This modern series features 3 girl friends aged 39. Their problems are those of grown ups like family and illness. Son Ye Jin looking much like she did in Crash Landing's Seri plays a dermatologist. The second girl friend is about to fall for a younger man. The third is terminally ill. The terminal illness thing was just done in Song Hye Kyo's Now We are Breaking Up. That's not the only similarity. The first episode also features a sexual relationship and then the couple starts the relationship from the beginning. I think this one is better. The dialogue is good and the relationships are mature and supportive. It's only 12 episodes so it shouldn't have become draggy but half way through there is too much about the terminal illness. The pace slows down too much. And they take a long time to say a simple thing. The writer is at fault. Also Yeon Woo Jin as the male lead is a bit bland. There isn't much chemistry compared with Crash Landing.
68 Reviews
Not Perfect, But Still A Good Watch
aggiemanalac2 April 2022
No flaws in acting. One of the pleasant surprises for me us that of Lee Moo-saeng, who played a most unlikeable husband in One Spring Night. Here he portrayed an earnest, sincere, love-sick boyfriend who stuck by his girlfriend even after she was long gone.
This is about the friendship of 3 women, and the soulmate-relationship between 2 of them. It is a journey of the last year of Chan-yeong and how her relationship with Mi-jo and Joo-hul strengthened given the suddenly limited time. While the whole story revolves around the 3, it is also about the different relationships they have outside: with parents, partners, siblings.
My only criticism about this series is that there are way too many relationships under-developed and forced into the picture that they were better off un-introduced, such as Seon-woo's adopted sister, Seon-woo's father.
The romantic angles were also under-developed as the writer seemed to have a difficult time balancing the development of the romantic relationships with the pain of the pending loss of a friend to cancer.
Far from perfect, but still a good watch.
This is about the friendship of 3 women, and the soulmate-relationship between 2 of them. It is a journey of the last year of Chan-yeong and how her relationship with Mi-jo and Joo-hul strengthened given the suddenly limited time. While the whole story revolves around the 3, it is also about the different relationships they have outside: with parents, partners, siblings.
My only criticism about this series is that there are way too many relationships under-developed and forced into the picture that they were better off un-introduced, such as Seon-woo's adopted sister, Seon-woo's father.
The romantic angles were also under-developed as the writer seemed to have a difficult time balancing the development of the romantic relationships with the pain of the pending loss of a friend to cancer.
Far from perfect, but still a good watch.
Perfect!
mayaagustini20 February 2022
The writer & editor perfectly designed the storyline in fast mode. Jumping scene to scene is smartly connected with e.g phone call between one to the other character without loosing the story essence. This is great and as far as I watch kdrama this new at least to me.
The acting of the casts to me are splendid, Main cast e.g Mido perfectly played in her role as semi girly woman which loving married guy and mostly put her shelf to backup her besties. The emotion, gesture & expression just perfect!
Son Yejin, no doubt to me. In any movie and drama I seen her always brave to show different type of characters and successfully hypnotized me to join her anger with mido bf and in the scene brought me laugh with her silly face defence the farting was not hers.
Kim Jihyuning as an innocent 39 woman made the friendship are just perfect and with the all characters composition
Not boring. I sense that because during the show, each of the scenes i followed almost 100% - afraid of missing important story, this type of style fit well on me
Woojin, I knew him from this show as a sweet, caring & loving man I would say superb. Small gesture, eyes play, words already showing the strong characters of doctor which unexpectedly in love with mijo
Mijo sister is a show stealer even she has few scene but succesfully made this drama a great show.
Looking forward for the next episode.
The acting of the casts to me are splendid, Main cast e.g Mido perfectly played in her role as semi girly woman which loving married guy and mostly put her shelf to backup her besties. The emotion, gesture & expression just perfect!
Son Yejin, no doubt to me. In any movie and drama I seen her always brave to show different type of characters and successfully hypnotized me to join her anger with mido bf and in the scene brought me laugh with her silly face defence the farting was not hers.
Kim Jihyuning as an innocent 39 woman made the friendship are just perfect and with the all characters composition
Not boring. I sense that because during the show, each of the scenes i followed almost 100% - afraid of missing important story, this type of style fit well on me
Woojin, I knew him from this show as a sweet, caring & loving man I would say superb. Small gesture, eyes play, words already showing the strong characters of doctor which unexpectedly in love with mijo
Mijo sister is a show stealer even she has few scene but succesfully made this drama a great show.
Looking forward for the next episode.
Worth watching!
miss_ambivert18 February 2022
Awesome
caseymahnote21 February 2022
I have never seen a line-up of reviews with tens in a row except for the snore-fest. But that's unfortunate.
Sometimes, not often, we find a gem in Netflix, these days the gems come most often from K-drama. This one, is surely a gem. From every angle, it shines, from the acting, from the script, from the story, from the dynamics of the three friends, from the human-interest, I think you get my meaning. Those three friends, the camaraderie,, the banter, the jesting, the kidding, the ribbing, everything about them rings so true and so perfect. You forget you are watching a movie, you feel like you are eavesdropping on these friends, the script, the lines are so well written, so natural, true to life, the way those girls bring the lines from pages to the story, is superb. This is exactly the way three close friends interact.
Hollywood has not given us anything close to this kind of spectacular human interaction movie in decades. The closes I can think of is Sleepless in Seattle. These day, Hollywood banks on their ace actors, Top Gun, Independence Day, Monkey men, action heroes, Marvel characters, Spiderman, Ironman, Batman, Superman, etc. When was the last time we had a movie from Hollywood that tug at our heart-strings, make us tear up? You get all these from K-dramas.
If you want an example, check this out, and don't wake up snore-fest from his sleep.
Sometimes, not often, we find a gem in Netflix, these days the gems come most often from K-drama. This one, is surely a gem. From every angle, it shines, from the acting, from the script, from the story, from the dynamics of the three friends, from the human-interest, I think you get my meaning. Those three friends, the camaraderie,, the banter, the jesting, the kidding, the ribbing, everything about them rings so true and so perfect. You forget you are watching a movie, you feel like you are eavesdropping on these friends, the script, the lines are so well written, so natural, true to life, the way those girls bring the lines from pages to the story, is superb. This is exactly the way three close friends interact.
Hollywood has not given us anything close to this kind of spectacular human interaction movie in decades. The closes I can think of is Sleepless in Seattle. These day, Hollywood banks on their ace actors, Top Gun, Independence Day, Monkey men, action heroes, Marvel characters, Spiderman, Ironman, Batman, Superman, etc. When was the last time we had a movie from Hollywood that tug at our heart-strings, make us tear up? You get all these from K-dramas.
If you want an example, check this out, and don't wake up snore-fest from his sleep.
Beautiful love story and friendship
ningrumkata21 February 2022
Thirty-Nine tells the story of three friends aged 39 as they navigate love, friendships, life and unexpected loss. The trio has known each other since they were 18 and their bond has only grown stronger with time. The three ladies are Cha Mi Jo, Jeong Chan Young and Jang Joo Hee, played by Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi Do and Kim Ji Hyun, respectively. Cha Mi Jo is demure and loving, Jeong Chan Young is bratty and blunt and Jang Joo Hee is timid and cute. The trio complement and understand each other, and have chosen to stay single.
This drama really worth to watch. Love it so much.
This drama really worth to watch. Love it so much.
I had to write a review!
sonia-9511121 February 2022
I came on here and saw someone rated 39 as a 1 and labeled it a "snore fest " which literally made me fume so I'm reviewing despite the drama not being completed. I'd like to say that I am finding it real, funny and beautiful to watch! The friendship angle is fabulous! Please ignore the incredibly unfair 1 rating!!! Son Ye Jin is wonderful in this series!
Sad & beautiful
blebbe5 May 2022
This series made me feel so many things, every episode made my cry and laugh. It's painful, but it's also a beautiful depiction of friendship and family. It gives you perspective on life and death. The casting and acting was great, the stories of the side characters were interesting as well. I will say that sometimes the sadness became a little too much. Of course, it is a given that this show will be sad, but it would have been nice if there were more scenes to balance out the sadness.
So wholesome and heartwarming
danieleduardo-769408 May 2022
This is a really wholesome story, i dont have any lind pf complains about this kdrama, absolutely beautiful and heartwarming, love the friendship and relationships in it, and how the story develops, its a really special story with an outstanding performance of the principal actresses, I really loved their characters, specially Mi -Ju, a really down to earth, mature and kind hearted women. My favorite k drama intil now.
Over-rated
AJ_McAninch5 April 2022
Watched to the end and was glad when it was over. I love the cast; I loathed the maudlin script. Also there was meager chemistry between the "couples" and the relationship between the three friends is very uneven with Joo Hee clearly not treated equally. This cast deserved so much better.
Recommended
idawahyuni-3457920 February 2022
It's a great drama!
Very worth to watch. The chemistry among The 39 Besties (Cha Mi-jo, Jeong Chang-young and Jang Joo-hee) is undeniable. It has mix emotions in it. The storyline, actings and messages are delivered perfectly!
Very worth to watch. The chemistry among The 39 Besties (Cha Mi-jo, Jeong Chang-young and Jang Joo-hee) is undeniable. It has mix emotions in it. The storyline, actings and messages are delivered perfectly!
Sentimentality layered on too thickly
wheatley-2023016 May 2022
It is such a shame. For much of this series I was carried along by the moving story, the touching relationships and the presence of Son Ye-Jin.
But sentimentality was layered on ever more thickly as the series progressed. I also struggled a little with three female friends seemingly so invested in each other that parents, siblings and menfolk were constantly relegated. I found these problems created a barrier to engaging emotionally with the characters and their predicament. The harder the series tried the less emotionally invested I became.
But still there is some entertainment to be found here. Korean dramas excel at relationships and this is a relationship drama.
But sentimentality was layered on ever more thickly as the series progressed. I also struggled a little with three female friends seemingly so invested in each other that parents, siblings and menfolk were constantly relegated. I found these problems created a barrier to engaging emotionally with the characters and their predicament. The harder the series tried the less emotionally invested I became.
But still there is some entertainment to be found here. Korean dramas excel at relationships and this is a relationship drama.
Touching Story But Not Well-Presented
diahup3 April 2022
I'm surely agree the story is deep, touching and full of good message about friendship, adulthood, sisterhood and other family thing.
But, in my opinion the storyline and plot is quite horrible, the pacing is also too fast (easily jump to another scene)
Too many characters, but there is no deepening of other related characters. Only into the 3 women and their love interests (mijo,chanyoung, juhui and their men).
But, in my opinion the storyline and plot is quite horrible, the pacing is also too fast (easily jump to another scene)
Too many characters, but there is no deepening of other related characters. Only into the 3 women and their love interests (mijo,chanyoung, juhui and their men).
Great Drama!
desianechairunnisa20 February 2022
The storyline, actings and messages are delivered perfectly! The scene where Son Ye Jin (Dr. Cha Mi Jo) cries on the last scene of Episode 2 broke my heart sooo bad...
I luv the chemistry among The 39 Besties also. It's very worth to watch!
ThirtyNine
erlinayu20 February 2022
I watched it wiht no high expectations and i love the storyline and chemistry between the ledies, its so much fun and the plot very fast 1hour and i enjoy it, but eps 2 the mayor plot have been out but i keep in going to watch this drama.. happy watching.
Most awaited Kdrama in Q1 2022
irnac-1692220 February 2022
This drama story is relatable for people in their 30s. Love the storyline of the friendship between the three and the romance between Mijo and Seon Woo.
Not to mention the best acting of the three, each has a strong character. It's only started 2 episodes but their chemistry is already very strong. Can't wait to watch the next episodes.
Slice of life drama that is able to make the audience's emotions go up and down; from happiness, sadness, warmth of friendship to butterflies in the stomach.
Highly recommend this drama for those who like slice of life dramas!
Not to mention the best acting of the three, each has a strong character. It's only started 2 episodes but their chemistry is already very strong. Can't wait to watch the next episodes.
Slice of life drama that is able to make the audience's emotions go up and down; from happiness, sadness, warmth of friendship to butterflies in the stomach.
Highly recommend this drama for those who like slice of life dramas!
A Must Watch
cintacanti20 February 2022
Top-notch acting, not so great narration
Jwick991 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Today the final episode of Thirty-Nine was released, and I was looking forward to how things were going to wrap up. Before I review the show, I want to say that this series was VERY well-acted. Every character portrayed was believable and convincing. I give my props to the entire cast of the show. HOWEVER, as well-acted as this show is, it suffers from some very large head-scratching narrative issues, and I cannot figure out why some of these decisions were made. ESPECIALLY in the season finale. If you are a fan of any of the actors, I recommend this show highly, just be prepared to question some things.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I want to talk about the final episode first. What a strange tone this episode had. Throughout the entire show we're awaiting the moment for Chan Young to pass away. The moment finally comes and hits everyone hard. It's sinking in for the characters and the audience. Then LITERALLY 20 SECONDS LATER, Mi-Jo LITERALLY says "we weren't as sad as we thought and we got back to our lives quicker than we expected" then shows everyone laughing and having a good time, including her parents. LMAO I was in disbelief! I thought it was a slap in the face. I was wondering how everyone was going to handle her death throughout the entire show and THAT'S how they handled it. AND THEN after THAT fiasco the show goes back to some emotional moments of everyone watching Chan Young's movie and Mi-Jo watching her recording and everyone's sad again and crying and remembering Chan Young. Don't get me wrong, those final scenes were emotional, but I was still in a state of confusion of how this was being handled. It was like they had two different people directing at the same time. It definitely somewhat ruined what might have been a strong finale.
I was glad the show was only 12 episodes. One, because I prefer not to watch endless shows. Two, this show's narrative was all over the place. It didn't know if it wanted to be a show centered around romance, friendship, family drama, or living with a disease.
When I read the synopsis of the show it seemed like a rom-com type show centered around three girls. The show starts off with a funeral, and not only is the show telling us that someone is about to die, but a couple episodes later we're told who it's going to be. Any suspense the show could have had throughout the series is gone.
Chan Young was brilliant, but her sickness was revealed too soon in the show. In every single scene, even when the scene is about other things, in the back of our minds her condition is the elephant in the room. We know where all roads lead to. The writers made her seem selfish in some instances. She's constantly chasing after Jin-Seok to marry him, but when he finally divorces his wife and asks Chan Young to marry him, she doesn't want to? And she gets annoyed at him for keeping asking? This is apparently what she always wanted but now she doesn't. She doesn't want to burden him since she's dying, but she didn't consider his sacrifices.
The writers must have hated Joo-Hee's character, because for as much as the show led us to believe these girls were the bestest of friends, she was given some harsh third-wheel treatment almost the entire time. She was always the last to know about things. Mi-Jo and Chan Young were always confiding in one other while dismissing Joo-Hee completely. Chan Young would tell Mi-Jo things like, "I'm not worried about Joo-Hee, I'm worried about you", and literally recorded a "thank-you" video just for Mi-Jo. That's some pretty cold-hearted stuff right there, considering how worried Joo-Hee was for her. Her relationship with the chef started off well, but was pretty much forgotten about.
All the other backstories took a backseat the last few episodes to focus on Chan Young's eventual death, so it was almost like those stories were pointless because they held no weight in the end, and there was really no satisfying closure with much else.
I know I've been rambling and it seems like I disliked this show, but I do in fact like it. I was just disappointed in how the storytelling was handled. This could have been a much, much better show given the talent on screen. 10/10 acting, 5/10 narrative.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
I want to talk about the final episode first. What a strange tone this episode had. Throughout the entire show we're awaiting the moment for Chan Young to pass away. The moment finally comes and hits everyone hard. It's sinking in for the characters and the audience. Then LITERALLY 20 SECONDS LATER, Mi-Jo LITERALLY says "we weren't as sad as we thought and we got back to our lives quicker than we expected" then shows everyone laughing and having a good time, including her parents. LMAO I was in disbelief! I thought it was a slap in the face. I was wondering how everyone was going to handle her death throughout the entire show and THAT'S how they handled it. AND THEN after THAT fiasco the show goes back to some emotional moments of everyone watching Chan Young's movie and Mi-Jo watching her recording and everyone's sad again and crying and remembering Chan Young. Don't get me wrong, those final scenes were emotional, but I was still in a state of confusion of how this was being handled. It was like they had two different people directing at the same time. It definitely somewhat ruined what might have been a strong finale.
I was glad the show was only 12 episodes. One, because I prefer not to watch endless shows. Two, this show's narrative was all over the place. It didn't know if it wanted to be a show centered around romance, friendship, family drama, or living with a disease.
When I read the synopsis of the show it seemed like a rom-com type show centered around three girls. The show starts off with a funeral, and not only is the show telling us that someone is about to die, but a couple episodes later we're told who it's going to be. Any suspense the show could have had throughout the series is gone.
Chan Young was brilliant, but her sickness was revealed too soon in the show. In every single scene, even when the scene is about other things, in the back of our minds her condition is the elephant in the room. We know where all roads lead to. The writers made her seem selfish in some instances. She's constantly chasing after Jin-Seok to marry him, but when he finally divorces his wife and asks Chan Young to marry him, she doesn't want to? And she gets annoyed at him for keeping asking? This is apparently what she always wanted but now she doesn't. She doesn't want to burden him since she's dying, but she didn't consider his sacrifices.
The writers must have hated Joo-Hee's character, because for as much as the show led us to believe these girls were the bestest of friends, she was given some harsh third-wheel treatment almost the entire time. She was always the last to know about things. Mi-Jo and Chan Young were always confiding in one other while dismissing Joo-Hee completely. Chan Young would tell Mi-Jo things like, "I'm not worried about Joo-Hee, I'm worried about you", and literally recorded a "thank-you" video just for Mi-Jo. That's some pretty cold-hearted stuff right there, considering how worried Joo-Hee was for her. Her relationship with the chef started off well, but was pretty much forgotten about.
All the other backstories took a backseat the last few episodes to focus on Chan Young's eventual death, so it was almost like those stories were pointless because they held no weight in the end, and there was really no satisfying closure with much else.
I know I've been rambling and it seems like I disliked this show, but I do in fact like it. I was just disappointed in how the storytelling was handled. This could have been a much, much better show given the talent on screen. 10/10 acting, 5/10 narrative.
Great show
sharengon15 April 2022
It was a great show. The relationships between the characters are so heart-warming. I think this is an accurate show that shows the feeling of loss of a terminally ill patient. The only bad thing is that it is a bit slow at times.
Cherish your true friends
witra_as4 May 2022
"Kami tak menangis sebanyak yang dikira dan lebih cepat melanjutkan hidup.."
Mengusung premis menarik tentang problema cinta dan kehidupan tiga wanita lajang usia akhir 30an ini sayangnya kurang berhasil memanfaatkan nama besar dan talenta para pemeran utamanya.
Kim Sang-ho terbilang gagal mengeksplorasi setiap karakter secara utuh sekaligus menempatkan cerita masing-masing ke dalam tautan menyeluruh.
Meski demikian, penonton (wanita) masih dapat berempati terhadap mereka karena kedekatan representatif plus relevansi konflik keseharian.
Fokus yang terus berpindah-pindah tak jarang memutus rangkaian emosi.
Tokoh Mi-jo dan Chan-yeong terkesan berlomba-lomba mencuri spotlight dengan kompleksitas latar belakang keluarga dan penyakit terminal, meninggalkan Joo-hee dengan jatuh bangun karir dan romansa pria lebih muda.
Setidaknya keeratan trio Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun masih dapat dirasakan selama 12 episode lewat guliran momen suka maupun duka ala K-drama seraya memantik rasa rindu pada bestie anda yang selalu ada di segala kondisi tanpa pernah menghakimi.
If you have one good friend, you're more than lucky!
#sonyejin #jeonmido #kimjihyun #yeonwoojin #leemusaeng #leetaehwan #kimsanghoo #yooyeongah #leekanhee #seohyunchul #seojiyoung #namgiae #ahnsohee #kangmalgeum #netflix #jtbc.
Mengusung premis menarik tentang problema cinta dan kehidupan tiga wanita lajang usia akhir 30an ini sayangnya kurang berhasil memanfaatkan nama besar dan talenta para pemeran utamanya.
Kim Sang-ho terbilang gagal mengeksplorasi setiap karakter secara utuh sekaligus menempatkan cerita masing-masing ke dalam tautan menyeluruh.
Meski demikian, penonton (wanita) masih dapat berempati terhadap mereka karena kedekatan representatif plus relevansi konflik keseharian.
Fokus yang terus berpindah-pindah tak jarang memutus rangkaian emosi.
Tokoh Mi-jo dan Chan-yeong terkesan berlomba-lomba mencuri spotlight dengan kompleksitas latar belakang keluarga dan penyakit terminal, meninggalkan Joo-hee dengan jatuh bangun karir dan romansa pria lebih muda.
Setidaknya keeratan trio Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, Kim Ji-hyun masih dapat dirasakan selama 12 episode lewat guliran momen suka maupun duka ala K-drama seraya memantik rasa rindu pada bestie anda yang selalu ada di segala kondisi tanpa pernah menghakimi.
If you have one good friend, you're more than lucky!
#sonyejin #jeonmido #kimjihyun #yeonwoojin #leemusaeng #leetaehwan #kimsanghoo #yooyeongah #leekanhee #seohyunchul #seojiyoung #namgiae #ahnsohee #kangmalgeum #netflix #jtbc.
Story of Life and Friendship
arunnsh6 April 2022
This is a good show. They have done a great job of potraying stories of adults in their late 30's and the growth, heartbreak, love, life, goals and everything in between.
The chemistry between all the lead actor's is amazing with good and solid performances from everyone. You feel like you are being taken on a journey and laugh and cry with them along with understanding them. I applaud this show for tackling some heavy issues in a very heartfelt and realistic way.
The chemistry between all the lead actor's is amazing with good and solid performances from everyone. You feel like you are being taken on a journey and laugh and cry with them along with understanding them. I applaud this show for tackling some heavy issues in a very heartfelt and realistic way.
Yeon Woo-jin as Kim Seon-woo best part of the series
PalmBeachG17 April 2022
OK, so I will be brave enough to put it all out there. I hate giving a rating sometimes because I don't want to penalize certain actors and the great job they are doing even though I don't really like the series. I would like to say that Yeon Woo-jin as Kim Seon-woo was best part of the series so all my stars go to him. I actually searched for him as I enjoyed him in the past in younger roles such as My Shy Boss. His roll now as a more mature Doctor with a heart is perfect for him and played it excellent. But let's be honest about the series as a whole. Who wants to spend their evenings watching a depressing series on a terminally ill cancer patient? When I started the series I thought it would be a fun series about a group of 39 year olds experiencing a sort of life crisis with careers and romances and more fun stulf but as it turns out the theme of terminal illness is the main theme of the show. So for that reason I did not like it. So if you like that kind of thing on a Saturday night go ahead and have at it. If you don't watch Yeon Woo-Jin on a Detective show or on My Shy Boss or watch a comedy K-drama instead. It's your choice. But I still love. Yeon Woo-jin and hope to see him cast in another show soon -
The Best Human Relation Drama Ever
haryantoutomo-107331 April 2022
I think 39 better than hospital playlist 1 & 2
3 main character represented very very well
the pacing also smooth.
Son Ye Jin looks like Al Pachino or Aman Chow Jeon Mi Do still my heart ...
If you love Hospital Playlist ... you will love more 39 ...
Son Ye Jin looks like Al Pachino or Aman Chow Jeon Mi Do still my heart ...
If you love Hospital Playlist ... you will love more 39 ...
Snorefest!!!
eandoque20 February 2022
Snorefest....the movie is only on its second episode...if you have been watching any drama..specifically Kdrama... the first few episodes DONOT REFLECT the whole Essence of the story... old school? Where have you been hiding? This current regular day life story...
The 2 episodes gave a a bombastic scenes. I'm looking forward to the next episodes and wondering how this will evolve as the relationships and friendships is greatly affected by the news...
Before you judge.... Wait until the end... you nincompoops...unless you are a movie/tv director and made such riveting movies under your belt...then you decide ... but wait until the end of the episodes.
The 2 episodes gave a a bombastic scenes. I'm looking forward to the next episodes and wondering how this will evolve as the relationships and friendships is greatly affected by the news...
Before you judge.... Wait until the end... you nincompoops...unless you are a movie/tv director and made such riveting movies under your belt...then you decide ... but wait until the end of the episodes.
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