Good Ol’ Review: Endearing, Romantic Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Walks with Well-Deserved “Swag”

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
No spoilers.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (역도요정 김복주) may give off a specific first impression when you first start it. But as the series progresses, it develops into a surprisingly heartfelt, emotional and wholly romantic story that will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.

Lee Sung Kyung immediately endears you to the title character who navigates college life while juggling her weightlifting career, her family, friendships and her falling in love for the first time.

Weightlifting Fairy is very much a coming of age story, not just for the titular Kim Bok Joo, but for a talented ensemble and cast of characters.

Nam Joo Hyuk delivers a charming and nuanced performance as ace swimmer Jung Joon Hyung who has his own issues to juggle himself.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo takes a few episodes to settle down, but when it does, the result is really like a fairy tale.

The spotlight definitely shines on the excellent chemistry shared by Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk. Whether it’s the louder, riotous moments or the quieter and more emotional moments, both actors shine on their own and especially when they’re together. They deliver the cute moments and they deliver in the heavier and more dramatic moments.

Even more interesting is that the series also tackles some timely issues that many young people face such as mental health, societal and familial pressure, and eating disorders.

For a show so lighthearted, it is able to touch on these topics in a sincere way. This is very much a coming-of-age story. And for characters of many ages. That that adds a great extra layer to the series.

Partly a slice of life story, the series is very much character-driven. Both Bok Joo and Joon Hyung get the most powerful moments in the series. But the large ensemble supporting cast also get their moments and development as well.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a romantic, emotional, heartfelt and sincere look at life, family and friendships. Led by excellent performances by Lee Sung Kyung and Nam Joo Hyuk, the series definitely carries itself with a well-deserved “swag” like its characters regularly do as well.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo Review

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