Sports, youth, and romance. I thought I could already see where the story was heading, so I lowered my expectations before I began. But you know what? The longer I watch the show, the more I find myself getting immersed in the story. This is so much fun, so why arenŌĆÖt people serious about this drama ŌĆō Love All Play (aka Going to You at a Speed of 493km)? Park Tae Yang (Park Ju Hyun), who turned 25 this year, used to be a promising badminton player, playing for the national team. But itŌĆÖs already been three years since she put down the racket. The nickname ŌĆ£Queen of SmashingŌĆØ is now only the glory of the past. The business team that she managed to join doesnŌĆÖt welcome her and her teammates are casting her aside since the reason she quit badminton three years ago was that she got swept up in a bribery incident. On top of that, sheŌĆÖs not even getting paid ŌĆŗŌĆŗminimum wages. While struggling both mentally and physically, only Park Tae Joon (Chae Jong Hyeop) treats her with kindness. And Tae Joon himself has been having a hard time adapting to the new team, though not as much as Park Tae Yang. A strange, romantic vibe flows between the two quite swiftly. Love All Play focuses on the blossoming love between Park Tae Yang and Park Tae Joon, the so-called ŌĆ£Two ParksŌĆØ couple, and their growth as athletes. The youthful romance, the touching story, and the thrilling sports genre are all well-balanced, so you can equally enjoy the fun of the three themes. The absence of a villain reduces the fatigue, and the refreshing development, badminton scenes, and the intertwined relationships add to the fun of watching the show. In other words, Love All Play is easy to watch. What stands out the most are the actors. Though most of the lead roles are played by rookie actors, theyŌĆÖre showing solid performances. Especially so for the two main cast ŌĆō Park Ju Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop. Park Ju Hyun portrays a relatable character who devotes herself to practice to overcome the pain of the past even when her body and mind donŌĆÖt work as she wants. Chae Jong Hyeop, on the other hand, makes viewers cheer for him by showing how his character grows, both as a badminton player and as a person. Of course, their straightforward, sweet romance that doesnŌĆÖt backpedal and outstanding chemistry is just heart-fluttering. However, the very fact that the show is led by rookie actors is also considered a letdown. Yes, their acting is impeccable, but there arenŌĆÖt that many ŌĆ£familiar facesŌĆØ that will appeal to the public. ItŌĆÖs true that Park Ju Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop are the rising stars who starred in projects like Extracurricular, Hot Stove League, Nevertheless, and The WitchŌĆÖs Diner, but I still canŌĆÖt help but wonder what it mightŌĆÖve been if there was at least one actor who could guarantee ratings boost. The appearances of veteran actors Jo Han Chul, In Gyo Jin, and Jeon Bae Soo and the cameo appearances of Kim Hyun Joo and Jin Seon Kyu are nice, but thatŌĆÖs it. If Love All Play wants to overcome the ratings slump, whatŌĆÖs to come is important. Fortunately, thereŌĆÖs plenty of room for exciting development in the future. Tae YangŌĆÖs past and the ŌĆ£no office romanceŌĆØ rule could become an obstacle for the two, and the unexpected slump may threaten their lives as athletes. But the thought of them overcoming these crises and hardships is already giving me a thrill. As a viewer whoŌĆÖs overly immersed in Park Tae Yang and Park Tae JoonŌĆÖs chemistry and narrative, IŌĆÖd say this ŌĆō at least give this show a try. ThereŌĆÖs something more in this drama than the debate over the title. (6.5/10) ┬Ā Editor Yang Young Jun: There is at least one good part in every movie or TV series. A media geek who isnŌĆÖt picky with genres. Translator Kim Hoyeun: If you are a fan of K-drama, K-movie, and K-pop, I am your guy. I will continue to provide you with up-to-date K-entertainment news.
