Tempted

Episodes: 32 

Synopsis: 

To write a synopsis for this drama is not very easy. For starters, this is a melodrama. There is romance and comedy but there is also tragedy and angst. This drama focuses on four main characters as they fall in love, manipulate love and their loved ones, and emotionally lash out at others. It is a story that is rooted in passion, temptation, and also revenge. When Choi Soo Ji gets humiliated and hurt by a man, she immediately seeks help from her two best friends Kwon Shi Hyun and Lee Se Joo to hurt that man's first love. She manages to convince her friends to work together and have Kwon Shi Hyun seduce the independent, soft-natured Eun Tae Hee. As Shi Hyun begins to seduce Eun Tae Hee, he finds himself falling for her as she begins to fall for him. Thus the drama begins as their fake act of romance turns real and friendships go sour. All in all, it is a great drama and the name "Tempted" is fairly appropriate.

Review:

This drama was thoroughly entertaining to watch as it was a perfect mix of drama, tragedy, comedy, and romance. While this drama does have its flaws, I think I appreciated the drama's pros more.

         I really enjoyed the acting in this drama. A lot of people seemed to dislike Joy's acting as Eun Tae Hee at times but I personally feel like she did a great job. Emotions were conveyed very well between actors and I feel like they all really understood their roles well. I did notice the chemistry between Kwon Shi Hyun and Eun Tae Hee slowly diminish as their love story dragged on but at that point, I was already too emotionally invested in their relationship to turn away. Also, the characters in this drama are so distinct, unique, and brilliant in their own ways. You can hate them but you can also love them; you cannot believe them but you also understand them. I loved this because nobody is truly perfect and this drama shows that. Everyone believes that what they are doing is right but they don't realize the full extent of their situation at times. I also really loved this drama because while there were many toxic friendships and relationships in this drama, the drama did not sugarcoat it or romanticize it. They make it very clear that it is wrong and manipulative...even if you understand why it is the way it is. I think it is healthy to have representations of toxic friendships/relationships and have it blatantly stated as unhealthy. For instance in episode 14, Shi Hyun warns Soo Ji to not push him to his limits and to not "use friendships like weapons." 

         The romance between Eun Tae Hee and Kwon Shi Hyun was actually pretty cute, even when I knew it was all an act at the beginning. I think it was interestingly portrayed in this drama as the lines of the relationship gets blurred as Kwon Shi Hyun begins to fall in love for real. The pool scene in episode 11 was truly a big step for Kwon Shi Hyun as he slowly realizes that he's in too deep in this bet and it might fall apart on him as he's actually catching feelings. It was also an amazing scene to witness Eun Tae Hee's strength when she confronts Choi Soo Ji. Choi Soo Ji acts the way she does due to circumstances, not necessarily because she is a bad person. However, that doesn't excuse her actions. She often puts on a pity party in order to have things go her way and will do anything to get what she wants. (Soo Ji is honestly a Slytherin Queen). So it was so refreshing to see her try to put on a pity party show about how she has this big secret to Eun Tae Hee and have Tae Hee shut her down with: "I don't care if you tell me the secret. The thing about a secret is that it's a big deal for the person who tells the secret but it means nothing to other people. (Ooooo girl!!)

         But I really appreciated Kwon Shi Hyun's relationship with Eun Tae Hee because they sort of become each other's rocks. It also was fascinating to see the character development. Like for instance Shi Hyun used to act cold and suave when he was trying to get her for the bet, but as he fell for her he became more vulnerable (episode 13) and also more willing to open up to her and cry in front of her (like in episode 15 when he didn't have to pretend to be okay in front of her). Tae Hee on the other hand used to not really take the time to open up and be vulnerable as well. But she's finally able to show that cute side with Shi Hyun and she also has someone to watch out for her, motivate her to do well in school and in fitness, and so forth. The other main relationship is between Se Joo and Soo Ji. They had a fairly toxic relationship/friendship but they were supportive of each other's toxic ways. However, they truly grew together as well and they also helped support each other and protect one another. Se Joo probably deserved better but who's to say Soo Ji isn't the one for him...especially since he knew her over the years and knows what kind of person she can be. 

            The plot was pretty solid. There were parts that dragged and the ending felt a bit rushed. But it was still satisfying as everyone ended up with who the audience expected them to end up with (or at least who the audience thought was  healthy for the characters). I also really liked the fashion in this drama. I stan Choi Soo Ji and Eun Tae Hee's fashion sense so much. Pretty good drama, overall. I enjoyed it.