The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021) User Reviews

Too long

[valetta-18816 · 7/10 · 11 January 2022]

I originally rated this a 10 but the bullying is going on too much and is teaching children who watch this series it's ok to bully.

Rich people can be so nasty and why do they hit their employees?

Becoming too long

[valetta-18816 · 7/10 · 12 January 2022]

Joo dan Rae's character is onto all his enemies and knows everything that is going on. The series is far too long.

Now once again he found about a dna test and killed that beautiful lady now framing the man for her murder is this truly how Korean rich people are?

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 14 June 2021]

The first Season of the Korean Drama "The Penthouse: War in Life" is full of betrayal, intrigue, twists and melodrama. If one enjoys watching stories where the characters hit rock bottom and want revenge, where the powerful need to be punished because they do awful things to everyone, then this one is for you. If you want a light drama, or a drama that is more realistic and digs deep, then you should probably skip it.

Now, the story starts a bit slow and it feels like it's taken from a 2000's drama, but it gets better when the mystery gets twisted more and more and all the characters change and betray one another. One thing can be said for sure, The Penthouse keeps things interesting till the very ending, even though there were some crazy, silly scenes that tried to be funny but were ridiculous. The setting was pretty entertaining and well crafted as well.

As for the performances, all of the actors and actresses of the cast did a great job.

So, overall, seven and a half out of ten.

Second Season of the Korean Drama " The Penthouse: War in Life " walks closely to where the first season left things, keeping up with all the factors that made the first one a hit. Frustration is there, feeling for revenge are there, every character goes through major transformations and the whole thing is satisfying and exaggerated.

The performances, moreover, were all great from every actor and actress of the cast. The side characters did a great job as well.

Finally, the pace is fast and keeps things on edge, the mystery is intriguing and this season keeps the interest high till the very final episode.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

WATCH OUT! This program can cause bruxism.

[maarcoscisterna · 10/10 · 14 October 2021]

People criticize this drama as bad without first investigating the genre of makjang. Makjang literally means "taking things too far" and is a word often used in Korea to mean that things went "to the extreme." So by understanding this we will know that we will face a series that will have extreme situations and out of "reality" but this is what makes Penthouse a high impact series. The performances of the women are really strong, highlighting Cheon Seong Yi represented by Kim So Yeon, a real villain that we will never know how far she will go as well as the character of Joo Dan Tae, the demon of this kdrama. Each chapter is intriguing, you do not know what will happen in the next, causing the viewer an immense anxiety that will force you to continue and continue watching, I literally did not sleep in a week since when I started watching this program the first two seasons were already published. It was a long journey but I enjoyed it too much. So without further ado if you want to see a dramatically bizarre and shocking series you should give Penthouse a try, it is unpredictable and extreme to be simply a drama Korean has very strong images because being a follower of Korean productions, bloody and explicit scenes are almost always only found in movies. Well just add I love, I loved and I will continue to love this program, it is unique, you will not find another like it. PENTHOUSE left a very high bar on the makjangs that it will be very difficult for them to reach the heels of this series.

Makjang for 2020 - very enjoyable

[phd_travel · 10/10 · 29 October 2020]

A makjang melodrama for 2020, this show is enjoyable and has twists and turns every few minutes. The use of opera and classical songs by the competing kids is really enjoyable throughout. It's more outrageous and much faster moving than Sky Castle. It's a lot of characters at first with all the evil rich and the wronged poor. Some people look a bit alike. The over the top apartment building is tacky and fun. The cast isn't terribly charismatic - the guys are more on the plain side. Lee Ji Ah is the main familiar face here. Things don't drag - they move quickly. Enjoyable with a delightful black comedy element. And a murder whodunnit keeps the viewer interested.

Alot of these reviewers are soft lol

[brit-50448 · 10/10 · 8 August 2021]

I have read some of these reviews and I am not exactly sure why so many people are so emotional about it lol and you can tell they have only watched a few episodes on a show that has hour long episodes with 2 parts and 3 seasons. I admit like any good drama it can make you angry when your favourite characters dont win but theres also reasons for certain build ups and judging by the comments I am not sure alot of you have watched to the most recent episode. Regardless this is one of the best dramas I have ever watched ... American dramas could never . No seriously I have watched alot of drama and this is by far the best. I am constantly engaged in the plot and every episode answers your questions as well as gives you many more. The cinematography is beautiful and their sets are so nice. Even the music took me a while to get used to but it adds to the intensity and the tension and the show even made me like oprah music lmao I even recognize the music in other films... The actors & actresses also do an amazing job minus a few ( but what shows arent like that ) either way I am waiting patiently for episode 10!

I've got to finally say something...

[sareed1971 · 29 December 2020]

I rarely write reviews but after the 3rd or 4th episode of The Penthouse I felt compelled to put down my thoughts.

I've get a lot of viewing pleasure from TV shows and movies that originate in Korea. They've got subject matter for every taste: action/adventure, comedies, historical dramas, horror features, etc. It's opened a brand new viewing experience for me. I've enjoyed shows of every type and believe Korea has very talented writers and some terrific stories to tell. Production values vary from show to show as does acting ability, but that happens in cinema from all over the world.

My review is to address a subject I see in many of the shows I watch-physical abuse or assault. I'm not talking about the choreographed fights in a spy movie or the sword play in an historical show. I'm talking abuse in the life of every day Koreans. Family violence, workplace abuse and school bullying in particular.

What I find disturbing is the frequency with which it pops up in Korean shows. It's not a random occurrence. It's rarely seems essential to the storyline. It's been presented in every possible genre of storytelling. What adds to this disturbing element is the way the violence is presented as being accepted or acceptable. There is rarely any involvement of any type of authority when the violence is shown. School bullying? Workplace violence? It's repeated in series after series with there rarely being consequences for the assailant or justice for the abused. It's almost as if it's being presented as an acceptable and tolerated part of most Korean's lives. That a slap in the face should be taken. Or a kick or a push. And we all know that can't be a true reflection of the Korean people and their daily experiences, can it?

Of course Korean writers and storytellers don't want think that because Korea is a patriarchal society or because historically this type of behavior has been experienced that viewers should assume it's commonplace behavior in this day and age. Yet that is exactly how it's portrayed. Often.

This is only my perception. Others may not feel the same at all. But, to me, it's a sad element of too many Korean productions.

End of rant.

Drama of drama

[billibzz-29719 · 10/10 · 3 December 2020]

I didn't like this drama that much at the beginning, but somehow it turns out to be really interesting recently. I hope it can keep this pace and won't let me down

Murder. Revenge. Bulling. Screaming.. lol. It's Madhouse, not Penthouse.

[wookiealwayshotashell · 10/10 · 30 April 2022]

I was not here to recommend this show to anyone. I just want to review my opinion on this show.

It's freakingly dark, freakingly irritating, and also freaking epic. How can there is no likable characters expect Su Ryeon in entire main cast. It's unbelievable. Also I had a little crush on Ro-Na, but it's not about her character.

Womens screaming and framing for murder throughout the drama. Even it's unsettling, it still has its own epicness. That's why drama elements levels portrayed at its best. So its a 10.

Please STOP the screaming

[yutko2004 · 10/10 · 12 January 2021]

I only saw 2 episodes so far and had to take a break. SO MUCH SCREAMING. The women are screaming, the girls are screaming, the men are screaming, Put them on Valium (calming drug) already. The story is good, besides the hysteria depicted in the series the acting is good although overly done sometimes. From comments I read it calms down and the story gets more interesting. Can't wait.

I will rate it when I finish the season....

So, I have finished season 1 long ago. I liked it because of the drama. As much as I liked the drama, I hated the cruelty of the people in power. Their justification for abusing, and putting down people is really boiling my blood. No wonder we hear of actors who were abusers in their youth and now have to pay the price. I have watched many Korean dramas and abuse of students by other students and teachers, workers, women, females or males' seams to be common. Is it?

I liked the concept and the first season, but then...

[frankieromustlive · 6/10 · 9 October 2021]

As title says, I really liked the idea of different families competing against each other whether in classical music or just business. However, it just started to exaggerate the more episodes I'd watch. Everyone kept dying and then got resurrected which is honestly exhausting to deal with, especially with all the crying and yelling. Now I don't mind watching a drama, but it was just TOO dramatic sometimes. It had its' nice moments and good episodes but as said, it got way exaggerated than expected after season 1.

Fixated plot twists

[sabrinaangelhimonori · 10/10 · 26 June 2021]

I've been loving Penthouse since season 1. I've read the opinions here. IMO Penthouse is a drama that doesn't have a typical romance storyline. If you're looking for something in the genres "drama" and "thrilling" this is for you. The plot twists might get predictable at some point. However, the story somehow still continues to grab your interest.

It's finally over.

[Mr_Avenger · 6/10 · 7 October 2021]

This drama keeps you focused from the very first minute. An unexpected murder starts a domino of events. The rich and arrogant residents of Hera Palace and their selfish children as well as the unlucky Bae Ro-Na and her mam unroll step by step their own unique frame of mind. Betrayal, hatred, bullying, social inequalities ,love and revenge are only some of the feelings every character in this drama is experienced. The whole script is really good especially in the Season 1 (rate 9/10 for me) and the haunting performance from Cheon Seo-Jin and her daughter will make you thrilled!

Season 2 is not so good at the beggining. There are some plot twists seems like soap-opera and the action is slow. However, there are some great elements too. The psyche world of the children and the relationships between them, as well as the great finale , save the whole Season. Starts bad but ends good and that's the reason why I will rate Season 2 with 7/10.

After watching the last season I have to say that there are many unnecessary characters and episodes. First of all , Alex. An older brother who totally undoes the whole 1st season story (concerning the bone's marrow transplant, why to adopt a child when there is a brother to offer it???). Secondly, Baek Ju Ki. No need of existence too. He came and left without nobody feels anything about him.

There were some good episodes ,especially concerning the youngs , however there were just a little. In my way of thinking , season 3 was in the majority, unnecessary. I kept some good episodes (only 3 or 5 I think) and the satisfing finale. I have to mention that all the actors/actresses were great and their performances were extremely good.

So finally I will rate season 3 with 4/10.

From all the above my final rate is 6/10.

So loud and cringe

[Aliceinhll · 1/10 · 23 May 2021]

Everyone yelling all the time. This is the summary.

Crazy Puccini on Steroids - but a great gateway to Italian Opera

[refordgarry · 23 July 2021]

This high-life Korean drama reminds you of all those bloodstained knife nightmares, that end with an abrupt fall from a high place , or more precisely Puccini's TOSCA......which coincidentally contains ALL these details! Though Penthouse's melodrama is scarcely believable, I'm still watching, since it's compulsive, with Mozart's Queen of the Night and Verdi's sumptuous Sempre Libera (La Traviata) thrown in, though I'm genuinely skeptical mere16-year-old students could master the tacitura. Pity really that Tosca's not got Soprano solos, like "E lucivan le stelle" for Tenor. Penthouse, nonetheless owes much to Kabuki and Greek Drama (Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus), whose long-forgotten audiences were frightened equally by awe-inspiring events that often shocked in juxtaposing good/evil, rich/poor, lawful/unlawful Godly/unGodly, mighty/impotent etc. The trick Penthouse seems to employ perpetually.......... is to draw its audience in - shortly before SHOCKING them! We even have the semblance of a Greek Chorus with those two chatty Heron Palace ladies and that toe-rag of a lawyer/politician. All in all, there's actually more than meets the eye to Penthouse. Hope this review will explain things a little better to the curious, or for the Music-lover to search YouTube for Puccini's, E lucivan le stelle, (Pavarotti, or Placido Domingo).

This show is literally the best.

[rainbowoah · 10/10 · 16 July 2021]

This show never gets boring. It's one of the best k dramas I've ever watched! IF YOURE LOOKING FOR A K DRAMA TO WATCH PLEASE CONSIDER THIS SERIES. I'm so hooked that I've catched up on all 3 seasons, but sadly they air out every friday and I have to wait :(

Loved the three women.

[stacysvlee · 8/10 · 18 June 2022]

I loved the series at first, but as the story developed, it was just way too dramatic and made no sense. I really think it should have been done with two seasons. Anyway, I loved three actresses: Eugene, Kim Soyeon, and Lee Jiah.

SO MANY TWISTS!!!

[imdbrosey · 10/10 · 24 May 2022]

Unlike other tv dramas this one is always exciting yeah i hear you saying too much yelling and all that but when a movie doesnt have them you guys will say oh so boring.

Penthouse k_drama

[mahakgol · 10/10 · 2 February 2022]

This series made me interested in watching Korean dramas. The ending was very sad but at the same time fascinating and dazzling. I'm sure the excitement of this series is something I have never seen in another series. I can really say that it is a masterpiece in the true sense of the word. I think he deserves more points. Mr. Ki joon um's acting was great!

ONE OF THE BEST MAKJANG DRAMAS

[zamorasophiaerica · 10/10 · 4 March 2021]

YEAH YOU PEOPLE WHO RATES 1 OUT OF 10 STARS DOESN'T EVEN KNOW THE MESSAGE THIS DRAMA IS TELLING US. BESIDES, BEFORE YOU SAY IT'S A HORRIBLE DRAMA, WHY WON'T YOU RESEARCH FIRST? ABOUT THIS DRAMA'S GENRE AND SYNOPSIS. THIS DRAMA'S MAIN GENRE IS "MAKJANG" - EXAGGERATED, RIDICULOUS, UNREALISTIC, ABNORMAL SITUATIONS.AND MAKJANG'S MOST COMMON STORYLINES INCLUDE ABSURD BIRTHS SECRETS, MURDERS, CRAZY REVENGE PLOTS, AND MORE. WE HAVE DIFFERENT FAVORITE GENRE'S AND YOU GUYS SAYING IT'S HORRIBLE BUT DOESN'T EVEN RESEARCH AT ALL. NONSENSE SLAPSOILS USE YOUR BRAINS PLEASE.

Continue watching or drop?

[magnoliacream · 8/10 · 8 July 2021]

This should have ended at Season 2. I had to downgrade my rating after watching baddies get away with, literally, murder, too many times. It just became tiresome, boring and irritating. The acting in Season 3 had also deteriorated to screaming matches. Now I'm in a quandary about whether to continue watching or dropping it.

Season 1 & 2 were 🔥 season 3's story line ruined what it earned

[pritimani-12122 · 7/10 · 9 December 2021]

At first I started watching the drama istg I fell in love with this drama I was so eager to watch the episode/seasons ahead.... I really really enjoyed first 2 seasons but man!! Season 3 sucks No!! I mean 1)how can they kill the main leads (ofc if it's Joo Dan Tae, it's appropriate) but 2)how can they kill Oh yoonhe and then they killed Ha Yoonchul for no reason 3)even the death of Logan Lee and shim suryeon is also so unnecessary 4)also not statisfied with the way Cheon Seokjin's character ended (+)There were a way too much plot twist But still I REALLY LOVED THE drama It's so different from other kdramas.

Made me a vocal music fan!

[manhakhan-98904 · 10/10 · 30 May 2022]

Possibly the best drama, thriller, romance and comedy k-drama out there. The cast was amazing, the story was also, amazing and this specific k-drama is one of a kind. I love how it gets it hooked onto the scene and watch seasons in just one sitting, it's THAT addictive. I finished it in just a week and I loved every part of it. Although the ending isn't exactly what you'd expect, it still made me cry. First ever k-drama to ever make me cry. It's my favorite k-drama and will always be.

Makjang

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 14 May 2022]

I learnt the Korean word makjang in watching this series which means "to take things too far" and the screenwriters and characters all do. The only individual in the whole series who is likeable is murdered at an exclusive penthouse and the other residents cover up the incident. Not a single person has any real redeeming qualities in a world where all children are bullies and all adults will go to any extremes for them and their positions. Having said that it is entertaining enough to hold your attention in what crazy twist is coming next and the operatic music makes an interesting change.

Too much injustice

[calyx-77671 · 3/10 · 15 May 2021]

There's one review here which resonates with me : how can bullying and committing crimes be such common occurrences in some kdramas? It's ok for the rich and powerful to slap and hit the poor? The poor better know their place in the society and not outshine the rich. If such is a reality in Korea it's a sad society. I hope dramas are exaggerating it. After watching 5 episodes and realising the girl who got murdered came from a poor background I can't take the injustice anymore. I'm not sure why anyone would enjoy such a drama?