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• https://moreblminfo.carrd.co/ 
• https://getinformed.carrd.co/ This is an incredible carrd with information and resources about many of the issues the world is going through right now!
• I find Twitter an extremely useful tool in finding information about these injustices and ways to help. As well as Change.org for petitions!

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Individualist Ms. Ji Young (aka The Happy Loner) is a mini series with 2 episodes which aired on KBS2 in 2017.

Ji Young (Min Hyorin) is a loner who is most comfortable when she is alone and her relationships with people tend to come to a halt when she no longer wants to keep them. She is neighbours with Byuk Soo (Gong Myung), a man who does all he can for the people in his life so as keep relationships and not be lonely. However, they don’t last and people tend to just use him.

Due to several mishaps, Byuk Soo forces himself into Ji Young’s life and the former is forced to explore what is truly in her heart.

This drama is more like a film and is shot in that way. The plot is somewhat simple, but the characters are incredibly complex and compelling. Ji Young is a walking contradiction – she is cold on the outside, but she’s a nurse; she puts on a strong front, but is fragile inside; she wants to be left alone, but she’s lonely. Ji Young has been hurt in the past and her behaviour is her way of stopping herself from forming bonds with people that could potentially end on terms that aren’t her own.

On the other hand, we have Byuk Soo who craves affection due to abandonment. He is quick to form attachments and gives his all. People he knows call him a pushover and annoying, but he is genuine if not a little stifling.

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The dynamic of a cold and unrelenting character with a puppy-like and cheerful one is not new. However, the ways in which both Ji Young and Byuk Soo grow and reveal the different layers of themselves makes them so much more.

I don’t like the narrative of “having a partner will solve all your problems”, and while this sort of does have those elements, the characters do most of the work themselves. While being in a relationship makes her happy, Ji Young is still unable to truly open up to others. There is always a façade of strength to protect her. Byuk Soo is a catalyst of sorts, but it is ultimately Ji Young’s decision to face and resolve her own issues – and face them with the help of a professional! We love to see it! And with Byuk Soo, he finally finds a situation where he’s happy. He tends to form easy friendships where he gives the most, but with Ji Young he knows it will be hard and still pursues her romantically. As a viewer we watch him mature before our eyes.

On the surface this drama seems like every other one, but the complexities of our mains and the incredibly relatable feelings they have about loneliness, love, depression and relationships makes it compelling.

The acting is great, Min Hyorin is natural in her performance and the range of emotion is wonderful. Gong Myung also holds his weight, and Oh Nara as Ji Young’s therapist was both funny and insightful. The drama itself is also beautiful, drawing on the melancholy and happiness and weaving it into the surroundings, the colour themes and the soundtrack.

I highly recommend taking 2 hours out of your time to give this a watch ♥

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Credits:

• Director: Park Hyunsuk
• Screenwriter: Kwon Hye Ji
• Network: KBS2
• Release Date: 8th + 9th May, 2017
• Episodes: 2

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Have you seen Individualist Ms. Ji Young, what were your thoughts? Or is it something you’d be interested in? Let me know in the comments!

Thanks for reading! I hope you’re having a lovely day and staying safe ♥