Edited by Hwang Hong Sun
Translated by by Kim Hoyeun
Netflix’s original Korean series have often grabbed attention with massive budgets and unconventional premises. Against that backdrop, the amnesia romance at the heart of Our Sticky Love may feel almost old-fashioned. But in an era overflowing with provocative, high-concept shows, there is something unexpectedly refreshing about a story that simply embraces the classic rules of romance.
The romantic comedy follows Go Eun Sae (played by Ha Young), a prosecutor who loses her memory, and Jang Tae Ha (Jung Hae In), a former gangster turned boxing coach who insists that he is her real boyfriend. Director Kim Jang Han of Do You Like Brahms? teams with You Raise Me Up writer Mo Ji Hye to deliver a romance that may feel familiar, but remains convincing where it counts.
Across its 12 episodes, Our Sticky Love initially builds its story around the bickering chemistry between its two leads as Eun Sae struggles with her memory loss. Jung Hae In, in particular, gives Jang Tae Ha a quiet but deeply affectionate charm. The small, thoughtful ways he looks after Eun Sae steadily lay the groundwork for a romance that knows how to make viewers’ hearts flutter.
But the show’s appeal extends beyond the central couple. Another major part of the story follows Eun Sae, a city woman with no memories, as she gradually becomes part of a rural village known for making yeot, a traditional Korean candy. At first unable to fit in, she slowly begins laughing, crying and growing alongside the villagers. The setup inevitably brings to mind the healing-romance formula of shows like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Queen of Tears. Our Sticky Love does not reinvent that formula, but it handles it with a light, steady touch.
The true standout of the series, however, is Ha Young. After steadily building her filmography and gaining wider recognition through The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, she takes on what is essentially her first leading role here. Not only does she share excellent visual chemistry with Jung Hae In, but she also slips comfortably into the role of Go Eun Sae, a sharp and capable prosecutor whose tough exterior hides a soft heart.
There is something especially endearing about a character who, despite growing up as an orphan and suffering repeated abuse as a child, has somehow managed to hold on to her bright smile. Ha Young brings out that resilience without making it feel forced, naturally drawing the audience toward Eun Sae. Unfortunately, just as this review was being completed, controversy emerged over allegations surrounding Ha Young’s great-grandfather and his pro-Japanese activities, introducing an unexpected complication in how both the actress and the series may now be viewed.
The drama is not without its flaws. Even allowing for Eun Sae’s amnesia and the fact that her fingerprints have disappeared, the idea that the identity of a currently serving prosecutor could remain unknown for so long requires a suspension of disbelief. The story also becomes somewhat repetitive as Eun Sae repeatedly suspects Tae Ha, only to soften toward him again after seeing his caring side.
Its wholehearted use of familiar romance clichés, from amnesia to secrets surrounding a character’s birth, may also divide viewers. There are moments when the story feels too thin to fully justify a 12-episode run, and the slower stretches can make the narrative feel more padded than necessary.
Still, Our Sticky Love is undeniably lovable. Jung Hae In and Ha Young’s visual chemistry and natural banter, along with small twists and well-timed cameos, bring energy to the otherwise loose story.
While its Korean title, which roughly translates to “This Crappy Love,” has a harsher ring, the series itself is filled with warmth and gentle charm that feel refreshingly familiar. Perhaps that contrast between the title and the story is the biggest twist Our Sticky Love has to offer. (7/10)
Editor Hwang Hong Sun: A Korean movie buff who wishes that the warm messages in good works will warm up this world at least by one degree Fahrenheit.
>> Jung Hae In’s ‘Our Sticky Love’ Becomes Second Most-Watched Netflix Series Two Days After Release
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