Destined with You” on Netflix: A Fantasy Romcom’s Struggle for Charm and Cohesion

Destined with You: A Stereotypical Romance Amidst A Baffling Supernatural Backdrop

Introduction:

The world of Korean dramas is an expansive one, but within its realms lies the sub-genre of fantasy romcoms, a sector overflowing with tales of cursed characters and fateful encounters. Netflix’s recent offering, “Destined with You,” navigates the thin line between these elements. But does it deliver?

Plot Overview:

At the epicenter of “Destined with You” are two central figures: a high-flying lawyer cursed with a bizarre and ominous condition and a diligent civil servant who finds herself embroiled in supernatural encounters. Lee Hong-jo, portrayed by Jo Bo-ah (known for “Military Doberman Prosecutor”), is the epitome of dedication. Yet, her commitment to her civil servant role often leads to unforeseen complications with her peers. The narrative kicks off as she embarks on a mysterious journey to inspect a crumbling shaman shack, where fate plays its card, making her path cross with Jang Shin-yu.

SF9’s Rowoon, who has garnered attention for roles in “The King’s Affection,” steps into the shoes of Jang Shin-yu, a lawyer with impeccable skills but a chilling secret. Shin-yu’s curse? A disconcerting blood-red hand that appears on his face, often in the most inopportune moments. As their worlds intertwine, the tale of curses, spells, and fate unfolds.

Central Characters:

1. Lee Hong-jo: Jo Bo-ah’s portrayal of Hong-jo is that of a tenacious yet lonesome civil servant. While the narrative attempts to underscore her solitude — her colleagues, drenched in alcohol, exclude her from gatherings — it does little to provide depth to her character. What are the underpinnings of her loneliness? What shaped her life choices? These questions remain largely unanswered.
2. Jang Shin-yu: Rowoon’s Shin-yu is an enigma. His character lacks the dynamism that previous roles have allowed him to exhibit. As a lawyer, he’s cold, reticent, and almost mechanical. Even his private moments, marred by his mysterious affliction, don’t reveal layers or nuances.

Supporting Cast and Narrative Arcs:

Hong-jo’s mission to demolish the ominous shack leads her to shaman Eun-wol (played by Kim Hye-ok). Surprisingly, not only does the shaman give her the green light but also entrusts her with a centuries-old box containing a spellbook. As Hong-jo grapples with its authenticity, she decides to test a love potion from the book, aiming to win over Kwon Jae-gyeong (Ha-jun of “Missing: The Other Side”). Jae-gyeong, an influential figure at city hall, is the apple of many an eye. As the narrative unfolds, potions, confessions, and mystical elements pave the way for unexpected twists.

Setting and Tone:

“Destined with You” incorporates a diverse range of thematic elements — from workplace drama and romantic tensions to unsettling horror undertones. The shaman’s shack, for instance, becomes a haunting venue for revealing ghastly deaths that send shivers down the spine. Yet, the attempt to amalgamate horror with romance results in a jarring dissonance. The eerie, supernatural elements remain starkly separate from the romantic tensions, never quite converging to form a cohesive narrative thread.

Furthermore, the horror elements feel somewhat incomplete. Shin-yu’s ancestral background, steeped in mystery and shamanic connections, is vaguely touched upon. The audience is left yearning for a deeper dive into this backstory. Why is his family cursed? What’s the history behind the shamanic ties?

Critical Observations:

For an audience seasoned with K-dramas, certain elements in “Destined with You” may feel all too familiar. Workplace politics, legal intricacies, and the classic ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope echo in the background. However, the show’s potential pitfall lies in its lack of charisma. Where the narrative could have soared with charm, it often feels lackluster.

The underdevelopment of key plot points further exacerbates this. For instance, the horror angle, which could have added an intriguing layer to the storyline, feels patchy. The romantic angle between Hong-jo and Shin-yu feels forced, lacking the organic development viewers often seek in a romance drama.

Conclusion:

“Destined with You” has its moments but is overshadowed by its shortcomings. While the series could evolve and address its current gaps, its commencement leaves viewers skeptical. Will the storyline delve deeper into its characters? Will the horror and romantic elements ever merge seamlessly? Only time will reveal the trajectory of this Netflix offering.

In the expanding universe of K-dramas on Netflix, “Destined with You” competes for attention. Whether it can hold its ground amidst giants remains to be seen.

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