Oh My Ladylord: The dewy-eyed Drama Camouflaged as a Romantic Comedy

When it comes to series, one thing I absolutely dislike is being misled (well, in general), and that's exactly what happened with "Oh My Ladylord," a Korean drama that initially portrayed itself as a typical romantic comedy but eventually transformed into a melodrama.

I can't fathom what the writers were thinking when they turned a somewhat cliché, albeit romantic, narrative into a story brimming with tears and culminating in a bittersweet ending, regardless of their intended beauty and philosophy. Initially, everything seemed promising: Lee Min Ki and Nana as protagonists, a love-hate relationship unfolding under the same roof, and the irresistible charm of the forbidden. However, somewhere along the plot, things took an unexpected turn, leading to the demise of the initially promised storyline. You should have witnessed my expression during the last episode...

The Story

The narrative revolves around Han Bi Soo, a television scriptwriter who finds solace in working on his projects within his mother's traditional house, his residence, until an unexpected eviction occurs overnight. In pursuit of her dream to return to her familial home, the renowned actress Oh Joo In acquires the house.

Unbeknownst to her, the determined writer sees himself as an essential part of the property, resolved to retain his workspace and creative haven. Striking a covert agreement to protect both their public images, they are ill-prepared for the ensuing complications. The challenges unfold from various quarters, beginning with their mutual disdain for each other, yet soon giving way to unexpected sparks.

Alright, the plot is quite familiar, not introducing much novelty, but as they say, sometimes the classics work. We have the classic setup of a guy and a girl who can't stand each other but find themselves sharing the same living space. The ensuing awkward situations, the gradual growth of attraction, and the unraveling of their true personalities are elements we've encountered in other series, and they endure because they bring a mix of fun, entertainment, and the fundamental essence of romantic stories.

However, the narrative takes a turn as we introduce two mothers dealing with significant health issues, a mysterious spirit or supernatural entity foretelling the writer's demise, and a romantic rival ready to fight for the protagonist's affection. What initially seemed to be a lighthearted romantic comedy takes an unexpected plunge into the depths of melodrama. Oh Joo In's character becomes genuinely sympathetic as misfortunes keep piling up, and the writer faces his own set of challenges. Struggling with the disdain of his stepfather, witnessing his mother's deteriorating health, and torn between holding onto the woman he loves or letting her go for her well-being, the story takes on a poignant tone.

Trailer

Prepare your tissues; you're in for an emotional ride.

In this Korean drama, numerous positive elements are unfortunately overshadowed by the evolving direction of the plot as the episodes progress. Initially, there are moments of laughter and awkwardness between the protagonists, a natural outcome of two vastly different individuals sharing a home. Lee Min Ki portrays a writer with idiosyncrasies who, at first, seems unsympathetic but later unveils a tender and considerate side that captivates the actress—his interactions with her mother are incredibly heartwarming. Meanwhile, Nana delivers a commendable performance, embodying a charming and down-to-earth actress, deviating from typical diva stereotypes. The actors excel in the dramatic moments, though I found certain romantic scenes to be somewhat lacking.

A few of these romantic moments lose some of their charm due to the unexpectedly loud and lackluster kisses, a surprising deviation from the usual polished and visually appealing portrayal of such scenes in this genre.

The outstanding performances of the supporting characters, particularly the mothers of both protagonists and the owner of the record store, deserve recognition. Kang Min Hyuk, the singer from CNBLUE, plays the role of the writer's rival, but in my opinion, never truly becomes a significant threat to him. Initially, we had all the elements for a successful romantic comedy: compelling and attractive actors, strong performances, comedic moments, and engaging rivalries. However, the series took an unexpected turn, evolving into a collection of personal dramas and moments of sadness.

One may wonder, was all the drama truly necessary? The introduction of the supernatural element seemed entirely out of place to me and, unfortunately, was not fully utilized to provide a more fitting twist to the ending that aligns better with viewer expectations. Despite the disappointment and the resolution not living up to the intended beauty, I still encourage those who haven't seen it to give it a try, as it might captivate you. Now, I'm on the lookout for a new series to recover from this letdown ^^ Feel free to suggest any recommendations.

Pros: Bi Soo's compassionate attitude towards the actress's mother, the impactful shower scene, outstanding performances, and the kindness displayed by Bi Soo's mother.

Cons: Excessive drama, the ending, the incomprehensible and underdeveloped supernatural element.