Drama Review: Heading to the Ground Episode 2
Hey, I think I might be able to get behind you, OTP.
Warning: Minor spoilers ahead.
Guys, I take it back. Watch Heading to the Ground. Never mind that yucky opening scene in Episode 1. Episode 2 actually had me wanting to watch more. Now.
Plot Recap: So, last time, I was so busy whining about the opening scene that I didn't really get to discuss the plot much. Quick summary. Cha Bong Goon (Jung Yunho) is your standard kind-hearted, somewhat brusque, stupid hero. He's a soccer player with a short temper and childish manner who means well but always ends up failing. After his soccer team gets dissolved, he feels so dejected that he decides to quit soccer forever. Kang Hae Bin (Go Ah Ra) is a fragile, pretty girl who intends to make a name for herself as a sports agent in a male-dominated field. What happens when these two meet?
Episode 2: When we left off, Bong Goon was trying to make a living as a chicken stick vendor and ends up helping a dejected, shoeless Hae Bin under a rainy sky (cliche but cute and believable). In Episode 2, Hae Bin chases after Bong Goon, intending to become his agent so that star agent Hong Sang Man will allow her to become his job partner. Hilarity ensues. Some scenes to watch out for are Bong Goon dancing in a chicken mascot costume (Yunho, I love you!), Hae Bin getting drunk (and of course, having to be looked after by Bong Goon), and Bong Goon's soccer tryouts.
Yep, virtually unlikeable.
Acting-wise, Yunho's awkward overacting waters down into something much more believable: cute and awkward as his character requires but no longer painfully exaggerated, simple when it comes to being emo and dejected. I notice, he only brings out his childish side when he's with friend Oh Yeon Yi (Lee Yoon Ji) but even that has been toned down to something that makes you want to 'D'awww' instead of attack him with a spork. Things are looking up.
Yoon Ji and Yunho kind of make me want them to become OTP.
All in all, I was laughing openly and feeling all fluttery as a romantic comedy ought to make you feel. Love, love Park Chul Min who plays the arrogant lead sports agent. Yes, he's that coughing, trumpet-playing guy from Beethoven Virus and he adds that little touch of offbeat humor that every drama like this needs. And Kim Jae Sung (from Shining Inheritance!) who plays Lee Dong Ho, a rival soccer player, is another colorful side character.
Verdict: So what makes this drama worth watching? Simply put, it's charming. I can't even quite put my finger on it. It's so easygoing and well-paced and Yunho's so genuine (/dies, I can't find another word for it) that you can't help but grow fond of his character as it goes along. You want him to succeed, rofl. Once I got over Ah Ra's prettiness, I began to accept more of her character, as well. The drama's OTP has potential. Episode 2 is definitely a step-up from the HOMG AWKWARD first half of the drama's first episode and the preview promises more interesting developments. It's sweet, it's just the right amount of corny. I'm looking forward to the next episode.