Season 1 |
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Episode Guide
Episode 1 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 2 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 3 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 4 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 5 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 6 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 7 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 8 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 9 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 10 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 11 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
Episode 12 -|Review Score – 3.5/5
My Lovely Boxer is a sports drama that revolves around the story of Lee Kwon-sook, a genius boxer who rose to stardom after knocking out the World’s best male boxer when she was 17. Kwon-sook goes ahead to win a gold medal in boxing, but she disappears on the eve of her professional debut for the WBC championship against Han A-reum.
While hiding and using a different name, Lee Kwon-sook runs into Kim Tae-young. He is a sports agent who goes looking for her with a hidden agenda. He wants to help her make a comeback.
The storyline of My Lovely Boxer provides more of a healing plot than a sports drama. Even though it is centred on a boxing theme, the script delves more into overcoming struggles, dealing with trauma and fears, determination, and finding support in the people around you.
The series has a straightforward plot highlighting character development, which is the central focus of the series. Regardless, the plot neither drags nor becomes predictable. Each episode is gripping with unpredictable events, keeping the viewer emotionally invested and looking forward to the next chapter.
Moreover, the series does not shy away from delving into the dirty dealings behind the scenes of professional sports competitions. The lengths these illegal betting organizations go to keep their stakes and the trauma and helplessness of athletes forced to be their baits are uncanny.
However, the setup for the rigged matches is underdeveloped, and the viewer does not sufficiently understand the horrors. The script could have provided enough backstory to the villain Kim O-bok and the match rigging. Without enough information, Kim O-bok did not compel the match-rigging story well, and his presence became more of a cliché.
Without him, the plot of the struggles of the female boxers to find recognition and make money from their passions is intriguing enough . The genius boxer with a talent for the sport but past traumas storyline is enough to keep viewers glued to the screen.
Regardless, the likeable and unlikable characters do a fantastic job portraying their characters. Lee Kwon-sook would draw the viewer in with her complex emotions, from cute and bubbly to rage and anger, angst and petrified to determination. Her range of emotions juxtaposed perfectly with the cold demeanour of Kim Tae-young, who is seemingly aloof, uncaring, and selfish but is responsible and considerate towards his athletes.
The banter between Kwon-sook and Tae-young is ultimately the life of the series. Additionally, every character undergoes development over the 12 episodes.
Han Jae-min starts as manipulative, selfish, and dishonest, but he grows to become caring, considerate, and supportive. Jo A-ra is initially rude, condescending, and arrogant but later becomes supportive, respectful, humble, and sociable.
Similarly, Han A-reum initially detests Lee Kwon-sook, but she later starts to respect her and her determination in the ring. A-reum is hardworking and passionate about boxing. Jung Soo-yeon is competitive but also caring and considerate of her athletes. Lee Chul-yong is regretful and guilty about his past misdeeds and constantly tries his best to get close to his daughter and become caring and supportive without interfering with her wishes.
Kim O-bok is manipulative and ruthless. He is selfish and greedy for money and would do anything to protect his money. Choi Ho-hoong’s radiant presence keeps you glued to the screen. He is a loyal, supportive, considerate, attentive, and a responsible friend. All the support cast also did an amazing job supporting the main characters and in story development.
My Lovely Boxer excels in developing characters and illustrating the complexities between passion and talent. There is some romance, but it is not fully explored, which is perfect for viewers interested more in the main story about the struggles of boxers for recognition as a sport and the importance of finding support from the people around you.
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Verdict - 8/10
8/10