Review and Analysis of Doona: Fear of Rejection, and the Beauty of Letting Go

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“Doona” is a 9-episode Netflix drama (dubbed) that tells the story of a quiet, nice guy who becomes the neighbor of a problematic idol who left her group.

Adapted from Min Song Ah’s webtoon “The Girl Downstairs,” and directed by Lee Jeong Hyo with screenplay by Jang Yoo Ha, the drama (which seems like a romantic comedy but isn’t!) is a journey through youth and maturation. The plot revolves around Doo Na, a former member of the K-pop group Dream Sweet, who left the group after a panic attack on stage, and her interactions with characters in a shared house setting. Visually flawless, it is a series that is a pleasure to watch every well-spent minute.

Cast:

Bae Suzy (While You Were Sleeping, Dream High, and the controversial Start Up), a renowned actress and singer in Korea, couldn’t be more perfect for the role. Firstly, before establishing herself as an actress, Suzy was a member of the K-pop group Miss A, where she also faced accusations of being the group’s “star.” She transitioned from being a model, actress, soloist… The actress understands the industry from all angles, sings, dances, and has been a South Korean sensation since her debut, being called the “nation’s girlfriend.” Thus, everything about the character becomes quite believable with her performance. She truly embodies the main character. Oh, and for those who want to know, that hair style that became super popular because of her is called “hime cut” (princess cut, in free translation), popularized in Japan.

Yang Se Jong (Temperature of Love, Dr. Romantic 2, Still 17, and My Country) plays the protagonist, Lee Won Joon, a university student in engineering. Quiet, nice, even “foolish.” The character is a “caretaker.” He is excessively concerned about others, accepts too many explanations, and lives life in a socially awkward and somewhat cowardly way, abandoning loves in difficulties, without facing them, talking personally, etc. He has a personality opposite to the rebellious and free Doona, who seems to do whatever she wants, whenever she wants. The clash of these temperaments brings growth to both.

Other cast members include Ha Young as Kim Jin Joo, Park Se Wan (I’m Not a Robot) as Choi Yi Ra, Kim Do Wan as Koo Jung Hoon, and Kim Min Ho as Seo Yoon Taek, all playing supporting roles, generally comic (except for Jin Joo). However, unlike a vast majority of dramas that propose to have several cores, here there is not excessive humor, and each character has their part – including the scene of the character Yi Ra screaming swear words in the middle of the street to her Brazilian boyfriend, which went viral and made history.

I especially liked Ha Young’s role, as it was one of the few dramas where I really was in doubt and thought that the protagonist would be good with either of the ladies.

Story:

The plot of “Doona!” is centered around Lee Doo Na, who, after abruptly leaving Dream Sweet, ends up living in the same shared house as Won Jun, an engineering student who initially does not recognize her fame. The drama explores the evolution of their relationship, started with misunderstandings and mutual curiosity – they are opposites who attract each other by their distinct way of living. Throughout the series, the characters go through various experiences, from friendships in the shared house to complicated romances.

It can be said that Won Jun absorbs Doona’s firmness to stand up for himself. There is an extreme maturity in the characters’ behavior, rare in series: the triangle is resolved directly and kindly, the girls do not need to fight over anyone and even become friends, but without denying their feelings and annoyance. It’s a lesson in boundaries, self-care, and respect. It warms the heart, at the same time that there are scenes that show the humanity of the characters and their flaws. Doona is defensive and extremely selfish, using this mask to protect herself from her own feelings. After all, it’s easier to reject first than to be rejected – which is the character’s biggest fear.

Meanwhile, Won Jun does not get involved in his desires. It’s easier to run away from the situation than to admit how much it hurts and face that pain, again, rejection. Thus, he seems direct and objective in his conclusions, but it’s just another way of not suffering. However, distancing himself from everything that causes strong emotions also causes him apathy, sadness, and emptiness.

Both suffer from the same ailment in opposite conditions: the fear of rejection. She rejects everything; he accepts everything. These are two unhealthy ways of dealing with the pain of loss, but both are quite similar in this escapism from reality, each in their own way.

Doona is not a drama for just anyone, nor for any moment. In summary: because it’s sad. It’s not a fun and funny series – even though there are cores here and there that are there to distract you. From its aesthetic choices to musical ones, it’s already possible to see that it’s not cute. It’s realistic and will leave many people heartbroken, like the drama 25, 21. It’s this kind of story that excites me and enchants me, so I loved it.

Analyzing the Behavior:

The dynamics between the main characters of “Doona!”, especially with regard to self-esteem and perception of worthiness, is the central point of the plot, which perfectly explains the ending.

In the beginning, when Doona is in a moment of vulnerability, the main male character (Won Jun) feels more secure in his position in the relationship. Suddenly, that magnificent woman who was out of his league needs him. This fantasy puts him in a position of infatuation and care. However, this position is also a way to reinforce his own ego: “Because she needs me, I am loved.” As soon as his help is no longer necessary, his self-esteem also declines, as does his supposed love.

Meanwhile, Doona felt she was not worthy of love. She presented her worst version to the world, perhaps in a childish attempt to unconsciously find someone who would love her despite all this. And so, in her worst version, she finds a faithful and unshakable caretaker, a toy she can’t break. However, when she breaks it, she realizes she went too far and, with guilt, opens her heart and returns affection. Won Jun plays an almost maternal role in Doona’s life, something she desperately seeks in her relationships. And he helps her heal by always being there, no matter what happens.

She begins to see herself as deserving of love, but it is from there that she regains her fame and self-esteem. Her career is Doona’s new “power”; she becomes sufficient for herself, for being the idol. The dynamics of the relationship change, because at that moment, she becomes bigger than Won Jun can take care of. If he imprisoned her, if she gave up stardom, or if he even gave up college… It would be cutting the wings of that girl who was sad before, but now wants to fly. He took care of her and helped her get out. The greatest proof of love he can give is not to hold her back. It may be partially motivated by ego, by structural machismo of no longer being the “provider,” but I like the attitude he takes to leave. For just as Doona regained self-esteem, the main character also learns to “say no.” It’s the hard way, but by being “worthy of the love of a star,” he also understands that he cannot stay in a relationship that hurts him and, even loving her, that would be toxic for both. The story is almost antagonist to “Nevertheless.”

The ending is painful but appropriate, because, often, love is letting go.

Conclusion:

A great drama, mature, delicate, sincere. It’s not for everyone. If you expect a traditionally romantic plot, don’t watch. If you enjoy a melodrama, a suffering heart, and a good dose of realism, then yes, it’s for you.

I recommend: Twenty Five, Twenty One, which deceives much more than Doona in its lighter climate, but the message is very similar.

For a romance between a star and a common person (well, more or less, because he’s an alien), this time yes a romance, I recommend My Love from the Star – but whatever you do, don’t watch it dubbed on HBO.

Rating: