Soulmate

소울메이트 or Soulmate is a story of 3 couples finding their missing half through destiny. This was recommended by a friend and like always I somehow find the 'time' to watch it even during uni days. :P

Synopsis: What if one day you walk down the street and catch a glimpse of the person who is the missing half of your soul? Without knowing who they are, where the come from? Would you believe it? This drama revolves around the love life of 3 (or it can also be said 4) couples, the difficulty in describing this drama is evident when you start to realise the complexity behind each couple's problems and ultimately relationship, in how they overcome a certain obstacle or how they ultimately realise that their true love really isn't their missing half.

Casts: Shin Dong Wook as Dong-woo, Lee Soo Kyung as Soo-kyung, Choi Phillip as Phillip, Sa Gang as Yu-jin, Otani Ryohei as Ryo Hei, Jang Min Ae as Min-ae, Jung Hwan as Jung Hwan, Kim Mi Jin as Mi-jin

Review: What is evidently interesting from the list of cast is that the character names are indeed the actors' real names (except Sa Gang). I personally am not sure why the directors, screenwriters or anyone who is involved in decision-making have used this but I think this technique is very successful in analysing the different ways we love since it reflects how we do love in real life, to some extent. I said to some extent because there is a degree of absolute absurdity being used in attracting the opposite sex such as how Min Ae first attracted the absolutely adorable Ryo Hei, you have to see it to believe it. Moving on...

The different kinds of early relationships of young couples are discussed here ranging from the 'player' to the 'destined' ones. Regardless of how many couples in the story the drama often focuses on two people who are 'destined' for each other, Soo Kyung and Dong Wook. The stories were often told according to the two main leads and how their paths always intertwined towards the end of their story or I should say little relationship episodes. I like the different way they managed to tell the story without it being too non-linear and not understandable. The drama generally has certain holes that I wish was filled in so we the audience can empathise with the characters a bit more... Some of the characters were a bit of an annoyance maybe that just reflects my preference *smile*.

Nonetheless there were significant moments in the drama that makes your heart squirm as each characters go through their individual ordeals and I have to say I love Yu Jin's naive, cutesy girly character the best. The actor nailed the character so well that I often find Yu Jin's actions and selfishness too cute. Anyway, the drama is personally not a favourite but I have to give it credit for being original in its story-telling.

Rating: 3/5 stars

Post Script: Btw there's plenty of eye-candy in this drama especially during their gym sessions ;)