Memories Of The Alhambra" "Mister Sunshine" and quite a well written drama "My Mister" all have characters that are believable.

I have started my need for Korean drama fix's when I first saw "Crash Landing On You" which I told my wife " . . . just watch ONE episode with me and if you don't like it, then fine, I won't bother you any more." Now after watching a list of 23 dramas (together with my wife) we have come to outrageous opinions of what we think Korean culture is. You eat a lot in Korea (huge mouthfuls.) You all seem to have a propensity for drinking. (We would like to find Soju so maybe we can be addicted.) And last but not least, Korean actors seem to cry copious amounts of tears at the drop of a hat. Of what training did they receive? I seriously ask that. Korean women are beautiful and the men are handsome so that maybe provides me excuses to keep watching. When you are in the middle of no where in Kansas, these dramas provide an escape, so I thank the Korean film industry and also to Netflix for having the foresight to air these.

great start poor finish

[laudelpino · 7/10 · 15 September 2020]

I initially loved this show, powerful start with a great song and many flashbacks to the past of our 2 main characters makes you feel connected straight away. However as the story develops there are many flows trying to interconnect multiple storyline's that just don't work in my opinion. The misunderstanding of our main characters is believable but only to a point as not so sure this could be realistic in many ways. The ending was very sour for me, if you just reconnect with your partner and find out you have a daughter, you wouldn't leave them for 2 years, to come back to her being 16 and losing precious time with them, to disappoint them one more time and repeat history. To top it up you would like to see him being the father and partner he hoped to be, thought instead be see his daughter getting married walking down the aisle with his mom. I get she is the strong figure but he deserved so much more in the story. I felt a bit meh by the end of it. So much potential but not developed as it should be.

Predictable and full of stereotypes...

[jfcarrier-01569 · 6/10 · 20 September 2020]

I know Korean society is still conservative but the dialogues over the main character being a single mom are so full of stereotypes that it's hurtful to watch. They portray her situation as being shameful and pitiful even though she's a strong woman who fights for her dreams and her family. Even the clothes are pushing the stereotype of a pitiful single mom. For example, they make her wear everyday "mom clothes" to go to meatings with CEO's and movie stars while even her roomate, who is a teacher, wears stylish clothes. This could have been a fantastic K-drama, but all of this made it not so enjoyable...

Writers are frustrating in this K-Drama

[PalmBeachG · 6/10 · 18 May 2022]

All my stars are for the male lead Son Ho-jun who played Oh Tae-oh. Now I know why I very rarely give a good review for the female leads. It is because the writers make me detest the female lead. This whole story is so frustrating and the best part of it at all is the last 10 seconds of the series. Other than that the only thing I enjoyed is Oh Tae-oh and the child actors did a fine job acting as well. This is the last time I will be watching a single mother K-Drama that allows the child to believe that they got abandoned by their father and the mother never straightens them out. Couldn't stand it.

Very entertaining

[eclaridge · 10/10 · 21 May 2022]

It's not a spoiler but you can skip the last episode..it doesn't change the outcome at all and requires the lead actor to make a completely unfathomable decision for fake drama. I can only think they added it because they had to write 16 episodes. U p to then one of the best romcom kdrama I have seen ...definitly top 5 all time for me. Interesting characters, well acted and a nice lead actress. Some funny and emotional scenes. If not for the truly stupid final episode I could have rated it a ten.

Everybody loves me

[alaningle7 · 6/10 · 10 February 2021]

A mother with a young daughter has the choice of four men with three of them knowing her from college. It is a well acted drama but for me it doesn't have a good enough story to hold my interest. I was also disappointed with the man she ended up with as I found him least likeable.

Great Drama but ending could have been better

[melany-88250 · 8/10 · 3 October 2020]

First of all, this was a great drama and a distinct story line. But there are some questional moments in the film. First of all, I enjoyed the distinct relationship that Noh Aejung had with the four man. I found Koo Pa do's character to be the most dynamic and his love for his son. I liked Ryu Jin character transformation but I think that the gravity of what he did wasn't really expressed. Because of him Noh Ha nee grow up without a father and Oh Daoh hated Not Aejung for 14 years while she strolled alone. Honestly, Oh Yeon Woo was the only one that truly loved Noh Aejung and wanted her to be happy even if she didn't end up with her. He protected and didn't force Noh Aejung to be with him. I really think that Noh Ha nee character was too mature which shows that Noh Aejung raised her well. But I felt that the ending wasn't good enough. After being away for 14 years, it doesn't seem fair that Noh Aejung never got to be a women and not Noh Ha nee's mother. In the end, she was happy but for her daughter. Finally, the dynamic should have been different in the school setting. Oh Daoh shouldn't have to step in order for people to take Noh Aejung seriously she was a great mother and she should be able to stand up on her own. Overall, it was a good drama which challenge the stigma of a single mother, but I think that there should have been a better end for a mother who did everything right and who was always suffering.She didn't deserve to be tortured for 2 more years when Oh Daoh could have still changed his name and restart his career while being by her side

Interesting story with some plot holes

[jeffreyw-54623 · 7/10 · 21 September 2020]

Great acting, interesting storyline and even some decent action scenes. Episode endings left you with wanting more. The ending was kind of questionable. Why would you leave after missing the first 14 years of your daughter's life, not to mention after reconnecting with the love of your life? I guess it was to establish that Ae Jeong was able to produce her movie without any help. But it still kind of left the ending unsatisfied.

A beautiful series but dwindled towards the end

[ClariSays · 8/10 · 28 September 2020]

When I started watching the series, all six episodes were already available on Netflix. The moment I finished watching an episode, I already knew I wanted to watch the entire show. So every Wednesday and Thursday night I would wait for the latest episode. It was unbearable at first because the drama gave me several emotions - heartache, hope, wonder and nostalgia.

The first six episodes got me. I felt everything the story wanted me to feel; not to mention, I related well to the characters especially with Noh Ae-jung (Song ji-hyo). Well, only the part about the sacrifices and her dreams. But pretty sure some numerous viewers relate to her and the other characters well.

But I was able to endure the long wait every two episodes because I was happy with every single episode especially the flashbacks. Also, I'm glad all the actors in the show participated in this drama. I couldn't imagine someone else in their places.

Sadly, towards the end, I was not having the same satisfaction. Episodes 15 and 16 were the lowest episodes for me. If you watched the series, you might have remembered that there was a cancellation of episode 15 release. JTBC did not air the said episode due to typhoon Bavi so fans of the series waited a bit longer.

Since we were down with the last two episodes, I decided to watch them when they're both out. The day came and I finally did. As per my thoughts on the early episodes, I lost all those feelings towards the last two episodes.

I thought there would be a sense of clarity and satisfaction. I did get the former but the latter was a slight disappointment. I felt that a person who underwent such tragic misunderstanding, yes I use tragic, should get the best conclusion. Noh Ae-jung and Oh Dae-oh/Cheon Eok-man deserved so much better like the rest of the main and supporting characters did.

Don't get me wrong. I did appreciate the ending specifically how our beloved Noh Ae-jung finally fulfilled her dream and continuous to do so. Also, I know they did end up together but the added two years apart was an agony.

In the previous episode where they fixed Ryu Jin's problem, the way they did that to protect Noh Ha-nee and also Ryu Jin was so well-planned and executed. But when the problem with Oh Dae-oh or should I say, his other persona Cheon Eok-man the author resurfaced, it was different.

I guess it's because he knows well and is already a part of Noh Ae-jung and Noh Ha-nee life that he wanted to protect the love of his life and daughter. It makes sense, to be honest. But the hyped feelings the series gave us since episode 12 dwindled in the last two episodes.

I guess that just made me a bit sad about how the beautiful series ended. I can re-watch the early episodes but not the whole series.

P.S The music here is really good especially Dreams by Lee Ba Da. It's the perfect music to describe Noh Ae-jung's journey.

Interesting premise that starts strong and interesting but turns and the FL becomes annoying

[leahcubed · 7/10 · 26 March 2023]

7.5/10 is my rating. This is a 2020 South Korean romantic drama with 16, 70 minute episodes

First I provide a synopsis then review.

Synopsis Noh Ae-jung (Song Ji-hyo) dream was to produce films and she passionately studied film at University. Her capable and energetic nature toward all things film related caught the amaros attention of several of her fellow film students two of which went on to become famous. Ae-Jung's dreams were derailed when she became pregnant and she did not tell the father and instead disappeared from the scene for 14 years while she raised her daughter. She worked a variety of jobs and tried to focus her work in the film industry. She finally gets a break when the CEO of the Production company she is working for promotes her and it looks like she will be able to realize her dream. But the CEO tricked her into signing a shady loan then disappears leaving her with the debt and the sinking company. When Ae-Jung discovers a novel, rights owned by the production company, which is ripe to be convertedd to script she sees a chance to turn the failing company around. The novel, that just happens to be the first work of a now famous author, could not only save the company but launch Ae-Jung's production career. She just has to get a lot of people onboard and her efforts bring the men from her struggling student days back in her life. Oh Dae-oh (Son Ho-jun) is the famous writer who is seeking revenge on Ae-Jung for breaking his heart. Ryu Jin (Song Jong-ho) made it big as an actor but feels like Ae-Jung is the love who got away. Goo Pa-do (Kim Min-jun) owns the company where Ae-Jung's CEO took the loan and winds up investing in her current endeavor to recoup his loan. Oh Yeon-woo (Koo Ja-sung) is a younger man who Ae-Jung saved at one point and he wanted to marry Ae-Jung and take on the role of father. Will Ae-Jung be able to make her dream come true with the help of these four very different men? Who is her daughter's father? Which man will win, or reclaim, her heart?

Review

You may start this and wonder why there are so many negative reviews. The first episodes will pull you in and you may like all the characters and wonder how people could have disliked it so much, But it takes a turn when you find out what is really going on. To its credit this is one of the few with multiple romantic interests where I had no idea who she might end up with until well into the series. She had something special going on with each of the men, they all seemed interested and she treated them all like close friends that could be something more. I also was unsure which one was the father of her daughter. It made the first 3/4 of the series interesting as we tried to figure out who it might be. I liked the pre-teen daughter.

Spoilers* I don't know if it was Netflix influence trying to Americanize the series but I really disliked Ae-Jung's "I don't need a man" stance. She was very anti romance to the point of being mean to the men around her. When the misunderstanding that had kept them apart was cleared up she continued to treat him coldly and refused to help him form a relationship with his daughter. The only thing he was guilty of was he did make a bad choice in allowing a young girl that had a thing for him that close, but he apologized for that part, I was disappointed that Ryu Jin deleted her text because it made seem like he would hurt others and cheat to get her. Jo Ah-rin (Kim Da-som) did not care she was coming between a relationship with a child involved and thought it was very selfish and ridiculous to cling to someone who clearly rejected her romantically. Ae-Jung was just mean and the fact that they characterized her as sweet was confusing as I only saw her as very self serving and selfish. After her daughter wanted a father and was looking for him she still refused to let Dae-oh be involved in his daughter's life even after she realized he hadn't cheated on her or ignored her text. Her daughter wanted to know who her father was but she did not clear up the misunderstanding he abandoned her. It made me not like Ae-Jung in the last few episodes.

The ending was disappointing. After a completely unnecessary separation there is a short scene where they reunite then the end is her walking her daughter diwn the aisle at her wedding}. So it seems she never acknowledged her father and Ae-Jung was still playing the dual role of mom and dad.

Let me fix the ending how it should have went: Dae-oh cloisters himself off at his place but only for a few months. He and the FL hold a press conference addressing the rumors. He tells the public that the book he wrote was his truth at the time, but now that he has reunited with his first love he found out the truth. The production company will instead be working on the amended version of the book, and the movie will be released in tandem with the new novel. He goes into seclusion to finish writing the novel how it should be (and the screenplay) to finish as quickly as possible and they reunite when it's time to film. When the film is released, they go to the opening night with Ha-nee and she learns the full story of her parents. She finally forgives her father and calls him Dad. The end. Had the ending went more like this it could have ended well. But it did not end well in my position.

Not one I would rewatch or recommend.

#WasItLove #SongJiHyo #SonHojun #SongJongho #KimMinjun #KooJasung #KimDasom.

It deserves better rating

[nikaandreea · 10/10 · 11 February 2022]

I wept like a baby not just tears ....it's a very good series i love it .I was happy and also sad watching it i like all the actors but i like so much the kid ....i wait her to grow up and make movie's also .

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 5/10 · 16 October 2020]

" Was it love " had a strong start, an ambitious love square, but a messy progress.

The beginning was nice, melodramatic and the dynamics of the two main leads were entertaining, as well as the mystery of what happened in the past between them and who was the father of the child. The other possible lovers were smoothly introduced too and there were some comedy elements that spiced up the plot. The two kids were also fun to watch.

However, halfway through, and especially towards the ending, things went downhill. Nothing really happened, as all actions were going in circles, being repeated, in a boring, tiring result. The final twists were just a huge no. The big mafia-action sceme did not feat well with the rest of the mood. The ending was even worse, not quite open, but it felt old, like something that dramas from two decades ago will use, especially that "after-years-not-disappearing-I'm-back" kind of ending.

Now, for the characters, the male lead was annoying, the teacher boring, the actor irritating, the mafia boss okay and the female lead, even though she was played by one of the actresses that I don't really like, she was okay, but frustrating at times, especially when it came to her motives of acting the way she did towards the male lead.

So, overall, five out of ten.

I quite liked this!

[chilligrrl · 8/10 · 23 November 2020]

This show is funny, sad, laugh your butt off, frustrating and kind of wonderful. I'm not sure what all the hatorade people missed, but it was quite charming with a very good storyline of 3.5 men who all love the same woman who had been hurt by one of them in the past (The 0.5 is the guy who just wanted to protect her for various reasons).

A few things could have been explained better in the storyline, but all in all the ending was quite nice but mildly disappointing. I say that because whoever's sense of humour gave him the new pen name as an author needs a good slap. Sure it translates into a particular meaning but the choice of words in the name were just plain wrong, so it lost a star. The other star loss was for the woman who just wasn't honest to the poor guy about having a kid and so he lost the most precious years without knowing anything. That's just selfish and wrong to both him and the child.

If you're into a show that has tears of laughter and sadness and a bit of cringey giggles, watch this.

A beautiful love story ... with some questionable CC

[lizlorrainew · 8/10 · 4 September 2020]

To start, I do thoroughly enjoy this show. The characters are believable and well written, the show has a decent amount of comedy and romance and it keeps you coming back for more. One of the best K Dramas currently available. I absolutely look forward to seeing more episodes and am anxious to watch the story unfold!

**spoilers ahead** However, the European name choice for the author in episode 16 has left me in stitches and is fairly tone deaf for English speaking audiences. Please consider contacting Netflix and changing the name from Guido Orefice to something a little less .. hole-like. Let's keep the suspension of disbelief intact for a little while!

Every ep will definitely touch your heart

[madelynandal-94126 · 10/10 · 2 July 2021]

This drama was aired almost a year ago already and I just decided to make a review about it now. Anyway, every episode in this drama is very meaningful. Moreover, its storyline is very realistic. We all could possibly relate to it. I like how actress Song Ji Hyo portrayed her character as Noh Ae Jeong. Her acting was outstanding and she is very extraordinary. The emotions that she invested in this drama seemed to be very powerful. I highly recommend this drama. In fact, i still re-watch it from time to time because i just can't get enough of it.

Felt like a different drama

[hafiskcvml-84865 · 10/10 · 24 November 2023]

Watching was it love gave me a different experience. I recommed this series for those who want to watch some thing different. I appreciate the writer, director, female lead, the other supporting male actors. I liked the female charachter very much. The drama starts with a mix of comedy and serious scenes, so watching first few episodes gave me a mix of emotions. I got different feelings for each episodes. The plot progresses in an unpredictable way. I liked the drama. Imdb rating is low, but its quite understandable, beacuase this series is not everyone's cup of tea. I wish the best for the writer, director and the female lead song ji-hyo.

A hot mess of story-telling

[HQeeee3 · 4/10 · 8 September 2020]

This drama has some cute and funny moments but for the most part leaves you feeling like you missed the core of the story. Since a good chunk of the story is told through brief flashbacks, it is hard to have an emotional investment in the love story which is a main plot point. It started out novel and interesting, but the quad of guys quickly feels like shallow filler used to rob the main couple of a depth of story. The actors are good, the premise is interesting, but the execution and writing are terrible. One of the worst kdramas I have finished.

A very good beginning

[dalba25 · 8/10 · 24 June 2021]

Loved the beginning of the story but towards the middle it seemed characters were stagnant, no development and the plot a bit overcharged for a 16 episodes drama, and the dumb revelation of their misunderstanding. First half keps you hooked, second half made me skip. The finale quite boring. All in all is a series above the average with funny moments.

I love this drama!

[kchugrad · 10/10 · 25 July 2020]

This k-drama series is definitely worth the watch! I'm only on episode 6 now and the suspense of the next episode release has me on the edge of my seat! Basically the movie is about a single mother who has been struggling for 14 years to be financially stable to take care of her daughter and mother. Down the road, she meets 3 guys from her past and you can't help but wonder who is potentially her daughters father. Throw in a rugged, yet intimidating loan shark in present day who has taken an interest in her as well. Oh the drama!! This series is definitely funny, heart warming and full of twists, I can't wait for the next episode. I highly recommend to watch!

Pentagon love is a torment

[akiemchandra_pujianto · 9/10 · 13 August 2020]

Was it Love is definitely a Korean Tv show jewel ! 3 guys who woo on the same girl named Noh Ae Jong (Song Ji Hyo) has their separately distinctive chemistry. Each episodes has different dynamic. As the drama goes by, the connections between those 3 guys with the main character will getting deeper and deeper into trouble. Furthermore , there is a cute interaction between Noh Ae Jong's daughter Noh Ha Nee (Um Chae Yong) and Koo Dong Chan (Yoon Sung Woo) and the aggravating performance of Son Ho Jon (Oh Dae Oh) that will take you to an emotional roller coaster. Was it love is jolly, puzzling, and stimulative. Most of all, this drama is not cheezy. Triangle love is a clichè. Pentagon love will undisputedly put you into depravation.

Was it love

[at-90652 · 10/10 · 3 September 2020]

This drama is the best and I love the characters and the story.

Why All The Whining?

[lokis_mistress · 3/10 · 21 March 2021]

There was so much potential here. Sigh.

I'm caught between loving Kdramas and being utterly annoyed by them. Loved how this took a past love triangle (... square?) into the present with the potential for a balance of both proper drama (mafia boss guy) and comic relief (nauseating arrogant fool ex) but lost me at the lead character.

If that's normal behavior for a Korean woman, then WHY are the supporting women in these movies so unbelievably cool? The best females in this movie are her assistant and her entirely fabulous bar owner/landlady friend. (Also her daughter, major credit and huge talent!!)

I'm finding this over and over again in these films. Why the constant winging and whining? Why the melodrama in completely unwarranted scenarios? Why the lack of intelligence in obvious situations? Why the hysterics in perfectly normal circumstances?

If this woman has worked ANYwhere for 5 minutes, she knows that she needs to be professional or at least credible. A list of top tier guys giving a frumpy, bossy, totally unprofessional, inexperienced PRODUCER her first movie opportunity ever? Ummm... No.

Sitting through episode after episode of watching a single mom play out three amazing guys and one loser... then ending up with the loser as a "happy ending"? Again, really painful to watch. From about the 4th episode on I just got angry- with everyone... from the actors to the stylists to the writers... just ended up reading about them instead of watching. As a single mother who has actually gone through this plotline, I guarantee there were better ways to tell this story.

In Love

[anhnguyen-43433 · 10/10 · 4 August 2020]

This Kdrama definitely worth the watch!!! Love Song Ji Hyo 💖

I'll give 10 for actress and actor

[dvleigh · 10/10 · 26 September 2020]

The storyline not really bad,i enjoyed when i watch this drama.Feel happy,sad,fun,and feel falling in love again. I think the story not only about who is gonna be her (hanee) father.the love longing for 14 years,love from 4 men to 1 woman who is become a single mother.When everyone looking in the trailer it make people think she is gonna end up with who right?I think it is not the point of the story.She is a single mother for 14 years,and it is not easy to become a mother and father altogether for her child.After 14 years she met father of her child.But the father never knew that he has a child,because of misunderstanding. This drama have many good line not only about romance like another drama nowadays.I think it was a plus point from this drama beside good actor and actress who really really save this drama from their good acting. The ending of this drama i think really suit for this story.It was appreciation for the mother who has been raised her for 14 years. Some people think it might be an open ending for lead actor and actress,or at least give 1 or 2 extra episode for give a happines to lead actor & actress.I agree with that actually.But after i watched again for many times,i understand and give applaused for that hug warm.That hug warm give us many meaning but it also showed that they still love each other, happy can meet again after 14+2 years apart and live happily ever after. This drama different from another kdrama,it like you see your love one once again,you remember about first love,about your crush,about your living in the past,struggle with the pressure of live,job,family,how to become a perfect parents when you are alone.Nobody is perfect, but Hanee really happy although not knowing about her father for 14 years. This drama really "revitalize your love cell" (Song Ji Hyo)

I need season 2 for this drama😭♥

[emydokyungsoo · 10/10 · 3 September 2020]

I still can't move on..season 2 plz..i really love this drama..i like song ji hyo and the four handsome man..the storyline of this drama also really interesting.I would like to watch it repeatly