Kdrama Review: Branding in Seongsu

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Main Genre: Romance, Mystery

Sub-Genre: Supernatural

This was such a fun and entertaining, but also gripping, kdrama! Absolutely loved it! At the beginning I was doubting myself for choosing this one because of multiple aspects that seemed like they would be big turn offs for me but I’m so glad I pulled through!

Continue reading for more details.

Synopsis:

It is a relationship-reversal romantic thriller set in the branding mecca of Seongsu-dong that follows the soul-swapping story of Kang Na-eon, a tough marketing team leader, and So Eun-ho, a flirtatious intern.

Review:

Kang Na-eon (Kim Ji-eun) did not have the best first impression on me, AT ALL! I couldn’t stop hating her! The actress did an absolutely great job of coming across as so cruel and heartless. Her character seemed so ruthless and manipulative, I was genuinely questioning how I was going to like this show if I couldn’t get behind the female lead. Though, once the real drama of her and the male lead’s sole swapping began, everything only got better from there! Her character development was spectacular and so satisfying to watch happen.

I absolutely ADORED So Eun-ho (Park Solomon) since the very beginning. He was so sweet and genuine, it was just simply perfect. Though, as the show continues, we get to see so many more layers of him and how he has so much more depth than he lets on at first. Seeing those parts of him was such a shock and unexpected but only made his character that much better.

I loved the incorporation of the twist of having these two souls switched randomly throughout the series (So Eun-ho in Kang Na-eon’s body and vice versa). This not only helped to make Kang Na-eon more easily likeable in my head since So Eun-ho being a softie in her body was so cute, and I felt like having So Eun-ho in Kang Na-eon was a good look for her lol! I definitely liked the switch up versions of them for the romance since Kang Na-eon’s soul is so much bolder. The chemistry was undeniable even though they didn't seem like they would go together.

The plot was truly never boring. Everything was perfectly paced and there was always some project, some drama, some issue which kept them busy along with the overall mystery that hung over them. The mystery’s revelation I didn't see coming at all, but it could be guessed and honestly lined up with the culprit’s actions which all just made the mystery’s quality even better. Though the other major plot twists were SO CRAZY! Could never have imagined that could even happen and the background story really did add so much more perspective to both the characters.

And I need to give credit to the side characters on the Underdog Team for being so amazing! They were fun, supportive, hard working, and full of amazing personalities. The drama would never have been the same without them :).