An ordinary college student meets a former K-pop idol in the K-Drama "Doona!", which was released on Oct. 20 on Netflix. The show has since gained popularity, rising to number one on Netflix Korea's Top 10 this month.
The Kdrama's appeal lies in elements of modern-day fantasy. Doona, played by Bae Su-ji (better known as Suzy) as a former member of idol group Dream Sweet, takes over the entire first floor of a college share house and starts flirting with her roommate Won Jun (played by Yang Sejong), who has a crush on another girl. The show is directed by Lee Jung-Hyo, who helmed the internationally acclaimed "Crash Landing on You".
Doona is beautiful and enigmatic, and her dolled-up presence around campus and her forthright advances towards Won Jun - especially the scene where she finally confesses "I love you" - feels almost dreamlike.
Suzy, who in real life was part of K-pop girl group Miss-A, gives a brilliant performance as Doona. The cigarette-smoking, equally sweet and impertinent Doona is reminiscent of Jeon Ji Hyun's tomboyish character in the 2002 movie "My Sassy Girl".
However, Doona's charm alone isn't enough to carry the nine-episode show. Doona and Won Jun's love affair is surprisingly realistic. There are no shocking events and no villains, which is unusual for a K-drama about romance.
Director Lee Jung-hyo said that the webtoon the show is based on, "The Girl Downstairs", didn't have a dramatic storyline so he focused more on Doona and Wonjun's emotions as their relationship developed.
Doona's friends and family are an interesting ensemble. Lee Jin-wook stars as P, who cast adolescent Doona and guided her to fame and Kim Shin-young plays Doona's toxic mom. Go Asung, who plays Doona's rival as a member of Dream Sweet, also has a satisfying character arc.
Won Joon's overly cheerful friend Ira (played by Park Se Wan) seems like an unnecessary, out-of-place addition to the show at first, but her charm shines through near the end.
Audiences looking for a drama-free, understated romance to watch on Netflix, will not be disappointed with "Doona!".
This article was originally published on Oct. 29, 2023.