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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "My Secret Hotel" Episode 10

This episode is technically just another retread of the love triangle dynamic we've seen throughout the course of most of this drama, but because some definite questions get asked and clear character points are established, this is at least a useful episode for establishing who these characters are right now in the story. Although truth be told it's a pretty simple dynamic- everybody likes Sang-hyo and nobody likes Hae-yeong.

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I did almost kind of feel sorry for Hae-yeong this episode. He appears to be at an impasse in regards to his childish behavior. To date, it's fairly obvious that Hae-yeong isn't actually happy acting the way he is, hence why the man agreed to the whole impromptu marriage bit in the first place. At the same time, though, his fantasies of Sang-hyo are such that it's clear he genuinely believes that his childish affectations are a demonstration of love. Hae-yeong really doesn't have any kind of clue how the others characters in the drama actually view him.

Sang-hyo likewise has an odd fantasy about Hae-yeong, wherein he's basically too attentive. It makes for a bit of an interesting contrast Seong-gyeom, who has only just recently started expressing emotions in any kind of clear way whatsoever. Sang-hyo is pinging between two completely different kind of men. What makes the situation as a whole especially awkward is that it's clear all of these characters have some pretty gaping psychological issues, although it's not know whether any of them will actually solve these problems by the drama's end. Well, they might go to jail, which is kind of like solving the problem.

It's for these reasons that I'm relatively forgiving on the likability front in regards to the leads here. In contrast to "It's Okay, That's Love", where borderline sociopathic behavior was routinely treated as romantic and charming, the humor in "My Secret Hotel" clearly revolves around the understanding that Hae-yeong's behavior is inappropriate and self-centered. Sang-hyo's reaction upon returning to the apartment is, in itself, an excellent demonstration of this.

So, described in romantic terms alone, "My Secret Hotel" is managing some interesting material. The problem remains with the drama's other increasingly unexplored dimensions. Barely any serious exposition is made regarding the murder storyline at all, although it is somewhat relieving that at least Sang-hyo finally understands that the situation has somehow been getting worse. And likewise, while I get the jokes they're just...not all that funny to be honest. They're charming and cute, but I'm not laughing. This drama really does still need to work on its tonal integration.

Review by William Schwartz

"My Secret Hotel" is directed by Hong Jong-chan, written by Kim Do-hyeon and Kim Ye-ri-II and features Yoo In-na, Jin Yi-han, Namkoong Min and Lee Young-eun.

 

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