Yoon San-ha, Arin, and Yoo Jeong-hoo of 'My Girlfriend is a Manly Guy' led a delightful chemistry in the 'impossibly high-concept gender change romance,' earning viewers' affection from the start.
The first episode of the new KBS2 drama 'My Girlfriend is a Manly Guy' (written by Lee Hae-na, directed by Yoo Kwan-mo, produced by Studio N, Blossom Entertainment, Playground) aired on the 23rd and recorded a 1.7% viewership rating in the metropolitan area and a 1.7% nationwide.
In the first episode, the story unfolds on the day Park Yoon-jae (Yoon San-ha) and Kim Ji-eun (Arin) decide to go on their first trip when Kim Ji-eun suddenly transforms into the handsome Kim Ji-hoon (Yoo Jeong-hoo).
The 'girlfriend admirer' Park Yoon-jae and 'lovable girlfriend' Kim Ji-eun openly express their feelings for each other, sharing romantic kisses in front of Kim Ji-eun's house, showcasing their affection as a loving couple. However, Kim Ji-eun, who was a woman until she went to sleep, wakes up the next morning suddenly transformed into the handsome Kim Ji-hoon, who, horrified by his new appearance, screams in distress. After helping to resolve the misunderstanding with his older sister, Kim Ji-hye (Choi Yoon-ra), due to the couple's 'sister tattoo,' Kim Ji-hoon continues to avoid Park Yoon-jae, but ultimately decides to confess his identity.
Kim Ji-hoon bravely reveals, 'It's me. Ji-eun...' but Park Yoon-jae, who could hardly believe it, mistakes Kim Ji-hoon for Kim Ji-eun's stalker and throws a punch. With tears in his eyes, Kim Ji-hoon takes Park Yoon-jae to Kim Ji-hye and explains that he is originally Kim Ji-eun and is temporarily in a male form due to maternal genetics. Despite the shock, Park Yoon-jae replies, 'I need time' and avoids Kim Ji-hoon, but when Kim Ji-hoon asks him to teach him how to shave, Park Yoon-jae goes to his house to teach him, creating a thrilling two-shot.
Park Yoon-jae is taken aback by Kim Ji-hoon's mannerisms, which are identical to Kim Ji-eun's, as he asks, 'Can't I just eat ramen? Please,' and even notices the food on Kim Ji-hoon's lips, startling him at the resemblance. Feeling overwhelmed, Park Yoon-jae casually asks Lee Min-hyuk (Hyun-jun), whom he works part-time with, 'What would you think if your girlfriend suddenly became a man?' Lee Min-hyuk offers a whimsical suggestion, 'Isn't kissing the cheat code for forbidden love?' As Park Yoon-jae contemplates having a boyfriend who has turned into the male Kim Ji-hoon, he determinedly seeks out Kim Ji-hoon late at night, resolutely stating, 'Let's try it too. Cheat code!' while hinting at a kiss next to the wall, raising curiosity.
In the epilogue, while Park Yoon-jae holds onto his arm, he discovers Kim Ji-eun's figure from Kim Ji-hoon, who tearfully begs, 'Please, can't you believe me just once?' and whispers, 'At that moment, I realized. This guy in front of me is really my girlfriend, Kim Ji-eun,' stirring curiosity.
'My Girlfriend is a Manly Guy' caught attention with its beautiful visuals crafted by director Yoo Kwan-mo's exquisite direction. The watercolor-like soft colors and effects not only maximized the fantasy element of the 'impossibly high-concept gender change romance' but also elevated the freshness of youthful romance and the sweet ambiance, delivering a charming thrill. Furthermore, in the comedic scenes woven into the plot, the bubbly effects provided a pleasant liveliness.
The healing story presented by writer Lee Hae-na also serves as a key to resonate with viewers, heralding the birth of a 'zero-stress' drama. While retaining the concept of 'gender change' from the popular Naver webtoon 'My Girlfriend is a Manly Guy,' it intricately expressed the fateful romance of Park Yoon-jae and Kim Ji-eun and the exploration of love's essence regarding Kim Ji-eun transformed into Kim Ji-hoon, adding dramatic fun. Additionally, stories involving families and friends were incorporated appropriately, completing a heartwarming narrative that resonates.
Meanwhile, Yoon San-ha, Arin, and Yoo Jeong-hoo, who lead the cast, proved their potential as next-generation romantic comedy stars with tailored performances and dazzling visuals. Yoon San-ha and Arin charmingly handled their first-ever kiss scene, creating a fresh excitement through their performances in 'My Girlfriend is a Manly Guy.' Further showcasing his broadened acting spectrum, Yoon San-ha depicted a range from showing off by doing push-ups in front of his younger sister Park Yoon-ah (Lee So-won) the day before their trip to hilariously bumping into a glass wall. Arin perfectly portrayed the essence of a 'lovable girlfriend,' demonstrating a flawless performance and imbuing depth to her character through her casual bickering with her sister Kim Ji-hye and best friend Choi Yoo-ri (Park Ju-won). Yoo Jeong-hoo successfully transformed in his role as Kim Ji-hoon, whose character abruptly transitions from female to male. His portrayal of Kim Ji-hoon's desperate tears and charm convinced the audience. Anticipation is heightened as Chuu, who will appear later as Kang Min-joo, is expected to deliver life-changing performances, elevating expectations for this 'acting gourmet' from youth actors.
Meanwhile, the second episode of the KBS2 new Wednesday-Thursday drama 'My Girlfriend is a Manly Guy' will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 24th.
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