The Happy Loner (2017) 개인주의자 지영씨
Also Known As: Individualist Ms. Ji-young
Directed by Park Hyun-suk, starring Min Hyo-rin as Na Ji-young and Gong Myung as Park Byuk-soo.
Watched 29 - 30 April 2025 — 2 episodes (KOCOWA)
*Finished this two-episode K-drama in no time (not so surprisingly) and really enjoyed it. The story is simple and relatable and revolves around two lonely people who are neighbours. Min Hyo-rin as Na Ji-young is emotionally scarred because of her childhood with uncaring parents and doesn't let anyone get close to her out of fear of getting hurt. Gong Myung as Park Byuk-soo comes also from a broken nest (divorced parents) but instead of hiding behind a cold facade like Ji-young, Byuk-soo acts the opposite. He's outgoing and cheerful, always beaming with a big smile.
*The drama is carried by the lead actors and their solid performances. I think Min Hyo-rin acts very naturally. I like her character and really felt for her. Pushing everyone away all the time will eventually lead to a crack with an emotional breakdown as a consequence. And Ji-young díd break down and I also shed tears.
*Byuk-soo is a character who's seriously annoying in the beginning. A pushover and very clingy and hysterical, he's so off-putting. And as someone who has kept a diary for many many years, I don't understand why people think it's okay to read someone else's private and personal diary!!! This is a no-go in my book! Bad move, Byuk-soo!
*Gong Myung does a good job portraying Byuk-soo and making him likeable in his serious moments while showing his vulnerable side. I'm always more drawn to characters with a serious demeanour than to happy-go-lucky characters so I was glad Byuk-soo dimmed the wattage of his smile.
*Love the scene with the swoony kiss! The leads have great chemistry and share some cute moments. I'm really happy these two people have found each other and get a shot at happiness.
*Min Hyo-rin is very pretty, by the way. She has such flawless skin, like most Korean actors.
*Love the OST!