Review: The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract (2023)
Genre: Historical-Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Melodrama
Episodes: 12
Starring: Lee Se-young, Bae In-hyuk, Joo Hyun-young, Yoo Seon-ho
Plot Summary:
The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract follows Park Yeon-woo (Lee Se-young), a noblewoman from the Joseon era who tragically loses her husband on their wedding night. After drowning in grief, she mysteriously time-travels to modern-day Seoul, where she encounters Kang Tae-ha (Bae In-hyuk), a cold-hearted CEO who looks identical to her late husband. Forced into a contractual marriage, the two navigate love, destiny, and the secrets connecting their past and present lives.
Review:
Strengths:
Lee Se-young’s Stellar Performance – As always, Lee Se-young delivers a captivating performance, effortlessly portraying both the dignified grace of a Joseon noblewoman and the comedic confusion of a time-traveling fish-out-of-water. Her chemistry with Bae In-hyuk is palpable, making their romance engaging.
Unique Blend of Genres – The drama balances historical melodrama, fantasy, and modern romantic comedy well. The time-slip element adds intrigue, and the mystery surrounding Yeon-woo’s past keeps the plot moving.
Beautiful Cinematography – The contrast between the lush, traditional Joseon settings and sleek modern Seoul is visually striking. The costumes (especially Yeon-woo’s hanbok) are gorgeous.
Supporting Cast Shines – Joo Hyun-young (as Yeon-woo’s loyal maid) and Yoo Seon-ho (as Kang Tae-ha’s cousin) provide humor and emotional depth, preventing the story from becoming too heavy.
Weaknesses:
Predictable Plot – While enjoyable, the story follows familiar tropes (contract marriage, past-life connections, amnesia) without much innovation. The ending, while satisfying, feels rushed.
Underdeveloped Villains – The antagonists lack depth, making their schemes feel more like plot devices than genuine threats.
Pacing Issues – Some episodes drag in the middle, while the finale wraps up too quickly.
Final Verdict:
The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract is a charming, if somewhat formulaic, romantic fantasy. Lee Se-young and Bae In-hyuk’s chemistry, along with the mix of humor and heart, make it an enjoyable watch. While it doesn’t break new ground, it’s a solid choice for fans of time-slip romances.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5/5) – A sweet, visually appealing drama with a few missed opportunities.