Encontro (2018)

Romance in full bloom

If you want to immerse yourself in a beautiful romantic adventure, then this is the one for you. Rarely does the chemistry of two stars come across on the screen like Park Bo Gum and Song Hye Kyo portrayed in this series. The story of two beautiful people of different ages and different walks of life coming together as a couple. It was a pleasure seeing them survive through a storm of difficulties. It was also refreshing to see a male lead who never gave up on his love and a female lead who didn’t turn to another man even when she was almost broken. To me, this was the story that showed the beautiful healing power of love. Each episode was a chapter in a love story that urged me on to the next.

The supporting roles were perfect. Each character added something without overpowering the main story. Excessive parental control is one thing that gets me riled up. I must admit the parents in this story were great at making my blood boil. I especially liked Ko Chang Seok’s portrayal of Nam Myeong Sik. As the episodes flowed by, he gave you hope and helped tie the entire series together.

Song Hye Kyo was terrific as always. She has the X factor, and her mere presence lights up the screen. Her portrayal of Cha Soo-Hyun was something to behold. I think this was a complicated character for her because it required her to portray so many difficult mindsets or emotions. She did it perfectly. She changed from a sheltered rich woman battered from wicked parental control to a free soul opening herself to her first real love. It was like watching a flower bloom or a butterfly emerge. In spots, she controlled the entire flow of the scene with a simple smile. It was captivating.

In my opinion, Park Bo Gum’s portrayal of Kim Jin Hyuk was the best role I’ve ever seen him play. He showed us strength in a male character through love, kindness, and understanding. You don’t see that on-screen very often, and it was surprising but refreshing. It made me want to be a better man. Soo Hyun’s reactions to his never-ending flow of love advances were priceless. He also has one of the best smiles I’ve seen on a male actor.

The music was sensational. It was well-orchestrated as it blended with each emotion.

The subtitles were outstanding. Since I don’t speak the language, I rely on subtitles. Sometimes, they can be misleading or show words that don’t fit in the English language, but they were perfect in this case.

And finally, the most critical part, the kisses. You can’t sell a romance on screen if you aren’t committed to the kisses. The kisses in Encounter were likable and believable. They made you smile and maybe even tear up a little. You could feel the growth of the love through each kiss.

In summary, I loved this series.

Leia Mais

Great chemistry with great main leads

I adore this drama too much. I must admit that I watched it for the sake of SHK and PBG in a first place, but it turns out differently when I first saw the drama. The cinematography is great with a really great music. The music background makes me understand the character's feeling. It makes me fall so deeply because it so damn beautiful music I've ever heard. I know it's a mellow-drama, but I wish a happy ending for both Jin Hyuk and Soo Hyun. Soo Hyun really deserves freedom to melt her cold personality, and Jin Hyuk could make the ice queen into the smiley queen whenever he near. I wish they meet their happy ending

(update)
Yes. There is happy ending.

Leia Mais

*First review so plz bear with me*

First, I'll admit I started this drama because of the cast, (I mean who would resist ?)
Song Hyekyo did a stunning job, and Park Bogum was incredible.
They were so good at capturing the right emotions, their talent and chemistry was unbelievable.

This drama was so aesthetically beautiful. I've never something so well directed, and visually pleasing.
The scenes at Cuba really makes you feel like you are physically there with the characters.

The story was just amazing. I was hooked every week, wanting to know the rest.
You might feel like it's the typically love story with the evil step mother, but it's not.
It's really original and unexpected.
You don't know how it's gonna end, until the last episode.

For the music, I never really loved OSTs in general, except the one from Descendants of the sun.
But in this case, every song was so good, and went great with the drama, especially Lee Sora's and Eric Nam's songs.

To put it in a nutshell, it was the first drama that I watched as it was released, and every week, I was floating.
So many emotions hit me every episode, and I have to admit, I teared up a few times.
I would recommended it a 100% to K-drama newbies, or anyone in general.


I hope this was helpful <3

Leia Mais

If you're a fan of slow-burning romance, you'll love this!!

This drama beautifully captures the essence of love amidst social expectations and personal conflicts. I loved how the drama depicted the challenges faced by individuals pursuing their happiness and the effect of social class differences one faces while doing so.

The chemistry between the leads was intense and felt very authentic. Park Bo-gum's acting was phenomenal - his warmth, sincerity, and positivity made his character impossible not to root for, especially with that adorable smile. FL's acting was also realistic - you could see how she was battling her inner conflicts and vulnerability.
While the pacing may feel slow at times, especially in the early episodes, the gradual development of their love story is worth it. All the heartwarming moments intertwined with realistic reflections and struggles of life with its hopeful message about the power of love to overcome all, stand out for me.
The cinematography especially in the initial episodes set in Cuba, was breathtaking. I wished they had spent more time in there.

Overall, a must-watch if you love slow-burn romance.

Leia Mais

This drama set itself apart from all others from episode 1 itself. I don’t know much about cinematography or lighting or any other film technicalities but throughout the series I couldn’t help but admire how beauty of each shot. I feel it is on par with Goblin if not better. The Cuba scenes were especially stunning.

Going into this drama, I came with high expectations since Park Bo Gum is one of my favourite actors. Song Hye Kyo I like as well. I can’t say their chemistry was exceptional but there was enough to make the story believable and leave a lasting impression. Needless to say, my expectations were fully met.

The side characters served their purpose but no one really stood out for me. Music as well., it was pleasant to listen to and fit the mood very well but not particularly memorable.

As the series went on I noticed that there were a lot of complaints about the pacing of the story. I fully understand their point of view but I feel like it’s one of the things that makes this drama so unique. Yes, it is slow but never boring. In this fast paced lifestyle that we now live in, this drama reminds me of old times when people took the time to savour the little things in life. I love how the bond between the two leads grows over the course of the series. There is no crazy villain, throwing curveballs at opportune moments. Every cliche that k-dramas have is flipped. A 2nd lead/rival that you can’t help but sympathize with. Even if this storyline has been done a thousand times with slight variations, the little differences mentioned above and more made the story refreshing.

This drama felt like a good movie that I wish would never end. It was pleasant, and served as relaxing end to each week after work. I spent the better part of the time with a goofy smile plastered to my face. Guys like Jin Hyuk are one in a million.

To conclude, I will say that the series was one of the better ones of the last year. I appreciate how the writers gave a proper end to every storyline, big or small. I truly enjoyed watching this show. However, I don’t think I would watch it again. Not because it’s not good but because, I know that the excitement that I felt the first time around won’t be there on a repeat viewing.

Leia Mais

This drama has a very simple plot but the thing fascinates me is its process is beyond perfect. I am a lover of book myself, poetry and arts that's why I love this drama even more. The million bonus is the cast golden acting especially PBG and SHK and their face profiles. Truly eye candies. I love how the PD made the flow of the story. The scenes are putting up little by little until climax. The cinematography is just fantastic. All sweeeeet moments are refreshing as in refreshing and makes my heart jumps out. This drama makes me remember the feeling of being in love bc of PBG excellent acting . The drama dialogues/quotes are all rich in life lessons that even now I save it and compile it. This drama makes me want to visit Korea again and go to the places where it has been shot. I learn so many things regarding literature since Jinhyuk is really an intelligent man same with Soohyun with arts. So heartwarming. It embraces my hearts and life. This is a drama that when you are sad just watch it then those sadness will throw outside the window just watching PBG and SHK aside from the eps 14, truly tear jerker. Amazing drama. I LOVE TO HAVE SEASON 2 or else another drama for PBG and SHK. To those bashing it with SJK's issue, please REAL is way way way different from REEL. Grow up, people. To those who did not enjoy, you just have not the intelligence to catch up with the class and beauty of this breathtaking drama. Peace.

Leia Mais

This drama.. was absolutely wonderful and refreshing! It was the most aesthetically pleasing kdrama I have seen. Every scene, every item, every frame... was carefully thought out and placed. The tone of the drama was carefully chosen and fit the mood of what the characters were going through. I cannot say how pleased I am to have encountered this series. Each dialogue was thought out and made my heart ache and race at the same time. It made me feel as if I was falling in love alongside the characters.. and I truly did.

Both Song Hye Kyo and Park Bo Gum were wonderful in their performances.. they convey such raw emotions towards each and every expression they made... I swoon! I felt so warm after watching this show.. their process of falling in love went at a desirable and realistic pace. Definitely a true depiction of falling in love and being loyal.

Currently rewatching this series and the more I am grateful of the artwork displayed. Good to watch when you’re feeling blue and in need of something to warm your heart up!

Leia Mais

overall best drama. Lead actress song hye kyo dramas never disappoints. First time watching park bo gum's (lead actor) drama. I am awestuck. His smile is sooo adorable. Matured love story where u'll find what is love, relationship goals, caring for each other, putting others first than urself and many more things. great chemistry between the leads. A story of a rich girl, though who is rich not happy in her life and a middle class boy who just emits happiness wherever he is. Their coincident meetings and their overcoming of problems is what the title says "ENCOUNTER" .You want to know what love is! watch this drama. You want to fall n love watch this drama. Thumbs up for the script writer for those wonderful lines he has written

Brief story
Lead parents are into politics and married her to a rich family for profits. she was torchered and took divorce. Even after divorce mother in law's torcher never ends. she was just spending each day lifeless. her life changes when she goes to Cuba. Coincidentally she meets hero. Love at first sight for him. They spend time together without knowing each other.
Later they both comes back to korea. Hero wud have applied to job at the same company where heroin is CEO. Both are unaware. he got job and things starts turning. While their no relation starts taking a turn , outside world will be uproar with this bcoz rich and aged girl while poor and young boy are in relation. With all the shortcomings and unexpected events in life they both survives together.
Dont miss this drama. Watch it. You will fall in love

Leia Mais

Why is this drama not talked about
It had everything from great actors, character development,& wonderful cinematography. Scenes at Cuba were cherry on the top
To be Frank the drama had no plot or storyline, rather it focuses on how lives changed.

I am personally, not a fan of age gap stories, but this is how you execute a piece, that someone who hates the trope, is forced to love it.
Also, the beautiful art at the start and end of each episode was so beautiful and kinda unique, and had a distinct meaning.

Everyone complained about the slow pace of the drama, but for me it was more than good. It is something that should be absorbed slowly and steadily.
It was great to see a female CEO and young recruit falling in love, total opposite of the usual roles in dramas.

The negative part of the drama was the arc of supporting characters. None of them had a proper dimension. Even the villians were too plane. Also the way the story unfolded after the 14th episode seemed forced. The reason for separation was too bleh, inspite of so many villains.

Overall, a good watch for hopeless romantics.

Leia Mais

i gained nothing

i binged watched this whole drama in like two days and i don't know how to feel about that. admittedly, i was high for 80% of the show but even then it was a chore to get through. at least once per episode i found myself sighing like, "why are you crying again?" girl...what was this? this was my first drama with park bo gum and i get why he's popular, he put his heart into acting this subpar script, but chile... he could only do so much.

i'll admit i started to watch it without reading the synopsis because i like surprises, but i went into it not knowing and i left not knowing. i really had to start skipping lil 10 second clips because it was so boring lol. i respect the whole romance thing but something about their love felt off. Idk if it's because song sun kyu is married to her fine ass husband, but i can't believe the chemistry between them. they had me like, "no but WHY do ya'll love each other? it's been maybe a month." i was more invested in the side couple's love, i would've watched them flirt.

i can't even say that i'd recommend you watch it. i gained no happy feelings from it. i didn't even cry because i couldn't get emotionally invested in the story when they ended up breaking up at least twice an episode. the music actually wasn't bad but god, GOD do i hate that damn english song. it's so bad. i kept on getting distracted by the lyrics every emotional scene. "oHh tAke mE On dOWn by ThE rIvER"

i will say that park bo gum carried that last break up scene. they had that man sobbing lmfao. it got a whole additional star for acting just because he made me feel something.

Leia Mais