A melodramatic romance in the world of fashion and photography—the series illustrated the various kinds of breakups and second chances.
SBS’ Friday-Saturday drama Now We Are Breaking Up aired its finale on January 8. Tying the loose ends and wrapping up the narratives of each of the characters, the series delivered a plethora of feelings for the viewers.
Besides the love story of the male lead Yoon Jae Gook (Jang Ki Yong), and the female lead Ha Young Eun (Song Hye Kyo), this Korean drama also introduced numerous notable supporting characters to fall in love with, as well as memorable moments to ponder on.
- Main Casts : Song Hye Kyo | Jang Ki Yong
- Supporting Casts: Choi Hee Seo | Kim Joo Hoon | Park Hyo Joo | EXO Sehun / Oh Sehun
- Romance Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- Dramas Of Similar Vibes: Encounter | Run On | One Spring Night | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Nathan Llantos watched Now, We Are Breaking Up on Viu
Now We Are Breaking Up Quick Plot Recap (Spoilers Alert!)
The series is centred on the tale of men and women falling in love and breaking up. Directed by Lee Gil-bok with a screenplay by Je In, in a total of 16 episodes, they unfolded the current situation was depicted in the context of the fashion business.
Now We Are Breaking Up Character Walkthrough
In detail, the main female lead Ha Yeong-Eun (Song Hye-Kyo), is the gorgeous team leader of the design department of the ‘The One’ apparel firm. However, she is also a cold-hearted realist. Men are little more than a source of stimulation for her. Whereas in the past, when she was enthusiastic about love, she has resolved to merely focus on her career— to the extent that she forgets to properly take care of herself.
On the other hand, Yoon Jae-gook (Jang Ki Yong) is a well-known freelance photographer in South Korea. He was once a non-believer of fated romances. Yet he became open and honest about love because of Young Eun. Ultimately, their definitions of love are influenced by each other in this story. With their own unique stories, Jae Guk, Young Eun, and her friends demonstrate how they each define love.
Moreover, the lead pairing’s romance began ten years ago in Paris. But it took them a long time to locate each other. However, because Yoon Jae Guk is the brother of Ha Young Eun’s late lover Yoon Soo Wan (Shin Dong Wook), they could not start a relationship properly.
The Brooding Dilemma
Despite this unexpected reality, Ha Young Eun and Yoon Jae Guk couldn’t keep their hands off one other and decided to follow their emotions rather than their heads. More difficulties arise when Shin Yoo Jung (Yoon Jung Hee) and Min Hye Ok (Cha Hwa Yeon) stand in the way of their romance.
Subsequently, romance blooms between Hwang Chi Sook and Seok Do Hoon as well. Chi Sook lives a shameless life as the daughter of a fashion company CEO. She is the design department director, yet Young Eun is pretty much the one in charge. This is because she is not as invested or talented as Young Eun when designing.
On the other hand, Seok Do Hoon is a successful businessman with a golden heart, but when it comes to love, he’s uneasy. The two grownups began to fall for each other, and their beautiful yet bumbling love tale brings both laughter and butterflies. In fact, their connection is similar to riding a rollercoaster. Relentless at moments and tender at others.
Now We Are Breaking Up Peak Points
Impeccable Production And Set Designs
Korean dramas are regarded worldwide for their spectacular worldbuilding. This is because the production teams maximize their budget to effectively bring to life the settings of their stories. Now We Are Breaking Up did not disappoint in this aspect.
Just like all the great K-dramas of various genres, the production design and set designs for each scene really heightened the feels and convincingly gave the viewers a vivid glimpse into the world of the domestic brand industry.
Moreover, the wardrobe of each character is accurate for their roles. Best of all, the clothes used as props to create the fashion show scenes and to decor Sonó ‘s shops are all exquisite.
Wonderful Character Developments
Mainly, the supporting characters took turns in stealing the limelight. One lovable character is Seok-Do Hoon (Kim Joo Hun). His portrayal as Vision PR’s CEO and Hwang Chi Sook’s lover is impeccable. In fact, he won an award in the SBS drama awards for this. Indeed he is admirable in his portrayal.
He was given great dialogues, and he represented the kind of lover every woman deserves; mature, persevering, faithful and passionate. Every time he shows how he cares for Chi-sook, his manly charms overflows. It is not an overstatement to say he is a walking green flag. His character promises growth and peace in a relationship which is technically what everybody seeks.
Another unforgettable character is the award-winning Park Hyo-Joo. Her portrayal as Jeon Mi Seok is compelling. Moreover, it is commendable how her marriage problem was executed in the series. It was touching and tear-jerking. Her unconditional love as a mother, wife, and friend was one of the series’s highlights. Additionally, it is great how the reconciliation between her and her husband was delivered.
Although Hwang Chi Sook (Choi Hee Seo) is annoying at first, viewers were given time to accept and like her. Most especially after witnessing her growth in the succeeding episodes. The love of a friend and love from the right person inspired and moved her to be a better person.
Though it is frustrating to see how insensitive she was towards Young Eun, we were shown that people can change for the better, and some friendships are worth saving. (I am not entirely convinced at first. I really find her character distasteful. But seeing how she took accountability for her reckless behavior, I started seeing her in a different light. I believe viewers felt the same way.)
Redeeming Factors
Another thing is that, even if the narrative itself is predictable and at some point anti-climatic, a lot of series elements make up for what it lacks. Regardless of the noticeable flaws of the series, it marvelously illustrated the story it wanted to convey.
There are already tons of K-dramas of the same concept. But just like how a certain circumstance happens, not only one person’s life, each story has a unique characteristic. Now We Are Breaking Up displayed all the charms it can offer whilst staying as real and relatable as it can be.
Lastly, although Jang Ki Yong’s acting is seemingly lacking at times nevertheless, he really exuded a very boyish/hottie aura. It was nice to see him as a supportive and mature lover. Moreover, he is very charismatic. It is just that there are specific moments in some episodes where his acting feels restrained. But regardless of that, he was able to portray the role as naturally and captivatingly as possible.
Now We Are Breaking Up Series Musings
Magnifying Bits Of Details
The resemblance of the opening credits/intro of the series is seemingly similar to Encounter ‘s. Specifically the picturesque vintage cinematography of the series. Comparatively, the two series also tackle career struggles and forbidden romance. Once again, Song Hye Kyo is in a mother-against-us predicament.
However, it is great to see the male and female lead characters be more straightforward and determined to fight for their relationship for a change. This is an unusual take on complicated love story concepts. Notably, it was so satisfying to hear Song Hye Kyo say the words we all wanted her character in Encounter to say.
Often when the antagonistic characters get in the way of the relationship, the main protagonists beat around the bush and even stay silent at times, they should just say things outright. We are familiar with frustrating moments of the series where the solution is already there, but the characters won’t communicate.
The series took a different path, and it was a great directorial decision to do so. Despite all the blackmailing and hindrances stirred up by Jae-Gook’s mother and his brother’s ex-fiancée, the main pair of the story decided to be the bigger, better characters and communicated.
Sehun’s Refreshing Flair
EXO’s Sehun is a spirited addition to the series’ cast. In fact, it seemed as if the character, Hwang Chi Hyung, was written precisely for him. His character is like a breath of fresh air and a little bit of saving grace for Young Eun.
Despite the naive and pampered attitude the other characters expected he’d exhibit, there was no trace of him being annoyingly selfish or obnoxious. Instead, he is pretty clever and can be left on his own devices.
Moreover, in spite of being given a lackey position in Sonó—although he really did seem like a kid lost in the workplace at first, it was really lovely and fun to see his character grow in the succeeding episodes. In particular, it felt reassuring to see him support his colleagues in his own ways. Not only does he pay attention to others’ hard work, but he also tries to do what is right and takes action.
For instance, the way he subtly, wittingly and firmly stands up for Young Eun every time she is in a pinch. More importantly, when he knows that his sister or father is not giving Young Eun what she deserves, he daringly speaks up about it.
Not to mention, he is rather charming when he gives snide remarks. On top of that, his acting was natural. He took on a role that really adds meaning and thrill amid plenty of clichés and tropes.
Indeed his character is a mixture of a goofy and kind persona. Sehun did a fantastic job internalizing Hwang Chi Hyung’s character. He portrayed it remarkably, adding flair and spice to the series. In each episode he was in, it was fun to witness him whine, struggle to adapt to the workplace and eventually find his own pace and do a job well done.
On Connections, Roadblocks and Triumphs
Evidently, the great impression this series gave is how they balance showing characters taking advantage of their connections yet still struggling to make ends meet. It is commendable that writer Je-In (Misty) shed light on the healthy concept of grabbing opportunities and utilizing connections.
Hence, viewers can be enlightened about the fact that whatever industry it may be, communication and building relations are crucial. This is because everything in the workplace has due process.
More specifically, other departments and other industries are often interdependent. For this reason, it is vital to value the hard work and craft of people in their respective jobs. Projects in the real world cannot be done by solely one person.
There truly are people who have everything handed to them on a silver platter; Some because of their family background, while some as we know it is considered “privileges for being pretty/handsome”.
But though it may be true that there really are those who have it easy in the real world, using connections are not an evil crime at all–upon the premise that no human rights are violated, and no reputation is unjustly jeopardized.
The truth is that many people work hard for their dreams and survive in this fast-paced contemporary world. A little jump start and help granted to those who earn it is not an act of injustice.
Relate on the tales of modern love and career stories in Now We Are Breaking Up. In case you have not seen it yet, episodes are available for streaming on Viu.
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Photos: SBS
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