[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Shopping King Louis" Episode 2

Our "Shopping King Louis" falls from throne and grace as we fast forward through an apparent car accident to a now homeless and amnesiac Louis/Ji-seong. Episode two does not advance the plot much, but we get valuable interaction between our two main characters and we learn a little more about our second leads. What we learn sadly raises some concerns for me, but it is not enough to sully a lovely drama for now.

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Having spent almost an entire episode following Ji-seong (Seo In-guk) and Bok-sil (Nam Ji-hyun) through sauna and homeless bonding, the more practical matters of the plot do take a little break for a while. However, this break is much needed, because the focus shifts to the two leads, who are the main draw of the drama. It is time filled right, rather than with forced conflicts and intrigue. It gives development and foundation to a future couple, separately and together.

And what a sweet pair they are. I am not talking about romance yet, mind you. What Ji-seong and Bok-sil are right now is partners in need. They spend time together as unfortunate friends and they bond during challenging situations, where their character is truly tested. Bok-sil is kind, but not a doormat and I appreciate her boldness. Ji-seong is clingy and needy, but he is also a nice man who is currently facing terrible fear of abandonment. Their bond is based on personal interest, sure, but the bonding is genuine.

I am happy to see more development for our second leads, but Baek Ma-ri (Lim Se-mi) worries me at the moment. The role of a heartless gold-digger is quite often a misogynistic stereotype and one dramas love to use for pitting the viewers against such characters. They are created as a means to annoy, keep the romantic pairings clear and force obstacles. That being said, when even a random grandma thief is layered, I am not writing Ma-ri off as a stereotype just yet.

We get to know Joong-won (Yoon Sang-hyun) better as well. He is strict with his workers, but he does show sympathy for and reach out to Ma-ri when he feels she is grieving over a loved one. He also keeps his word, so he is not dishonest. I am enjoying most characters here and I do love how money and greed continue to be explored through situations like the train thief and Joong-won's parents. Farewell, quality ginseng.

Also, do you remember how I lamented the drama's choice of colors, or lack thereof? The creators seem to be bringing color back in as we move through the series, which means this might have been more than a thoughtless stylistic choice. It is a good day in Dramaland when even the cinematography plays along.

"Shopping King Louis" is directed by Lee Sang-yeob-I, written by Oh Ji-yeong-I and features Seo In-guk, Nam Ji-yeon, Yoon Sang-hyun and Lim Se-mi.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

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