5 Reasons to Watch TVN's Bubblegum

Bubblegum

a.k.a 풍선껌

| More info on IMDB | 2015|

Park Ri Hwan (Lee Dong Wook) and Kim Haeng Ah (Jung Ryeo Won) are very close since they grew up together. Since Haeng Ah’s parents died, she was raised by Ri Hwan's family. Years later, Ri Hwan becomes an eastern medicine doctor while Haeng Ah is a producer at a  radio station. In this series, you will witness how Ri Hwan and Haeng Ah progress from being best friends to lovers.  

When you search for the top romance kdramas, Bubblegum won't be on the list. It may not be the best in terms of plot, but it is STILL worthy of praises.  There were too many subplots and too many characters to be honest. If only the story concentrated more on Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won, everything would have been better.  That's why in this blog post, I've listed 5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH BUBBLEGUM. Let's get started, shall we?

1. THE CHEMISTRY
Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won had an AMAZING chemistry. I'm not even exaggerating on this because the moment you will finish Bubblegum, you won't be able to deny the fact that they are perfect for each other. Their scenes together looked very natural and spontaneous. Their friendship was portrayed in a believable way. From being just friends, their relationship did not magically transform to being lovers. The transition is not instantaneous and they spent time dealing with the what ifs. (Too bad, the show had too many couples that the viewers can't focus on the main leads.)  

Cutie Ri Hwan waving to Haeng Ah.

 The way Ri Hwan hugs Haeng Ah. 

 When Ri Hwan tells her to stay. 

 Another big hug from Ri Hwan.

 A kiss from Haeng Ah.

The two leads sharing secrets lol

2. CUTE AND FLUFFY SCENES TOGETHER
Not only was the chemistry obvious, the two main leads also had a lot of cute scenes together. Their scenes are not shot in grandiose locations yet you can feel the sweetness and warmth. Their dates are usually in their apartments, in convenience stores,  and  food stalls. They are the attestation that  it's not about the extravagant expressions of love, but it's the moments with people you love and cherish. It's refreshing to see a TV show that demonstrates the happiness found in our mundane lives.  It makes you smile when you see them goofing around and enjoying life's roller coaster ride!

  +1 point because of Lee Dong Wook's cute hairstyle.

   Yep, they always fight.

 

   Even on dates. lol

Run. Dong Wook, run.

But they are the happiest when they are together.

3. THE BUBBLEGUM KISS
Do I really need to explain this? In the years of watching kdramas, I never really cared on how the main leads kiss... until now. The bubblegum kiss is for me the best kiss in all of Korean drama history. Seriously guys! This scene alone is proof of their undeniable chemistry. Jung Ryeo Won and Lee Dong Wook look so good together on screen. There was no fireworks and it was not even in some fancy place yet it was so magical. ❤️ Whenever I remember this scene I can't help but smile. It's way too cute and romantic at the same time! 

4. IT'S TOLD FROM A GUY'S POV
Generally, romance dramas are from the girl's POV. You rarely see a TV series that emphasizes on the guy's thoughts and feelings. Throughout the show, you will hear Ri Hwan's voice over. It usually happens when there's something he is afraid to admit/say. In this particular scene, Ri Hwan can't bare with what he just learned so he just closed his eyes and said, "When people come across truths they can't deal with, they close their eyes in the hopes that the darkness will cover and hide everything. Disappear... Disappear... Turn everything into a dream."

5. RI HWAN (LEE DONG WOOK)
I know Lee Dong Wook is best known for his role as Grim Reaper in Goblin, but for me, I really like his character in Bubblegum more. When Haeng Ah and Ri Hwan became a couple, Haeng Ah had a lot of hesitations. She wanted to break up with Ri Hwan because she thinks their relationship is indirectly hurting other people. In a typical kdrama, couples would break up. The guy would remain stoic and he will only go for the girl during the finale. However, Ri Hwan is different. The moment Haeng Ah suggested to end their relationship, he replied, "Then, we should be the only ones having a hard time? Why should we have to endure it? What about OUR hearts? DON'T THEY COUNT?!" Yeah, that's the way to go! Ri Hwan, fight for your love! 화이팅!

 "But all paths led to you. We pretend it's not."

  "In the end, it is you. It was you from the beginning. It was ALL you."

Lee Dong Wook with a hairpin is the cutest!

"Let's stay like this for one minute."

Hug ME please! 제발!

... AND THE LIST GOES ON. I'm really glad I gave Bubblegum a chance. It's one hidden gem. A piece of advice before you binge watch: you will eventually find Bubblegum boring with too many characters and too many unnecessary drama. Don't let it stop you from watching Ri Hwan and Haeng Ah's beautiful journey. Just watch the important parts and the scenes with Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won in it. Personally, I skipped the flashbacks, the office romances, and the subplot of Ri Hwan's mother. Don't miss out on the incredible performances of Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won. Trust me, their chemistry is off the charts! Overall, Bubblegum is a cute and light drama with moments of sadness just like in real life. It will remind you that there's no need to overanalyze certain things. You can still be happy even without finding that missing puzzle piece. Despite your imperfections, you are capable of loving others and you deserve to be loved as well. So, let's all spread love and happiness! ❤️