Korean Drama Review: "Find Me in Your Memory" (그 남자의 기억법 2020)

Korean Drama Review: "Find Me in Your Memory" (2020)

(그 남자의 기억법 / "Memoir of a Man")
Genre: Romance, Melodrama, Psychological
Episodes: 32 (30-35 mins each) | Network: MBC
Starring: Kim Dong-wook, Moon Ga-young, Yoon Jong-hoon, Lee Joo-bin
Director: Oh Hyun-jong | Writer: Kim Yoon-joo

📖 Plot Summary

Lee Jung-hoon (Kim Dong-wook) is a renowned news anchor with Hyperthymesia—a rare condition that gives him an extraordinarily detailed memory. He remembers every moment of his life, including the tragic death of his first love.

Yeo Ha-jin (Moon Ga-young) is a cheerful but forgetful rising actress who seems to live only in the present. When their paths cross, Jung-hoon realizes Ha-jin is connected to his past in ways she doesn’t remember.

As their lives intertwine, they navigate love, trauma, and the weight of memories—both painful and beautiful.

⭐ Full Review

1. Characters & Performances

✅ Lee Jung-hoon (Kim Dong-wook) – A standout performance! His portrayal of a man burdened by perfect memory is heartbreaking yet restrained. His chemistry with Moon Ga-young is electric.

✅ Yeo Ha-jin (Moon Ga-young) – She balances bubbly charm with deep emotional layers. Her character’s hidden trauma adds complexity.

✅ Supporting Cast –

Yoon Jong-hoon as a sly TV director adds tension.

Lee Joo-bin as Jung-hoon’s ex is sympathetic.

Kim Seul-gi steals scenes as Ha-jin’s hilarious manager.

2. Romance & Chemistry

🔥 Slow-Burn but Intense – Their love story is emotional, not just fluffy.

💔 Angst with Purpose – Past trauma affects their relationship realistically.

🤝 Mature Communication – Rare in K-dramas—they actually talk about their issues!

3. Themes & Writing

🧠 Memory & Trauma – Explores how memory shapes identity.

⚖️ Forgiveness vs. Revenge – Some thriller elements keep tension high.

💡 Realistic Take on Fame – Shows media manipulation and celebrity struggles.

4. Pacing & Structure

⏳ First Half (Faster) – Strong setup with mystery elements.

⌛ Second Half (Slower) – More melodrama, but emotional payoffs are worth it.

5. Cinematography & Music

🎥 Elegant & Moody – Uses cool tones for Jung-hoon’s memories, warm for Ha-jin’s scenes.

🎵 OST Highlights – "Remember Me" (Gummy) and "My Love" (Baek Ji-young) enhance emotional moments.

👍 Pros vs. 👎 Cons

Pros Cons

🔥 Kim Dong-wook & Moon Ga-young’s chemistry 🐢 Pacing drags slightly in later episodes

🧠 Unique premise (Hyperthymesia in romance!) 🕵️ Some thriller subplots feel underdeveloped

💬 Mature, well-written dialogue 😢 Heavy melodrama may not suit light-romance fans

🎭 Strong acting from entire cast

🔍 Comparison to Similar Dramas

Drama Similarities Differences

"It’s Okay to Not Be Okay" Trauma healing, deep romance Darker, more fairytale-like

"Tomorrow With You" Time/memory themes, mature love More sci-fi, less melodrama

"The Smile Has Left Your Eyes" Tragic past connections Much darker, thriller-heavy

🎬 Final Verdict: 8.5/10

"Find Me in Your Memory" is a beautifully acted, emotionally rich melodrama with a unique twist on memory and love. While it has some pacing issues, the chemistry between the leads and thoughtful storytelling make it a standout.