Blog

Dynamite Kiss is one of those dramas where the name perfectly captures the explosive fun. It came out of nowhere at the end of the year and hooked me instantly.

The first six episodes were fun, cute, and perfectly light-hearted. But episodes 7 and 8 suddenly changed the mood and I honestly didn’t expect it to get so heavy. Watching all that longing and pain was really tough. 

The story began in a way that made us feel bad for Go Da-rim, but now it’s Jihyeok who seems to be suffering the most. 

I do understand Da-rim’s circumstances, why she’s lying, why she can’t bring herself to tell the truth. What started as a white lie” has turned into something much more complicated. Because of everything she’s dealing with, she can’t fully see or accept how deeply Jihyeok love and cares for her. She’s a poor soul who has already been hurt many times and just wants to do better for her mom.

By the end of episode 8, it seems like Jihyeok might have to make all the effort to uncover the truth. I doubt Da-rim will initiate it herself; maybe if he clearly asks from his side, we’ll finally get that moment. I just hope they don’t drag the yearning part too much or save the revelation for the wedding day. I really hope the drama sticks to its rom-com roots because I don’t want to lose the funny, light-hearted moments.

Still holding onto hope for episode 9!

And since we’re all collectively suffering and waiting for the next episode, here are a few similar drama recommendations you can watch meanwhile:

1. Shopaholic Louis

This has to be my first recommendation. I watched it back in 2022 and it still remains one of my favourite feel-good dramas. It’s silly, funny, comforting and has that adorable “man absolutely crazy about his woman” energy.

It also introduced me to Seo In Guk, who plays Louis, a chaebol guy with a shopping addiction who loses his memory after an accident. He’s taken in by a sweet, countryside girl, Ko Bok-shil, who has no money but a lot of patience.

As Louis learns to live without luxury, Bok-shil learns that everyone’s values are different and somewhere in the mess, they find happiness in each other.

2. Dali & Cocky Prince

The Dynamite Kiss first-two episodes actually reminded me of this drama a lot.

The story follows Da Li, the classy, artsy daughter of a wealthy family. She is in the Netherlands studying art and working as a visiting researcher  when she crosses paths with Moo Hak, a loud, straightforward, money-obsessed businessman. Their first meeting is chaotic and unexpected, but there is an instant spark between them.

When Da Li returns to Korea after her father’s sudden death, she must take over her family’s struggling art museum. She meets Moo Hak again, this time as the creditor she owes money to. Their creditor–debtor relationship gradually develops into something deeper, as they begin to understand each other.

3. To the Moon

A recent easy, quick watch that I finished and honestly a good pick if you want something light but fun.

It follows three women: Da Hae, Eun Sang, and Ji Song, who all work at the same confectionery company. They’re broke, stressed, and tired of life until one of them suggests investing in cryptocurrency. Obviously, chaos follows.

But besides the office politics and money struggles, the surprising highlight is the chemistry between Da Hae and Ham Ji-Woo, the director of the company’s big data TF team. His life is perfect on paper, but secretly he used to be a singer. Da Hae becomes the only person who genuinely liked his old music, and because of her, he slowly starts dreaming again.