So I Married the Anti-Fan (2021)
Quick Take: So I Married the Anti-Fan (2021) starring Choi Tae-joon and Choi Soo-young. 8.7/10. 16 episodes of 60 min.
Synopsis: Rookie reporter Lee Geun-young has a public run-in with pop idol Hoo Joon, and loses her job because of it. She blames Hoo Joon, attacks him on social media, and pickets at his appearances. When an unrelated scandal threatens Hoo Joon, his agency decides to create a distraction, a reality show featuring Joon and his anti-fan trying to get along. Lee Geun-young accepts because she has no other options, being homeless, unemployed, and broke. Hoo Joon grudgingly agrees under pressure. Of course, propinquity makes the heart grow fonder.
Review: Anti-fan was originally a webtoon. I watched it because I’d just seen Choi Tae-joon in Suspicious Partner (2017). It has some genuinely funny moments, though the plot doesn’t offer much in the way or surprise or suspense. The acting is somewhat uneven and 12 episodes would probably have been enough. Subplots include an old friend and an old flame from Hoo Joon’s past, an underhanded CEO, and a mysterious ring.
Although it was filmed in 2018, the release of Anti-fan was delayed for three years. It was eventually released on streaming platforms rather than via a South Korean tv network.
Rewatchable - 3, Compelling - 3, Plot/ Story/Writing - 8, Acting/Casting - 8, Production - 10, Bonus - 4. Bonus points for insights into idol fan culture.
Notes:
Choi Tae-joon
scored his first lead role in Anti-Fan, though he has been acting steadily in supporting roles since 2011. In 2021 he married actress Park Shin-hye.
Choi Soo-young
is a member of K-pop group Girl’s Generation. Besides singing and composing, she has appeared in films and television dramas since 2008. See her also in Run On (2020), Move to Heaven (2021), and If You Wish Upon Me (2022).
Kim Min-kyu
Anti-fan was one of Kim Min-kyu’s many minor and supporting roles, leading finally to his breakthrough year of 2022 when he received wide recognition for his performances in Snowdrop and Business Proposal. And that’s when he entered the military for his two-year mandatory service.