Backstreet Rookie: Best Korean Drama Series Review 2025

Review Blog Post: Embrace the Charms of “Backstreet Rookie”

Overview

“Backstreet Rookie” revolves around an audacious part-timer, played by Ji Chang-wook, who excels at her job, and a well-meaning manager, portrayed by Kim You-jung, who is initially skeptical of the new hire. Together, they must navigate the challenges of keeping a convenience store running smoothly, leading to unpredictable and heartwarming moments.

Characters and Performances

The chemistry between Ji Chang-wook and Kim You-jung is palpable, creating a dynamic and engaging duo at the center of the series. Ji Chang-wook brings charisma and humor to his role, while Kim You-jung’s portrayal adds depth and sincerity to the narrative. The supporting cast, including Han Seon-hwa, Kim Min-gue, and Do Sang-woo, further enhance the ensemble with their compelling performances.

Plot and Themes

“Backstreet Rookie” draws viewers in with its blend of lighthearted comedy and heartfelt romance. The series skillfully navigates themes of friendship, love, and personal growth, offering a mix of laughter and emotional moments that resonate with audiences. As the characters face challenges and conflicts, they discover the importance of resilience, understanding, and empathy in their relationships.

Production and Aesthetics

Visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing, “Backstreet Rookie” captivates viewers with its vibrant cinematography and charming setting. The quaint convenience store backdrop adds a sense of coziness and familiarity to the story, while the wardrobe choices and set design complement the characters’ personalities and emotions. The sound design and music further enhance the viewing experience, setting the tone for each scene.

Episode Analysis

With a total of 16 episodes, each installment of “Backstreet Rookie” offers a unique blend of humor, romance, and drama. From amusing workplace antics to heartfelt revelations, the series maintains a balance of plot progression and character development that keeps viewers invested in the story. The pacing of the episodes allows for organic and natural character growth, leading to satisfying resolutions and emotional payoffs.

Trailer: Ji Chang-Wook and Kim Yoo-Jung sweet love coming |Backstreet Rookie 便利店新星| iQIYI

Watch This on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WGKJ08gEnh4

【Introduction】Xu Banxia’s mother died in childbirth, and her father did not care about her since she was born. But this instead cultivated Xu Banxia’s proud and daring character. With China’s economic takeoff, Xu Banxia took his brothers Tong Xiaoqi and Xiao Chen to start a steel scrap, transport business.

In the male dominant steel industry, Xu Banxia was supported by the virtue of the spirit of adventure and pragmatic attitude, to enter Russian markets. Through all the hardships and even near-death experiences, she started an independent international steel import business, striking her first pot of gold.

At this time, the steel market is very competitive. However, with foresight, her bold personality and sense of the market, Xu Banxia overcome all difficulties, and gradually expand her business territory. After the experience of life, relationship and work, Xu Hanxia knew how to solve problems decisively and how to break through herself, and gained career and love.

【Cast】ZaniliaZhao, Oho Ou, Li Guangjie, Liu Wei, Michelle, Ren Zhong, Feng Jiayi, Wang Jinsong, Vivienne Liu, Sun Qian, Bill Huang Chengcheng, Song Xi

Conclusion

“Backstreet Rookie” stands out as a charming and captivating K-Drama that delivers an engaging mix of comedy, romance, and drama. With endearing performances, heartwarming themes, and visually appealing aesthetics, the series invites viewers into a world filled with laughter, love, and life lessons. Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies or looking for a feel-good story to lift your spirits, “Backstreet Rookie” is a must-watch that will leave you entertained and emotionally invested until the very end.

So, grab your snacks, settle in, and embark on a journey of laughter and love with “Backstreet Rookie.” Let this heartwarming series brighten your days and remind you of the beauty of small moments and meaningful connections.

Review by People

When it’s so bad, that it’s good…

Over the top, filled with cringe comedy and ridiculousness; this drama somehow made me go from shaking my head at its antics to thoroughly enjoying it in an endeared manner

First of all let’s talk about the elephant in the room. I am not going to deny that this show is problematic. Even if we skip the fact that this ‘family drama’ is derived from a very ethically questionable adult webtoon and is bound to direct attention towards the source material, there are still many other things to frown upon.

In the very first episode, the FL (a highschooler) kisses the ML (an adult and a stranger) without his permission, then goes on to be very handsy with him throughout the show despite knowing that he has a girlfriend, beats up people left and right and well, basically does a lot of what your typical drama ‘bad boys’ usually do. (It’s inappropriate behavior regardless of the gender.)

Then, in a very ignorant fashion, for comedic purposes the drama introduces a supporting character (ML’s best friend) that has angered the international community for culture appropriation and rightfully so. Korean dramas have never been known to handle sensitive topics ‘sensitively’ and should know to stay away from them which Backstreet Rookie clearly does not do. It helps that he has reduced screen-time as episodes progress and that the fast forward button comes in particularly handy for his scenes.

So if these things make you shy away from the drama then it’s completely understandable and you should do you.

But now for those who were able to walk past the controversy: The thing is while being ignorant, the drama clearly is not malicious. It’s pretty obvious that they are just trying way too hard to be funny and sometimes it strikes true and you’re left in fits of laughter and other times it doesn’t and the result is just embarrassing.

Soon we realize that the FL; a young girl who doesn’t have it easy, who lost her father too early, who has been raising her sister alone is quite a lost child inside. She is aggressive at first in her persuit for the ML (who is the only one who seemed to give a shit about her) but soon she becomes more mature and thoughtful. She is strong, stands up for herself and those she cares for and loves fiercely. After you get through the first episodes, she becomes an increasingly likable heroine and you can’t help but root for her.

This role doesn’t do anything for Ji Chang Wook as an actor. His character is not the typical male lead and not very attractive. He is a pushover, a 30 year old man who lives with his parents, doesn’t have a lot of self respect, let’s people run over him and despite his good looks, he doesn’t do much in the beginning. However, soon you see his strong sense of justice, his love for his own family and the fact that he is literally an actual good human being and so you warm up to him.

The acting is great across the board. The main couple looks so good together (the romance follows with both of them being legal adults) with great chemistry. The OST is stunning and the cringe comedic camera effects during action scenes also grow on you after a while.

The best thing about it, is that even though it’s very obviously in your face slapstick, the drama comes with these surprisingly heart warming and emotional moments that sneak up on you and hit you in the feels.

Also, since it is by the same creators as The Fiery Priest, it has A LOT of drama references that are absolutely gold and leave you roaring with laughter.

Overall, it’s a light hearted romantic comedy, that doesn’t take itself seriously.

So I’d say if you tried the show and couldn’t get past the objectionable material, that’s perfectly fine but if you are one those who want to watch this show and are hesitating just because of the negativity surrounding it, I suggest you give it a try and let the drama make its case first.

Lighthearted, enjoyable, FaMiLy FrIenDly

Despite all the negative comments regarding this drama and jcw’s recent choice of scripts, I decided to give this drama a go and I am so glad I did. It’s lighthearted and funny and was a welcomed distraction from the heavy emotions loaded psycho, but okay (soo good, but so melancholic x).

Well addressing the elephant in the room, yes its obvious stereotypical and racist portrayal of that artist/friend – character was inappropriate, unnecessary, not at all well thought out and simply frustrating as it puts a huge damper on the otherwise enjoyable drama. Honestly I felt sorry for that actor, because he’s a fabulous actor as can be seen in the fiery priest and even his performance here was good, but yeez that character was really ridiculous, didn’t even blink when the supposedly comedy involving that character set in .

Now for the good parts:

The story is simple, yet it didn’t get boring at any point, except for the last two episodes, guess they ran out of ideas. The comedy moments were apt (except for some scenes in the beginning involving the ml’s friend character), one could definitely see the fiery priest touch and any references to that drama or any other movies such as parasite or pulp fiction added to that humorous tone. Some anime-inspired fighting scenes seemed over the top, but one quickly adapted to that style, as it goes well with the flow of the drama.

The music was also surprisingly good, that crazy crazy bit reminded me of honey honey from the fiery priest. And for the actors, I keep forgetting that jcw is not only the greatest looking guy in the K drama world but also a brilliant actor. He portrayed the store keeper with ease, showing us his playful, lovable side just like in Empress ki and also the female lead did a great job in portraying saet byul, whom I first found to be obnoxious and annoying but who turned out to be an actually likeably, bubbly character who would outshine obstacles in life with her bright smile, a positive attitude and a strong mindset.

Even the side characters like jcw’s family were very likeable and not only resources to bring progress in the leads’ romance (well, maybe a bit). Especially the mother and the girlfriend were well thought through and ‘real’ with their worries, faults and behaviours. Other characters like the obvious bullies, like the ones terrorising high schoolers, the typical conceited shareholder’s wife or the malicious egocentric boss-figure eyeing a woman in a relationship were solely for the purpose of adding villainy and incarnation of problems to the story, but no harm in that, if it helps the plot. Saet byuls sister and the second male lead got some more screen time and were likeable, too.

The greatest part for me is the relationship between saet byul and the manager. Not necessarily the chemistry, but the overall healthy relationship they share. The way they would communicate through hand articulation, what for outsiders seemed odd and incomprehensible, but made perfect sense for them or support each other with genuine happiness and sympathy and would crack witty jokes at each other all the time, it was pleasant and cute to watch, made oneself long for that kind of a pure realtionship.

I’d like to add that I also enjoyed the realtionship b/w jcw and his girlfriend, their little quarrels and makings up and I even found myself rooting for the gf when she would storm of to see jcw and reestablish their relationship.

All in all, it’s a good drama, which I genuinely enjoyed and actually would re-watch for the lighthearted story and the likeability of some characters. Plus, after all the complaints regarding the ‘inappropriate romance’ etc in the earlier episodes you could really see the production team’s effort in making the drama more family friendly, ended up being one of the purest K-dramas I’ve ever seen xD

Cute drama with a bad timingI just finished this cute little drama and I definitely think 7.7 rating doesn’t do it justice. While it’s by no means a master piece and the story is quite simple, it is a good piece to watch if you need a break from all the overly dramatic stuff. I especially enjoyed the acting and I didn’t have a need to skip over any scenes, which is always a good sign for any drama. I even cried a couple of times and that doesn’t happen to me often unless animals are involved :-D SO yeah I do recommend this one if you are looking for something that is fun and not overly complicated.

Now I’m going for a rant here and if you did find the drama truly problematic, perhaps don’t read this. I’m not writing this to argue with anyone and there is no reason for ou to ruin your day. This is just my opinion :-)

I’m truly glad I’ve seen someone advice to skip on all the controversy around the drama because I got to enjoy it for what it was. I only read the news afterwards out of sheer curiosity because I wasn’t sure what it did so wrong to get such backlash.

I mean obviously I was guessing Dal Shik’s was one part of it but that couldn’t have been all, right? Well turns out it wasn’t but the rest didn’t feel justified to me. I honestly feel sorry for this drama. I think this is the worst possible time to come out because people are so easily offended by these days.

Don’t get me wrong if any Jamaican people were indeed offended by Dal Shik’s character then I suppose it’s a valid point but I bet most of the outrage came from the white people as usual. I for once didn’t think of his character racist, I saw him as a person that truly appreciated the culture and was having a blast. It saddens me that you can’t do that anymore these days because it will be immediately labelled as culture appropriation.

The flies were a bit too much but it never translated to me as portraying people of colour as dirty. I mostly thought it was more of a implication about nerds and artists that are often portrayed as asocial and lacking when it comes to personal hygiene BUT I can see why people with dreadlocks found it offensive and it did feel rather unnecessary.

The rest of the arguing points was a bit ridiculous to me to be honest (and I’ll probably receive a lot of backlash for it). The oversexualization seems like a stretch or at least not something that can’t be found in most of the dramas or k-pop groups. There were two very frowned upon scenes, one of it was drawing of legs from a painter that was drawing erotica and one of it was literal imagination sequence using a stereotypical movie gangster lair.

I get that it is a family drama but don’t try to tell me children never seen such thing on TV before. Sexy scenes are everywhere and this was at least done in a comedic way. Same with the underage kiss. Been there done that. If the male lead initiated it then yes, not good. However that was not the case, he didn’t expect it and she was a young rebellious girl with a crush. How many romance TV series about high school student and her teacher romance are there? Never seen people boycotting those as they did this drama because of this one scene. And don’t even get me started on anime. -_-

If you ask me, not knowing the controversy while watching I genuinely thought people had a problem with how Boon Hee was beating her husband. Sure, he deserved to be yelled at a lot of the times and maybe a kick in the shin would do him good but even with the comedic way it was done it sometimes felt too much.

I could see how this could be a problem since domestic violence is a thing and men don’t come forward and ask for help more often than women since they are taught to be strong and being beaten by a woman is not something they want to talk about, which is truly sad. Yet unlike the other points no one seemed to be bothered by this because it was comedy.

Thankfully, the drama somewhat saved their relationship in the last episodes and I was able to tell myself that it is done for fun and I shouldn’t overanalyze it. I feel truly sad now, remembering the how the actors and the crew celebrated their work in the final episode, clearly having fun with it and hoping people would enjoy it. Well I did, so good job guys! :-)

END OF THE RANT…SORRY EVERYONE :-D