Doona! (2023)

YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS DRAMA!!

I was actually 50/50 if I should watch it because I already saw spoilers about it. But watching it is one of the greatest thing I did this week, Imagine I finished it after 2 days when I'm super busy at school!! In the 1st part I don't pay much attention but as the story goes on I'm freaking hooked at it!!!The visual of the two lead is given, but their acting chefs kiss!!! Even the side characters, I really like the build-up of the characters interaction. Mixed emotion crying then getting excited for the next scene and crying again. But the ending is lacking for me, I know that those things really happen in their industry. And I think it's the real ending from the webtoon but I guess I'll just work with the next event from the last scene of the show with my imagination. But I'm very happy with their success in the show. So still a very good series in 2023 🤗

Leia Mais

With this one you will need to towel off.

Doona is an exquisitely paced romance rich drama, which will leave you needing to towel off after viewing. It is one of those Korean dramas which you do have to sit through to the very end, however. The Koreans always show you how to make a romance rich and sensually alluring drama without even showing much skin at all. The romance scenes never get above PG 14. However, with the great natural acting talents of Suzy Bae and Yang Se Jong and the fire hot chemistry of this physically attractive couple in this unique drama, you might feel that a rating of PG 14 is too low. (Scenes do contain smoking and some slight cursing).


The story centers around a college kid named Won Joon (Yang Se Jong) who becomes a tenant in this share-house near his College campus. One of the long term tenants in the share-house is a burnt out former big name K Pop Idol named Lee Doona (Suzy Bae), who is from a popular girl group. Won Joon is a 21 year old green kid, a young man who is more versed in books than life. Won Joon is not impressed at first by the credentials of this older woman named Doona, and he just finds her to be someone who seems always to be in his way. The slow evolution of this romance may leave some impatient, but this pace is meant to leave you irritatingly anxious and fully invested in the lives of this couple. Both actors give stellar and sensual performances, befitting of their characters as defined. Doona and Won Joon have close to 80% of the screen time in ‘Doona’. This is physically and emotionally challenging for actors.

Doona is actually a female Korean name. For me, the title is a play on words for the word noona (older sister). The drama is based on the Webtoon titled ‘The Girl Downstairs’.

Suzy Bae (While You Were Sleeping, Start-up) and Yang Se-jong (Still 17, My Country: The New Age)

Leia Mais

A Short but Unforgettable Journey into the Heart of Fame and Love

"Doona!" is a K-Drama that deeply moved me. From the very beginning, it pulled me into a whirlwind of emotions I haven't felt in a long time while watching a series. The character of Doona, with whom I could personally relate, is one of the most important aspects of this production. It's rare to see a lead female character with such a complex personality – strong yet full of inner turmoil. With each episode, I understood her choices, pains, and joys more and more.

What I truly appreciated about "Doona!" is the way it portrays the world of K-pop idols from a less-known perspective. The series reminds us that life in the spotlight isn't always as glamorous as it seems. More and more stars in show business struggle with depression and other mental health issues, and "Doona!" shows this honestly and without sugar-coating. It's not just a story about love but also about the cost of fame, pressure, and loneliness.

The ending? Well, it didn't meet my expectations. Instead of satisfaction, it left me with a sense of emptiness and sadness. Perhaps because I grew so attached to the main characters, it was hard for me to accept how things turned out. Sometimes love isn't enough to overcome everything – and what "Doona!" reveals hurts but also fascinates.

I understand why this drama might not appeal to everyone. I, too, had mixed feelings while watching, but for me, it was worth it. It's a story that stays with you for a long time, even though it consists of only a few episodes. It’s short yet intense, and although I feel sad that it ended so quickly, I know it left a lasting impression on me.

Leia Mais

Enjoyed every second

I finished this drama in one day and it was really one of the most beautifully shot dramas I’ve ever watched. It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed a slow paced slow burn type drama.

Although the drama may seem slow each scene and interaction was purposeful, the focus on the main characters and how they slowly developed their relationship really took me on a journey and resonated with every single one of their emotions.

At first I was a bit confused about the ending as I felt like it might’ve seen like it ended on a negative note but upon further inspection we know that from the opening scenes of Ep8 and ep 9 won joon is wearing the same jacket and suit he was wearing at the end of the ep9 and we know from the buildings and train tracks that they were in Japan. Letting us know they they were able to continue their relationship and finally be happy together.

Overall this drama definitely surprised me because I saw some mixed reviews but mostly watched it for Bae Suzy but it was amazing and she did an amazing job with the drama and acting and I loved all her outfits!

Leia Mais

NOBODY ASKED BUT-

I am shedding tears right now. I feel as if someone was spying on me and told my story to then world lol. I felt as if I was Won Jun/Doona. I could relate to their story so much that I cried to sleep and I am writing this while crying lmao.


As for the ending, I am not a fan of open endings.

In my mind though they end up together, from the last dialogue of Doona telling him to say sorry and then to tell her that he regrets it. The rest is just montages of them in their lives but the theory is good that they have to keep away from each other as she is an idol.

Obviously the Japan stuff in the beginning of last two episodes shows they at least arrange to meet again in the future multiple times.


Imo, this was Suzy's best performance so far. Sejong did justice to his conflicted, restrained, self conscious, shy character too.

Leia Mais

WHO TF LET THE JAPANESE IN HERE

No seriously who let the japanese in here. The story has a structure reminiscent of your avg slice of life anime and manga down to a T. The drawn out silence during intimacy, letting the love the two characters have for each other be what’s loud and in your face is so reminiscent of japanese cinema it’s insane. This was good and certainly above average compared to your typical drama. I love how alluring Doona was and the air of mystery and mystique around her character. You’re drawn in from the get go and her relationship with Won-Jun is the backbone of everything. Won jun is the first real connection Doona has ever had and Doona brings him a sense intrigue and wonder. And while that might be the initial reason they grow close you see a subtle shift as they slowly start to depend on each other, influence each other and without noticing it, they reach a point where they aspire to be what the other needs. Together there’s a sense of completion which makes the ending all the more heart breaking.

overall great watch. Don’t let the weebs or japanese write for dramas cause my heart can’t take it.

Leia Mais

For the most part it feels really realistic, and IMO worth the watch!

I won't elaborate too much because most of the other reviews have covered it.

I'll say that I agree with others that it's an overall happy ending if you pay attention to certain things, it is implied they do end up together. My issue with that is... I'm not entirely sure it had to be made a secret to the viewers. I see the "art" in making it a bit of a secret for the viewers. I get that since the couple themselves have picked to be in a relationship in secret, whether because her agency won't let her or simply to avoid the drama of openly dating, they've chosen to also make it a bit of a hidden relationship to the viewers. It's neat... but sometimes you just want to be able to enjoy the "post-story" happy moments of a relationship and we didn't get to see that.

I had major second FL syndrome, Jin Ju is adorable and I can't help but wish they had leaned into the soulmates bit and gone with that twist. I would have been content with the story being about our ML helping our FL past her demons and helping her towards a positive path in her life but them not ending up together as he reconnects with Jin Ju.

I've read some comments about there being toxicity and that really feels like a stretch. If you want a "nothing but perfect people making perfect choices" and dealing with their pasts in the absolute healthiest way possible, the dramas are out there for you. However I reserve a word like toxic for genuinely and consistently shitty relationships marred by people who abuse the love they are given and convince themselves or their partners that they've done nothing wrong or that the person deserved it. That doesn't happen here, there are choices made that hurt someone but there is reason behind it as well as genuine remorse, not followed by repeatedly making the same choices.

This is not a great review I must admit, I'm kind of throwing things at the wall and saying random things, to get back on point:
The drama had a sense of realism, with people making real if not ideal choices in certain moments, and with some good chemistry and acting. I don't think too many will watch this and feel they've wasted their time, but I also don't think it's a "must not miss" watch. It was good, it was entertaining, and although I would have liked a bit more substance at the end in terms of elaborating on the couples final standing, it was a good ending overall.

Leia Mais

Truly "being crazy for each other" takes center stage

This drama deserves a MUCH higher rating than 7.9; I feel like audience expectations are the issue. I've noticed most Kdramas with a romance tag feel very neutered, where the characters just really, really *like* and respect each other, but don't display much in the way of true physical interest. Basically, I think of "romance" Kdramas similar to Disney princess movies with a tiny bit more kissing. Not so with this one.

First, know what you're getting into. This is an actual romance, where the main story is the romance, and it has romantic scenes between two people who are legitimately and unapologetically crazy for each other. I'm not talking about just warm affection, I'm talking about pining and yearning and *want*. But it also has warm affection, deep friendship, support, and (eventually) trust, but the "being crazy for each other" takes center stage.

Second, this felt more like a western TV show than a Kdrama, and their relationship progresses as such with more emphasis on the physical desire between two people as part of romantic relationship. This can be good or bad depending on your view of what a romantic relationship entails/should be. If watching two young, beautiful, complicated people be both physically and emotionally crazy for each other makes you uncomfortable, you should skip this one.

Third, the ending is confusing until you re-watch the last episode and notice all the things you missed when you watched it the first time. I will say that I found the ending extremely satisfying when I watched it a second time, but was confused the first time I watched it.

Leia Mais

Doona!

Oh wow, it was out in 2023, I thought it is one of 2024's dramas, my bad. This one has a lot of mixing reviews, some people hate it, some love, some find it boring when some think it has perfect plot. I watched it because of Bae Suzy (It was after I finally watched Vagabond). In my opinion it actually is not a easy drama, it may seem like that because it about an idol, but it shows more straggles than her happy moments. Bae Suzy's character is toxic, let's be real but it looks like she really wanted to be Yang Se Jong's character. It shows how young people struggle with "normal" life after being in entrertaiment industry, how they want to be in it and at the same time are not happy.
It is something worth giving a shot, maybe you will like it or not, everybody has different taste, so if you like cast or this genre then just check it out.

Leia Mais

Doona! is the very best K-drama I have seen in a long time. It is a refreshing and unique take on the romantic comedy genre, with a complex and relatable female lead.

Bae Suzy delivers a standout performance as Lee Doona, a K-pop idol who is struggling with her mental health and her place in the industry. She is prickly and defensive on the outside, but soft and vulnerable on the inside. When she meets Won-joon (Yang Se-jong), a kind and innocent college student, she begins to let her guard down and rediscover her true self.

The relationship between Doona and Won-joon is heartwarming and believable. They support each other through their respective challenges and help each other to grow. There is no unnecessary melodrama or angst, just two people who are falling in love.

The supporting cast is also excellent, and the side characters are just as interesting and complex as the leads. The drama does a great job of exploring the lives of young people in Korea, and it touches on important topics such as mental health, social media, and the entertainment industry.

Overall, Doona! is a must-watch for fans of K-dramas and romantic comedies alike. It is a well-written, well-acted, and heartwarming drama that will stay with you long after you finish watching it.

Leia Mais