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Merry Berry Love Episodes 1–2 Review Watch or Skip

Merry Berry Love Episodes 1–2 Review: Watch or Skip?

Korean Drama
MAB Score 8/10
  • The Binge Team
  • October 15, 2026
Merry Berry Love (メリーベリーラブ) is a rom-com I had been waiting for so patiently, and when it finally premiered on October 7, 2026, it was SO worth the wait! I've been excited about this South Korean-Japanese project, and it already feels like the cozy romantic getaway we've all been craving.
Lee Yu-bin (Ji Chang-wook) is a glamorous spatial designer in Seoul whose seemingly perfect life falls apart when he suddenly faces a career crisis. Hoping to get his finances back on track, he heads to Charo Island, Japan, to claim the land left to him by his late father, planning to sell it for a quick profit. But instead of an easy payday, he runs into Shirahama Karin (Mio Imada), a fiercely independent strawberry farmer who is determined to protect her rights to the land and preserve her late grandfather's legacy. To make things even more complicated, Karin is also quietly dealing with an undisclosed illness.
This series is for you if you love the cozy atmosphere and contrasting personalities of Azure Spring and the countryside charm and healing romance of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha. It's already giving me that warm, feel-good romance vibe I absolutely adore!

Merry Berry Love Episodes 1-2 Review: What I Loved

Image Credit: Disney+
In Episode 1, Lee Yu-bin arrives on Charo Island, and I got pure comedy perfection from the very first second! Watching this city man's polished persona fall apart as he struggles to adjust to the simple island life had me choking back laughter. After just one episode, I felt like I was falling in love with Ji Chang-wook all over again, thanks to his dramatic shrieks and exaggerated reactions. And his first encounter with Shirahama Karin? I was already hooked! She's so charming, and her straightforward, unapologetic sass is the perfect match for his high-strung energy.
By Episode 2, things start getting deeper than slapstick comedy, and it gets SO good. Karin guards her strawberry patch like a fortress, and when she clashes with Yu-bin over the land, the tension between them is absolutely delicious! I'm also SO EXCITED about the potential side couple! My heart practically melted when Park Ku-nam (Nam Yoon-su) arrived on the island and started working at the local supermarket, where he caught Mizuno Mari (Rinka Kumada)'s eye. I'm already curious to see where their story goes!
Honestly, I'd be hard-pressed to find anything to complain about, except for how abruptly the mood changes at the end of Episode 2. The sudden corporate drama involving Masato Kurokawa (Yasunori Danta) and Green Nova Corp. felt a little too serious for our otherwise sunny, lighthearted island setting. But, quite honestly, the chemistry between our leads is sizzling, and it makes every scene even more fun!
Doctor X: First Impressions (Episodes 1-2)

Merry Berry Love Review: My Verdict After Episode 2

Image Credit: Disney+
I was practically shaking with excitement, clutching my pillow by the end of Episode 2! Lee Yu-bin finds out that his late father's connection to Charo Island goes far beyond a piece of real estate. It is directly linked to the work of Shirahama Karin's deceased grandfather. Then, as Yu-bin rushes toward Karin near the strawberry fields, she suddenly suffers a dizzy spell because of her secret illness and collapses right into his arms! The dramatic moment had me wondering if Yu-bin would put his plans to evict her on hold and stay by her side instead. Could this be the beginning of an iconic forced-proximity arc in Episode 3? Because this crazy fan is SO ready for it!
After just two episodes, I am totally, 100% hooked! Merry Berry Love has gorgeous cinematography, stunning coastal views, and stellar performances from its leads. Ji Chang-wook and Mio Imada have such quirky, unexpected chemistry, and I can't wait to see how their relationship develops in Episodes 3 and 4 next week!
✦ Watch This If You Loved
I highly recommend Merry Berry Love to rom-com fans who love island romances, opposites-attract banter, and great chemistry between the leads.
Looking for more dramas like Merry Berry Love? Check out our similar picks below:
Azure Spring (2026)
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Drama Info
TitleMerry Berry Love (2026)
Total Episodes10 (Ongoing)
Review
1 & 2 Episodes
CountryJapan · South Korea
GenreComedy · Romance
Release DateOct 7th to Dec 9th · 2026
Stream
🎬Disney+
Main Cast
Imada Mio Japanese Actor
Imada Mio

Shirahama Karin

Ji Chang Wook South Korean Actor
Ji Chang Wook

Lee Yu-bin

MAB Score (For Episodes 1 & 2)
8/10
Overall Rating

Story

Acting

Chemistry

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Every drama we review gets two scores from the MAB binge team. A MAB Score and a Rewatch Score. Here is how both work.

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Separate from the MAB Score because a drama can be a 9.5 and still be something you just cannot bring yourself to put on again. We always give a short reason so you know what you are getting into.

Below 6 on the Rewatch Score? Not putting it on again.

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8.5 - 9+ Do not sleep on this one. Watch now.
We watched it and loved it. Genuinely a must watch.
6 - 8 Good. Worth it.
Mostly we find these genuinely worth your time. Read the full review, check if the genre or cast is your thing, and go for it.
Below 5 Dropped or skipped.
We will tell you why. Sometimes there is still a reason to check it out, especially if you love the cast. The review will say.
Personal opinions from whoever on the team watched it. Not a formula, just a genuine take.