The Great Seducer (2018)

As someone who has read the original novel and even watched an american movie adaptation, I can say this drama did bad in terms of capturing the whole essence of the story. I believed it focused on the wrong stuff, and downplayed a loooooot of elements. Would've wanted for at least 5 characters dying in the drama (a lot more in the original) just so those alive would feel the burden of their choices. But this story looked like a half-baked effort of modern day, young adult adaptation

Story
This is the first kdrama ever that I liked the latter parts of the story more than the start. Even some of my favorite dramas, W and Pinnochio, have fallen victim to having a blazing start but kind of fizzled as the story is about to end. After the first 4 episodes, I contemplated about stopping this drama just because the plot driver looked really bleak, and stupid for me. It's nowhere near the original plot of the original story annnnnd even if I didnt compare it to the original, it sounded stupid. You'd start a bet to take revenge on your friend's ex by seducing his first love? Wtf no one goes to that extent irl.

Anyway, I decided to stick through with the story just because I'm familiar with the original french novel and while it's a bad adaptation, I still wanted to have a sense of closure. We can all foresee the story from the start; we already knew the secrets will eventually blow on their faces as the story progressed but Surprisingly enough, I actually felt emotions. I felt surprised about finding out who Soo Ji's mom's secret lover is, felt anger upon knowing that Soo Ji's mom was responsible for the car accident, felt bittersweet for Tae Hee's Dad for doing all for the one he loves, yet getting so little in return, and sadness, frustration, and despair when Tae Hee finally talked to ShinHwan about what the fuck he did with her. My favorite emotion of the story nevertheless is feeling stupidly happy for Seo Joo, who did everything his crush wants but ultimately decided to fuck things up with his friends in the end because he felt like he wanted to be selfish for a change. That's a unique kdrama character is too be honest.

I kind of expected the ending to be happy just because it's part of the kdrama formula:
- Rich lead guy
- Poor lead girl
- Absurdly good looking second lead
- Optional hot-as-well pairing for the 2nd lead
- One-dimensional, close-minded annoying parent(s)
- Lead guy and lead girl don't like each other at the start >>>> decided to talk a bit >>>>> likes each other immediately
- Unecessary/overused slowmo when the lead guy gazes the lead girl
- Rain starts to fall unexpectedly, lead guy and lead girl dont have a fuckin umbrella or share a single one
- Happy ending, regardless if anyone dies.

I dont mind the happy ending though. For a rather weak to decently strong build up, i dont mind the happy ending at all


Acting
I didnt like Joy in her first Kdrama but I loved her on this one. She played the role of naive, innocent looking cutie who didn't want no fucking around in the first place. Contrary to how others think, I believe she played the role really well cause I actually thought she was innocent in the entire series. I loved her chemistry with Woo Do Hwan as well; their scenes together didnt look forced or awkward; it felt innocent, sincere, and stupid just like how teens/young-adults deal with love anyway. Do Hwan has the same aura as Kim Woo Bin for me; bad boy perfect lead. I loved Seo Joo and Soo ji as well; both were jealous of their own desires. Soo Ji wanted all the attention and appreciation for herself and went to drastic measures to make sure she gets what she wants, even if it is at the expense of others. Seo Joo is selfish for wanting to please his crush and please her alone, disregarding his own emotions and intentions just for his feelings to be reciprocated. Everyone else, especially all the adults (parents) in the drama were all annoying. Ultimately, all the characters felt stupid, frustrating and unique that I actually had a refreshing experience watching this. Something new personality wise

Music
Music was mehhhhhhh normal though I did like some songs. It wasnt bad, but it wasnt a standout as well (coming from a part time musician myself)

Rewatch Value
Should I ever decide to rewatch this in the future, My reason would probably be due to my fondess of the 4 leads. Not with the story, but just their accurate portrayal of flawed characters.

Overall
To conclude, if you're gonna ask me if I can and will recommend this for anyone to watch? The answer is no. Watch it at your own curiosity for the show everyone speaks bad about. If you'll ask me if I liked the show, I'd rather describe it as a refreshing take of flawed characters interacting within a stupid plot driver, but actually produced a rather decent story. But if I really have to answer if I liked it or not, I would say yes (for reference, some of the kdramas I hate are Black, Cheese in the trap, and Bride of fucking Habaek, which is the stupidest kdrama ever produced for me)

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Despite hating Joy's acting, I had high expectations for this drama since I've seen Woo Do Hwan in some of his dramas like Save Me and Mad Dog. But in here, even though his acting was superb, the story itself was a disappointment. It was very tiring to watch each episode as the drama progresses. I thought maybe it could get better in the ending but still, even the ending disappointed me. I felt like it was rushed and it just wanted to give us a happy ending for both sides. Also, what happened to Hye Jeong? To Tae Hee's friend? Did Ki Young got punished? I have so many questions in mind that I can't put them all in here. But then again, it might be the director's choice to have an open ending for them.

When it comes to their acting, Joy really gave her best to convey the emotions Eun Tae Hee had throughout her journey in this drama. Although there are times where I really can't absorb her acting since her eyes doesn't have any emotions at all. It seemed like she's always mad when she's not supposed to. But to give her a credit, her acting improved somehow since The Liar and His Lover. She should be careful in choosing projects next time. Maybe she can follow Krystal's steps by taking support roles first to improve her acting more. There's nothing wrong in being a supporting role.

For Kim Min Jae, I felt sad a little because his previous dramas were amazing. He shined in there but in here, it felt like he was done dirty. He was like "cleaner" of the mess which he pointed out in the drama. They could've given him more because he has so much talent but I guess I can't judge what the Director is thinking. For Moon Ga Young, after seeing her in her previous dramas like Jealousy Incarnate, she really shone in here. Her acting improved as well although her character was a little bit annoying though she's my favorite one.

I guess the PR for this drama was just overwhelming that I had so much expectations for this that it disappointed me.

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I’m going to start by wondering why some people think so negatively of this show because it really put me off watching it at first but because the story idea pulled me in I decided to watch it. I think it’s because it doesn’t have your typical romance story and some characters are not very likeable but isn’t that what gives it more detail and depth. I personally liked the story and the idea was totally different from your usual kdrama. You can’t go into this, knowing it’s based off a French novel, expecting the usual. It’s not going to be all pretty romance because of what the story is about. The ending could have been done a little better but I think that if you like the idea of the storyline then you will like the way things play out and if you’re not willing to watch something that may not be like your typical drama then maybe you won’t like it as much. I WILL SAY THAT EVERYONE SHOULD AT LEAST GIVE IT A GO.

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I wouldn't change much at all in this one. I know it's been told before rich people playing games but this is definitely worth watching. I loved the character development within the cast and especially the way it ended. I must admit that I did struggle a couple of times with the plot (mainly because i felt I knew what was coming and hesitated to watch it) but in the end I loved loved loved this one..... <3
Fools might think it's the same old same old storyline but the cast in this drama did an amazing job all round. I particularly loved Joy's role in this whole production, she makes it worth watching.

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Firstly I would like to say sorry to those who think that , this drama is worthless . Guys who do you think you are??? Huhh??? You have no right of speaking bad about the show or about their cast or their acting. People like you will never understand the hardwork the actors and director have put it in!!! For those who think this drama is not so good , I suggest , why don't you start making your own drama to satisfy your fantasy instead of commenting on others drama.....
This drama was good !!? And an appreciated work , the story was perfect, !!!leads have given their best

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Oh god ... i was watching this drama bcz so sooji and see jo... boring one... but they are cute together... i wish could it finish fast ... i only watch there scence ... I won't recommend anybody... wast of time.. eun tea he... she was soooo boring... bcz of her i drop lair and the lover ... how could she get role...


My rating forover all drama 2/ 10

The story started with good .... till 4 episodes it was ok.. watchable but after that it cliche.... we can other drama same scence...( summer fox drama).. accident... scarifice.... boring... i like friendship between them... but after Romance development friends get split... that was minus...
Its not worth to rewatch

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OMG this drama is pathetic!! I wanted to drop it after 5 6 episodes but decided to give it a try, because of some people claiming it to be good. But i think the low rating is what this drama deserves.
There are SOOOOOOOOOO many characters and you won't understand their role and relationship to each other. Everyone in this drama is connected to each other in some weird ways. Which is TOOOOO much.
I loved the concept in the starting, i loved their freindship but as the series goes on you will question on their friendship. Is this what a true friendship called??? I initially shipped for the lead actor and the actress with long hair. But they introduced the 4th person "tae hye". I don't like their pairing nor the girl (joy)acting.
The story is superrr messy. Its all over the place. It would be great if it was 16epsd. But 32 is too draggy for the story like it.
And i loved the 2nd lead actor the most. He was funny and lively. I enjoyed trio scenes more than sin hye and tae hye. I always skipped their part.
And the main reason i watched till the end is to know the secrets. That's all. Otherwise i keep skipping, because it was torturous.

And about the " Seducting" Part, oh boy! he only have to seduce one girl in whole 32 epsds and that too was not seducing that was flirting just in one epsd and rest are "love".

And i don't understand if you too love each other why the heck you need a bet to get married. Who does that??
And soo jin i loved her acting but i don't understand what she was trying to do.

And everyone has lost their mom or dad something like that. Wowwww what a coincidence!!!
And they are uni friends but they don't have to attend college they just have to hang around, do the betting, drinking and " Seducing".

The whole story after 10 epsd is shin hye and tae hee making , then he insults her...then again follows her, she forgives him and repeat.

THIS DRAMA WAS NOT AT ALL SEDUCTIVE.
the lead actor is not at all seductive. He just eye candy.

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why you should watch tempted/the great seducer

In general, the drama was very good. I liked the way the story turned out and how complex it was. I have to say Soo Ji was my favourite character. I gave it a 9 and not a 10 because the two mains broke up and got back together too easily. Also I started this drama so that I can warm up to other scarier dramas, and it did the job! It made a good bridge between rom-coms and real-life/scary-ish dramas. Not to be rude, but Joy's acting was unnatural for me. It might be because I've seen her with RedVelvet too often, but it bothered me just a little. Not to mention, the soundtrack was amazing! I love the classical music they used.

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This drama has been on my top list to watch!, I like how the photos from this drama shows a dark shade with a creepy, sexy and seductive look! I did not regret watching this drama at all! At first, I thought the character of 'Shi Hyun' was Seo Kang Joon but I was wrong... they both look alike in some angle but damn... he turned me on xD
I loved how his character was created as a villain..e.. such as the bad guy and showed us his true and good side between episode. I don't think I've ever watched a Korean drama that includes making a bet with someone or doing a dare to make someone fall in love. And I liked how this kind of version in a Korean drama is new. It reminds me of that English Movie, 'AFTER'
Anyways, the story of this drama is very intrigued and I like how 'Tae Hee's' character is not some weak ass girl who cries and show those annoying female character. Her personality and features are amazing and as the drama keeps going, it makes me want to keep going and watch more.
I just wish that there was more Rom-Com and Shi Hyun being a bad guy. I wish they added a scene where Shi Hyun went to the club 'there was' and saw her there... or a scene where when they are in a bad state... they went to the club and saw each other... making one another jealous with some random people... I like jealousy scene HAHA I hope I can find this kind of drama somewhere in Korean EHHEHE.
Overall, I kind of feel bad for Se-Joo because it feels like his relationship with them is a one-sided... I wish For more KISSING SCENE TOO :(:(:(
Those three 'Se-Joo, Shi Hyun, and Soo-ji' are a 'SANA ALL' goals for us Young adults. Their friendship is amazing, I wish I can find someone like them...
Nonetheless, I recommend this drama, they 'tempted' ;) me to watch this and I am honored to experience lessons from this drama from the beginning till end.
I'm waiting for Woo Do Hwan' in the drama 'The King: Eternal Monarch' with Lee Min Ho!
<3<3<3
11:11pm 4/11/20

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