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[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Shopping King Louis" Episode 13

Everything is happy and festive for our lovebirds and their extended family. Bok-nam is getting tutored, Il-soon finds meaning in life through her new friends and love is in their air for several pairings, including our OTP. Even so, the threat of the past and Seon-goo looms above this happiness and the time has come for the drama's writer to prove their confidence in a story which has so far been delightful.

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If there is one thing I will take away from "Shopping King Louis" and carry for a long time is its sweetness, humanity and simple, but wise messages. Our couple has come full circle and all of our pivotal characters have had lovely development for a series of this kind. Even the "ajummas", a type of character usually written with such disrespect towards women is one which flourishes here. A toast to Audrey, Vivian and Cleopatra.

Geum-ja, Yeong-ae and Jae-sookIl-soon enjoying her home

I think the purpose of romantic comedies is to provide happiness and romance, but this purpose is frequently treated in a very shallow manner. Romance gives way to the satisfaction of urges and the need for escapism. This is why I consider Il-soon's (Kim Young-ok) scenes in this episode and Joong-won's (Yoon Sang-hyun) own story a representative part of what makes "Shopping King Louis" so lovely. This is not just about romance. It is about finding happiness with other people through human connections.

It is this very sweetness which makes me worried about what is about to happen. Seon-goo (Kim Kyu-chul) and the secrets of the past have to be addressed and as much as I have faith in the drama's creators, this is always a part I dread in Korean drama. We have more or less known our leads and their families have a connection since Koboshi, Ji-seong's (Seo In-guk) childhood dog. My fears concern the deaths of Bok-sil (Nam Ji-hyun) and his parents.

Joong-won receiving a hug from Ji-seongBok-sil and Ji-seong

One scenario I can imagine is where something happened at the same time, killing both pairs of parents in one night. One fear related to this is the possibility that either couple caused the accident. The other scenario is a murderous Seon-goo killing Ji-seong's parents and now trying to use an important document or possible piece of evidence kept safe in the treasure box. Either way, this is the biggest test for the creators yet.

Despite my worries, the series has been consistently light in tone and quick to subvert cliche outcomes. I would not put another fake-out past them, but I also understand that the show's popularity might bring some extra drama than originally planned. Let us brave through it and hope the best. As a viewer and a reviewer, I will trust this series until the end.

"Shopping King Louis" is directed by Lee Sang-yeob-I, written by Oh Ji-yeong-I and features Seo In-guk, Nam Ji-yeon, Yoon Sang-hyun and Lim Se-mi.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

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