“Every man lies,” said Dr. House at one time. Such is the nature of our being; to lie comes quite easily, and we all do it in varying degrees. When the truth is uncomfortable, solving a problem or complicated situation seems hard, or when one needs to save face in front of others. So, if someone lies, as in the case, pathological lying, the person can be said to be speaking anything but the truth. So these limitations do exist. The limitations could be of one hearing your own voice or some kind of a boundary or threshold that is not to be crossed but what if ‘this’ is absent? Another example is Liar Liar where Jim Carrey could not lie after a freak accident. Time spent in such condition turns out to be quite miserable in its utter sense. It is nearly impossible and invasive to draw firm lines between the two when one is insufficient by itself as one is determined by the other for its success or failure and vice-a-versa. With regard to one being so low at least the available minimum self-confidence of not saying ‘I am okay’ when one is relatively feeling dull, when exactly has this story of frankly speaking’s lead come to be? With the Go Kyung Pyo (Song Ki Baek) Kang Han Na (On Woo Joo) Joo Jung Hyuk (Kim Jung Heon) cast here, featuring this comedy drama about those instances when someone really cannot by any means, lie.
The main character of Frankly Speaking is Song Ki Baek played by Go Kyung Pyo who is an afternoon news presenter aspiring to become a prime time news presenter. He was well liked by his workmates since he was considerate and helpful as well. And there is also a general perception that he comes from wealth and is well connected. But that is not been the case.
The channel also collaborates with On Woo Joo – a reality show writer who is played by Kang Han Na. She goes to Song in her efforts to avoid her ongoing show from being axed. Unfortunately, she miscalculates, and these things do not happen as she hopes they will. Therefore, she has nothing but start from scratch. The third most important character is Kim Jeong-hoon aka “the nation’s son-in-law” who is portrayed by Joo Jung-hyuk. Mothers dot on him while single girls appreciate him. On is aware of On due to their background which is explained by On in episode number two of Frankly Speaking.
What makes it even more entertaining is that it is filled with intensely hilarious situations. Frankly Speaking launched its first double episode on the 1st and 2nd of May! Yes, the beginning curve is very much visible through these episodes. Their paths crossed but now they are inseparable as workmates at least. Yes, there is a possibility of romance between the leads but so far, it is strictly professional. And there were some rom-com-like moments but it was more satire than anything. May be this is not how a romantic triangle should be, with these characters. They are better off with this professional friendship.
One of the viewers on the posting remarked how Song ‘will be good at being uncomfortable’ perfectly encapsulates this entire moment. Acting in such an environment should be like showing respect or say common sense in most industries. This is an emotional rollercoaster that everyone has been anticipating – this moment comes much earlier in the episode and in turn helps resolve a lot of the anticipation. Song is portrayed as earnest and conflicted in such moments, desperately trying to save face while asserting his authority in a self-possessed manner. He has a lot of insight into the world and politics that if anyone dared to speak it would all backfire on the person.
Predictable in its comedi-drama due to the exaggeration plus over the top inner monologues. Go is funny as always. One can note how the very shock and dilemma that befall Song Ki Baek’s character each time he has to part his lips are any funny at all. On the contrary, the poor guy keeps getting his words out without a filter but his mouth is a constant obstacle. It is rather interesting to see Kang Han Na in a role that she doesn’t look bad in.
On Woo Joo is the over ambitious girl and at least up to this point does not seem to have an ounce of ill will in her. This isn’t any new character on the screen; Ran but Kang’s damsel in distress is a new one to watch for sure which is quite amusing. The characters are mostly Cupello.
So far, the characters are diangoes. The male lead shows the character development while the others have it mapped out for them. And perhaps there will be redemption untimely for him making amends with Joo Jung Hyuk regards to On Woo Joo but at this point, one does not see the other lead as well as the supporting character would develop much further for a long time.
The pace of events in the story may be slow at times but some may appreciate such an approach. And here, especially in the comic moments, the absence of sound effects is critical. This drama does well showing how frustrated its characters are and what might take place if Song Ki Baek continues unleashing himself the way he does without restrictions. But if twists are your main interest in such shows then Frankly Speaking will probably not be your last selection as the series has spoilers with regards Song’s sudden outburst.
These are not necessarily bad things, familiar tropes and character archetypes, however they tend to be overused. All in all, it looks as though Sim’s baseline did not change but all the cast is new. It will not hurt viewers if they miss one, two episodes because even short segments of these episodes posted online will not spoil the plot too much.
To finish, Frankly Speaking can be labeled as an average drama with a default setting with occasional bursts of intensity. While some of the viewers may find delight in the length of the series and persist with the drama where the characters are in focus, others may be bothered by the slow pace of events and average story line.
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