Living separately but with their bond stronger than ever, we send our characters off as each of them experiences a new beginning. To some, it means reuniting back with an old dream, and to others, it means living independently and trying different things.
There is no model answer regarding how to live one’s life. But as long as we continue living day by day, there will always come special days to reward us for our hard work.
- Main Leads: Ji Jin-hee | Kim Ji-soo | Son Na-eun | Choi Min-ho | Yoon San-ha
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- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: 18 Again | Go Back Couple | Familiar Wife
Romance in the House Series Quick Recap
An estranged father returns to the family he once abandoned after 11 years, hoping to make amends. But instead of welcoming arms, he is faced with a challenge, winning over his stubborn daughter, who wants nothing to do with that irresponsible father.
Romance in the House Series Highlights and Musings
The show promised us a family drama revolving around how the sudden return of our father figure changes everything for the family. And since stories featuring middle-aged romance are scarce, I was looking forward to this one, hoping it would be a breath of fresh air. But instead of Moo-jin acting immaturely and flexing his money to win his family over, I wanted the show to give him character growth and prove to his family that he wasn’t the same immature person from before.
Alas, the story gave much screen time and focus on the fire mystery and the source of Moo-jin’s money only to end up going nowhere, since, as we already predicted, it was just a red herring to provide unnecessary tension.
What got me hooked was the entangling relationships especially, the close-knit bond our mother-daughter duo shared. But over time, it was clear it might be better for them to give each other some space and become more independent. Luckily, Ae-yeon realized this too, and let Mi-rae go so she could spread her wings instead of being shackled with the burden of acting as the family’s head.
In addition, we had a complicated yet intriguing relationship between Moo-jin and Mi-rae, who started out as childish and petty, yet their scenes turned emotional and tear-jerking once Moo-jin realized how much he hurt his daughter. Luckily, they made up and buried the past behind them, though they still keep fighting over Ae-yeon from time to time.
My favorite part, though, was the romance between Mi-rae and Tae-pyeong. It was cute and slow-burn and I appreciated how the drama used the daddy issues they had in common to get them closer. Their relationship was based on mutual support and honesty, opening up to each other about things they couldn’t tell others. Also, the supportive chaebol father was refreshing to see. He was the number one fan of this couple, and his fight with Moo-jin over their children was hilarious to watch.
I also liked how the drama gave some focus to our characters’ individual journeys and not just their family dynamics. Granted, the son’s arc might be the weakest link in the drama. Still, albeit too late, this served as a lesson that families should communicate honestly with each other and believe in each other.
All in all, Romance in the House might not be the best family drama out there. But it had moments where it shined, namely when the drama focused on its characters rather than the unnecessary mystery. Also, the longing look in Ji Jin-hee’s eyes is charming and irresistible. Even if he couldn’t win Ae-yeon back (at least not fully), he won our hearts, right?
Photos and Videos: JTBC Drama
