Call It Love: When Revenge Becomes a Painful and Tender Love Song

When revenge is tempered by understanding, love quietly forms amidst life's wounds. Call It Love is a 2023 Korean drama that transforms a family feud into a tender and complex relationship. With deep storytelling and suffocating emotions, this series is not just a simple romance but a poem of pain, forgiveness, and healing broken hearts.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

The story follows Shim Woo-joo (played by Lee Sung-kyung), a woman whose life turns upside down when her family becomes homeless. She decides to take revenge on the man she blames: Han Dong-jin (played by Kim Young-kwang), a lonely yet gentle-hearted man. But as Woo-joo gets closer to her target, she discovers Dong-jin isn't as bad as she thought. Their relationship shifts from revenge to understanding, evolving into a complex love amidst painful pasts and family conflicts.

The series moves slowly but focuses on emotional details and character feelings, especially exploring the minds of those abandoned and longing for love. The conflict is not external but internal, making viewers deeply empathize with every emotion.

Acting and Characters

Kim Young-kwang as Han Dong-jin portrays loneliness and gentleness remarkably. His sad eyes and quiet demeanor clearly convey past wounds. Meanwhile, Lee Sung-kyung embodies Shim Woo-joo with depth, showing both determination for revenge and hidden vulnerability. Their chemistry leaves a profound impression on viewers.

Supporting actors like Sung Joon as Yoon-jun, Dong-jin's helpful best friend, and Hani (from EXID) as Kang Min-young, a charming coworker, add color to the story. Kim Ye-won as Shim Hye-sung, the heroine's younger sister, and Jang Sung-bum as Shim Ji-goo, her younger brother, depict warm yet painful family relationships.

Direction, Cinematography, and Music

Director Lee Kwang-young uses a slow but powerful narrative. Every shot is beautifully composed with muted, cool tones that convey the characters' sadness and loneliness. Key scenes use slow close-ups to capture actors' emotions in detail.

The soundtrack, especially songs by talented artists like Kim Bum-soo and Jung Seung-hwan, enhances the series' emotions. The melancholic and beautiful melodies perfectly blend with the story, almost becoming a character that expresses feelings words cannot.

Editorial Analysis

Call It Love is not a sweet romance or intense drama with typical plots, but a deep dive into human nature regarding forgiveness and healing. The editorial team finds the series' strength in creating multidimensional characters—the male lead is not perfect, and the female lead is not ruthless. Each has reasons for their actions, making viewers understand even seemingly antagonistic characters.

The series subtly reflects social issues of inequality and broken families through Woo-joo's loss of home and parents, and Dong-jin's abandonment by his mother. Their journey is a search for the true meaning of 'home' and 'family.' The love that arises is not just about the heart but about mutual healing.

However, the slow pacing may not appeal to those who prefer speed or excitement. But for those who enjoy delicate storytelling, Call It Love is a worthwhile watch.

Verdict

Call It Love is not a series to watch casually but to absorb and reflect upon. With emotionally charged acting, a profound story, and unforgettable music, it's perfect for those seeking a drama that touches the heart and makes you think about the meaning of love. If you don't mind the slow pace and want to immerse yourself in a poem of pain and healing, this series is the answer.