Greetings! Unlike my previous review about W, which is more of a drama, this review will be much calmer. It is not a suspenseful story, nor does it have much of a heavy plotline. But it has equally beautiful aspects to look out for. And yes, it is related to sports, especially weightlifting. In this review, we will explore a different world. Let’s take a look at the Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

Alternative Names: Kim Bok Joo, 역도요정 Air Date: November 16, 2016 to January 13, 2017. Number Of Episodes: 16 episodes ( 60 minutes ) Cast: Lee Sung Kyung as Kim Book Joo & Nam Joo Hyuk as Jung Joon Hyung.

Information Source Here.  Reviews

Synopsis

The life of Olympic Medalist Jan Mi Rang is the inspirational factor for this drama.

The drama revolves around college students; namely athletes Kim Bok Joo ( weightlifting ) and Jung Joon Hyung ( swimming ) and their lives. Kim Bok Joo is a single child raised by her father, a former weightlifter and her uncle who run a Chicken Restaurant. On the other hand, Jung Joon Hyung is a swimmer who starts experiencing trauma during the start of his matches. It is a result of finding out the truth that the letters sent to him by his mother were actually written by his aunt. In conclusion, the drama focuses on their sports lives and the budding romance.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review Points

Plot Line And Comedy – Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

The story is simple. There is no fantasy factor or any corporate world individuals in this. In other words, the settings are very realistic and ordinary. Now, this may seem bland to a few viewers, but the comedy makes up for it considerably. For a good example, the tension between the weightlifters and the gymnasts makes the drama feel more light and enjoyable. And if that isn’t enough, there are always the various antics of the main characters as well as the supporting characters in the story. Or the “swag” punchline. 😙

Another notable factor is the characters in this Korean drama. Kim Bok Joo has that raw yet ambitious personality. Often, she tends to hide her fragility under her hard exterior. She is also the type to stick up for herself and others, which really highlights a positive message in my opinion. Similarly, Joon Hyung is also an amazing character. This is mainly because you can see the character development in him as the story progresses. He is shown to be supportive and understanding at times, a fun-loving personality during others. This really enhances the essence of the story.

Besides that, the supporting characters also add to this narrative. Most notably Jo Tae Kwon ( Joon Hyung’s friend ) with his bubbly attitude and Nan Hee ( Bok Joo’s friend ) with her overly romantic fantasies sometimes crack up the situations. Therefore, if you are looking for non-stop comedy, this is a must watch. It is the type of drama that will leave you with a refreshing feeling afterwards.

[spoiler title=’Spoiler’ style=’orange’ collapse_link=’true’]This may be a bit of a spoiler, but it is also a major part of the plot: Bok Joo and her Jae Yi fantasies and attempts. Mate, that was way too cringe, but sweet at the same time; especially when Joon Hyung found out and tried to blackmail her with it. I think those were the episodes I enjoyed the most. And even Ah Young is a lovely addition to the drama. But I feel bad for her when Jae Yi is so clueless. I don’t blame her for giving up midway honestly.[/spoiler]

Cons

If we consider the fact that this drama is inspired by a real-life Olympic Player, it doesn’t focus much on the sports. Rather, it focuses more on the college romance, with a secondary storyline of Bok Joo’s weightlifting journey. I was hoping to see something better when I watched this drama. So, somehow, that was a bit off-putting for me.

At times, Lee Sung Kyung overly expresses herself; she tends to over exaggerate her facial expressions and body language. It becomes annoying after a while.

With respect to the ending of the series, it doesn’t finish off with a ‘bang’ like other dramas. The episode starts out lightly like every other episode in the series. For some, this may be a pro or even a con; but honestly, I felt that it was a realistic ending. Not too much, not too less. Just simple. Which is exactly what makes Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo a sweet, watchable series.

The Gold Medals Of Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo: Notable Characters 

Si Ho And Her Struggles – Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

Another string of amazing characters! It would be unfair not to mention Si Ho in this drama. In Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo, Si Ho is a gymnast and the ex-girlfriend of Joon Hyung. You would expect there to be a love triangle moment, but there isn’t. Not for long. I like how the producers focused on her as more than just an ex-girlfriend. They focused on her more as a gymnast and the struggles she had. It really highlights some of the troubles people go through, and I am glad that they gave Si Ho her own arc. Major props to that.

The Unbreakable Friendship – Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

What is college life without a group of amazing friends? You know the type of friends who support you through the good and bad? The type that may be difficult at times, but will help you no matter what? Well, Bok Joo, Nan Hee and Seon Ok are one such unbreakable trio. Despite there being times where they were being difficult to handle, Nan Hee and Seon Ok are very supportive and caring for Bok Joo. Plus point for them!

The Guiding Coach – Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

Lastly, I’d like to mention the coach Choi. She was so great! And probably one of the most caring and kind-hearted coaches I have ever seen. There have been two instances where she has sacrificed herself for the students. Not only that, she even took responsibility for her actions.

[spoiler title=’Spoiler’ style=’orange’ collapse_link=’true’]1. When Bok Joo finally confesses her reasons for joining the weight clinic, Choi ends up consoling her in a beautiful way. 2. When the police charge Woon Ki for punching the taxi driver, and he is not able to pay himself, the coach steps in and uses the School Funds. She takes up full responsibility and ends up losing her job. All while keeping Woon Ki’s secret safe. Isn’t she the best coach or what?[/spoiler]

Although she may be hard on them ( a lot ), these qualities make her one hell of a character in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo. Not to mention her dangerous drinking habits ( very dangerous 😂 ). I feel like her arc was not thought out well, but keeping that aside, she is really worth the mention here.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review – Conclusion

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In conclusion, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a lovely, relatable and enjoyable Korean drama. It will make you laugh continuously; sometimes it will make you relate to every factor of it. In a nutshell, I recommend it for those looking out for a light breather drama. A “swag” series 😉.

I hope you enjoyed my Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review; if you did, please do drop a comment below. I’d like to know your views on it!

You can also check out my previous review of W : Two Worlds.

( By the way, did you know Lee Jong Suk makes a cameo appearance for W in this drama? 😉)