“The story develops in a daily regular environment, which gives it the change to cover common issues. However, that doesn’t stop the drama from having that touch of fiction with illogic and funny moments.”
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First things first
This review has no spoilers.
I wanted to give this drama a chance because the main actor is Ji Chang-wook, and well, if you know him, you know I’m right by saying he is amazing, and a great actor. His character in this drama is quite different than the ones he usually plays, so I was very curious. I decided to watch the first episode thinking about quitting if it didn’t get my attention, but I must tell you that I don’t regret it. I had so much fun with this series!
Backstreet Rookie, also known as Convenience Store Saet-byul, is a South Korean series of 16 episodes, released on July 19th 2020. It is based on a webtoon called Convenience Store Saet-byul.
Synopsis
Highschool student Jung Saet-byul, was walking down the street with her friends, when they asked a guy passing by, Choi Dae-hyun, to go into a convenience store to buy cigarettes for them, but instead he buys them candy and advises them not to do that again, touching Saet-byul’s heart, so she kisses him. After that event they didn’t see each other again.
Three years later, Dae-hyun quits his job as a company executive and opens a convenience store. Seeing that he needs help, he hires applicant Saet-byul for the night shift.
In general terms
This series was so funny! It’s different from the k-dramas I’m used to watch. It’s a bit sassy, it has street girl fights, among other things; so, it’s not for all audiences.
Saet-byul is a misunderstood girl. In appearance she seems problematic and she was involved in fights since Highschool. But she is actually a very sweet girl; she can’t stand bullies, and she had to take care of her younger sister after their father died. Such circumstances forced her to quit school and find different jobs.
On the other hand, there’s Dae-hyun, a very nice guy, a bit dumb and naïve. He works hard and worries about other people. He decides to give Saet-byul a chance to work for him at the convenience store, but doesn’t trust her much. With time he will learn that appearances can be deceiving.
Why do I recommend Backstreet Rookie?
The comedy
This series made me laugh a lot. It’s very funny in every episode. I haven’t seen much dramas like this, so it was a pleasant surprise. The main characters’ friends, Dae-hyun’s parents, among others, are fun to watch.
The drama
The story is quite funny, but it also touches sensitive issues like bullying, social differences, injustice; as well as the value of friendship, trust and honesty.
There is a scene where Dae-hyun’s parents are having dinner together after a horrible experience they had. They were crying the whole time, while they were talking about other things, trying to leave behind how they felt. That was a very touching event and made me cry with them during the entire scene.
The characters
There’s a variety of characters that give you different emotions. You have to meet them to understand what I’m talking about. Besides de main characters that I already mentioned, are the ones with great energy that you end up liking a lot, like Dae-hyun’s best friend, Saet-byul’s best friends, Dae-hyun’s mom, among others. Or, the characters that manage to make you dislike them a lot, like Dae-hyun’s girlfriend, her mom, her coworkers…
The plot
The story develops in a daily regular environment, which gives it the change to cover common issues. However, that doesn’t stop the drama from having that touch of fiction with illogic and funny moments.
A little ending note
I recommend Backstreet Rookie because it’s very funny. It’s a romantic comedy that will make you laugh, cry a bit, and enjoy the acting of the main cast.
Ji Chang-wook is one of my favorite actors, and if you also like him, you will see a different side of his work that only reassures the excellent actor he is. If you’ve seen this drama, I’d love to know your thoughts!
Xoxo,
MJ
*Pics taken from Pinterest and Twitter.
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