This is one of the best K-dramas I've seen so far. Most of the summaries are not very good, but it's hard to tell what it is about without giving any spoilers. But I'll say that it's not an usual cliché drama with a lot of romance and no real plot. The story here is very intense and well written till the end. It's about death, revenge, mystery,... But there's obviously romance too, like in all k- drama there's a love/hate kinda story that will make you giggle. The actors are great, you can't expect something else with Park shin-hye and Lee jong-suk, they are awesome. What I mostly liked about this drama besides all of what I've said is that it's pretty mature without being TOO serious and depressive, it still has humor. You will cry and you will laugh, it's a emotional roller coaster and I suggest it to everyone!
46 Reviews
One of the best K-dramas seen yet
tay-sedai14 December 2018
I love this series so much. It has a fictional premise of the Pinocchio syndrome, but that didn't take away from the series for me.
The actors did such great jobs of portraying their characters, so much so that I am forever doomed to be in love with Dal-po.
This series made me laugh and also tear up - in short, it did its job very well! It was also a great suspense story.
Recommended.
The actors did such great jobs of portraying their characters, so much so that I am forever doomed to be in love with Dal-po.
This series made me laugh and also tear up - in short, it did its job very well! It was also a great suspense story.
Recommended.
purity and innocence retained
aminifatimaaa26 June 2019
Pinocchio is an intriguing, intelligently written and highly thought-provoking drama. The storyline was gripping, the characters felt very genuine and the performances were perfect. There was such commendable courage, unconditional love, and selflessness shown in this drama, this brought forth the emotions and conveyed the intensity of the moments spectacularly. A very intellectually engaging drama.
Worth Every Second...
Chaokage21 January 2021
The greatest things about this series was the exploration of world of media. It drove the story pretty steadily without a moment of boredom. The romance was the icing on the cake. It did bring up the series as a whole. You can't fake perfection and this series was it. I still get flashbacks sometimes of some of my favorite parts in this series. The ending was pretty satisfying and wrapped up the series really nicely.
Very Good Drama
brookesbooks16 October 2015
Pinocchio is a very well crafted story about just how much the media effects people, as seen through the eyes of our main protagonist, Dal-Po. There is also a very nice romance in there.
The main thing I enjoyed about Pinocchio was how well it was able to balance drama and comedy. The main story was where the drama came from, and was kept in the arc of the main characters. The main characters did have some comedic moments, but most of the comedy was kept to the side characters, which I liked. This was one of those rare shows where you really got to know and like the side characters. I also enjoyed how unique the story was. There aren't too many shows about what goes in the world of journalism.
If I must nitpick, I have to say that I wish they would've cut out some of those cliché moments. Yes I know that Korean Dramas are well known for being soap opera-like, and that those moments very rarely occur in this drama. However, it really took out of the realism of it all when there is a long and silent stare while a ballad plays in the background.
This was the first Korean Drama I ever watched, and I'm glad of it. If you are trying to get into Korean Drama, this is a good place to start.
The main thing I enjoyed about Pinocchio was how well it was able to balance drama and comedy. The main story was where the drama came from, and was kept in the arc of the main characters. The main characters did have some comedic moments, but most of the comedy was kept to the side characters, which I liked. This was one of those rare shows where you really got to know and like the side characters. I also enjoyed how unique the story was. There aren't too many shows about what goes in the world of journalism.
If I must nitpick, I have to say that I wish they would've cut out some of those cliché moments. Yes I know that Korean Dramas are well known for being soap opera-like, and that those moments very rarely occur in this drama. However, it really took out of the realism of it all when there is a long and silent stare while a ballad plays in the background.
This was the first Korean Drama I ever watched, and I'm glad of it. If you are trying to get into Korean Drama, this is a good place to start.
Finally not a soap opera
badea-bianca9310 July 2020
This might have become my favourite kdrama because it is finally a drama without too much telenovelistic stuff in it. The development of the characters along the movie is exceptional. Despite the tragic story, I did not shred a tear and I am happy about that because it means that the plot made me focus more on the positive part of how great the characters become in time and not of bad side of the world.
A Great Storyline - One of the better K Dramas I've watched.
reganmonique-2309717 September 2019
I often read in reviews that the leads have "great chemistry" and I'm often disappointed that they actually don't. I found Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye did have great chemistry in Pinocchio despite due to the roles they played it must have been really difficult to show that chemistry (connection) without being super creepy and/or inappropriate.
I can't say why without adding spoilers because I want anyone who watches this series due to these reviews to be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
I'm sure there was the usual amount of stereotypical cringyness we're use to in K Dramas but there was also a real and relatable story to follow which I found refreshing.
It wasn't a comedy but , as in real life , you have comedic moments and they inserted these brilliantly. They gave me, the viewer, a chance to forget the drama and laugh so hard it restored and fortified my ability to watch what was to come.
Finally and most importantly - they wrapped the ending up so the viewer is not left wanting or thinking, wth? I absolutely have no hesitation in recommending Pinocchio as a must watch.
I can't say why without adding spoilers because I want anyone who watches this series due to these reviews to be as pleasantly surprised as I was.
I'm sure there was the usual amount of stereotypical cringyness we're use to in K Dramas but there was also a real and relatable story to follow which I found refreshing.
It wasn't a comedy but , as in real life , you have comedic moments and they inserted these brilliantly. They gave me, the viewer, a chance to forget the drama and laugh so hard it restored and fortified my ability to watch what was to come.
Finally and most importantly - they wrapped the ending up so the viewer is not left wanting or thinking, wth? I absolutely have no hesitation in recommending Pinocchio as a must watch.
Pinocchio Cannot Tell a Lie
karen-loethen14 January 2017
I'm fairly new to personally following K Dramas, though I've been exposed to them for about ten years now. Park Shin-Hye has been in many other dramas, but in this one she is so very likable. I find it amazing when actors can plan characters over long stretches of time and that is exactly what Park Shin-Hye and Lee Jong-Suk are able to do believably. I'm in the middle of the serial but was compelled to write a review in support of this drama. VERY likable and realistic characters. Minor characters, too, are well-played. I'm enjoying the show and can honestly say that it is worth a watch. The relationship between Choi In Ha (Lee Jong-Suk) and In Ha (Park Shin-Hye) is long-term and complicated. It's fun to watch the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Even those early years with Park Jong-Suk and his wig are entertaining. I give this drama seven stars because there is always room for improvement. But I'm loving it.
Most perfect ending! Soooo satisfying
Giselle17109 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't like Park Shin Hye in Heirs that's why despite being a biiiiig Lee Jong Suk fan, I held myself back from watching this! But she did a better job in this drama. And LJS is outstanding as alws. Loved some of his dialogues so much and how perfectly he delivered them! Gotta say Seo Beom Jo wasn't a character I intended to like! But loved his performances! But seriously who does a shower scene with SHIRTS ON? C'mon! LJS's shaving scene is so far THE MOST HILARIOUS scene in k drama history cz they do such amazing make up that it seems they don't grow beard at all! Overall the drama was so diverse and everybody did amazing.
Very good theme and fresh idea, too much emphasis on romance
Abbye-Sei20 May 2020
First what attracts me to this drama is Lee Jung Sok, how can you not be with that pretty face? and of course, his good acting skills.
The casting is OK, however the chemistry between the leads are of average, but both have good acting skills, surprisingly even the supporting cast performs really well. Both Kim Young-Kwang (as Seo Beom-jo) & Yoon Kyun-Sang (as Ki Jae-myung) are both impressive, specially Yoon. BTW, they do look a bit alike, even the actors who played the younger version of the brothers are outstanding. There are a lot of characters but audience won't get confused as it was presented really well. Kudos to that!
I think the title Pinocchio is novel. Don't think I ever watched a show about how one has to stay honest all the time. Kind of a fresh idea. The theme of this series is serious, actually a very serious topic we need to ponder and rethink how it affects us. The ethical issue of reporting and the ethics of being a reporter, which unfortunately is not being explore enough.
It has 20 episodes which I think can be shortened to maybe 16 or 18. Some episodes are rather boring with all the spread and emphasis on the romance scene of the leads. The story has a couple of holes which I think is not consistent or sensible.
1. Why did In-ha insist on calling Ki Ha-myung "Choi Dal-po"? Choi represents her uncle, a family member. Since she is in love with Ha-myung, isn't she be more welcoming to the idea of having a romantic relationship with a person outside of her family? Moreover, she loves Ki Ha-myung and is trying her best to help him have his revenge, addressing him of his true identity and name should be the very first step of his healing and regaining what he had lost for 13 years
2. Song Cha-ok has so many spare phones but In -ha just happened to pick the right one? What is the probability of that luck?
This series is entertaining, with all the main ingredients available - love, family, friendships, comedy, loyalty & a glimpse of Korean business culture. The only downside I feel is it puts too much emphasis on the romantic aspect of the leads. On the personal level, Ki Ha-myung decided not to use the materials (the retrieved texts) because of his love for In-ha, seriously, your Mom committed suicide & your brother is in jail (for life) because of the setup, and here you will give everything up because of your love for a girl. It is not like it will cost her life. It exaggerated the whistle blower consequences.
On a professional level, Ki Ha-myung decided to forego his motto of what a true reporter should be - divulge and report only the truth to the world. I doubt someone so emotional can be an impartial reporter and carry out his job. In real life scenario, you don't get a second chance or opportunity to let go of the explosive material and wait for another chance which in all possibility may never come as the bad guys will be prepared. But this is Kdrama, so of course, there is drama...
The casting is OK, however the chemistry between the leads are of average, but both have good acting skills, surprisingly even the supporting cast performs really well. Both Kim Young-Kwang (as Seo Beom-jo) & Yoon Kyun-Sang (as Ki Jae-myung) are both impressive, specially Yoon. BTW, they do look a bit alike, even the actors who played the younger version of the brothers are outstanding. There are a lot of characters but audience won't get confused as it was presented really well. Kudos to that!
I think the title Pinocchio is novel. Don't think I ever watched a show about how one has to stay honest all the time. Kind of a fresh idea. The theme of this series is serious, actually a very serious topic we need to ponder and rethink how it affects us. The ethical issue of reporting and the ethics of being a reporter, which unfortunately is not being explore enough.
It has 20 episodes which I think can be shortened to maybe 16 or 18. Some episodes are rather boring with all the spread and emphasis on the romance scene of the leads. The story has a couple of holes which I think is not consistent or sensible.
1. Why did In-ha insist on calling Ki Ha-myung "Choi Dal-po"? Choi represents her uncle, a family member. Since she is in love with Ha-myung, isn't she be more welcoming to the idea of having a romantic relationship with a person outside of her family? Moreover, she loves Ki Ha-myung and is trying her best to help him have his revenge, addressing him of his true identity and name should be the very first step of his healing and regaining what he had lost for 13 years
2. Song Cha-ok has so many spare phones but In -ha just happened to pick the right one? What is the probability of that luck?
This series is entertaining, with all the main ingredients available - love, family, friendships, comedy, loyalty & a glimpse of Korean business culture. The only downside I feel is it puts too much emphasis on the romantic aspect of the leads. On the personal level, Ki Ha-myung decided not to use the materials (the retrieved texts) because of his love for In-ha, seriously, your Mom committed suicide & your brother is in jail (for life) because of the setup, and here you will give everything up because of your love for a girl. It is not like it will cost her life. It exaggerated the whistle blower consequences.
On a professional level, Ki Ha-myung decided to forego his motto of what a true reporter should be - divulge and report only the truth to the world. I doubt someone so emotional can be an impartial reporter and carry out his job. In real life scenario, you don't get a second chance or opportunity to let go of the explosive material and wait for another chance which in all possibility may never come as the bad guys will be prepared. But this is Kdrama, so of course, there is drama...
Very good and enjoyable drama
AngelofMusic19984 May 2020
Pinocchio is a drama about lying in media and its comsequences.Ki Ha Myung's life and family are destroyed by a lie told by a corruptive journalist.He later meets Choi In Ha,a young woman who hiccups when lies.Despite that,she wants to become a journalist.Lee Jong Suk as Ki Ha Myung and Park Shin Hye as Choi In Ha have a great chemistry.This drama has humour,but it is mostly a poignant and tragic tale about lying and its consequences.Very good drama.8,5/10
A classic!!
hanalisss19 August 2023
I quite liked it!
The exploration of truth, the media landscape, and the repercussions of falsehoods is executed brilliantly. The characters' relatability and their growth throughout the series lend an authenticity that's both moving and relatable. The chemistry between the main leads adds a genuine warmth to their evolving relationship.
The show's unique approach, centered around the Pinocchio Syndrome and its implications, offers a fresh angle on the consequences of misinformation. The emotional journey the audience embarks on is a testament to the show's ability to keep you invested. The intricate web of the plot, while intricate, is woven with precision, keeping you engaged and eager to peel back the layers.
Pinocchio isn't just a drama; it's a commentary on the media's sway, ethical dilemmas, and personal maturation. The exceptional performances, realistic portrayal of journalism, and emotionally resonant moments make it a standout in the realm of kdramas. Whether you're a fan of romance, drama, or a mix of both, this series is an outstanding watch that will leave you contemplating its themes long after the series finale.
The exploration of truth, the media landscape, and the repercussions of falsehoods is executed brilliantly. The characters' relatability and their growth throughout the series lend an authenticity that's both moving and relatable. The chemistry between the main leads adds a genuine warmth to their evolving relationship.
The show's unique approach, centered around the Pinocchio Syndrome and its implications, offers a fresh angle on the consequences of misinformation. The emotional journey the audience embarks on is a testament to the show's ability to keep you invested. The intricate web of the plot, while intricate, is woven with precision, keeping you engaged and eager to peel back the layers.
Pinocchio isn't just a drama; it's a commentary on the media's sway, ethical dilemmas, and personal maturation. The exceptional performances, realistic portrayal of journalism, and emotionally resonant moments make it a standout in the realm of kdramas. Whether you're a fan of romance, drama, or a mix of both, this series is an outstanding watch that will leave you contemplating its themes long after the series finale.
It lacks in direction and screenplay and it has lots of plot holes.
pokatuki27 March 2019
I tried it because of Lee Yu Bi (a fine actress). But I get stuck every now and then simply because of plot holes.
This drama surely had potential with a good story line and some good acting but... some serious lacking in direction and screenplay. It was poorly edited. They didn't gave damn to get the story straight or keep the fact right. A good story always need some research and survey. This drama totally lacks it. Funny how it's full of contradiction.
You will get a fresh romance and some good thrill but not a well balance story.
One of the best Korean drama ever
vigneshlece6 May 2019
Pleasantly Surprised!
fake_moviestar28 June 2021
So it's no secret that I generally either hate or am greatly disappointed by older k-dramas (my other reviews speak for themselves). I often find the older "style" of k-dramas makes them feel too dated or too much like a soap-opera. Newer k-dramas stand up to serious scrutiny and can be as entertaining (if not much more!) than western dramas.
That being said this was a very pleasant surprise! I have had "Pinocchio" on my watch-list for a very long time, and I initially tried watching it over a year ago and dropped it after just two episodes because I couldn't get past the fake "Pinocchio syndrome." This time I decided to give it another chance and just go along with the premise, and boy am I glad that I did!
Pinocchio is a very well written and acted drama. While it does suffer from some dated aspects like soundtrack and camerawork/cinematography, the very engaging plot and fantastic acting more than make up for it. This story is extremely relevant, both then and now, and it takes a look at important issues like integrity and media manipulation. Yes, there is a love story, but honestly that is not the main focus, although the love story is cute and the actors had good chemistry. I really enjoyed every character in this, they are all very well rounded and well acted by the entire ensemble. Our lead Lee Jong-Suk was terrific in this, he has great chemistry with both his romantic interest as well as his brother and even his romantic rival. I have enjoyed later/more current dramas with Yoon Kyun-Sang and Kim Young-Kwang, so seeing their familiar faces was a plus. The story is engaging and keeps you interested right up till the end, and Lee Jong-Suk really carries the show with his incredible acting, he seriously is one of the saddest actors I have ever seen.
If you, like me, tend to shy away from older dramas, definitely give this a shot, it's a rare older drama that feels relevant and is done very well.
That being said this was a very pleasant surprise! I have had "Pinocchio" on my watch-list for a very long time, and I initially tried watching it over a year ago and dropped it after just two episodes because I couldn't get past the fake "Pinocchio syndrome." This time I decided to give it another chance and just go along with the premise, and boy am I glad that I did!
Pinocchio is a very well written and acted drama. While it does suffer from some dated aspects like soundtrack and camerawork/cinematography, the very engaging plot and fantastic acting more than make up for it. This story is extremely relevant, both then and now, and it takes a look at important issues like integrity and media manipulation. Yes, there is a love story, but honestly that is not the main focus, although the love story is cute and the actors had good chemistry. I really enjoyed every character in this, they are all very well rounded and well acted by the entire ensemble. Our lead Lee Jong-Suk was terrific in this, he has great chemistry with both his romantic interest as well as his brother and even his romantic rival. I have enjoyed later/more current dramas with Yoon Kyun-Sang and Kim Young-Kwang, so seeing their familiar faces was a plus. The story is engaging and keeps you interested right up till the end, and Lee Jong-Suk really carries the show with his incredible acting, he seriously is one of the saddest actors I have ever seen.
If you, like me, tend to shy away from older dramas, definitely give this a shot, it's a rare older drama that feels relevant and is done very well.
Emotional and heartbreaking
askjohn-1918412 February 2022
Incredible story, with so much sadness in it. Very much worth a watch. The two lead characters where absolutely the best for the job. It makes you appreciate the honesty behind the syndrome, makes me wish everyone had Pinocchio syndrome. The world would be a better place.
Really good - loved it
leahcubed27 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Choi Dal-po is a man with a troubled past full of family tragedy that resulted in him being orphaned and adopted into the female lead's, Cho In-ha (played by Park Shin-hye), family. Cho In-ha has Pinocchio sydrome where, in this drama, she hiccups if she lies making it impossible for her to lie without this "tell." Pinocchio syndrome is real although it does not typically exhibit in this way - more often associated with uncontrollable autonomic responses to stress. Playing along though Cho In-ha hiccups until she resolves the issue. Both decide to become reporters for very different reasons. They develop feelings for each other fairly early on but must suppress them due to family bias about an "uncle" and his "niece" being in a relationship.
I loved this one. These two were so perfect together it is hard to not envision them actually being together in real life. The "mystery" in this was very intriguing, the character development was deep and amazing, and the love stories were heart warming. It was not what I expected from reading descriptions but that is often the case. I looked forward to every episodes and gained even more admiration for the acting ability of these two incredible actors.
I loved this one. These two were so perfect together it is hard to not envision them actually being together in real life. The "mystery" in this was very intriguing, the character development was deep and amazing, and the love stories were heart warming. It was not what I expected from reading descriptions but that is often the case. I looked forward to every episodes and gained even more admiration for the acting ability of these two incredible actors.
The truth trapped in a wall of lies
alaningle718 December 2020
A young boy is rescued at sea and is adopted by a kind family. The boy has a dark secret and continually has conflict with the daughter who has pinochio syndrome of the adoptive family. Over time they both work at rival TV stations but because of their pasts they face danger as their feelings for each other change. An enjoyable series but I felt it lost a little steam in later episodes and may have benefited from being shorter.
Pleasantly surprised!
shareen_shany29 December 2021
Family love doesn't always mean you are born into, external adoptive family, is still family which sometimes are better!
If you like investigative, family love with romance thrown in & of course betrayal then this is the drama for you!
Fantastic leading casts & supporting too!
Watch Two World Apart is still the best of LJS kdrama, Romamce is a bonus book & this would be the 3rd. Whoever is the leading lady playing beside LJS will always be a swoonworthy drama but unfortunately the leading actress has a stiff frown looking which he doesn't seems to have chemistry with in Doctor Strange. Regardless I loved LJS dramas! Worth to watch! Any role given he delivers!
Had just watched PSH drama "Doctors" she was so good in it that I will binge watch again! Was a bit deterred after watching her in the "Inheritors" as she was too stiff in that drama but in Doctors, she was so good so as in this drama!
Going after the power abuser is not easy. The power of media diverting from the truth & make an impact by twisting the negative facts! Don't be swept by any media diversion tactic!
If you like investigative, family love with romance thrown in & of course betrayal then this is the drama for you!
Fantastic leading casts & supporting too!
Watch Two World Apart is still the best of LJS kdrama, Romamce is a bonus book & this would be the 3rd. Whoever is the leading lady playing beside LJS will always be a swoonworthy drama but unfortunately the leading actress has a stiff frown looking which he doesn't seems to have chemistry with in Doctor Strange. Regardless I loved LJS dramas! Worth to watch! Any role given he delivers!
Had just watched PSH drama "Doctors" she was so good in it that I will binge watch again! Was a bit deterred after watching her in the "Inheritors" as she was too stiff in that drama but in Doctors, she was so good so as in this drama!
Going after the power abuser is not easy. The power of media diverting from the truth & make an impact by twisting the negative facts! Don't be swept by any media diversion tactic!
Best Korean series
samd-0832717 April 2021
Good enough
PennyReviews19 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
In Pinocchio, we assume that there is a syndrome that prevents you from lying. But the main focus of the drama is the power of the media and the way a story can be presented as to manipulate the public opinion. So the main story is about a guy who's family was ruined by a manipulated news story that presented his father as criminal. After he was adopted by an old man who had lost his own older son, he becomes a journalist and he seeks revenge from the reporter that created the false story. All the while, he has become the uncle of that reporter's daughter (his step father is her grandfather), who has the Pinocchio syndrome, but wants to become a reporter anyway. Well, the story is quite good and entertaining, and the romance is nice, even though in the end gets a little boring. Especially the two last episodes were really blunt, as the story was summed up in the episode 19th and it was stretched till the 20th. So, if it wasn't for those two final episodes, this drama would have been much much better. So, because of the great performances and the fact that, fortunately, the flash backs were handled beautifully and they didn't tire the audience.
Overrated
xavierluca16 June 2019
Accurate Representation of the Media
doaneangelo-226619 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watch this because of a video I saw on Facebook and decided to check it out for myself. Now I've watched all 20 episodes, I can say that the show was well executed, plot lines weren't confusing and straight to the point.
The show portrays how the media handles the truth and lies of the news to the public. It goes on to show that reporters are always report unconfirmed news and the people should read the news that they need to hear, rather they want to hear.
Character developments were the best for Song Cha-Ok, as she is willing to become the whistle blower for In-Ha to fix her mistake with Ki Ha-myung's family 14 years ago and Seo Beom-jo, who was willing to give up his wealth just to bring justice to Ki Ha-myung.
Overall verdict, I definitely recommend watching if you're into drama, mystery and romance, this K-Drama is for you.
The show portrays how the media handles the truth and lies of the news to the public. It goes on to show that reporters are always report unconfirmed news and the people should read the news that they need to hear, rather they want to hear.
Character developments were the best for Song Cha-Ok, as she is willing to become the whistle blower for In-Ha to fix her mistake with Ki Ha-myung's family 14 years ago and Seo Beom-jo, who was willing to give up his wealth just to bring justice to Ki Ha-myung.
Overall verdict, I definitely recommend watching if you're into drama, mystery and romance, this K-Drama is for you.
MUST WATCH!
Afi_vaqar14 October 2020
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
