Love Untangled Review – Nothing New, Yet Surprisingly Sweet
Romantic comedies are everywhere. Most of them follow tried-and-tested formulas: a makeover to impress the crush, a supportive guy friend secretly in love, or the classic love triangle that keeps the audience guessing. Think back to the emotional punch of Kal Ho Naa Ho, the heartbreak hidden beneath comedy and charm. Yet despite being predictable, rom-coms still hit the heart, if the cast has chemistry and the story is told with warmth. That’s exactly what the Netflix Korean rom-com, Love Untangled manages to do
Plot and Setup
Set in 1998 Busan, Love Untangled follows Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo), a girl self-conscious about her curly hair. She believes her life and her chances with school heartthrob Kim Hyeon (Cha Woo-min) will improve if only she can achieve sleek, straight hair. Her path crosses with Han Yoon-seok (Gong Myung) in an unexpected way: she rescues him from drowning, injuring his leg in the process. Coincidentally, his mother owns the town’s most sought-after salon, known for its “magic” straightening treatment.
Se-ri strikes a deal, she’ll help Yoon-seok while his leg heals, and in return she’ll get the straight hair she dreams of. What begins as a simple plan slowly evolves into a bond that neither of them expected.
Friendships Done Right
One refreshing element of Love Untangled is the friend group dynamic. Yoon Sang-hyeon as Baek Seong-rae, Kang Mi-na as Go In-jeong, and Choi Gyu-ri as Sol-ji form Se-ri’s supportive circle. Unlike many rom-coms where friends are sidelined or jealous, here they genuinely root for Se-ri. Their loyalty adds warmth and makes the story more believable, creating a group dynamic viewers will want to be part of.
A Familiar Yet Charming Love Triangle
The central tension lies in Se-ri’s crush on Kim Hyeon versus her growing feelings for Yoon-seok. Initially, Yoon-seok helps Se-ri strategize ways to confess to Kim Hyeon. But along the way, he falls for her sincerity, while Se-ri realizes she doesn’t need to change herself to be loved.
Kim Hyeon isn’t the stereotypical “jerk jock” we usually see in such stories. He’s kind, genuine, and even truly interested in Se-ri. His rejection becomes a rare moment of growth for his character instead of a cheap punchline. This subtle subversion keeps the love triangle from feeling stale.
Darker Undertones Beneath the Sweetness
While the movie is lighthearted, it doesn’t shy away from serious themes. Yoon-seok’s troubled home life, including an abusive father, adds depth to his character. His escape to the U.S. with his mother feels tragic but necessary, and Se-ri’s decision to “let him go” via a heartbreaking voicemail shows maturity beyond her years. When fate reunites them later at university, the emotional payoff feels earned rather than forced.
The use of pagers, voicemails, and late-90s nostalgia gives the movie a bittersweet vibe. These little details remind viewers of a simpler time when confessions weren’t just a text away.
Performances That Elevate the Story
The biggest strength of Love Untangled lies in its cast. Shin Eun-soo is magnetic as Se-ri, her mix of insecurity and determination feels authentic. Gong Myung’s portrayal of Yoon-seok is both tender and quietly heartbreaking, especially in the scenes exploring his family struggles. Even the supporting cast contributes to the film’s cozy, lived-in atmosphere.
And then there’s the surprise cameo, Busan natives Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi appear briefly at the end, a treat for fans who recognize their shared screen history. It’s small but adds a smile-worthy layer to the film’s finale.
Where the Movie Falters
For all its charm, Love Untangled isn’t flawless. At just over two hours, it drags in places. A tighter 90-minute runtime might have delivered a sharper, more engaging rom-com. Some side characters are underdeveloped, with their subplots only hinted at instead of explored. And yes, the film embraces nearly every rom-com cliché in the book, makeovers, slow-mo beach walks, dramatic rain shots. Depending on your tolerance, this either feels cozy or repetitive.
Final Verdict
Love Untangled doesn’t reinvent the rom-com wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It succeeds because of its heartfelt performances, nostalgic setting, and warm chemistry between its leads. It proves that even predictable stories can still feel worthwhile when told with sincerity. If you’re a fan of Korean dramas or just in the mood for a sweet, feel-good film with a touch of melancholy, Love Untangled is worth the watch.
Stream it or skip it?
Stream it, if you are looking for a cozy weekend watch that blends nostalgia, romance, and heartfelt performances. You’ll laugh, you’ll tear up, and you’ll probably hum along to the ’90s soundtrack by the end.
Rating:
Love Untangled is streaming now on Netflix, and it’s the perfect pick if you enjoy K-dramas or romantic comedies with a touch of emotional depth. Have you watched it yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We’d love to know if Se-ri and Yoon-seok’s journey worked for you. For more movie reviews click here.
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