Drama Digest
This drama surrounds the various love stories and terrifying horrors found at the infamous Redsome coffee shop. Our story follows Hari, the hardworking barista of the coffee shop who started working to buy a gift for Gang Rim. However, she soon comes to realize the couples that visit Redsome coffee shops are a bit odd, and the scenarios that follow these couples seem a bit peculiar. Watch as she uncovers various mysteries surrounding the supernatural occurrences within the shop and the multiple storylines that follow the couples that visit. Filled to the brim with romance, comedy, spine-chilling horror elements, and supernatural phenomena, watch this drama which is truly unlike any other.
The Feel-Good Part
The show is a fresh and exciting take on the horror romance genre. The incorporation of comedy in the drama allows it to have an incredible relatability and edge that many other romance and horror dramas do not have. The characters are sweet, and the Redsome cafe makes for some gorgeous interactions that cannot be replicated elsewhere. Because the show centers around several couples and their lives, there is not a single episode where you feel bored. Each fresh and new story is truly unique. The episodes of the show are 10 minutes long, which allows you to binge-watch the entire show in a day, and its short form means that it does not have any filler plots or empty spaces, so you can truly enjoy the main aspects of each episode.
The Disappointing Factor
There are moments in the drama where the horror and comedy tropes do not blend well. While romance remains the central point within the show, the comedy and horror elements are hit or miss. However, it is still a commendable effort to blend these two genres into one drama. Some of the stories feel a bit childish and immature, and in true drama fashion, it does feel a bit surface-level. There may be points within the show where you miss the horror aspects as the promotional material for this drama does not showcase any sense of impending doom or horror. While the episodic format does allow you to see new stories every episode, it does not allow you to stay genuinely invested in the couples. If you wish to get invested in the stories where we get a full fleshed-out couple, then a 10-minute short is not for you.
In-Depth Analysis
While the show is a fresh take on romance dramas, it does fall back on romance tropes and ends up feeling a bit dated. But it is great to see the potential that a show like this can have. Mixing genres is not something new, and when done right, it can be amazing. The same can be said for Hearts and Hari. There are a few problems, but for the most part, it is a pretty exciting watch all around.
Star Power
Park Ji Ye plays the titular Goo Ha Ri, and she is truly the central focus and best part of the show. She doesn’t feel one note or boredom and acts as a vessel through which the audience experiences the various stories of the drama. Park Ji Ye’s acting is top-notch. She has starred in several other dramas, such as Mistress, Anniversary Anyway, My YouTube Diary, and Move to Heaven. Our other main character is Jang Do Yoon played by Kim Bum Su. Jang Do Yoon is an interesting character that does not feel like an extra at any point. He plays Goo Hari in a fun way and is truly a treat to have on screen. Kim Bum Su has starred in several dramas such as A-Teen 2, Clumsy Love, LOVE-Imong, Ending Again, Ordinary but Special, and LOVE-Imong 2. He has also starred in the Love Buzz. Bae Kyu Ri and Song Ji Hyun play notable supporting roles in the drama and add an element of fun and star power to this drama as a whole. Bae Kyu Ri starred in several dramas and movies, such as Devil Inspector, Single Dad In Love, and Ask The Myway in Jeonju. Song Ji Hyun has starred in several films and dramas such as Awaken, Hello, Me!, Hometown, Hellbound, A Letter from Kyoto, Guimoon: The Lightless Door, and more.
Overall Opinion
Hearts and Hari is a fun and compact drama you can watch in one go. It is fun and exciting and has elements that genuinely breathe new life into the romance genre. If you want a fantastic start to the romance genre, then maybe this drama is for you.
