Romance is a bonus book: Kdrama Review

I finished watching the drama Romance is a bonus book. I started watching the drama after I saw a few clips of the actor, Lee Jong Suk that caught my attention. And also the title was something that really caught my eye. It was different, catchy and mysterious. This show has been the longest Korean show for me in terms of the time I took to finish it. It is beyond 1 month, not because it was boring but because I was busy. But yes, stretching it over such long period may have made it a little less interesting for me.

The story is about a woman named Kang Dan-i who is desperately trying to comeback as an advertising copywriter after years of break. Her best friend is Cha Eun-ho who is a successful author and a senior editor at a publishing company. During her difficult phase, Cha Eun-ho tries to help Dan-i overcome her personal and professional obstacles. Slowly both realise their underlying feelings for each other and how romance is just a bonus on their everlasting friendship.

The first 2 episodes were really really interesting. Like I said not a lot Kdramas start of with a bang for me. I need to dig deep into the story first. But this one did it for me. The actress has played the character absolutely beautifully. She feels irreplaceable (although I don’t know a ton of kdrama actresses).
The first few episodes were so realistic, I could actually relate to her story and her struggles to make her comeback, wanting to do something for herself after a long time. It was touching. When I learnt about how the two of them became friends, I thought that Eun-ho should have done a lot more. (Spoiler Alert!) I mean the person saved your life, made you a successful writer. You should be indebted.
I realised later that not only did he do a lot for her, he thought a lot for her too. A guy or a friend may do a lot for you but they may not always think for you. This made Eun-ho different.

Anyhow, the show in general made me learn a lot about books, what goes into making them, behind the scenes of publishing. It made me realise it’s not as easy as it seems. And also I had a new found respect for books even the ones I don’t like. There is so much backstory to a book and so many people involved, it is actually matter of life for some people. The deadlines and how people relentlessly work for it like it’s their baby. This is writer’s gold.

The marketing ideas discussed are unique and something I haven’t seen, if not new. I really loved them, it was an eye opener. There is an epilogue at the end of the episode which includes quotes and captions by the characters. This in my opinion is such a nice way to kind of take the story forward or reflect on something in past but from a different perspective. The comic scenes induced in between are not so subtle but they do make you smile if not laugh. Something’s however were highlighted more than necessary like the writer’s story, it kind of became more important than the characters itself. The protagonist’s child was dropped from the picture altogether only to be talked of at the end, which gives it a round end but does not look realistic. It makes me wonder if she talked to her child the whole time? Not even told her daughter about her boyfriend?
I really like how they have used the ‘Moon is Beautiful’ phrase. How Eun-ho used it to convey I love you to Dan-i. How they even used it to thank the viewers for watching the show. It reminds me of the phrase ‘I purple you’ from BTS.

I am not a big fan of ost from drama. It wasn’t something I listened to again and again. And for some reason unbeknownst to me, I kept picturing Dan-i and Eun-ho more as best friends than lovers, maybe because their friendship was real solid and enduring.

I liked the ending it was really soft and deep. It talked about how we should be like a book and the book we are may not be liked by some but it will also be loved by some. Be a book for someone.

All in all, it was a great drama with a good and different storyline. If you like thoughtful dramas, books, or are struggling professional, this one might just be for you. It definitely makes up on my must watch list if not the top ones.

The drama teaches us that life is about giving second chances even to yourself.

Why Watch it?

• If you like bestfriend to lovers dram theme
• If you are a Lee Jong-Suk fan
• If you are a Lee Na-young fan as she has comeback with a bang
• To explore friendships, books and life
• If you wish to watch something deep and thoughtful along with a bit of humour

Find out more about the drama here