Merry Mary(2007) : A Refreshing Take on Anxious Youth
Korean dramas, also known as K-dramas, have become increasingly popular around the world in recent years. With their unique storytelling and beautiful visuals, K-dramas offer an interesting glimpse into Korean culture and society. While there are many well-known K-dramas, there are also many hidden gems that are not widely known. In this post, I'll introduce you to one of the lesser-known K-dramas, Merry Mary, which aired in 2007.
Korean Drama "Merry Mary"
'Merry Mary' is based on a famous Korean internet novel. In the 2000s, a number of Korean dramas based on internet novels began to appear and quickly gained popularity among viewers. However, 'Merry Mary' stands out from other internet novel-based dramas because of its unique production style, which features exaggerated acting like Japanese dramas. The drama is categorized as a romantic comedy and presents an interesting take on the genre.
Plot and Characters
The drama tells the story of 'Mary', an aspiring musical theater actress who dreams of making it big in the industry. Despite her talent, Mary struggles to find work and is forced to do odd jobs to make ends meet, until she meets 'Dague', a martial arts novelist who is facing the same challenges as her. The two strike up a unique friendship that slowly develops into a romantic relationship.
The best thing about 'Merry Mary' is its emphasis on humor and funny scenes, some of which are still making the rounds on social media. Although the drama deals with heavy topics such as unemployment, it does so in a lighthearted way that doesn't weigh it down too much. Also, the quirky characters add to the overall appeal of the drama.
Reception and Reviews
Despite its unique take on the romantic comedy genre, "Merry Mary" did not perform well in terms of ratings, averaging only 5-6% in its initial run. However, it received positive reviews for tackling the heavy topic of youth unemployment in a fun and entertaining way that other dramas have shied away from. Even after the drama ended, it gained a small but solid fan base of fans who appreciated its humorous and realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by Korean youth.
Why You Should Watch "Merry Mary"
There are several reasons to watch Merry Mary. First, it's a unique take on a style that's rarely seen in Korean dramas. The exaggerated acting and directing give the illusion that you're watching a Japanese drama. Second, it deals with the concerns of young Koreans about unemployment, a topic that is still relevant in Korean society today. It shows the sentiments of the Korean people very well. Last but not least, the characterization of the main characters, whose jobs do not change, shows the simple daily life of Koreans.
In conclusion, "Merry Mary" is a hidden gem that is worth watching for anyone interested in K-dramas. Although its ratings were low in the early days of its airing, it has gained a small but dedicated fan base due to its unique style, realistic portrayal of youth unemployment, and overall charm. If you're looking for a fresh take on the romantic comedy genre, 'Merry Mary' could be just the drama for you.