Clean with Passion for Now (2018–2019) User Reviews

Could have been a lot better, but still worth watching

[alexandra-42857 · 7/10 · 24 May 2020]

I ignored the low star rating and decided to watch this series based on the good reviews. The bad points first. The story line. The first 5 episodes weren't great and the male lead character, Jang Seon Kyul was pretty unlikeable, you need a glimmer of hope even in the beginning. The ending really let it down the most. Firstly the stupid thought process of the leading lady, Gil Oh Sol and her father drove me nuts and as is so often with these dramas, a lot of time is wasted not saying how they feel. My pet hate is when everything is only resolved in the last few minutes of the series. On the positive side, the Jang Seon Kyul character improved drastically as the series progressed and I ended up really liking him by the end, even more so than Oh Sol who was a lovely character for the most part (except the last few episodes). The supporting characters were all great and I really enjoyed episodes 8-14. Still worth watching but could have been so much better.

Enjoyable Guilty Pleasure RomCom

[fake_moviestar · 6/10 · 20 November 2020]

This is what I would call a "guilty pleasure" type of k drama. It isn't bad, but it isn't great either. It is filled with the tried and true romcom formula's and tropes, but it is very enjoyable if that is the type of show you are looking for. Sometimes we all just need a cute romcom and this fits the bill. This show also had my two favorite things in a romantic couple; a soft, gentle boi and a size difference (wow that kitchen countertop scene!). The main couple had good chemistry which really pulled the show together. The plot was pretty simple but well done, and I thought the character motivations made sense which is always a plus - no dumb scenes just for the sake of drama! Overall I enjoyed this show a lot. Was it great? No. I also wouldn't re-watch it. But I think it is well worth a watch for those who enjoy romantic comedies because this has all the perfect parts of a romcom.

Light-weight drama and comedy

[seveneleven-44269 · 7/10 · 14 August 2019]

It was alright , with excellent first 10 episodes then it started to feel too much and boring, overall some supporting cast side stories are not justified.one thing for sure ,it was shot beautifully.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 5 February 2019]

When it came to story, this drama didn't have anything special to add. The plot was pretty basic, but they handled it quite well. It was enjoyable and interesting. The love story was intense too, as the drama didn't shy off from the romantic scenes. The couple had chemistry as well. In addition, the comedy element was strong in the first episodes, though the romance and family drama took over. The love triangle, moreover, was weak, but the bromance was really entertaining. Overall, the performances were good and the drama was cute and sweet.

Better than expected

[sonia-95111 · 7/10 · 13 September 2021]

I would love to have scored this 7.5 because it deserves a higher rating than the current rating. It's a very poignant series to be honest. It has a few of the regular features in many KDRAMAS like childhood traumas, family intrigues and the poor second lead. Anyhow, this was fun to watch! It's got a great support cast and it's quite funny. It's a bit over the top at times, bordering on being quite hammy but it's fun! I loved the leads and this show has one of my favourite umbrella scenes!!! Worth watching for sure.

Awesome

[shreyachugh · 10/10 · 10 September 2019]

This was funny, smart, emotional korean drama for me. A very nice watch I must say. Little surprised seeing it's only 6 on IMDb. Give it a shot!

Super cute and lovely

[klara-persson · 7/10 · 21 May 2020]

Lovely, sometimes silly but always heart warming story with a classic K-drama theme. Actors are well matched for their characters and they bring life and feeling to this cute and romantic love story! An easy watch. Well done! Enjoy you guys!

Underrated drama!

[obi-26541 · 9/10 · 10 February 2019]

This drama super good, all the actors did a great job especially the main actors. Their chemistry is no joke. Each episode give you a butterflies because of their cuteness and sweetness

Flawed but it has its shining moments.

[onze-kris · 6/10 · 23 March 2021]

The show is watchable due to the endearing performance of Kim-Yoo-Jeong. The clumsy behaviour due to his condition of Yoon Kyun-Sang. And Seon Yu in the li mited time she is in it does a great job as well. And the close friend of the main actress is fun to watch as well. Where it fails is in the writing for Jae-rim Song... the character comes across as a fraud all the time. This becomes so annoying in episode 11. That I had trouble watching that episode. He lacks respect for all and his motives are his own.

Korean drama in my opinion is as big as Kpop. It is a world to explore in most of the time what I would consider as high quality television. Sometimes its tough but if you go in with it with an open mind and respect the cultural differences most of the time what you get is a reward.

So what is the reward here ? Well I do think the rewards are early on. Kim-Yoo-Jeong is excellent in coming across very natural in front of the camera . And Korean camerawork is among the best of the business. So you get some great scenes.

It fails however because of the poor writing for the psych. I realize this is a romcom but his behaviour like I said is one I would rather not see since it is so disrespectful most of the time. And that shouldn't be the case when your job is being a psychiatrist. He even calls himself a really great one and acts like he knows it all. So it sometimes feels as an after idea that was added to make it to 16 episodes. t Netflix is great for getting a fix of Korean dramas. If you have to make a list. i would put it at the moment near the end of the watchlist.

So for my rating. The first three episodes had my hopes up this was another gem. Episode 11 Made me jump behind this to write this and make up my mind if I am going to complete it. the answer is yes. for the four actors mentioned. episode 11. i rate a zero out of ten... I am hopefull the show picks things up again. Than again it is clear that the psych will be used in uncovering something from the past. But that has nothing to do with the CEO himself. So it is completely arbitrary but something the show is invested in for the storyline.

It would have been a great watch if it was solely about the two main characters. It is the story about them. And the side story. the extra element makes it harder to watch since it is so badly incorporated in the story.

The same old Korean formula

[geewhiz46 · 5/10 · 20 February 2023]

The story concerns the Ceo of a cleaning company who suffers from mysophobia due to his grandfathers harsh upbringing.

I don't blame the actor for his performance - he was obviously directed to overact his reactions when confronted with situations or people that horrified him and these events were well overdone by the FL. Once more we have a female who is dirty - smelly - and eats like a pig - leaving half of her food on her face. Her room is a pig sty.

I have NEVER seen anyone stuff so much food in their mouths at one time - a spoonful of rice that stood 4 inches high - it filled her mouth so much she could barely chew it.

The plot took far too long to get going - it was padded out with endless girly chats and pointless events. Once more the elders had far too much to say in the lives of their young relatives and once more it resulted in the obligatory two year separation.

This is the Korean version of the Chinese "Use for my talent" and that was a far superior series. The only fly in the ointment in the Chinese version was the FL who simply can't act.

Funny and touching

[phd_travel · 9/10 · 3 September 2020]

This series is funnier than expected and touching and the dialog is well written. There are many laugh out loud scenes due to his fear of germs like his car ride with her drunk. taking the bus and in the smoky restaurant. The ironic thing is that the way he acts seemed like something wrong before but is actually recommended behavior in 2020 after Covid! He would be considered normal in 2020 because of the pandemic

Kim You Jung acts well with such a variety of emotions and sweetness for her age. She has great things destined for her. Yoon Kyun Sang acts well. Totally believable in his disorder and pain. Although he isn't traditionally handsome his looks actually make his character more amusing.

The obligatory obstacle before the end is frustrating. She shouldn't hold him responsible for his grandfather's mistakes. That issue was dragged out. Didn't like to see him being so servile.

Worth a watch.

Way ahead of its time but near the end was honestly not needed

[Irishchatter · 7/10 · 12 November 2021]

Well I think we can all definitely agree that our male lead, Jang Sun Gyeol here is ahead of his time because it wasn't long that we got the "I don't want to talk about it virus" two years later so FairPlay to him for showing us the clean measures before we did seriously! Gyeol (the neat freak as we all know ) and Oh Sol (not really bothered by being excessively clean) were adorable together like their relationship was so sweet <3 I also liked the blushes although not gonna lie, it was odd at first because I really thought it was animeish but you get use to it and your heart skips a beat when the pair of them are shy of each other.

I wasn't keen though near the ending where you see Oh Sol cutting off the relationship off without talking about her grief (she lost her mother in a building accident along with others thanks to Sun Gyeols selfish grandad) with Sun Gyeol. I mean I didn't understand why she had to wait 2 years for the pair of them to get back together. I just felt this scene was pointless. What's even more pointless is that this story had an unnecessary love triangle where you see Daniel Choi as the "boy next door but he's the hottest doctor out there really" . I mean he was basically just there to taunt the ML with his "doctor techniques" and soothe the FL for her to come to him . At the end of the day, he is just your typical third wheeler that we see too many times in love stories and it's getting old man seriously...

Overall the whole setup is nice but pretty clique with your usual love rivalry shenanigans and a drunk clumsy FL (seriously when are we ever gonna find a sober one?!)The music is cute too especially the OP.

Also check out Aengos "Your Smile is a Trap" on Webtoon, it's pretty cute too <3.

Not feeling it

[Bibiliography · 2/10 · 16 October 2022]

Clean With Passion For Now follows the tried and tested poor girl who can't catch a break and the rich unfeeling male lead who eventually falls for her, however, while some series are worth watching this one was in dire need of a re-write because it came across as insincere and hammy. The only original thought is the ML who developed early childhood OCD due to mistreatment by his grandfather. I really tried to like this because of Yoon Kyun-Sang who is one of my favorite male actors but everything about the plot, execution and acting felt like a parody. How does a filmmaker produce a series with such a low emotion quotient?

The ending and some of the series could have been better.

[kmhlbeavis · 8/10 · 13 March 2023]

The male lead really stoled the series. He was funny as hell and was able to transition from funny to serious as the episodes played on. They only briefly mentioned the trauma that he went through as a child. The actress on the other hand was kind of okay but like another reviewer said when asked something they wouldn't answer. This series could have ended in less episodes had they spoken up. Another thing. I have never seen a whole family with such bad luck in my life, that is kind of unrealistic. Also the fact that they only focused on her trauma and not the male characters trauma why bring that up if it wasn't going to be used. The ending could have been better. It was kind of incomplete. I recommend watching this because of how funny he was and his ability to transition from that to being serious. Also I have never ever seen a beautiful woman especially korean ever not shower and wash her hair that was kind of unrealistic also.

Cleanliness is next to godliness

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 12 March 2022]

A cleaning company Ceo suffers from mysophobia and has his car run into by a young lady pulling a cart of rubbish. This is their first meeting but from this a relationship begins to grow and she ends up working for him and even though she is unkempt and a messy eater his feelings towards her grow. What neither realise is that they had met when they were children but events which took place later in their lives will cause a major rift. An enjoyable romantic drama which even though it is predictable is well acted by the entire cast, particularly the romantic leads.

one of the best romcom series of 2018💕 I really love this one❤

[casilanchristinefaith · 10/10 · 29 April 2019]

I really love how this series gave me a fluffy feeling💕 Even if it wasn't perfect, it was exactly what I need: funny, sweet, simple, that kind of drama that makes me smile like an idiot. A beautiful story to enjoy and learn. I will surely miss the cast and their chemistry ❤

Let down

[applesauce365 · 6/10 · 26 June 2021]

The portrayal of OCD was again inaccurate. Love doesn't fix mental illnesses, it doesn't fix anything. K-drama need to acknowledge that. Also Bacteria present = 0%? That's just ridiculously anti-science.

Great Acting! Unique storyline! But script had its flaws.

[CentralBank · 8/10 · 5 May 2019]

You rarely have a storyline dedicated to cleaners. The plot was interesting and light hearted to begin with. Love story was intriguing to follow as both leads acted so well. Have to really commend them for it. This drama is full of laughter and ridiculousness. What let me down was the middle scenes of the drama, when they sometimes fell into the cliches of k-drama which is god awful to me. Thus, preventing me from giving this show a higher score. Besides that I thought my time was well-spent watching this.

Another contender for the title of Korea's Sweetheart ?

[lyntonadam · 7/10 · 22 April 2019]

Lead actress Kim Yoo Jung is who I'm referring to & she's the main reason to try this watchable yet otherwise underwhelming show. The main concept isn't exactly original, being yet another variation of the Odd Couple formula. We have the cleanliness addict An Seok Hwan employ the slobby KYJ & eventually they fall in love, but I found his behaviour annoying after the initial novelty wears off. Luckily, the delightful KYJ is around to save the day. She's been acting since a child and her smile is truly dazzling ( almost in the Park Min Young class ! ). Loads of charisma and still only 20 or so, and I'm interested as to which way her career will go from here. She does look a bit like Kim Tae Ri ( Mr Sunshine ) but would she have the guts to tackle a confronting project like The Handmaiden ? ( as KTR did ). Perhaps the main issue is that there aren't enough scenes with the leads creating a relationship and even having fun, hence inadequate chemistry. For me, the gold standard for "Lead Couple Heat" is the main pair in the underrated 20th Century Boy & Girl. Towards the end of that one, I felt they were quite likely to rush of to the nearest hotel after a take as they were all over each other ! Phew.

Just boring and annoying.

[unrivaledraj · 4/10 · 23 February 2024]

I don't understand the rating of even 7 for this. It's just super annoying, there are likable bits and pieces. But for 90%of it's runtime I was just annoyed.

And all the while it feels like the show was made for every other character to take a dump on the ML. Every person close to him, either kept on lying or hiding things all in the name "for his own good", meanwhile no one bothered to see in how much pain or frustration the main lead was, either be it love of his life, his psychiatrist, his trusted secretary, his evil annoying cliched grandpa and sometimes his own mother. They all manipulated him like they wanted, making decisions for him. And this happened throughout the show.

Won't go into details as to how they all did that. Because it's not worth the time. And this show isn't either.

I am not a robot, is quite similar to this, but way way much better in every aspect.

Skip this one.

UNDERRATED

[maricelubaldo · 10/10 · 17 May 2019]

It's unbelievably underrated!! I think it needs more attention and higher ratings.

Cute but formulaic

[Snootz · 7/10 · 13 March 2022]

This is a cute and endearing Kromcom. The last couple of episodes are a bit weak and anticlimactic. I'd have liked to see them handle a few things differently in the writing throughout to draw a bit more audience empathy and lessen the roller coaster ride a bit. It could have used a bit stronger plot. The characters were a mixed set of unique and cliche mixed together. So it wasn't perfect and definitely not "the best romcom ever" (some 10-star staff reviews in there?)... but still a decent binge-watch series and for the most part enjoyable.

Excellent storyline and acting team

[horbk · 10/10 · 12 April 2019]

From this drama I learned: 1. Positive energy brought to the crowd 2. I have to be clean and clean at home, because I can bring positive energy to myself and my family. 3. I can think of others in adversity (this is not easy, it is not easy to do) 4. For the family's ideas, you can pay for your love (desire) 5. Do everything seriously 6. A true lover is compassionate about his/her needs and circumstances. 7. Change your weaknesses/disadvantages for the benefit and convenience of others 8. Heal the partner of the person you like, sacrifices ownself and benefit others. ☺☺☺💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Could be a Disney fairytale!

[taishor · 6/10 · 26 August 2022]

Easygoing, romantic, drama, humor, entertaining, people from different social status, character with disses, character with crush, characters develop feelings for each other, character x trying to get back together, two characters loving the same character, family, family character unemployed, CEO, characters living together, character family opposing their love, immature characters, breakup, reunion.

Similar tv series - my shy boss (2017)

Yoon Kyun Sang

[tugbadedemen · 10/10 · 21 May 2019]

This is a good drama. I laughed so much, also I cried sometimes. Yoon Kyung Sang is a good actor. He is so sweet in this drama. This drama deserves high ratings I think.