Celebrity (2023)

Good but not great

Hmm... I don't quite like the drama but I don't hate it either. This is one of those dramas that focus a lot on the behind-the-scenes of a celebrity world (in this case influencer), the rich and the famous. To a certain degree, I am happy people are putting so much light into "what you see on social is really not the full truth" but at the same time, I find this narrative a little overused.

I agree, to this day, people are still obsessed over materialism, trying to reach for what other people have, but this kind of plot has been infused in way too many dramas in the modern world. It's to a point where I kind of guessed the ending.

The investment put into the set, costume, cast and production is really good. As expected with drama of this genre, they put a lot of thought into the fashion and makeup. I guess if you're into trends and fashion, this would be a pretty good inspiration.

The parts where I feel kind of "meh" is when the FL stood out of the crowd (several times) apparently "portraying authenticity" by standing her ground and not be bullied, only to end up catching the Prince Charming's attention. Pretty Cinderella in a place where she doesn't belong, sounds familiar isn't it? I find her contradicting herself pretty often too. She would voluntarily attend most of these social events where people she obviously dislikes would be present only to showcase her displeasure and disinterest at being there. It's as though she would purposely go to these events to pass a message, "You rich people are fake and think too highly of yourselves. I am a woman of strong principles who is real and different from all of you" and then catwalk out of the event venue.

Honest thoughts? Cool, yes. Overrated, also yes.

They were kind of hasty towards the end, too. This "-bbbfamous" was built up from the beginning of the drama. You would think it is someone very important or familiar, expecting a major plot twist only to reveal a very minor character. The message I've gotten out of this plot is pretty thought provoking though. These haters behind the screen, how twisted their minds must be to care so much about a stranger, putting so much effort, energy and time just to hate a person. The lives they live and the things that they go through, for them to create so much negativity in their heads, must be horrible. The fact that people find more comfort in bringing other people down than rooting for the people near them is quite scary.

I like the message they are trying to bring out but it's quite mediocre in general

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Somewhat disappointed

To be honest I didn't even know about this show until I saw the edits on Han Junkyung's character. And after watching the show Kang minhyuk was the only person that I liked. Let's hear my thoughts in details...

Acting...
All the actors did their best to portray their characters and they succeeded. It's not like some jaw dropping acting but yeah they weren't bad. They were decent, like how they are supposed to be.


Character....
In terms of character design... what can I say... nothing fresh, nothing new... Infact the two main characters seemed like those old school drama main leads.
The character Han Junkyung, his attitude towards other people seemed really impressive but when he is with Seo ari, he becomes like those typical old school drama chaebol ML who, the moment he gets his eye on a poor but charming (in his eyes) FL, he is gonna be stand by 24/7 to help her and be her knight in shining armour. (Yeah... So creative 😒)

The character of Seo ari didn't impress my either. Her character is like those typical FL as well, who for no reason has to raise her voice and fight for justice. I mean seriously... This troup is way too old that it has become boring now. In my opinion, she just seemed to love trampling on rich people with her words. The only think positive about her is that she is not pitiful doormat type.

Yoon Siyeon... For her character, the writer could do so many things... Until the last ep I thought there has to be some dark side of her... But the writer just left her the way she was. She seemed so bland and depressed... (I know her circumstances may be the reason for that depression.. but still it was bland) It seemed like her only purpose in this drama was to help the FL who she just met recently.

The other characters were not so special, typical villains who tried to harm the main leads, that's it. One thing I wonder, why do the have make the addicts go full platinum blonde in the finale?(like Lee Sara in glory)

bbbfamous... Whoa! That's the character that I am the most disappointed with. The whole series there was a tension about who this character is... But what did we get? Some random character who just dropped before the finale? That's just lazy writing... Not a plot twist at all. Me as a viewer didn't connect with her at all. She just seemed like an unknown random psychopath. If the writer wanted us to be surprised then you have to give that character proper screen time, so that we viewers will think that 'Yeah! There's that girl too. I didn't even realise that.' But what did we get! Before this revelation, I thought Siyeon was bbb... (That would be quite surprising plot twist, in my opinion. She had some grudge against Seo ari because of her entanglement with Junkyung and also the power to know the secrets of other influencers. That would make so much sense)

BGM...
Background music was okay.

Rewatch value...
I would rather watch other dramas on my list.

Overall, it's not a bad kdrama... There is enough drama to keep you want to watch this drama. But the ending just didn't meet my expectations.

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10+ plot holes and 0 character development

i am always sceptical of netflix original series since they’re usually trash. so going into this show blind, i didn’t have any expectations AT ALL! but it was surprisingly intriguing

from the start, it was implied that seo ari was supposed to be dead. but she went live on ig one day and we were left wondering if she was really alive. i was mostly curious about why and how she died, how she survived, and i also wanted to know bbbfamous’ true identity. those were my motivation to complete this drama.

although i found this drama quite entertaining overall, there were many plot holes in the story especially towards the end that i could not simply turn a blind eye to. there were also a lot of montage in the beginning, where the PPL came in. it was awkwardly obvious lol

furthermore, character development was nowhere to be seen in this drama. ok, our fl did have a tiiiiiiiiny bit of character development. but the others? they were just too busy with themselves and their follower count.

moving on to the one thing i hate the most from this drama: the characters were screaming, yelling and throwing things every time they had the chance. it was not a makjang drama, so why were they acting like that? chaehee was the character who contributed the most scream and yell in this drama. she was extremely annoying and childish. all she did was complaining and wining *go away negative energy* or were those the side effects of her drug addiction? *eye emoji*

anyway, i was surprised when it was revealed that ari’s bff was one of her haters. but i was even MORE surprised seeing ari accepting her lame excuse. unless ari was a saint, it made no sense. if i were ari, my feelings would have hurt hundred times more than the hate comments written by netizens. because not only that she left hate comments, she had an exclusive hate account for ari. what a snake!

the romance between ari and joonkyung had so much potential tbh. but since the focus of the drama was not romance, i couldn’t ask for more

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The online dystopian community exposed

I am wary of the whole online opinion makers who rush to trash people for their own gratification. The individuals who make the deliberate choice to become online influencers are also a mystery to me.

I started watching this drama out of curiosity, similar to reading the gossip magazine found in a doctors waiting room, and discovered a world previously unknown to me.

I liked that the FL had a pretty gamin beauty, like Audrey Hepburn or Audrey Tatou, fresh and vulnerable. This made her likeable and watchable and her wardrobe choices are terrific. She is depicted as having a great instinct for fashion and this is what sets her apart from the other females who we learn have less desirable traits. The men are shown to be quite misogynistic even the main love interest believes he should save the FL because she is out of her league.

I am not very drawn to revenge motives, however, as the drama unfolds and Ah Ri's online narration reveals all the background machinations, lies and personal attacks I was lured into needing to know more. There are many twists and reveals and some heart pounding moments that kept me watching.

The acting is okay and the plot-line exaggerated for dramatic effect but if you can let yourself suspend logic and just enjoy this distorted view of an online community bent on creating a luxury illusion you will be entertained.

The online dystopian community is exposed everyday where public personas are destroyed overnight by a cacophony of keyboard armies spewing their hate and outrage into the void. I find this tale a good warning of what might be going on in the world of fashion influencers.

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Capitalism is the problem

It's one of those dramas where everyone's an asshole.
Probably Ari's brother is the one that is not actively an asshole, but he was hardly in the story.

They chose to go for an anonymous hater, with no real motive who represents the working class, instead of addressing the real issue with this stratification of society. Calling someone with depression and someone who clearly sees the disparity in society a nut job is dismissive, offensive and villainizing. It was a choice to make her a hater. It was a choice not to go to the root of the problem.

Their self-importance remains unchanged in the end. They didn't learn anything.
I do know there are a lot of online haters and trolls but social media is only a reflection of society. If we cared for the people and solved the disparities there would be a lot less hate. Many people are mad at the disparities and don't have the tools to figure out why they're mad. This drama made it seem like a jealousy problem instead of the real issue, which is inequality, that derives from some having access to privilege and also from salary theft.

The love interest (I can't consider him a male lead. He wasn't a lead in the story) said if it wasn't for him his workers would be unemployed, so he doesn't mind providing them with undignified work because, for him, he's being charitable. We don't need charity, we need proper salaries and proper jobs and we need the rich to pay a fairer amount of taxes that will support a strong network of social services. Then no one needs to die because they can't afford food, healthcare or even a house.
We all know millionaires and billionaires don't provide for more work or for more money to be in circulation, they are hoarders of wealth. Trickle-down economics doesn't work, and there's no such thing as an ethical rich person, just like we saw, those rich influencers weren't ethically created as well.

Social media is a way to numb the working force and to make sure we don't organise and create a fairer world. They kept saying throughout the drama that life is unfair. Yes, life is unfair, but knowing the root of the issue helps us create a fairer world. If you were going to talk about inequality, you should have gone to the root cause. I believe art has the power to conduct change and this drama could have been a spark in that direction.

It was a good mystery drama. It was annoying, especially for someone who doesn't care about influencers, like me. It was a good social commentary, but it will go over people's heads if they aren't aware of the root causes of our social imbalance. With all the fascist propaganda going around, I'm assuming that it will be a lot of people.

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the dark underbelly of social media

Celebrity Kdrama is a thrilling and fast-paced series that delves into the dark and mysterious world of social media. The story revolves around e-celebrities and the potential dangers they face from their anonymous online haters. With only 12 episodes, each running for 45 minutes, the drama wastes no time in delivering an intense and captivating narrative.

From the very first scene, Celebrity Kdrama grabs the audience's attention and keeps them hooked until the closing credits. The plotline is filled with unexpected twists, making it difficult to predict what will happen next. The element of anonymity on social media is skillfully explored, showcasing the power it gives to individuals to accuse and target others without consequences.

One of the standout aspects of the series is the stellar cast, which predominantly features well-known actors and actresses, lending an air of authenticity to the e-celebrity theme. It's exciting to see familiar faces taking on these complex roles, enhancing the connection between the viewers and the characters they portray.

Furthermore, the drama doesn't shy away from highlighting the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world. The stunning fashion and aesthetics are a feast for the eyes, making it difficult for viewers to look away.

Another commendable aspect is the captivating cinematography that beautifully captures the essence of both the celebrities' glamorous lives and the dark underbelly of social media. The camera work adds an extra layer of intrigue and suspense to the story, making it visually appealing throughout.

In conclusion, Celebrity Kdrama is a gripping and engaging series that effectively explores the hazards of social media and the precarious lives of e-celebrities. With its alluring cast, captivating storyline, and mesmerizing visuals, this drama is a must-watch for anyone looking for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

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Recommended

Wow, Celebrity is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling and captivating South Korean dramas I have ever watched! From start to finish, it had me on the edge of my seat, eagerly anticipating each clever plot twist and revelation. This unique blend of thriller, mystery, and drama truly sets it apart from other shows in its genre.

What I loved most about Celebrity was how it served as a constant reminder of the importance of being a private person and focusing on oneself, despite the negative opinions and judgments of others. The character development was exceptional, as we witness the main protagonist's transformation into a strong and determined individual who refuses to let others dictate her worth.

The plot was incredibly well-structured, with each episode leaving me more hooked than the last. The writers skillfully balanced intense moments of suspense with heartfelt and emotional scenes, making it an emotionally fulfilling viewing experience. The cast performed brilliantly, effortlessly bringing their characters to life and adding an extra layer of depth to the already engaging storyline.

What sets Celebrity apart is its ability to make viewers reflect on their own lives. This drama inspired me to reevaluate my priorities and encouraged me to focus on myself and my own happiness, rather than constantly seeking validation from others. It served as a powerful reminder that we should never let the negative opinions and pressures of society overshadow our true potential.

Overall, Celebrity is a must-watch for all fans of the thriller, mystery, and drama genres. Its compelling storyline, exceptional acting, and thought-provoking themes make it an incredibly enjoyable and worthwhile watch. Prepare to be enthralled, inspired, and truly moved by this outstanding South Korean drama!

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Good storyline but the characters felt hollow

The plot line of this story was great. I loved how each episode dug into a different part of influencer culture and the dark side of being famous. Even though the content was satirical, it still depicted what the lives of influencers might be like. I loved Ari, she was so chic and badass, but it seemed like she was the only character that was fleshed out.
The male lead was also a total flop. He had no character or personality. I hated him from the beginning because he was so arrogant, and the comment he made about his servants being out of a job if he didn’t let her take off his shoes was just distasteful. He had no character arch either, it seemed that he was arrogant for the first few episodes and then all of a sudden, that was all gone and he was just some guy who was into the female lead. He was so boring, and had no plot function other than helping Ari whenever she got into legal trouble. Their relationship wasn’t explored at all, and it just seemed kind of pointless. The show honestly could have been fine without a romance side plot because it was barely there as is.
All the side characters seemed great but they really fell flat when it came to character development. I wish the episodes had gone more into each character’s backstory and how they became famous/the dark and dirty things they had to do to get to the top just like Ari did. Although they mentioned a few times that the other girls had done bad things to become famous, I wish they had shown flashbacks or just given these characters more backstory. They really fell flat and it was hard to connect with or like them when there was no character.
This drama had 12 episodes which should have been enough to develop a deeper plot and characters but somehow they just didn’t. I still enjoyed the story but I think it had much more potential.

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watch this, even if you are not a kdrama fan...

I started watching kdrama some months ago... And I became a fan of that... I watched a lot of dramas within those months... But this is the first time I'm giving a review... When i started watching celebrity, I thought that, It would be like other dramas... Obviously every drama has their own stories and those are well enough... But I never get that thrill from others, before watching this... This is really different from the others... And I liked it very much...The background music, acting, story lines all are so good... So I'm telling those people, who read my review, watch this once and shear your feelings as well...I just shared my feelings what i felt after watching Celebrity... so I'm telling you to watch this, even if you are not a kdrama fan...

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i freaking loved it sm oh my fuckung god
the story is about seo ari who went from rich to poor and after meeting her hs friend after a long time (she is an e celeb now) she starts getting pushed into the influencer world and becomes popular very fast. however good things come with a price and thats how her life starts getting derailed.
i kinda like how nowadays there are so jany series which show us the truth of the online world but then again my trust issues are becoming higher lmao. this was kinda educational and i loved the rush of thrill throughout the whole series, the thriller was sooo good.
the tension between junkyoung and ari was unimaginable too ugh. i loved them sm i need more of them cries.
all in all. very good show with awesome osts and a solid plot. i do think the end couldve been longer tho but overall awesome

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