My Troublesome Star Review: A Flawed but Fun Mystery Rom-Com

In a landscape filled with sleek, modern productions, some dramas feel like a cherished throwback—a comforting return to the golden age of K-dramas from the late 2000s. “My Troublesome Star” is precisely that kind of show. Headlined by the long-awaited pairing of veteran superstars Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon, this drama is a delightful and chaotic blend of mystery, comedy, and romance that offers a wonderfully nostalgic experience. While it’s far from a perfect masterpiece, its engaging premise, phenomenal cast chemistry, and wickedly clever script make it an utterly enjoyable and entertaining ride that had many viewers hooked from the very first episode. It’s a story about second chances that proves age is just a number when it comes to finding your passion and your person.

A Star’s Disappearance and a Detective’s Disguise

The story kicks off with a fascinating and mysterious premise. Im Se-Ra was once a popular, top-tier celebrity at the peak of her fame in. But after a sudden and tragic accident, she disappears from the public eye. Twenty-five years later, she reappears as Bong Cheong-Ja (Uhm Jung Hwa), an ordinary middle-aged woman who has lost all memory of the past two and a half decades. Determined to regain her lost memories and reclaim her shining place in the spotlight, she prepares for a tearful comeback show. Meanwhile, Dokgo Cheol (Song Seung Heon) was once a passionate and enthusiastic detective in the violent crimes department. Due to an unexpected incident that got him demoted, he now works as a traffic police officer, dreaming of a way back to his old post. His chance comes when he’s tasked with an undercover mission: he must disguise himself as Bong Cheong-Ja’s manager to unravel the truth behind her mysterious past. As these two characters collide, their lives take a spectacular and hilarious turn.

Veteran Charm and Unforgettable Chemistry

The undeniable main attraction and greatest strength of “My Troublesome Star” is the powerhouse pairing of its two leads. Watching these veteran actors on screen is a joy, as their experience brings a maturity and ease to their performances that feels incredibly refreshing. The chemistry between Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon is fantastic and deserves special mention. Their interactions feel organic and fluid, making the slowly rekindling connection between their characters both believable and touching. Their comedic timing is spot on, and even though 25 years have passed in the story, the drama convincingly portrays the deep-seated affection and admiration they still hold for one another. It’s a rare treat to see older actors cast as the leads in a rom-com, and this drama proves it can work like a charm, showcasing a poised, experienced, and brilliant dynamic that feels both mature and playfully fun.

A Flawed but Entertaining Storytelling Experience

While the drama is consistently engaging, it’s not without its narrative flaws. The storytelling has more ups and downs than most Kdramas, meaning that while some parts are brilliant, others can leave you wondering where the show is headed. The mystery, while hooking you with its suspense, becomes a bit too predictable down the road, and the identity of the main villain—a corrupt politician—follows a familiar pattern seen in many other K-dramas. Furthermore, the ending feels abrupt and rushed. Many subplots and supporting characters, from the villainous Go Hui to the loyal sister Bong Baek Ja, are left with unresolved arcs, making it feel like the show was either cut short or simply ran out of time to provide proper closure for everyone. These inconsistencies prevent it from becoming a true masterpiece, but the core story remains incredibly entertaining.

A Cast That Shines Bright

Beyond the stellar leads, the supporting cast adds wonderful layers of humor and tension. Lee El is fabulous as the wicked and mean antagonist, delivering a performance that will have you genuinely enraged. Veteran actor Hyun Bong Sik also shines as Ko Namju; his comic timing and hilarious facial expressions provide some of the funniest and most entertaining moments in the drama. While some characters, like the younger sister and the father, felt “useless” and underdeveloped to some viewers, the overall ensemble does a fantastic job of bringing this quirky world to life. Uhm Jung Hwa, in particular, delivers a surprisingly layered performance as an “utterly flawed character,” showcasing her incredible range, especially during a killer audition scene that left viewers very impressed. Song Seung Heon is equally charming, perfectly portraying a goofy, hot, and brilliant detective whose spotless fighting scenes show his dedication to the role.

My Troublesome Star Review: A Nostalgic Gem Worth Your Time If…

This is a charming, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable drama that will feel like a breath of fresh air for anyone who misses the vibe of classic 2000s rom-coms. While its storytelling can be uneven and its ending a bit abrupt, these flaws are more than compensated for by the fantastic performances and undeniable chemistry of its veteran leads. It’s a beautiful and inspiring story that proves passion and perseverance can overcome anything.

Who is this drama for? If you are looking for a rom-com that isn’t overly sweet, has a nice kick of mystery and thrill, and you love the charm of veteran actors, this is the drama for you.

Who might want to skip this? However, if you prefer dramas with tight, flawless scripts and no plot holes, you might be frustrated by the rushed ending and unresolved subplots. Likewise, if you’re looking for a complex, unpredictable thriller, you may find the mystery a bit too straightforward.

Ultimately, it’s a show that doesn’t demand intense attention but rewards you with a light, entertaining, and genuinely fun experience.

The chemistry between Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon was a huge highlight for many viewers. What did you think of their pairing in “My Troublesome Star”? Let’s discuss it in the comments!