Drama Review: Backstreet Rookie

16

Rating

★★★★

Duration

1 Hrs 10 Mins

Episodes

16

Drama Digest

“Backstreet Rookie” is a 2020 Korean drama based on the Webtoon “Convenience Store Saet-Byul” written by Hwalhwasan. The story is about a high school part-timer, who excels in her job, and manager of a convenience store. Two people work together to keep a convenience store open.

The Feel-Good Part

The show is a fun ride. The best part of the show was the character development and the decisions made by the characters. The story is simple and entertaining. It has elements of humor and will make you laugh. This is a feel-good drama that will surely make you smile. The plot is generic, but the performances of the cast take it to a greater height. The drama reflects on people’s lives not in a high school way but in a different genre. Even without intimate scenes, the two leads had strong chemistry.

The Disappointing Factor

The show had some controversies after releasing two episodes which were provided as a downfall. The plot of the show is weak, and it does not have any unique storyline to keep the viewers hooked.

In-Depth Analysis

The lead characters of the drama are Jung Saet Byul and Dae Hyun. Three years ago, Dae Hyun is dumped by his then-girlfriend. He suddenly encounters high school girl Saet Byul with fantastic fighting skills. She approaches him to buy cigarettes for her, as she is a minor. Instead, Dae Hyun gives her candy and a long lecture. She feels grateful for that gesture and kisses him and they part ways there. After three years, Dae Hyun now manages his family-owned convenience store but has to overwork for multiple shifts, which makes him sleep-deprived. Because of that, he struggles with daily operations. High school girls often come and take pictures with him, but the store makes no significant profit. To keep the business afloat, his father asks him to hire a part-timer to help with the store. And to a surprise, the only applicant that turns up is Saet Byul and Dae Hyun hired her on a probationary.

Star Power

The cast for the show is flawless and provides fantastic chemistry. The show received most of the recognition for the charming Ji Chang Wook, who played Dae Hyun. Kim Yoo Jung played a captivating female lead. Their outstanding compatibility made fans wish to see more of them in future Korean dramas.

Overall Opinion

Overall, it is a light-hearted and feel-good drama that doesn’t need significant investment. The storyline is simple and nothing outstanding, but will provide you with the right amount of humor and romance that is necessary. The show can be watched on bad days and even better days to lift your mood. But after 16 long episodes, it won’t be useless watching it.