Korean Drama Tempted: Best K-drama Series Review 2024

Korean Drama Tempted: Best K-drama Series Review 2024

Introduction

Korean dramas have a knack for delving into themes of love, ambition, and moral dilemmas, often resulting in magnificently crafted narratives. The 2018 drama “Tempted,” also known as “The Great Seducer,” is no exception. Set in the high-stakes world of Seoul’s elite, the drama weaves a captivating tale of love, betrayal, and the complex moral decisions faced by its characters.

The Engaging Storyline

At its core, Tempted tells the story of three young adults—Kwon Shi Hyun, Choi Soo Ji, and Lee Se Joo—whose lives become intricately entwined in the pursuit of love, fulfillment, and personal vendettas. What commences as a game of seduction and manipulation ultimately evolves into a tumultuous journey of self-discovery, as the characters are forced to confront the consequences of their actions.

Character Analysis

Kwon Shi Hyun, portrayed with intense depth by Woo Do Hwan, stands as the tortured soul at the center of Tempted’s narrative. Woo Do Hwan masterfully embodies the tormented angst and emotional conflicts of Shi Hyun, a young man wrestling with his identity and seeking solace in the arms of his childhood friend, Choi Soo Ji, portrayed convincingly by Moon Ga Young. The arrival of Eun Tae Hee, skillfully depicted by Red Velvet’s Joy, introduces a new dimension to the narrative, as Tae Hee becomes entangled in the web of manipulation and passion that defines Shi Hyun and Soo Ji’s world.

Lee Se Joo, played by the charismatic Kim Min Jae, adds an enigmatic charm to the storyline. His complex interactions with the other characters inject an element of unpredictability and emotional gravitas to the drama, further deepening the audience’s investment in the narrative.

Cinematic Excellence

Tempted’s visual splendor and artistic finesse elevate the viewing experience to new heights. From the opulent cityscapes of Seoul to the evocative portrayal of emotions through expert cinematography, the drama succeeds in visually immersing the audience in the characters’ tumultuous journey. The evocative musical score deftly mirrors the characters’ passions, regrets, and desires, enriching every scene with emotional resonance.

Exploring Relevant Themes

At its core, Temptat explores profound themes that resonate universally. It delves into the consequences of unresolved trauma, the allure of power and privilege, and the intricacies of human relationships. As the narrative unfolds, the characters are confronted with their flaws, paving the way for personal growth, redemption, and, ultimately, the pursuit of genuine love and reconciliation.

Tempted (위대한 유혹자) Teaser | Watch with subs 8 hours after Korea!

Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtube.com/watch?v=W03g6ltL2Pw

Conclusion

In summary, Tempted is a mesmerizing exploration of desire, ambition, and consequence, enlivened by compelling performances, striking visuals, and an emotionally resonant storyline. The nuanced character development and interwoven plotlines create a captivating tapestry that will leave viewers enthralled and emotionally invested. For those seeking a riveting drama that challenges the conventions of love and morality, Tempted is an indispensable addition to their watchlist. With its piercing insights and powerful performances, this drama stands as a testament to the timeless allure of Korean storytelling.

By immersing oneself in the world of “Tempted,” viewers are afforded a rare opportunity to be seduced by the raw emotions and moral quandaries that characterize the human experience.

Reviews by People

• Tempted is a gripping and intense Korean drama that delves into the complexities of love and betrayal. The talented cast showcases exceptional performances that will leave you captivated from start to finish. – ★★★★☆

• With its visually stunning cinematography and compelling storyline, Tempted is a must-watch for fans of Korean dramas. The exploration of moral dilemmas and the quest for redemption make it a thought-provoking and unforgettable experience. – ★★★★☆

• The chemistry between the actors in Tempted is undeniable. Woo Do Hwan’s portrayal of Kwon Shi Hyun is exceptional, infusing the character with depth and vulnerability. Combined with a riveting plot, this drama is a true gem. – ★★★★★

• Tempted is a rollercoaster ride of emotions. Each episode reveals new twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. It’s a beautifully crafted drama that will leave you emotionally invested until the very end. – ★★★★☆

• Moon Ga Young shines as Choi Soo Ji in Tempted, giving a nuanced and powerful performance. This drama tackles themes of manipulation and personal growth with finesse, making it an addictive and memorable watch. – ★★★★☆

• From the stunning visuals to the compelling character arcs, Tempted is a Korean drama that truly stands out. It explores themes of privilege and desire in a way that leaves a lasting impact, making it a must-watch for any drama enthusiast. – ★★★★★

• Tempted’s soundtrack is a masterpiece in itself. Each song perfectly complements the emotions and actions of the characters, intensifying the viewing experience. This drama is a feast for the senses and will leave you craving for more. – ★★★★☆

• Tempted raises thought-provoking questions about the price of love and the consequences of our actions. It’s a beautifully written drama that showcases the complexities of human relationships, making it a standout in the world of Korean dramas. – ★★★★★

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More Reviews

Here’s a more positive review of The Greatest Seducer:

I think the negative reviews are largely due to high expectations based on the cast and the fact that it’s an adaptation. While the drama may not be groundbreaking, it’s certainly not bad; it’s just that some viewers anticipated something quite different.

I went into it with a fair idea of what to expect, even though I hadn’t seen the original adaptation. With its focus on wealthy characters, there aren’t many surprises. Despite this, The Greatest Seducer turned out to be a really enjoyable drama. It evoked a range of emotions—happiness, anger, and sadness. While it may not be the best drama ever, it possesses all the essential qualities of a good show: a strong cast, solid acting, and an engaging plot.

Many criticized Joy’s acting, but I thought she did a great job. There’s often resistance to seeing popular idols in lead roles, which I understand to an extent. However, there are veteran actresses who are less impressive but still widely adored. The storyline might not break new ground, featuring typical elements of intrigue, tragedy, drama, along with some cute romance and amusing side characters. Given that it’s an adaptation, I’m somewhat surprised by the negative reactions to the plot. The drama’s focus on chaebol issues gives a clear idea of its direction from the start.

What I enjoyed most was the female lead, TaeHee. She starts as a strong character and remains consistent throughout. Some reviews found TaeHee annoying or foolish, but I think people might not be accustomed to a character who is both strong and vulnerable. Her decisions made sense given her experiences and values. SiHyun’s character development was also commendable; it was satisfying to see him mature and confront his problems.

The romance between the leads was well-developed and felt realistic for a first-love story. Although I appreciated much of the drama, there were a few drawbacks. My main issue was with the side characters. It seemed like the writers focused heavily on the main couple but neglected the development of other characters.

The antagonists, in particular, were often driven by love to the point of being ridiculous. Many characters’ problems and storylines felt unresolved, and some were almost forgotten by the end.

Having watched the original, I still think this version is better. Overall, The Greatest Seducer had its stressful moments, but I enjoyed the drama and don’t regret watching it.

Oh dear lord, where to begin?…

I was initially drawn to this drama by its dark, twisted, and mature plot. I expected a master plan to seduce one woman that would spiral into a cycle of torture and turmoil. Unfortunately, I was left incredibly disappointed. While some comments suggest that the drama was terrible due to its awful characters, my main issue was that the characters weren’t nearly awful enough.

Characters:

• Eun Tae Hee: One of the most uninspired characters I’ve seen, right up there with Cha Eun Sang from Heirs. Joy’s acting was the least of my concerns. Tae Hee was two-dimensional, flat, and annoyingly confident. Her backstory, which I hoped would add depth, turned out to be underwhelming. The real issue lies with the writers, not Joy.
• Kwon Shi Hyun: Woo Do Hwan is undeniably attractive, but that’s about the only positive thing about this character. I was hoping for a hardcore, womanizing figure who didn’t care about anyone’s feelings, but instead, I got a predictable and weak-willed schoolboy who turned into a lovesick puppy after the first smile. It was frustrating rather than amusing.
• Choi Soo Ji: This character had the most potential, alongside Se Joo. I was eager to see how far she’d go to get what she wanted, but her efforts felt half-hearted. It was as if the writers lost interest halfway through.
• Lee Se Joo: My favorite, and probably everyone else’s, the charming lover boy. He was the highlight of the show, providing a glimmer of hope and making me return each week. His obsessive love for Soo Ji had great potential for something impactful, and his family background hinted at possible gang drama, but those elements were never fully explored.

Plot:

The plot was the drama’s biggest letdown. They tried to cram too much into 16 episodes, making the story feel rushed. The constant cycle of getting together, breaking up, and making up became tedious very quickly.

The relationship between Tae Hee and Shi Hyun was dull. Their “steamy” scenes lacked heat, and the highs and lows of their relationship felt flat. There was little chemistry or tension, making their storyline unengaging.

Another major issue was the lack of maturity. The drama felt like a children’s story—no sex, minimal violence, and nothing truly scandalous. The outfits, plot twists, and colorful sets felt juvenile. Even the climax was a disappointing, underdeveloped attempt to deliver a dramatic payoff. I didn’t feel any emotional impact.

The side story involving the main characters’ parents was somewhat interesting but ultimately felt pointless. It seemed like an opportunity to employ older actors rather than adding significant value to the plot.

Why Watch?

Despite my criticisms, I find it hard to rate any finished drama below a five, as I usually drop shows I find unbearable. The Greatest Seducer isn’t a complete disaster; it has the ingredients for a great drama, even if the execution was messy. There are a few redeeming qualities:

• The Trio: Shi Hyun, Se Joo, and Soo Ji make a charming group of friends with good chemistry. Their interactions, especially in the beginning, were enjoyable. All three actors showed promise, and I look forward to seeing more from them in future projects.
• Se Joo & Soo Ji: Their story is genuinely touching. It’s an unrequited love where Se Joo’s affection for Soo Ji is met with her reluctance. Their storyline was the main reason I stuck with the drama. However, be cautious if you’re considering watching this for their story alone.

Overall, this drama isn’t worth the watch, even if you’re a fan of Woo Do Hwan. His character will likely disappoint. The negative reviews are accurate, and it’s clear that the writing and production team missed the mark. I’m eager to see new projects from the main cast, especially Kim Min Jae, who deserved better.

And thus concludes another lengthy review that was supposed to be brief—what can I say?

One thing I can definitely say about this drama is that it is far from relaxing; it’s intensely painful and stressful. There are no moments of laughter or positivity to be found here—just a raw portrayal of how far people can go in their cruelty, even towards those close to them.

Despite the harsh criticism it’s received, I don’t think this drama deserves such negativity. The ending, in particular, was well-executed, even with the negative and treacherous plot twists up until episode 31. The drama remained full of sadness, brutality, and intrigue right to the end. I was genuinely intrigued by how the initial motives of the three characters regarding Tae Hee would unfold, and overall, the script handled it well.

Story: Although it’s based on a novel, the directors did a commendable job adapting it into a screenplay. The plot, choreography, and filming locations were all impressive.

Acting/Cast: The casting was well-chosen, though the actors often displayed limited facial expressions, making it difficult to gauge their feelings. While some have criticized Joy’s performance, I found her work to be quite strong.

Music: The intense OST, especially the violin pieces, was a highlight for me.

Rewatch Value: If you’ve watched it once, you might consider rewatching to revisit the dynamics of the cute couple.

Overall, the drama was well-made and I enjoyed it. At times, I found myself wondering just how low the characters would sink, as even some promising ones betrayed the audience’s trust. I particularly appreciated how the drama wrapped up—it felt logical and reasonable, even if it had ended on a completely negative note, I would have been okay with that.

I’m genuinely shocked to see people shipping Shi Hyun and Soo Ji. Soo Ji comes across as incredibly selfish, egocentric, and irritating—essentially a Blair Waldorf wannabe. Despite this, I have to commend the actress for her impressive portrayal of the antagonist.

However, given her role as the antagonist, it’s baffling to me that anyone would want these two characters together. I seriously question what led people to this conclusion. A decent person would probably prefer Shi Hyun to end up with Eun Tae Hee or for Eun Tae Hee to remain independent and strong on her own.

I also appreciated Joy’s portrayal of Eun Tae Hee. In many K-dramas, the main female lead is overly sweet, shy, and too passive, which I find frustrating. However, Eun Tae Hee was a strong character who communicated effectively and didn’t let others impact her relationship. Her ability to trust her boyfriend and insist that he explain things to her directly was a refreshing change.

What I struggle to understand is why Shi Hyun wasn’t more forthright with his so-called friends. They were incredibly toxic, and it made no sense that Shi Hyun didn’t distance himself from them or address the situation more directly. This subplot dragged on unnecessarily in the middle episodes and felt unrealistic.

A normal person would have stopped the abuse from Soo Ji and Se Joo much sooner. Their interactions were overly dramatic, and their attitudes seemed exaggerated for their age. The playboy antics between Seo Joo and Shi Hyun were also cringe-worthy. At 18, they should be handling things differently, rather than indulging in excessive behaviors like drinking whiskey. It felt super unrealistic.

Seo Joo’s character also lacked depth. He seemed to exist solely to support Soo Ji’s storyline, which was unfair to him. His character needed more development.

Despite these issues, the show is worth watching, primarily for the amazing chemistry between the leads. While the plot might have a Wattpad-like cringiness, the dynamic between the main characters is compelling enough to make it worth your time.

I had put off watching this drama for the longest time due to all the negative feedback I’d seen. However, I finally decided to give it a chance, and I ended up binge-watching it! I’m genuinely puzzled by the hate this drama has received because it turned out to be one of my most memorable and enjoyable experiences. If you’re on the fence about watching it, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s not as complicated as people make it out to be.

My initial motivation to watch was Kim Min Jae, whom I adore from the Dr. Romantic series, and Moon Ga Young, who intrigued me with her looks. I had low expectations for Joy due to the negative reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised. She turned out to be quite a decent actor, and I even forgot she was a K-pop idol. Her performance was impressive, and she became my favorite character.

Joy’s portrayal of her character was mature and assertive. She wasn’t easily swayed and spoke her mind confidently. Spoiler I particularly loved that she was the first to confess her love for Si-hyeon, which highlighted her strength and made me appreciate her character even more. End of Spoiler Si-hyeon was also a standout. His character showed significant growth, and his heart of gold made him incredibly lovable. The chemistry among the three best friends—KMJ, MGY, and Joy—was exceptional.

While I agree that the story was a bit more complex compared to some K-dramas, it wasn’t overly convoluted. It wasn’t the cutesy, rainbows-and-butterflies type, but it was engaging without being frustratingly complicated, unlike Extracurricular. I appreciated how much screen time the main couple got and the many cute moments they shared. The drama effectively portrayed what a real, good relationship looks like. ETH and KSH were clearly meant to be together!

Everything wrapped up nicely in the end with no loose ends. Spoiler I was initially concerned that it took them five years to reunite, but I’m glad they did eventually come together. I was relieved they ended up together, despite my worries. End of Spoiler I do wish there had been a final scene where the three friends reconciled and accepted ETH, showing their happiness for the main leads.

Overall, this drama was well worth the watch and exceeded my expectations.

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