CHOCOLATE (2019) K-drama

Lee Kang (Yoon Kye-Sang) grew up in a small seaside town, dreaming of becoming a cook. He is now a neurosurgeon. He looks cold-hearted, but, in fact, he hides his warm heart. When Moon Cha-Young (Ha Ji-Won) was a child, she met Lee Kang at a small restaurant in the seaside town. Lee Kang cooked and gave her a meal. This is the happiest memory for Moon Cha-Young and it eventually led her to become a chef.Neurosurgeon Lee Kang and Chef Moon Cha-Young meet again at a hospice ward.

I have to admit that this drama is not superb, but not so ghastly either. The story covers with ordinary kdramas plot; main leads are tangled from childhood to present, both have a traumatic experience and family conflicts. What makes it different? I think the mixing of cooking and the life of dying people in the hospice.

I like the fact that this drama serves as an eye-opener to think about what is important in life. As it was implied in the final episode “those who died yesterday had planned for this morning, so don’t take life for granted.”  I completely admire their journey of healing, reconciliation and redemption. Moreover, I was delighted with the production quality, Greece is such a nice scenery matched with poignant emotions.

On the other hand, I find the character both of our MC depressing and irritating. Yes, they portrayed warmness and understanding, but it was too much for me. I find it unrealistic. While the other cast characters and side stories are well made, even for a short span of time, theirs I couldn’t even see the development.

Acting-wise, hands down. Everyone deserves a blast.

Overall, if you’d like a slow and emotional melodrama story, this one might be good for you.

Verdict: 8/10

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