Come and Hug Me (2018) User Reviews

Good series that could have been better

[AJ_McAninch · 7/10 · 24 August 2019]

I mostly liked the series, and I appreciate how hard and well the actors worked. Well done. My problem is with the writing, which for me is uneven and too often filled with gaffes. Major issue 1: No criminal, much less a serial killer, will be allowed to go anywhere without handcuffs, much less be allowed to attack visitors or escape. The fact this resulted in horror just makes the stupidity that much worse. It happens too many times to the point of silliness. Issue 2: JKY is a beautiful, talented actor, yet he is often reduced to long, boring scenes of staring at people, especially JKJ's lovely character. The child actor had to do the same. That might be touching for a bit, but it was used to the point of annoyance. I bet if we pulled those scenes, they would constitute a couple of episodes of staring adoringly. The actors deserved better scripts. Frankly, there is just too much repetition: this could have been a shorter series or even a movie.

So good!

[misswritercreates · 9/10 · 8 April 2019]

I went in expecting a tragic ending in this show. I really did. The way it started off and the flashbacks and then about his father I really expected a sad ending. But thankfully it had a happy ending and that made it worth watching. Loved the two main characters, especially the actors who portrayed them as teens. They all did very well. The actor who played his father did fantastic, like omg, he seriously creeped me out throughout the entire series! The flashbacks were a little much but bear with it, trust me it's worth it. I highly recommend this series.

This drama deserves better ratings...

[ninchenbienchen · 8/10 · 8 June 2020]

Let me get a few things straight right at the beginning:

• the acting is PHENOMENAL
• the storyline is EXCEPTIONAL
• it keeps you HOOKED from the very beginning

I removed one star because the final plot twist (if you go watch it you'll know what I mean) was foreseeable and nothing out of the ordinary for these types of shows.

Also, I gotta admit this show was a little more violent, psychotic and explicit than I expected and the romance part is overshadowed by all the drama and sadness. So if you're here for the romance (like I was at first) you could be disappointed. This show is more sad and depressing than happy go lucky. BUT it also makes you question a lot of things, like your own behavior and judgement on people for example. Just because you don't know what a person had to go through doesn't mean they didn't had to endure traumatizing things.

Conclusion: if you're okay with some darker vibes, crime content and horrible behavior by supposed humans, go watch this amazing drama!

One of the best

[chaosrachel-95190 · 10/10 · 1 May 2020]

It's heartbreaking, emotional, suspenseful, and romantic all rolled in one. It's one of the top best Korean dramas.

The triumph of love and good

[droche-49966 · 10/10 · 31 July 2018]

This was an outstanding drama, from the cinematography to the music to the acting and writing. The story is an unusual one in that a serial murderer is one of the central characters. The actor who plays that murderer deserves the Korean equivalent of the Emmy for playing that character. He does such an outstanding job that it is hard to believe it is just acting. The main male leads, both the teenage version and the adult versions, wonderfully portray the tortured son swallowing the heartache he feels for being a murderer's son and wondering if he too may be like him. It's hard not to shed tears for him and what he had to endure.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 8/10 · 29 July 2018]

Come and hug me has you from the first few minutes of the very first episode. The whole drama brings up memories from the Just between lovers drama, as the plot about two people who had to overcome the same painful experiance and still be together is kind of the same. In this case the past that haunts the two characters and everyone around them is the father of the lead who is a serial killer. The story and its presentation are excellent and the whole atmosphere superb, as well as the performances. This drama has its way to make you cry, as it is packed with emotions and action scenes. However, towards the ending, it did got a bit tiring, but overall it was terribly good, so 8 out of 10.

One of the best

[srivastavashimi · 10/10 · 14 February 2021]

The drama is really good, different from other dramas. Jang Ki Yong is a class actor. Jin Ki Joo has played the role of her character very well. You actually feel what the leads are going through. The villain played by Heo Joon Ho is so terrifying. The music is excellent. Heart warming drama. Loved it. Definitely one of my favourites. Thank you South Korea for giving the world so many drama. All the other actors did a wonderful job too. Waiting for other dramas by all the cast members and makers and director.

Average

[janetwrongjw · 6/10 · 29 August 2018]

Good plot, but far too many repeated shots of the past...

Can you still love me in spite of our shared History

[jgardiner-871-726729 · 9/10 · 21 September 2021]

Review:-Come and Hug Me 2018 I read the synopsis. It's a psychopath serial killer. I wonder if I'm going to be able to handle this. It also begins with a teenage first love story. They first meet when her family is moving into their summer home. He is carrying his sister home after school. The dog barks out the window and scares the little girl he is carrying on his back.

Wow! It get spine chilling scary in the first episode. His older brother was dangerous bully and evil like his dad.

The dog wanders off and ends up in the basement of the psychopath. Yoon Na Moo rescues it and comes down into the basement and the father confronts her.

That girl Gil Nak Won Is such a chatterbox she never shuts up. This was when she was a girl. He is attracted to her the moment he first saw her in the car but he was quiet, mysterious and academically gifted. He kept silent about his feeling but she was forward and told him she liked him and would always like him. Even though he reciprocated her feelings he kept silent. His brother is arrested for attacking and injuring a male student at their school.

The sad separation of the baby sister Yoon So Jin/Chae So-jin and her brother Yoon Na Moo whom loved her dearly. He goes on to join the Police University.

There he meets Han Jae Yi / Gil Nak Won again on the parade grounds as she is being harassed by reporters. He saves her from them and carries her off to their medical rooms. His dad has written his autobiography in prison called "I'm not unlike you". This makes Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin recalled the night his dad murdered the parents of Han Jae Yi / Gil Nak Won and the part he played in the arrest of his dad. She came and hugged him and said "Whatever the case, whatever happens, I will like you forever."

So they meet but don't have a conversation. Those paparazzi are like vultures. They killed Princess Diana. Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin He runs on to the road and stops the cars from following after her. He was stoic as usual just watching her car disappear. He still has that strong sorrow at their parting.

The Police University graduation breaks out into a melee when its invaded by families of the victims who assaulted Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin. He has won the honour of being the top student and is a Lieutenant.

This is certainly a spine chiller. Yoon Hyun Moo,Na Moo's brother has been released from jail and out for his revenge on those whom he believes caused his problems.

We the viewer think that Kim Kyung-nam as Yoon Hyun-moo has lured Han Jae Yi / Gil Nak Wonon to the film set. She is so naive. Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin , comes to the set and saves her. Later we find out that it wasn't actually him but the copycat killer. The love story of the lead actors is the sweetest, sweetest thing. He loves her with every fibre of his being. I'm worried about his stepmom and sister now. We they be hurt by these monsters.

Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin fights with his brother in Han Jae Yi / Gil Nak Won garage and get stabbed in the stomach again. The brother hasn't actually killed anyone yet. He just uses violence and intimidation. SO he is in shock when his brother collapses and he flees. Han Jae Yi / Gil Nak Won has one of her episodes when she sees Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin bleeding and lying on the ground but manages to get help for him.

Chae Ok Hee, the Stepmom, goes to see her husband in jail he tells her she is his woman and why he didn't kill her because he likes her. He tells her she better not get with another man because he's in jail. I have seen her get closer to a Senior Police Officer. He can still get to her. He tells her to visit again and bring her daughter and Namu. She threatens him if he ever hurts the children she loves. He laughs and says that's is why he likes her because she always fights back at him. That is why he fell for her and married her.

The love birds have a day out together. Lovely scenery and cinematography. A lovely lovey lovey date together. They go to a theme park but he doesn't want to go on the rides - a fear of heights I think. So they ride the carousel. She is so disappointed. He's watching her. There were so many times they nearly kissed.

Episode 11.

They confessed their love for each other and finally, finally they kissed.

That cute boy Kim Kang Hoon has a short cameo in this drama. Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin saves him from the copycat killer, Hong Seung BumYeom Ji Hong)\.

The dad, Yoon Hui Jae has escaped from prison. How did he plan that and who helped him? So a woman nurse helped him and the inmate who calls him Dad the copycat killer, Hong Seung BumYeom Ji Hong

What about that mum and daughter though covering up for the son, Kim Kyung NamYoon Hyun Moo and father, serial killer.

What about that cop that pocketed the evidence and gave to a reporter. This caused a cop to be killed.

Episode 16 is about Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin confronting and exposing all of his inner fears and conflicts about his father. It's a thriller but it gets into the mind of a serial killer so well. It challenges the viewer academically about your own beliefs values and attitudes. He has to make a judgement call about his own situation analysis and life view. He cleverly works out his fathers plan to drive him crazy and turn him into a killer.

This is so good I haven't watched a drama that I wanted to stay up watching for a long time. This episode was stunning amazing and outstanding as a crime story. So this is the finale. Why did I think there were more episodes.

Is Guilt tripping in South Korea actually a thing? Very frustrating drama

[hanalisss · 6/10 · 27 December 2021]

I think this one is a tad overrated.

I love the beginning ( the young actors do a fantastic job as well) The story is very compelling and you want to see what happens in the present to the main couple.

The problem is the script, the dialogues repeat themselves over an over, I mean I literally lost count the amount of times the only conversation the main couple had was , are you okay? I am okay, let me know if you are not okay.... Im not sure what the writer was thinking.... The potential this story had....

Then the fact that the whole show is based on a continuous guilt trip situation, where every character is sorry for things they didn't do. I just don't know if this is actually a thing in South Korea but for me it doesn't make any sense so I felt very frustrated watching this at many times.

The acting is superb though. ( Seo Jeong-yeon was just amazing in this))

An outstanding drama

[tanushree-raha1019 · 10/10 · 25 June 2021]

First of all its not a romance but a love story. A painful yet soulful love story from teenage to adult.

An outstanding drama from the cinematography, to acting, to the story, to music and to the romance.

A very different story with a serial killer being the central character.

A story and torture of the Male lead being the son of the murderer and female lead being the daughter of the victims.

Story: An incredibly dark and sad story story but at the same time it gives you hope that no matter what life gives you, you still can be happy and have hopes of better future.

Acting: All the actors give their bestby portraying their character. Especially the male lead portrays both teenage and adult version deserve applauds. You can feel his torturous pain of being the son of the murderer and being afraid of him becoming like his father.

The teenage version of ML-Nam De Reum is an excellent actor. He has a long way to go.

For Jung Ki Yong- he dosen't need a dialogue, his eyes can speak. You can understand why he won BaekSang Arts Award for New Actor in 2018.

Villian: The villian was terrifying. He plays with your mind, he makes you exhausted. The evil smile can shatter your confidence. At one point it is hard to believe that its just acting.

Cinematography - I loved the settings, Cherry blossoms and house on the hills. There are some beautiful shots under the tree Even when there was eerieness, it was worth watching.

Jung Ki Yong in uniform.

There 1st meeting. Everything is just beautiful.

Dialogues: This drama has some beautiful dialogues which will be in your mind for a very long time.

My fav.one - "It was the only touch. The day we touched, it was as if the world turned into a paradise.

The time before I met her... was no longer part of my memory."

OST: Paradise tree by Jung Ki Yong is soulful and treat to ears.

People of this genre should try this genre. You will not be dissappointed.

PS: Don't miss any episode or scenes, Each episode had a purpose to the main story which makes this drama so well made.

Plays with ur mind..

[Giselle1710 · 7/10 · 2 November 2020]

Such a bitter sweet story. Cried with Na mu literally. Everytime ge wanted to protect his love.. When he felt sorry cz he loves her.. When he tried his best to prove to be different from his father.. The acting of younger Na Mu and Nak Won was outstanding as well. It was a bit slow in the middle. There wasn't enough suspense and thriller but from psychological point of view, it succeeded.

It's SALVATION.. not a ill fated relationship.. Loved the ending

OMG its succes a slow story

[martin-683-192101 · 5/10 · 19 May 2021]

I like the story, actores and filming, but the story is just too slow. I'm only half way through, and I just feel like shouting to the tv: Please get on with the story...

Generally korran episodes move slow, but its one is just too much...

Very good crime drama with a hint of romance

[markapiec · 9/10 · 2 August 2020]

I kept putting this one off just because of the title come and hug me. After watching the drama i understand why it is called like this, theres a lot of hugging! The plot was very good though could have been better if Na-mu's character was further developed. That was a shame because we all know that Jang Ki-yong can easily portray someone with a nasty streak. I understand that they aimed to end on a happy note, but such twist would make the drama a completely different level. But of course, being a romantic soul, i am glad it ended the way it did. Cast was extremely well selected and the supporting roles were excellent. Heo Joon-ho was terrifying, he played that role really really well. I slightly minded that Ki-yong's talent was almost wasted to just starring, hugging, apologising or asking if others were ok. His script improved towards the end of the series, though like i already said, the character slightly lacked a depth. Jin Ki-joo was sweet, kind and beautiful, but similarly as with Ki-yong, the constant 'are you ok, i am ok' was getting on my nerves, their verbal communication was very limited. Also, if i experienced what her role did, i would have some serious PTSD.. she wasnt always in best shape, but seemed to cope well considering.. Worth mentioning is Nam Da-reum potraining Do-jin's young himself. At 16, he flawlessy pulled it off. His performance was on par with the main adult leads, hats off to the young man. My favourite character however was Yoon Hyun-moo as he developed from a bully to a criminal, fugitive and a humble and accepting human again.. played by handsome Kim Kyung-nam. His eyes are so far apart, one could fit a whole world in between.. :) Overall, very good action, crime drama that will keep you in suspense, well casted, well played.

You are my Paradise

[alaningle7 · 7/10 · 7 November 2020]

A murder involving the parents of two first love teenage tears them apart until 12 years later a chance meeting revives old feelings. One is now an actress the other is a policeman and their lives become further linked when a serial killer stalks the streets again replicating the case from 12 years earlier. Parts of the series are very good and the acting of all the cast is excellent but too many flashbacks of the same scene, too many scenes that seem set up out of context and the relentless gloom of the plot lowers my rating.

Beautiful writing and direction

[iramwyne · 7/10 · 7 November 2020]

It's very well written series , beautiful layout of story and direction .spot on emotional and action scenes BUT I felt there was lack of chemistry between 2 main characters .their childhood characters are amazing and those kids act perfectly their role but sooner 2 character meet in adult life ,you will feel lack of chemistry between them .

A good Idea ruined by awful writing

[boursalidousofia · 3/10 · 23 April 2020]

Unfortunately it does not worth your time. The basic idea is great, people overcoming a severe trauma and how they are entangled by it. The actors were all capable, especially Jang Ki-yong, seeing him in this drama after watching "My Mister" is just disappointing. these endless stares were just wasting of his talent. The biggest problem was the writing, almost from the beginning all the scenes were just unrealistic, like the harassment from reporters, or the reaction of victims of the family, or the lack of knowledge of laws protecting the privacy of a person, even by a prosecutor. This made every situation stupid to the point it was just frustrating to watch. After episode one it took me a month to start watching it again and I barely made it till episode 6. If someone decides to re-write this story again, but realistically it will be a great drama.

Pathetic drama

[lisa_nguyen-24142 · 1/10 · 5 February 2021]

How can this drama get such high ratings? The lead actress is such a burden from start to finish. This drama is pretty much about Namu saving her every episodes. Everything else and other actors are pretty ok. I've never seen a kdrama with police without their guns from start to finish, even when battling with criminals. This drama is so unrealistic! I've only watched this drama because there were recommendations that this drama is similar to "Flower Of Evil" but not close at all. Such a waste of time and every episodes were so draggy with poor love chemistry from main actor and actress, they looked so awkward together. Overall so disappointed

Heavy but good acting

[phd_travel · 5/10 · 21 October 2020]

Angst and apologies abound in this heavy series. It is hard to root for a couple where the circumstances are so awful. Despite their love his father did kill her parents. A frustrating thing is how weak the police are always getting outsmarted or beaten or killed even till the end. Many scenes could have been cut. Too much talking to crazy people as if they would understand. Interesting aspect here is the point of view of the family members of the criminal and the impact on them. The killer and his hammer are quite scary. The cast is good though. The younger versions and the adult versions both act well and look right - not often the case in dramas. Good performances from the actors Jang Ki Yong and Nam Da Reum and actresses Jin Ki Joo and Ryu han Bi. flashbacks occur through the show.

Boring

[martin-683-192101 · 5/10 · 28 October 2021]

The story sound very interesting, but it has a very slow pace and a lot of the times the story doesn't makes sense.

• Police officers who steel evidence, which could catch the killer
• another police officer who sees the killer, but there are no witnesses?

• the relationship between the main character and his brother is just too much

All in all, I can't understand the high score this one gets. Most of the times I just feel like skipping episodes or fast forward

There are so many other good K-dramas, so don't waist your time with this one.