Hi, fiction lover! So, I’ve been continuing my K-drama kick. I really want to get better at understanding and speaking Korean, so I’ve been challenging myself to take in more Korean content. Flower Crew popped up on my feed shortly after I finished Weak Hero, and it was an immediate yes for me since Park Jihoon is also part of the cast. I just had to do a Flower Crew review after finishing this lovely and delightful drama. This time, I’m keeping it spoiler-free because I have a feeling that you might not have seen this one yet. Am I right? If not or if so, comment it down below and tell me your Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency hot takes!
Flower Crew Review: Is the Premise Too Cheesy?
So, a lot of feedback that I read about the drama includes the discourse that the premise is too cheesy. A bit too on the nose for a K-drama. For instance, some reviewers say that the characters are more like caricatures from various historical dramas. We have the poor yet upbeat girl who has the interest of a man with a very important birthright. Then, we have the uptight yet softhearted main love interest, the mysterious charmer, and the flamboyant fashionista slash makeup artist. The latter three characters make up the Flower Crew, the best matchmakers in all of Joseon.
First of all, I’ve always had an interest in matchmakers. To go back to the Joseon Dynasty and to see these three masters at work is such an interesting premise! I can see where people are coming from, though. A lot of scenes seem to be taken right out of the historical K-drama guidebook. Not going to spoil things, but I can imagine when people might have rolled their eyes! But I absolutely love the drama for everything it is. Give me all the cheesiness.
We have our main character Gaettong. Her main goal is to find her missing brother, but when her lifelong friend Su proposes to her, she decides to take the leap with him. The Flower Crew comes in at this point, using their prowess to tidy up Su and Gaettong for their wedding day. Unfortunately, Su mysteriously disappears right on the wedding day…
Flower Crew Review: Everything I Loved!
Mahun and Gaettong are such a delight together! I love their dynamic. Gaettong is like the golden retriever, while Mahun is like the cat. There are many times when Mahun is trying to be restrained and classy while Gaettong wants to go ahead and headbutt people—probably why she gets the nickname “rock head.” At first, I wasn’t convinced by their romance, but I ended up loving them together.
A lot of the time while watching, I was focused on the workings of the Flower Crew. It is so interesting how they are all composed of men but somehow have the highest success rate of all matchmakers. Their chemistry really makes the drama for me.
That brings me to Dojun and Yeongsu. Dojun really captures me in the beginning with his beauty and his ability to be such a successful informant who hangs out at the kisaeng parlors. Every time he comes on screen, I can totally see him as main cast material. His backstory makes me tear up a bit, and you’ll totally understand why he hangs out at the kisaeng parlor and chooses to team up with Mahun to start a more unconventional business.
And Yeongsu! He is my favorite character. Not just because of Park Jihoon, but because I totally relate to what he goes through. At first, he appears as just a makeup artist and fashionista who only cares about looks. But there’s definitely a deeper story to him. He always brings a brightness to the screen and some comedy, especially with how he always mixes up vocabulary and scolds Gaettong for existing.
A Few Notes But an Overall Sense of Delight
I have to point out one main critique. I want more matchmaking! I think other viewers are in agreement with me. There needs to be more scenes with the Flower Crew doing their brilliance in Joseon. There are a lot of court scenes and romantic scenes, but it would be nice to have more scenes like in the first episode when a matchmaking quest involves the quick wit of all three matchmakers.
No matter, I love Gaettong and how she bonds with the matchmakers. She really brings out the best in them. Su also surprises me. You’ll quickly find out why he has one of the biggest character developments in the show. Jihwa, one of the noble ladies, gives a lot of drama and also has quite a surprising turn in her love life journey. I especially love it when she’s confronting Gaettong.
Mahun softening up to Gaettong always fills me with delight. I have to say, Mahun gives a very unapproachable aura. He’s stern almost at all times. And he takes his business very seriously. That’s why I think their coupling is so brilliant. Gaettong brings out the fun side in him, and Mahun brings out her potential as well.
Did you enjoy this Flower Crew Review? I’m on the hunt for my next favorite K-drama. Right now, I’m watching Racket Boys and Love Revolution! I’m having a great time! Have you checked those two out? If so, we might be K-drama soulmates. Follow me on my blog for more posts about fiction and fandom!