I would not say “Level Up” is a horrible drama. The acting is quite good from the leads to the supporting cast. The production quality isn’t bad either. Sung Hoon still looks pretty handsome, as in many of his dramas. ?

There are two main reasons why I am only rating this a 7.0.
1) I cannot connect with the female lead and don't like her.
2) The plot is somewhat boring

On the surface, Shin Yun Hwa (FL) is an independent game developer. She’s the leader of the team, has the ability to make business decisions and is not a damsel in distress. This all sounds good, right? However, I don’t see her chemistry with Ahn Dan Te (ML) even when they’re bickering and I LOVE bickering couples. Shin Yun Hwa also reminded me of a few managers I supervise at work that have the power and ability to make a difference, but fail to see things from multiple perspectives to make the best decisions. SYH is always arguing with Dante. I actually get tired of her bickering/arguing with ML. They are not romantic, lovely banter. She’s just being argumentative and questions everything that ML says. If you’re a manager/leader, you should know why he makes certain decisions. This is a character flaw that I personally can’t get over. It might not affect your viewing pleasure, but it does to me.

Additionally, the plot of the drama is boring. This is NOT a business romance, a romantic comedy nor a serious business drama. It’s lacking in all fronts or maybe it tries to be all of the above. The romance between the leads is lacking. As I said earlier, I am not feeling the chemistry. The second FL is persistent and should know she has no chance a long time ago. I do give the writers props for not making her evil. The second ML is somewhat bland and not cute enough to be a lovesick puppy, but at least he knows his place and when to back down. As a business drama, the gaming part is not interesting. How about showing us what game you are developing? Show us the process? The hard work in designing or coding? The villain is OK and somewhat weak. He comes and goes, but not doing much damage until the last couple episodes. Is this a healing drama? Well, the trauma and healing are not moving me in tears either. OK, I was sad for ML when his most precious partner passed away.

I am really not impressed with the female characters. Aside from the two main female leads, I also find the teenage vlogger annoying. Actually, both teenagers, Kim Hoon and Oh Mi Ja, get on my nerves. I would have kicked them out of my house long time ago if I were Dante.

Lastly, the character I like best is probably Dante (ML). He was introduced as the typical arrogant and cold CEO. At least his character is consistent throughout the drama, even when he has changed for the better. His character development makes sense, and it doesn’t deviate from his original personality. I’ve grown to like him as the story progresses. I like his straightforwardness and honesty. You can call him overconfident and arrogant, but he is never intentionally rude.

Unfortunately, I won’t be recommend this drama unless you are fans of the actors and actresses. It’s only 12 episodes long but I am never hooked, and I am not attached to any character. For a romance lover, I can’t even root for romance but the business plot is lacking. There’s no romance and I don’t like the female lead.



Completed: 5/26/2024 - Review #445