Encounter (2018) ~ A Love Story Between Duty and Desire

[cmoneyspinner]

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“Encounter” (aka “Boyfriend”) is a 2018 Korean drama, 16 episodes, categorized as Romance, and Poor Boy/Rich Girl, and streaming on Viki and Netflix. Memorable Quote: “Don’t be afraid. It’s […]
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Encounter (2018) ~ A Love Story Between Duty and Desire | PopGeeks.com Forum | Indie Games, Movies, TV, Tabletop & Comics

A slow-burn romance between a young man and an older woman who met by chance in Cuba. Then met again in Seoul. An unforgettable love story

popgeeks.com

 

[Justin J]

I really enjoyed "Encounter"! The dynamic between the characters is so compelling, especially with the whole rich girl/poor boy trope. It feels authentic and relatable, which can sometimes be hard to find in romance dramas. The cinematography is stunning too; every scene looks like a work of art. I particularly loved how their relationship evolved amidst societal pressures.

What did you think of the character development throughout the series? I felt like both leads had significant growth, and it really added depth to their love story.

 

[Jentura]

Cha Soo-Hyun also felt real to me. She is strong outside but clearly tired inside. I could understand why she was drawn to someone simple and honest. The Cuba setting was very beautiful, but I agree it was too short. I wanted more scenes there because it gave a different mood from Seoul. The story about class difference is not new, but the way it was handled felt more quiet and emotional. It is not dramatic in a loud way, but it stays with you. I think that is why many people still remember it.

 

[Carly]

I honestly had mixed feelings when I finished this series. I liked the chemistry between the two leads, but at the same time I kept thinking about the power imbalance. She is his boss, and also much older, so I was not always comfortable with how things developed. Still, I cannot deny that Kim Jin-Hyeok felt very sincere. He never acted like he wanted anything from her position. That part made the story believable for me. The Cuba scenes were my favorite because everything felt free and natural there. Once they returned to Seoul, the story became heavy with politics and family pressure. I understand that is the main conflict, but sometimes it felt repetitive. I do respect how the show tried to show emotional restraint instead of forcing big dramatic moments. It is not perfect, but it has a clear identity and tone.

 

[JinnyGoesKrazy]

For me, the best part of this drama is the atmosphere. It feels slow, but in a good way. I like stories where people take time to understand their feelings instead of rushing. Kim Jin-Hyeok is the type of character I rarely see now. He is gentle but not weak. He knows what he wants, but he does not push too hard. Cha Soo-Hyun is also interesting because she is already successful, but she still feels trapped. That contrast worked well. I do agree that Cuba should have been used more. It felt like a dream that ended too quickly. After that, everything became serious. Still, I think the show is strong because of its emotional tone. It is not about big events. It is about small moments between two people. That is what made me keep watching until the end.

 

[Maria Jose M]

What I liked here is how the story did not try to make everything perfect. The relationship has real problems, and they do not disappear easily. I think that is important. Too many dramas solve everything too quickly. In this one, the pressure from family and society feels constant. I also appreciated how Kim Jin-Hyeok stayed the same person from start to finish. He did not change just to fit into her world. That shows strong character. The Cuba setting gave a sense of freedom that contrasts with the rest of the story. When they return to Seoul, it feels like reality closing in. That transition was well done. I would say this drama is not for everyone, but for viewers who like character-focused stories, it works very well.

 

[Plotting your murder in Spanish]

I watched this mainly because I was curious about the Cuba filming. It was nice to see a Korean drama in a different location. The scenery looked real and not staged, which made a difference. However, I felt a bit disappointed that it was only a small part of the story. The main plot is still very typical with rich and poor characters. That part did not surprise me. What kept me interested was the acting. Both leads gave a calm and controlled performance. There were no exaggerated reactions, which I appreciated. The conflicts with the family felt stressful, but also realistic. I would say the drama is good, but not something I would rewatch many times.

 

[Sideways]

I actually enjoyed how simple the love story felt at the beginning. Two people meet by chance and just connect without knowing each other’s background. That part felt honest. When the truth comes out, everything changes, and that is where the tension starts. I think the show handled that shift very well. Kim Jin-Hyeok is written as someone who values feelings over status, and that is refreshing. Cha Soo-Hyun’s situation is frustrating, but believable. The influence of her family shows how limited her choices are. I agree with the point about Cuba. It added a soft and peaceful tone that the rest of the drama did not have. I think more episodes there would have made the story even stronger.

 

[cmoneyspinner]

I really enjoyed "Encounter"! The dynamic between the characters is so compelling, especially with the whole rich girl/poor boy trope. It feels authentic and relatable, which can sometimes be hard to find in romance dramas. The cinematography is stunning too; every scene looks like a work of art. I particularly loved how their relationship evolved amidst societal pressures.

What did you think of the character development throughout the series? I felt like both leads had significant growth, and it really added depth to their love story.

I agree with your assessment of character development. I also liked the younger guy/older woman vibe.

 

[cmoneyspinner]

For me, the best part of this drama is the atmosphere. It feels slow, but in a good way. I like stories where people take time to understand their feelings instead of rushing. Kim Jin-Hyeok is the type of character I rarely see now. He is gentle but not weak. He knows what he wants, but he does not push too hard. Cha Soo-Hyun is also interesting because she is already successful, but she still feels trapped. That contrast worked well. I do agree that Cuba should have been used more. It felt like a dream that ended too quickly. After that, everything became serious. Still, I think the show is strong because of its emotional tone. It is not about big events. It is about small moments between two people. That is what made me keep watching until the end.

It is definitely slow. If you want fast action, don't watch this K-drama.