This article discusses the Netflix K-drama Crash Course in Romance, which falls under the well-trodden genre of romantic comedy in K-Dramas. While some shows in this category are inconsistent, the best contributions carry an emotional punch to the hilarity, while the worst rely too much on cliches and unnecessary elements.
The story of Crash Course in Romance follows an A-list math instructor and an ordinary woman who fall in love against all odds, only to have their budding romance stifled by the interference of many other characters and events. Haeng-Seon manages a banchan shop and cares for her neurodiverse sibling, Jae-Woo, and her niece Hae-e. Choi Chi-Yeol is a well-known math tutor, but his hectic schedule has taken a toll on his health.
Despite their misunderstanding and minor rift, Chi-Yeol and Haeng-Seon keep meeting with one another because she keeps coming back for her food. Eventually, she identifies him as the teacher whose classes she is trying so hard to enroll her kid in, and her attitude shifts. Hae-e is unfairly expelled from the academy after being removed from a prestigious program by the influential and well-off mothers of other students.
As Chi-Yeol’s lighthearted interaction with Haeng-Seon takes on a more amorous tone, he decides to start providing Hae-e with private tutoring. Yet once other mothers learn of this, a new controversy arises. Meanwhile, a masked assailant is continuing his spree of murder against anyone who has crossed paths with Chi-Yeol. The true nature of Hae-e’s relationship with Haeng-Seon is revealed to the instructor and the world when she realizes how Haeng-Seon’s future relationship with Chi-Yeol is harmed as a result of her.
Once Chi-Yeol and Haeng-Seon begin dating, Hae-e is kidnapped and eventually gets into an accident that leaves her in a coma. Chi-Yeol finds out that his manager is the real bad guy and stops him before he can do any more damage to Hae-e. Haeng-Seon and Chi-Yeol are now engaged and making wedding preparations as Hae-e heals and achieves academic success.
All of the actors in Crash Course in Romance do a wonderful job, albeit some are better than others. While veteran Jeon Do-Yeon is superb even at her most over-the-top and explosive, Jung Kyung-Ho infuses his quirky character with a believable fervor. The leads deliver some of the best performances in the program, giving their characters a realism & depth that is striking in how naturally they are brought to life.
Crash Course in Romance covers a lot of ground in terms of tone & subject matter. The show also prominently addresses serious problems facing modern society, especially in Asian countries where education has become a business unmatched in annual revenue & the children are continually crushed under the pressure of their parents’ expectations for them.
The importance of education to the parents is a theme that is explored even in the more dramatic plots & characters. This may be the basis for a fascinating commentary on the harm done to children when their parents pursue their own goals via them, stifling their own sense of agency & happiness in the process.
When romantic comedy intends to be humorous, it is really funny; most of the humor stems from the performers’ physical comedy. Because of its expansive scope, the program has to deal with a wide range of tones & emotions, which can make it feel cluttered and disjointed at times.
As an example, the romantic subplot between Jae-Woo and Yeong-Ju might have been cut without detracting from the story overall, proving that it’s not always worthwhile to switch gears and follow a different storyline.
In conclusion, Crash Course in Romance is an entertaining K-drama that delivers on its romantic comedy genre while also addressing serious societal issues. The performances are strong, and while some subplots could have been cut, the overall story is engaging and enjoyable to watch.