Drama Digest
Wrapped in glitters, a house of cards. The drama speaks about how a matchmaking company, Rex, headed by Choi Yoo Sun, brings together people from the elite society and gets them married. Yet in a glass world where almost everything configures to individual advantage and profit, relationships break and bond behind elegant masks.
The Feel-Good Part
The luxury of the elite class offers a pleasing and graceful tone to the eyes. Even though it doesn’t stand out compared to other exaggerated dramas, neither does it fail to withhold attention with its compelling plotlines. The limits of tooth-clenching evil actions test the patience and thus make the drama successful.
The Disappointing Factor
Despite carrying a well-structured plot, it feels rushed because of its short stature. Another episode or two could have ended it with finesse.
In-Depth Analysis
Matchmaking in Korea is one of the most common things. In a society driven by connections and class, people always look out for tying the threads between young people. Along with it lies the meticulous workaholic people for whom dating and finding leisure time to engage with someone devoid of any gain to their time seems to be a troubled waste. The presence of an exquisite company, Rex, is no surprise in such a society. Yet it only considers the matter of elite class bachelors. Love falls short of trust in an arena navigated by lust, greed, and politics. Thus marriage sticks to the ancestorial symbol of enhancing gain with little chance of attaining a trustworthy relationship. The chalks of deceit continue writing their fate as power knots with love and point them to enrichment.
The little family of Seo Hye Seung and Kang Nam Sik was bonded in happiness until Jin Yoo Hee came along. Yoo Hee is a divorce lawyer and a member of Rex. The first episode offers the characters’ introduction and sets the plot of chess that’ll soon begin its intricate moves. The emblem of chess at a party hosted by Rex offers this symbolic understanding of marriage. Moving on, Nam Sik falls into the trap of Jin Yoo Hee and eventually gets scammed resulting in losing his life. A shocked Hye Seung, the witness of his death, ends up in Rex due to her mother’s suggestion. Moms, the universal symbol of pushing children for a settled life, already got their daughter registered in Rex. Thus begins the journey of Hye Seung getting entwined among the aristocrats.
As a Netflix original, it looked slightly average compared to dramas like ‘The Penthouse’ or ‘Love (ft. Marriage and Divorce). Even the recent drama ‘Eve’ configures a promising watch. Nevertheless, it does embrace the senses with its elegant visuals and throbbing music. The plotlines are impressive, but it could have been better. Nothing is different, apart from the usual makjang series (dramas with exaggerated plotlines). In terms of cinematic beauty or editing, Korean dramas initially portray exquisite panache of detailing. Hence this one isn’t extraordinary, but it doesn’t disappoint.
Star Power
Even with a splendid cast, the level of expectation decreases due to its mainstream commonality. Yet Kim Hee Sun, Lee Hyun Wook, Park Hoon, and Cha Ji Yeon didn’t dishearten by providing depth to the characters. Jung Eugene as Jin Yoo Hee aptly played the role of bold, cold and flirtatious swindling genius. The supporting cast and guest roles gave the best performances.
Overall Opinion
The drama passes out to be another puffery of the high-class web. Yet if you’re a sucker of fanatical, drum-banging jargon of elites, this will surely keep you engaged.
