Rich Man (2018) - Series Review: "Decent Enough"

The plot revolves around Lee Yoo-Chan, a successful CEO of a renowned IT company, who grapples with a unique challenge—he struggles with face recognition due to a psychological trauma. As he navigates the complexities of running a tech empire, his personal life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters Kim Bo-Ra.

Kim Bo-Ra, facing difficulties in securing employment, serendipitously lands a temporary job at Lee Yoo-Chan's company. Her exceptional ability to memorize becomes her asset in the tech-driven environment. Little does Lee Yoo-Chan know, Bo-Ra's presence triggers memories of a long-lost love.

Main Characters and Their Previous Works I'd watched. 

The main characters are new faces to me. "Rich Man" introduces two relatively unfamiliar actors in the roles of Lee Yoo-Chan and Kim Bo-Ra. Su-Ho, an EXO member, takes on the character of Lee Yoo-Chan, and Ha Yeon-Soo portrays Kim Bo-Ra. I was able to watch Su-Ho in his a recent drama he belong with entitled "Behind Your Touch" but wasn't able to finish it yet.

Director and Writer and their Previous works.

"Rich Man" marks my introduction to the collaborative efforts of director Min Doo-Sik and writers Hwang Jo-Yoon and Park Jung-Ye.  They have a limited portfolio of drama series, and this was the only one that I watched.

Story

The plot of "Rich Man" unfolds as a good and decent narrative, offering an engaging story that revolves around the dynamics of start-up companies. The drama, although an adaptation from a Japanese series unfamiliar to me, manages to stand on its own merits. Since I lack a basis for comparison, I approach it with fresh eyes, appreciating the unique elements it brings to the table.

While some might label it as the worst drama, I find it fair enough, and personally, I've enjoyed the series. The portrayal of start-up culture and the challenges faced by these budding companies in their struggle against industry giants adds a layer of intrigue. The backstabbing elements injected into the narrative contribute to the overall complexity of the storyline, making it particularly interesting.

Acting

This drama series offers a compelling narrative with an intriguing plot, but unfortunately, the execution falls short in terms of acting. While I hesitate to label it as outright bad, I must acknowledge that the performances were poorly done, displaying a level of awkwardness that detracted from the overall viewing experience.

In contrast to the typically brilliant acting seen in many Korean dramas, this series seems to miss the mark. The cast may have put in effort, but there's a feeling that the potential for more nuanced and emotive performances wasn't fully realized. The awkwardness in the acting becomes noticeable, hindering the immersion into the storyline.

Favorite Character on this Series

Cha Do-Jin, despite his playboy role, emerges as a standout character in this series. What makes Cha Do-Jin particularly remarkable is not just his charm but also his hidden talents. Beneath the surface, he proves to be more than just a charismatic playboy, showcasing skills and abilities that contribute significantly to the narrative. His loyalty to Yoo-Chan becomes a defining aspect of his character, making him not just a stereotypical playboy but a man with genuine depth and substance.

Favorite Actor/Actress on this Series

Oh Chang-Suk, portraying the character of Min Tae-Joo in "Rich Man" emerges as a standout actor in the series. His portrayal of Lee Yoo-Chan's best friend turned antagonist is nothing short of remarkable. Despite the slightly negative character arc towards the end, Oh Chang-Suk's acting prowess plays a significant role in making the audience despise Min Tae-Joo.

Favorite Couple/Tandem on this Series

Lee Dong-Ha and Min Tae-Ra, despite their brief screen time in this series manage to create a lasting impact as a favorite character duo. Their love story, though succinctly presented, is both cute and touching, showcasing the power of passion and love for artwork to bridge the gap between two individuals from different worlds.

Rating: 8/10

All in all, I appreciate this drama. It is clear that the narrative has had a profound impact on me, instilling a renewed sense of dreaming big and highlighting the vast opportunities that the world presents. Despite some noted improvements, especially in acting, the overall impression of this series is good and decent enough.