XX Korean drama review

 

Drama name: XX/ Blue Moon
Country: South Korea
Year: Jan- Feb 2020

I stumbled across this drama after Good Casting ended. (Which reminds me I forgot to do a review on that!) Was surfing the channels looking for something to watch and this was airing. I missed a little bit of the beginning, so I went online to search for it... and ended up watching all five episodes! :D Well, actually ten episodes of half an hour each so it became just five on TV. 

So, what's this drama about? 

Basically, it's about two best friends who fell apart when one girl decided to sleep with the other girl's boyfriend and they meet again after five years. Yes, it's that simple. Haha! 

Yoon Na Na, a talented bartender who has won several awards, now works in a speakeasy bar named XX. (For those who wonder what is speakeasy, it's like a hidden type of hip place where you can only find on site, based on recommendations) Na Na's dream is to take over XX bar someday. She has been saving up to buy it but it will take another three years to do so. 

Lee Roo Mi is rich girl, who owns a famous trendy bar named Number A, wants to expand her business. She has her eyes on XX. She finds out that Na Na is working there as the head bartender and the two girls meet for the first time after five years. Roo Mi offers Na Na a job at her other bar but Na Na refuses. 

Na Na gets a shock the very next day when her boss told her that he had sold the bar. Na Na waits for the new owner to come and Roo Mi walks in the door. Yes, she bought XX bar. The horror! 

The story goes on with Na Na having to deal with Roo Mi as well as their complicated past. 

Overall thoughts

It's a simple story line but the cast acted really well. The emotions and reactions were realistic and not over the top. The cinematography is excellent too. 

Best parts of the drama

XX bar of course! It is a minimal budget drama so most of the scenes are in small locations which is really nice, adding to the overall feel of the show. 

Na Na's new bff, Wang Jung Deun a.k.a. Jayden Wang... haha! Their friendship goals is every girl's dream... 

The graphic design for each episode, it's so creative... love it... 

For the hopeless romantics, don't fret... there is a sweet romance in this short drama. Na Na's colleague, Dan Hee or Danny is really cute. He has a crush on Na Na since day one he met her... and he worked his way to be beside her all these years. I like how he took it nice and slow in dealing with Na Na. He gave her time and space, getting to know her first... really sweet. 

Notable scenes

When Na Na tries to help Roo Mi when Roo Mi's cheating boyfriend shames her in the alley... 

Then followed by the showdown by Roo Mi herself in the hotel... epic... 

Conclusion

As all stories build up to a climax, the real bad guy appears. Yes, it was the no good ex-boyfriend shows up. Na Na and Roo Mi had to overcome each of their own struggles in order to work together. 

The show ends with a good ending, the girls reconciled their friendship and they put that sleazy ex-guy away for good. 

I really liked this drama. The OST is great too, especially when that particular song comes on... you know something badass is gonna happen! Will definitely recommend this just for the overall vibe of the show. It's a short drama, you probably could just watch it in one sitting! :D 

One drawback which I agree with some comments online, that they didn't expand much on Jayden's ex who appeared at the last episode. I guess the writer just wanted to leave something hanging so that it could be continued or spin-off someday, maybe. 

That's it for now. Will leave you with Na Na and Danny, with a sweet smile... This is what a smile should look like when you see someone you love or crushing on... not some creepy ass stalker smile under an umbrella in Backstreet Rookie! Hahaha!! Yes, you knew I would make that snipe... XD