Check-in Hanyang had all the elements of an engaging series, seamlessly merging hotel drama, romantic comedy, and historical intrigue. However, instead of maintaining a tight, enjoyable 12-episode arc, the show stretched to 16 episodes, losing momentum along the way.
The early episodes excelled in building tension as four young protagonists—Hong Deok-su (Kim Ji-eun), Lee Eun-ho (Bae In-hyuk), Cheon Jun-hwa (Jung Gun-joo), and Go Soo-ra (Park Jae-chan)—competed for coveted positions at the prestigious Yongcheonru Inn. Their rigorous training, hidden identities, and underlying motivations made for an engaging watch. The series peaked when the group had to creatively solve an unexpected crisis involving fallen laundry, highlighting their resourcefulness and camaraderie.
Unfortunately, once the internship phase ended, the focus shifted entirely to palace intrigue and a love triangle, significantly slowing the narrative. Deok-su, revealed to be Hong Jae-on, sought revenge against Seol Mae-hwa (Kim Min-jung), whom she believed killed her father. Meanwhile, Eun-ho was actually Prince Mu-yeon, on a quest to uncover a secret ledger exposing royal betrayal. Jun-hwa, a privileged but aimless heir, struggled with his father’s expectations.
Despite the promising setup, the show’s second half lacked surprise or originality. The unfolding betrayals and political maneuvering felt formulaic, while the romantic subplot was equally uninspired. What started as lighthearted and amusing interactions between Jae-on, Mu-yeon, and Jun-hwa soon devolved into drawn-out melodrama. Mu-yeon’s prolonged obliviousness to Jae-on’s true identity became tedious rather than comedic, and their eventual romance failed to ignite any real emotion.
Thematically, Check-in Hanyang successfully explored young characters trying to escape their fathers’ shadows, with Kim Eui-sung delivering a commanding performance as the show’s main antagonist. However, the strongest moments came from the youthful energy of the core quartet, which was lost once the series veered into heavy-handed drama.
While the show managed to stage an intense climax, the journey to get there felt unnecessarily prolonged and repetitive. A sharper focus on the original premise—ambitious youths navigating the competitive world of hospitality—would have made for a more compelling and memorable series. Sometimes, knowing when to cut unnecessary scenes can make all the difference.
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