So no spoilers but the end is not good. After 16 episodes , I feel the ending was rushed, sloppy, & disappointing. It should have ended much better. The writers really messed up a good show with a dumb ending.
16 Reviews
Pretty good romcom..... unti the end!!
mrsgatorbranch121722 September 2021
STOP! ...at the 15th episode....
gee-1521 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is actually a very funny and entertaining series with a host of characters both eccentric and appealing. A thirtyish woman becomes an editor at a magazine (see title of series) after being evicted from her apartment by its owner, a harsh and cold man whose motivation for purchasing the magazine is to advertise real estate that he owns.
The backdrop of this series is interesting: the high priced real estate market in Seoul with each of the characters having difficulties associated with housing. It also nicely pulls in the themes of "houses" vs. "homes" with Young Won focusing on buying her own home in contrast to Ja Sung's seemingly avaricious approach to real estate.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters in this series: Eui Joo, the marriage-averse editor whose prickly exterior actually hides a loyal and compassionate nature. Sang Soon, her fellow editor, obsessed with getting a "subscription" to his own place (didn't really get this but I assume it makes sense in Korea) for himself and long-time girlfriend. Choi Go, the obsequious chief editor, who is high strung and volatile but still concerned about his co-workers. These three provide most of the comedy (and some of the more poignant scenes).
But my favorite has to be Ji-Seok Kim's portrayal of the harsh CEO whose true nature is actually warm and even a bit goofy. (Watch his reaction in the gym to Young Na's sincere compliment.) While certainly nice-looking, he lacks the pretty-boy attractiveness of many of his fellow Korean actors which is actually somewhat refreshing. And Jung-so Min as his romantic counterpart comes across as a kind of Korean Mary Tyler Moore...sweet-natured and kind and with a tendency to find herself in embarrassingly humorous situations.
There are some missteps. Shin Gyeom, the kind-hearted photographer, seems to get short-changed in the narrative. Then you have one episode where an odd copy editor suddenly appears only to have her disappear and never reappear. But these aberrations can be easily ignored (yes, even the inevitable break-up and reconciliation of the main couple that seems to be de rigueur of these series) until the final episode as the writers choose to break up the main couple ONE MORE TIME in a plot twist that strains credulity. Yes, they get back together but it's really not very satisfying and even seems to contradict the overarching message of the series about homes and houses being different things. It's a sloppy ending to what is a very superior series.
The backdrop of this series is interesting: the high priced real estate market in Seoul with each of the characters having difficulties associated with housing. It also nicely pulls in the themes of "houses" vs. "homes" with Young Won focusing on buying her own home in contrast to Ja Sung's seemingly avaricious approach to real estate.
I thoroughly enjoyed all of the characters in this series: Eui Joo, the marriage-averse editor whose prickly exterior actually hides a loyal and compassionate nature. Sang Soon, her fellow editor, obsessed with getting a "subscription" to his own place (didn't really get this but I assume it makes sense in Korea) for himself and long-time girlfriend. Choi Go, the obsequious chief editor, who is high strung and volatile but still concerned about his co-workers. These three provide most of the comedy (and some of the more poignant scenes).
But my favorite has to be Ji-Seok Kim's portrayal of the harsh CEO whose true nature is actually warm and even a bit goofy. (Watch his reaction in the gym to Young Na's sincere compliment.) While certainly nice-looking, he lacks the pretty-boy attractiveness of many of his fellow Korean actors which is actually somewhat refreshing. And Jung-so Min as his romantic counterpart comes across as a kind of Korean Mary Tyler Moore...sweet-natured and kind and with a tendency to find herself in embarrassingly humorous situations.
There are some missteps. Shin Gyeom, the kind-hearted photographer, seems to get short-changed in the narrative. Then you have one episode where an odd copy editor suddenly appears only to have her disappear and never reappear. But these aberrations can be easily ignored (yes, even the inevitable break-up and reconciliation of the main couple that seems to be de rigueur of these series) until the final episode as the writers choose to break up the main couple ONE MORE TIME in a plot twist that strains credulity. Yes, they get back together but it's really not very satisfying and even seems to contradict the overarching message of the series about homes and houses being different things. It's a sloppy ending to what is a very superior series.
Good Enough
PennyReviews12 January 2022
Korean Drama "Monthly Magazine Home" is a slice of life drama with a fun couple as the main focus.
The drama offers enough cute moments, like the colourful tips on how to save money in order to buy a house. The main couple was, in addition, the biggest provider of these moments as well, especially the male lead, who was frustrating at times, but funny and enjoyable overall. The romance was also pretty sweet, but the progress was messy and close to a slow burn. The love triangle was not well handled either. Still, the side characters were interesting enough to keep things aloof and entertaining when the romance was failing to live up to its potentials.
However, what makes this drama not as good as it should have been, even though it checked all the boxes of an enemies to lovers trop, is that it is forgettable, as it didn't offer anything special, and the ending was bad. The latter was open, confused things for no real reason and it was just ridiculous. Plus, looking back, the drama didn't really leave any impression, nor had anything to say. It was just an office rom com with no sufficient plot.
So, overall, 6 out of 10.
The drama offers enough cute moments, like the colourful tips on how to save money in order to buy a house. The main couple was, in addition, the biggest provider of these moments as well, especially the male lead, who was frustrating at times, but funny and enjoyable overall. The romance was also pretty sweet, but the progress was messy and close to a slow burn. The love triangle was not well handled either. Still, the side characters were interesting enough to keep things aloof and entertaining when the romance was failing to live up to its potentials.
However, what makes this drama not as good as it should have been, even though it checked all the boxes of an enemies to lovers trop, is that it is forgettable, as it didn't offer anything special, and the ending was bad. The latter was open, confused things for no real reason and it was just ridiculous. Plus, looking back, the drama didn't really leave any impression, nor had anything to say. It was just an office rom com with no sufficient plot.
So, overall, 6 out of 10.
Very good but needs a few changes
qjjqzfghm25 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The actors and characters were very good and enjoyable. The beginning where the characters were growing and changing was well done, but The plot was very weak at the end. Also, Needed more romance and kissing scenes throughout. The hardships went on too long and I lost patience for the characters.
The final episode was way too unrealistic. When the lovers reunite after being lost to each other for 3 years they should have a hot and steamy kissing scene. The house at the end was huge and very expensive so it was unrealistic for the lady to have built it with little money.
I would recommend this show but I wish some things were different.
The final episode was way too unrealistic. When the lovers reunite after being lost to each other for 3 years they should have a hot and steamy kissing scene. The house at the end was huge and very expensive so it was unrealistic for the lady to have built it with little money.
I would recommend this show but I wish some things were different.
Full package of perfect casting, script and OST!
LDRmuffin13 August 2021
One of my most fav drama for this year. Not only good acting and script but it also has so many beautiful quotes/lines that warmed my heart and funny scenes to brighten my days. Completed with great OST. All songs in this drama took part in perfect scenes and I love all of them. I also learned so much from this series like how to saving money and start thinking more serious about future. Super recommended!
STOP!
robstjohn-2053620 April 2023
I needed to rate this a solid ten. I love Kdrama series, but frankly, some of them seem to either loose their luster midway or simply get bogged down or repetitive trying to make the 16 episodes. To me, I found such delight in every episode. Always a new twist, a new adventure, a new relationship to iron out awaited me. So, I laughed, smiled, and clapped my hands throughout everyone of the sixteen episodes. I thought the selection of actors and actresses was absolutely perfect and every one added a special something to look forward to. Since I need to complain about something, it would be that I don't understand why the short hair "assistant" always had a black mask worn below her chin. Secondly, there is one relationship that was left unresolved. One of the perfectly delightful aspects of many Kdramas is concurrent relationships that I so much enjoy watching develop and this series nailed that.
I also wanted to say that I watched this on Amazon Prime. Prime has a horrible dearth of Kdramas and really needs to up their game. Having said that, three of the my very favorite Kdramas have been on Amazon: Hogus's Love, Flower boy next door, and now Monthly Magazine Home. We need more Amazon, Please!
I also wanted to say that I watched this on Amazon Prime. Prime has a horrible dearth of Kdramas and really needs to up their game. Having said that, three of the my very favorite Kdramas have been on Amazon: Hogus's Love, Flower boy next door, and now Monthly Magazine Home. We need more Amazon, Please!
Very good show
storguson19 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I loved everything about this drama except the ending. Too rushed and ambiguous if the lead couple get together for good in the end. They were so cute together and, being the romantic I am, I wanted them to be together for sure. Other than that I thoroughly enjoyed the drama and hope more dramas like that are made.
house +love = home
rugby-131675 August 2021
If you want to rest after a hard workday, you will be here. That nice drama brings joy despite some sad moments which be bound to in any tales. I do like this topic of to arrange own home by own way. The creators could tell about people their wish to have a home where the loving persons being together.
Too many tropes: SPOILER ALERT!
kimberlyholcomb7 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This story was not my favorite, even from the start. , Firstly the male lead was almost unbearable for the first several episodes. He was rude and unlikeable, sharp and brutal with his words, while the FL was a door mat who continually apologizes for things she hasn't done wrong, and never speaks her mind. As the story went on, the ML improved, but the drama got bogged down by some of the old familiar tropes that I thought Korean dramas might put to rest in this modern era. The two episode long break up because the ML had to "sacrifice" for his friend..... (people, can we please let the girl decide who she actually really likes instead of these insufferable men choosing to make her decision for her).....was almost too much for me. And the break up was extended by the FL because she didn't want to have a relationship with anyone who could "let go of her hand" for any reason. Come to the last episode, where she ironically lets go of the ML's hand using a ridiculous and silly excuse, only to reunite with him three years later, because I guess her objections suddenly vanish into thin air. The ending was so bad, so ambiguous and rushed. I'm not sure why they did that, but it ruined the whole series for me. What a waste of time.
Funny, worth watching, ending could have been better though
PalmBeachG5 January 2023
Had this on my watchlist forever and kept putting it off; finally watched it and sorry I didn't watch it sooner as I found it to be really funny and fun to watch which I wasn't expecting by the description. It had quite a few recognizable actors which is really something since I am from the US and don't know that many. The male lead I recognized from other dramas and he plays a good CEO. I enjoyed the real estate theme and actually enjoyed the home tours and value estimates on the homes which seemed to be really nice houses and for good prices. The romance was there however the kiss scenes could have been a little better - just touching lips doesn't count for a leading man kiss - I would suggest male leads that want to up their popularity do a study on kisses from Lee Min-ho; a little more effort. Also would have liked to see a little better ending scripted. But all in all a funny drama worth watching.
Sweet Series So Far
KdramaInStudio12 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is my first time watching Jung So-Min and I like her style.
There are some very funny scenes: Ep. 1; when she is responding to an eviction Ep. 6 (?) when her co-worker and admirer Shin is driving her to the bus terminal.
Jung So-Min pulls of how every girl acts and feels at that age.
Kim Ji-Seong is a man trapped as appearing (and he maybe) as a ruthless real estate buyer where inside he wants to be complimented and loved.
Slowly through her own nature and beautiful face, Na Young-Won breaks through Yu Ja-Seongs personal barrier and the two begin to care for each other.
At this point, Yu Ja-Seong doesn't know why he's even thinking about Na Young-Won and there are several funny scenes with this.
Other funny scenes include showing personal sides of everyone at work and how they care for each other and are their own family in a way.
I haven't seen the end yet, I was hoping it would end well, as most KDrama's do, which is what the world needs.
There are some very funny scenes: Ep. 1; when she is responding to an eviction Ep. 6 (?) when her co-worker and admirer Shin is driving her to the bus terminal.
Jung So-Min pulls of how every girl acts and feels at that age.
Kim Ji-Seong is a man trapped as appearing (and he maybe) as a ruthless real estate buyer where inside he wants to be complimented and loved.
Slowly through her own nature and beautiful face, Na Young-Won breaks through Yu Ja-Seongs personal barrier and the two begin to care for each other.
At this point, Yu Ja-Seong doesn't know why he's even thinking about Na Young-Won and there are several funny scenes with this.
Other funny scenes include showing personal sides of everyone at work and how they care for each other and are their own family in a way.
I haven't seen the end yet, I was hoping it would end well, as most KDrama's do, which is what the world needs.
A light hearted drama
chinggerald25 July 2021
I love this drama so much. The drama has all the features you may be looking for a fresh, light-hearted drama, a heart-warming story, a slight pinch of mystery, and the perfect balance of Rom-Com theme. The drama has been entertaining, informative and keeping the pace of the storyline perfect.
It focuses not only on the main leads but also on the stories of the supporting casts. It shows the struggle of each character, how they have been going through because of housing issues.
I laughed, I cried and learned valuable life's lessons like money saving tips, cost cutting measures, information about real estate, etc.
I highly recommend this drama to the young generation for them to realize the importance of money savings at an early stage of life and even to the oldies in preparation of their retirement period.
JungSomin's versatility is superb as there is a complexity of emotions here. Her eyes and facial expressions speak more than words. The best acting is not just in crying but also in other emotions a person felt like when you are angry, surprised, frightened, happy, sad, etc.
JungSoMin is truly the rom-com queen...
It focuses not only on the main leads but also on the stories of the supporting casts. It shows the struggle of each character, how they have been going through because of housing issues.
I laughed, I cried and learned valuable life's lessons like money saving tips, cost cutting measures, information about real estate, etc.
I highly recommend this drama to the young generation for them to realize the importance of money savings at an early stage of life and even to the oldies in preparation of their retirement period.
JungSomin's versatility is superb as there is a complexity of emotions here. Her eyes and facial expressions speak more than words. The best acting is not just in crying but also in other emotions a person felt like when you are angry, surprised, frightened, happy, sad, etc.
JungSoMin is truly the rom-com queen...
The best rom-com
lsanthikumar25 July 2021
Reviewing after watching whole drama
TBH,this drama deserves morethan jst 5stars..Every character in dis drama will remember for long time❤
If you are fed up wth all suspense/action dramas,surely this drama will help you From Starting to ending,there was not even a single boring scene
Jungsomin and kimjiseok wow what a cute pair 😍😍😍😍
If you are fed up wth all suspense/action dramas,surely this drama will help you From Starting to ending,there was not even a single boring scene
Jungsomin and kimjiseok wow what a cute pair 😍😍😍😍
Let them be happy.
hannahdee-4583816 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Easily my favorite k dramas I've watched yet, I'm only removing 1 star because while it's a happy ending, our MCs deserved a better ending. This series was super cozy feeling, almost like a warm hug, up until those last 15 minutes or so. I loved every side chatacter and found myself rooting for all of their happiness. This so was so funny too. I was just so bummed the ending felt so rushed, despite having me on the end of my seat screaming and crying. I just don't love that the ending was left so open and felt almost unfinished. After going through a third act break up you aren't prepared for a second break up. I wish they would've just let them be happy instead of tossing that last 15 minute curveball in.
Superb Comedy Series!!!
Chaokage17 August 2021
Comedy wise, this series is just incredibly well-done. Some of the best laugh-out-loud moments. Another specialized series built around real estate and the current housing crisis. An eye opener that doesn't steer off its intended genre. The romance part of this series fuels comedy which is the heart of any rom-com movie or series. A must see series!!!
It's a fun series that makes you feel comfortable watching it.
vgqqrrw7 February 2024
I like the story of this series. It's fun. Warmth in the relationship between couples ,colleagues, seniors and juniors I learned about buying a house. How to save money and saw various home decoration styles There may be conflict with some male characters in the office. I felt tired of him, but the kindness, cuteness, and gentleness of the female lead Makes the story look cute and not stressful. If the ending was edited a little more, it would be perfect. I don't like that ending. I hope they can be together. They didn't have to be separated for that long. It made me sad for a moment. It's good that it's still considered a happy ending.
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