Marry You review: Is the Lee Yi-kyung starrer worth watching?

The Korean romantic comedy drama Marry You aired from November 16 to December 15 via the Channel A Network. The drama portrayed Lee Yi-kyung as Bong Cheol-hee, an island bachelor, and Jo Soo-min as Jeong Ha-na, a civil servant opposed to the institution of marriage after her past bad experience.

The series consists of 10 episodes exploring the conflicting viewpoints on marriage in contemporary culture, with elements of humor, romance, and social commentary.

The plot of Marry You centers on the "Marriage Morale Boost Project," in which Ha-na is assigned the responsibility of getting a bride for Cheol-hee to enhance the mayor's re-election efforts. This rom-com blends personal growth with marriage customs, giving it a unique perspective.

Marry You is worth watching for people seeking a short, lighthearted romance experience that offers humor through Lee Yi-kyung's entertaining performance.

Disclaimer: This article reflects the author's opinion.

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Marry You uses humor to illustrate the societal pressures of marriage

The K-drama's central narrative examines the conflict between one's autonomy in life decisions, especially concerning marriage, and the societal, familial, or cultural demands to adhere to conventional norms. Bong Cheol-hee, a bachelor from the island, conveys conventional perspectives that regard marriage as a fundamental life goal.

Conversely, Jeong Ha-na, the public worker, represents modern skeptical attitudes by interrogating the necessity and significance of marriage in current society.

Lee Yi-kyung portrays Cheol-hee, showcasing his impeccable comedic timing and tenderness, rendering his character both appealing and approachable. His connection with the child actors portraying his niece and nephew infuses the show with emotional depth.

Jo Soo-min's depiction of Ha-na, however, garners conflicting critiques. Although she infuses vitality into her part, her character's emotional spectrum occasionally appears constrained.

The characters' differing views on marriage are exploited in the initial episodes to entertain and build their relationship. In later episodes, narrative breaks that don't improve the main relationship and overshadow the romance. This eventually leads to limited romantic elements in Marry You.

Koo Jun-hoe and Ji E-su's performances, as Ki-joon and In-a, respectively, add to the plot of Marry You, yet their characters are sometimes underdeveloped. The script tackles modern relationships and personal liberty with satire and insight.

However, the pacing may be erratic, with several subplots, especially those involving secondary characters, seeming unnecessary. The show tries to include too many side stories in the last episodes.

Further, the Marriage Morale Boost Project, a fictional initiative depicted in the drama, serves as the impetus for the narrative, wherein the local government, responding to political pressure, launches a campaign aimed at elevating marriage rates. This subplot is a satire on the lengths to which society may go to maintain conventional structures.

The drama examines how external influences can sway or influence individual actions, emphasizing issues of manipulation, political ethics, and the monetization of personal connections.

In addition to its cultural critique, Marry You explores the significance of love within the framework of marriage. It interrogates if love suffices for a good marriage or if compatibility, shared ideals, and mutual growth are vital.

The developing connection between Bong Cheol-hee and Jeong Ha-na challenges these notions, illustrating instances where love alone is inadequate when dealing with divergent life aspirations or principles.

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The journey of Marry You may seem relevant to those considering serious life decisions, offering both comedy and thoughtfulness over the significance of marriage in the 21st century.

This drama is currently available for watching on Netflix and Kocowa, in select locations.