I'm super sad to rate this drama with only 5 stars, but here we are. If I'm being honest, even these 5 are given for the beginning glory (the first couple of episodes pulled me in), and also because of fantastic Woo Gwang-nam, and cutie Kang Hae-jin.
I really wanted to love Jung Ji-ho, because I really like Go Kyung-pyo. However, I could not bring myself to like his character this time around. There were too many red flags in his behaviours [spoiler](e.g. deciding things concerning Sang-eun's life without even discussing with her first, withholding truth etc. All the while Sang-eun was super annoying in her own right!),[/spoiler] and then some romance that felt kind of forced.
The dialogues were mostly redundant and boring. It seemed like the writers lost their direction pretty quickly, or forgot their intention. A lot of times a Kang Hae-jin scene would appear out of nowhere, completely disconnected from the rest of the plot, looking like a candy you would toss in front of a child to make them forget you're supposed to be telling them a story.
Scenes that were intended to be touching, endearing and cute between the two main characters felt strange, awkward and somehow artificially fabricated most of the time (I do realize this is a tv show, so by definition it is a fabrication, however, it shouldn't be obvious unless for comedic or similar purpose).
I could probably list many more grievances, but I'll stop here.

p.s. I believe the cast did the best they could with what they were given.

Love in Contract is a 2022 K-drama that breaks the mold of the typical contract marriage trope. With its unique premise, quirky characters, and undeniable charm, it's a breath of fresh air in the world of romantic comedies.

What Makes It Stand Out:

A Unique Twist on the Trope: Forget the usual CEO-meets-poor-girl scenario. Love in Contract revolves around Sang-eun, a professional contract marriage partner who caters to clients with specific needs. This fresh perspective adds intrigue and keeps you guessing about the motivations behind each contract.

Beyond Romance: While the romantic storyline is central, Love in Contract also delves into themes of self-discovery, societal expectations, and the complexities of family dynamics. This adds depth and relatability to the characters and their journeys.
Laughs and Tears: The show masterfully balances humor and emotional depth. You'll find yourself giggling at Sang-eun's witty remarks and the quirky supporting characters, then feeling a lump in your throat during heartfelt moments.

More Reasons to Watch:

Stellar Supporting Cast: From Sang-eun's sassy best friend to the mysterious second lead, the supporting characters are well-developed and add their own unique charm to the story.
Visually Appealing: The show boasts stunning cinematography, capturing the beauty of both the bustling city and the serene countryside. The fashion is also on point, adding to the overall polished feel.
Catchy Soundtrack: The soundtrack is a perfect mix of upbeat and emotional tunes that perfectly complement the on-screen action. You'll find yourself humming along long after the credits roll.

Overall:

Love in Contract is a delightful and refreshing K-drama that offers something for everyone. From the unique premise and sizzling chemistry to the insightful themes and emotional depth, it's a show that will stay with you long after you finish watching. Whether you're a rom-com aficionado or simply looking for a good story, Love in Contract is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.

Love in Contract might not be everyone's cup of tea, but I enjoyed watching it each week, and I felt immersed in the storyline while I watched it - especially the relationships surrounding Choi Sang-Eun (Park Min-young) and Madam Yoo (Jin Kyung), the stone-cold woman who raised her. This relationship is the water that runs along most of the plot, and was the most compelling - abid frustrating - part for me.

Not sure it has the emotional “punch” that most people are expecting from a romantic show. The main relationship between Sang-eun and Jung Ji-ho (Go Kyung-pyo) was very simple. It was a story of her experiencing her first love, after years of faking it, and him returning his faith in relationships after a failed marriage. I think they did the best with what they had. Truthfully, although Kim Jae-Young did an excellent job portraying Kang Hae-Jin, he just never seemed like a realistic secondary lead. I liked him, but I didn't believe in him. He never stood a chance as a real romantic interest. He was juvenile, and unimaginative. A Hallyu star and a Chaebol heir - who wants to escape from his straight-up-abusive family, but never manages to do it completely? I felt for him, but only as a friend.

Let's all agree that Gwang Nam (played by Kang Hyung-suk) is the best boy, and I want only happiness for him from now on. His friendship with Choi Sang-eun meant that he was often the only one able to call her out on her INCREDIBLY self-destructive, self-sabotaging behaviours. He was CANONICALLY gay :rainbow: which meant he could do a lot of interactions with the female lead without the seedy best-friend-but-more bullsh*t Kdramas try to pull sometimes. He acted excellently with every other lead on the show. From his interactions with Madam Yoo - mostly being impossible to keep it together, and spill all of Sang-eun’s secrets - to his rival-to-friends relationship with manager Yoo Jung-han (Kim Hyun-mok). I would be lying to myself if I didn’t secretly wish that they ended up as a couple in the end. He stole every single scene - can he be in a BL now??