"into the ring" and the power of three

Into the Ring's lead character Se Ra had a motto that things in life deserved three chances. I unwittingly fell into that philosophy when I stated this drama. The first two attempts to get through episode one, I was just distracted and it didn't click with me but I tried for the third time because someone who's drama watching opinion I trust was raving about them and this drama. It stuck. Hard. Power of three.

There is almost something magical about the chemistry between Nana and Park Sung Hoon. The effortless way they play a young couple in love makes you feel so giddy watching them. The way they protect each other, fight for the other and comfort each other. I applaud the writer for not making them so over the top. To the very end, their sweetness and comfort with each other was evident. Even when Se Ra broke her promise to go back into politics, Gong Myung was right there supporting her.

Se Ra has such a dominating personality that their relationship could have been full of wacky antics but instead they gave us sweet quiet moments that at times almost felt intrusive watching. Gong Myung was a bit stoic after dealing with losing his brother, mother and his father by absenteeism but his love for Se Ra made him smile and open up but without losing himself. So often in dramas when you have the stoic male lead, finding love makes them silly and too happy. Gong Myung was himself but at peace and happy with Se Ra. They truly were the perfect team. Definitely one of my favorite couples in my short kdrama watching time.

Se Ra's parents were a riot. Supportive but also not pulling punches. The way they accepted Gong Myung in and gave him the family he craved was very special. Se Ra's friends and the little boy were the best ride or die crew she could have. And it was a nice wrap up to see all of them finding their passions in life. The memorial being at the school was the right place and it was nice to see the power of advocacy that kids can bring to the table.

I didn't mind the political plot. It was used effectively even if you grew to really loathe most of the politicians. The underlying story was the fire 20 years before and how it effected the families of Se Ra and Gong Myung and the political aspect was used to bring that plot forward.

I was ok with Gong Myung and his dad not reconciling. That's life sometimes.

Overall in the end, completely satisfying drama. For Nana's first foray into romcom she was delightful. I am really interested to see Park Sung Hoon's past two dramas where he played a psycho. He just was 100% adorable in this, I can't really imagine him in other way. I know the likelihood of them starring as leads in another drama is rare but it would be a treat and I would be right there front and center!

For this drama, I give it a 4/5 only because the start was a bit slow for me but once I was hooked, I was hooked. This is one of those dramas that I think will catch people by surprise and then will became one that they will always remember fondly.