Live Up to Your Name (2017) User Reviews

Strong K-dramedy

[BarryJ · 9/10 · 4 May 2020]

I watch a lot of Korean television series, although usually with more of a crime/corruption/conspiracy angle. However, my K-drama queue was a little lean and this did have strong reviews so I gave it a go. I'm glad I did. Exceeded expectations.

Great cast and cast chemistry. Solid production values including the sets for the Joseon era. Good writing both in terms of the broad plot and related subplots as well as the dialogue. Thanks to the visits to the Joseon era, viewers will be introduced to a couple of historical figures from the time. While time travel is the foundation of the show's premise, it doesn't trouble viewers with the paradoxical nature of time travel and its implications. More writers of time travel shows should also avoid it, few handle such matters well. To the extent the writers want to encourage more philosophical ponderings, it is more about the differences, and similarities, between Joseon-era and modern Korea.

Satisfying conclusion - be certain to watch to the very end: there is a brief coda after the final episode's credits which will give the viewer a last smile about the conclusion.

If you are looking for a Korean drama with a strong dose of humor, a modest amount of romance and an interesting story, I'd highly recommend it. If you're new to the world of K-dramas, it might be a good introduction.

Really good dramedy!

[jcwins · 8/10 · 2 March 2020]

This show I feel is really strong when it hits its comedy points. The main male lead is freaking hilarious in this show and the main woman lead carries it when drama is involved. She is VERY good with drama scenes and the side characters are actually well done too. I would strongly suggest watching this one its packed full of comedy, drama and even action which some Kdramas lack. The ending is also tied up nicely but kinda leaves things open for a season two, which i doubt will ever happen, but gives you the idea that it could. Anyways dive in watch this one now!

Medical Drama + Romance, History & Time Travel

[nishera · 8/10 · 12 January 2020]

While this show DOES feature a romance, I would say it is more correct to call it a medical drama (eastern meets western medicine), with elements of romance, history and comedy mixed in. So if you are looking for the type of romantic fluff and excitement you find in a typical K-drama, you might be in for a let down. That's not to say that this film fails in the romantic department; it is just auxiliary to the rest of the story.

On the positive side, the show was technically sound, and the cast was great, with excellent acting all around. Especially Kim Nam-Gil. Even with his mostly heavy/serious role, he had some funny moments that really shone. I can't recall another actor whose expressions can so seamlessly shift between silly, happy-go-lucky, mischievous, and perverted. His expressions alone made the show worth watching!

I also enjoyed the idea of building unprejudiced respect and cooperation between eastern and western medicine (I loved the moments where the two approaches augmented and supported each other). And hooray for happy (though frustratingly un-serious) endings! The director could have chosen a bittersweet ending and I would have accepted it, but I was glad we got something more uplifting.

On the downside, there were a few dark scenes that seemed excessively drawn out/heavy handed (Heo Im's begging scene for one). I also thought Yeon-Kyeong snapped out of her memory induced shock a bit too quickly (though that might just be due to how hard it was to gauge the flow of time in the show). In addition, some side characters appeared during both the Joseon & modern eras for no clear reason, and a couple of the antagonists just sort of faded away (a more solid wrap-up would have been nice).

In summary, while this show has a lot going on, it is mostly well executed and I would rate it a solid 8 in every respect. If you like K-drama and medical dramas, this will probably be right up your alley. Also, don't miss the cute Easter eggs at the very end of the last episode! Recommended.

ROMANCE RATING: 8/10 The romance scenes in this film were a bit formulaic, but the chemistry between the MC's was still believable. There is only one real kiss, plus a few other PDA moments. Thankfully, in this case that one kiss feels very invested and passionate, rather than being a chaste little peck.

Good writing and amazing acting, particularly from the lead female. It was worth every second

[ssra_25 · 10/10 · 11 April 2020]

I'm not a particular fan of South Korean movies, but when I saw this title in my Netflix list I said: "Why not, let's give it a try".

And it really touched something in me. It mixes drama with comedy in an insane manner and you really never know what to expect from one episode to another. To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure how it's going to end until I actually saw the last 3-4 minutes of the last episode.

The actress "Kim Ah Joong" is one of the most expressive and sensitive performers I've ever seen and she could easily play in any Hollywood blockbuster drama.

And I haven't seen any of those sudden plot twists that are present in many US / UK shows and which are supposed to make events more dramatic, but in truth, they decrease the show's quality. Nope, not going to see that here.

All-in-all, I really recommend this show. It's not long, but it's actually really good and it deserves every star I gave it.

It's AWESOME 10/10 a must watch drama

[hussain-28942 · 10/10 · 7 May 2020]

I've been watching a lot of K-Dramas and this one got me , it's AMAZING, please give it a try and don't judge from the first episodes, It's a ( Master Piece ) I could say about this drama. and so I'm writing my first review about it.

So underrated drama!

[premsukumar · 10/10 · 13 June 2020]

Amazing Drama <3 Trust me you'll not regret watching it! Do yourself a favour and start watching it. Watched 100s of dramas so far and I can say this is one of the best drama! Better than King the eternal monarch and many other dramas! So underrated! Don't miss this amazing gem <3

Great chemistry and acting, amazing plot

[annalicnp · 10/10 · 4 June 2020]

After my first k-drama experience with "Crashing Landing on You", I found this underrated TV series on Netflix. I was first attracted by the time travel element and was not particularly impressed by the male actor, Kim Nam Gil, who ended up being my FAVOURITE actor and singer. He is the type of guy you have to grow into. He may not be your traditional good-looking guy on first look but his charming face and unpretentious character just suck you in bit by bit.

The chemistry between the two Kim(s) is excellent and the storyline about how their destinies are intertwined is very sweet. A destined couple helps each other heal and become a better version of him/her. Kim Ah Joong's acting skill is undeniably exquisite and she's very pretty too. They just look great together.

The medical scene is well executed and the songs "Always" and "Not Gonna Wait" are my favourites too.

All in all, this is an amazing romantic story about time travel that is very comforting and therapeutic, especially at this crazy lock-down period.

Don't miss this hidden gem.

I don't even remember how many times I've watched it.

Just bring me laughter and tears every time I watch it.

Give it a try; I don't think you'll be disappointed.

OK, Still Worth Your 16 Hours

[aggiemanalac · 7/10 · 3 April 2021]

Before I get into a lot of spoilers, I'd like to say this is an ok, entertaining watch. Just make sure that you suspend logic to the max because this is, after all, a fantasy, time-travel series, so there will be a ton of relegating to "creative license".

If you don't like spoilers, leave it at that from here and don't proceed.

Things I liked: 1. Entertainment value. It's a comedy-drama-fantasy series so it allowed me to be forgiving of the lapses in logic.

2. The combined use of modern medicine and traditional oriental medicine during dire situations. I liked it when both doctors worked together to save a life using principles from both medical disciplines. She removing a bullet using just her scalpel and some indigenous herbs while he "anesthesized" using acupuncture. I found that cool.

3. The chemistry between the two leads, and how their relationship developed. There was nothing rushed about it.

4. Lessons about one's values and purpose, and not allowing love for power and money to derail us. Lessons in forgiving even your worst adversary and the very person who intended to hurt you is a repeating theme in this series.

What I didn't appreciate so much and thus the score of 7.0: 1. Mix of comic (I wouldn't call it funny) and serious character of Dr. Im Heo. I found his comical acting distracting and at times irritating instead of humorous or funny. I found jarring the pendulum swings toward the extremes in characterization.

2. Inconsistency. Ok, this is a fanstasy series and one needs to suspend logic, but logic is still needed and should not be forsaken completely. An example would be: Every time Dr. Im Heo would time travel, he needed to die or be killed either by someone, something, or himself. For Dr. Choi Yeon-kyung to be with him, she has to at least be holding his hand, otherwise they'd be separated, which is what happened when she inadvertently got left behind in Joseon. Yet, during his supposedly final and decisive travel back to Joseon, Yeon-kyung was holding Im Heo's hand as he was piercing his heart, yet she didn't time travel with him.

3. Can even the most seasoned acupuncturist diagnose serious illnesses by just feeling one's pulse beat and looking at telltale physical signs? "Lots of tumors" just by feeling the stomach and pulse was way too incredible.

So on one occasion, Dr. Im Heo commits an error of doing acupuncture on someone taking aspirin to prevent blood coagulation. A basic mistake committed by someone used to acupuncture 400 years ago but with zero knowledge of the most basic medical principles in today's world. Yet the next day and from thereon he does everything excellently and without any hitch.

4. The ending. Good enough that it ended on a happy note. But - I felt it was rushed. Im Heo was supposed to have had his last trip back to Joseon, never able to come back to Seoul ever again. Easily a third of episode 16 was spent dramatizing the anguish of certainty of forever separation for our ill-fated lovers. Yet less than 10 minutes before the ending, there is a "special gift" out of nowhere that gave In Heo a last chance to return to Seoul. A row of shelves fall on him that can't be enough to kill him, yet... that's it. No other explanation. It almost felt like the writer and producers didn't know how to end the series as it logically would have ended on a sad note. But they seem to have decided at the last minute to grant the audience a happy ending against the odds and ta-da! Back you go to Seoul and the woman you love.

Still recommendable with a lot of caveats.

Beautiful Series of Love and Healing that Transcends Time

[spasek · 10/10 · 6 August 2022]

I'm going to sound like a broken record in these reviews of Korean shows, but they continue to surprise me with deep, complex, and beautiful stories, such as this one. I can usually tell when a series is getting to me because I feel it in my heart and soul, and I end up watching several episodes at once because I cannot get enough. "Live Up To Your Name" is such a series for me.

The series follows two doctors. One from 400 years ago in Joseon, and one from today. Heo Im (wonderfully played by Kim Nam Gil) is the most brilliant acupuncturist of his time--perhaps of any time, if truth be told--and yet he wonders why he's stuck in a "lowly" post of a small village rather than being exalted by the King of Joseon. And given a proper position worthy of his talents. Dr. Heo Im soon finds himself transported to the future when he is shot by two arrows intended to kill him.

Next, we have Dr. Choi Yeon Kyung, an equally brilliant doctor as a cardiologist who sees patients as a means to an end. They are there to be saved. She has little-to-no personal contact with any of them. It is ironic that a doctor's greatest strength is often perceived as a weakness: caring. Even hospitals and other doctors expect their physicians to act like robots.

Both characters are victims of traumatic pasts which hinder their true gifts from shining through. And, ironically enough, it's through each other that they not only learn to heal and learn from the past but to also love.

We have Eastern medicine meeting Western medicine, like two halves of a coin, both are equally effective and necessary. Western medicine tends to focus more on the physical body. Eastern medicine--especially in the case of acupuncture, is a science handed down from the last Golden Age that had more to do with healing the body through its various energy centers. The body is, in fact, made up of energy, and doctors from that age understood and knew how to manipulate that energy in order to heal various ailments.

I love the mystical needle box, which provides enough magic without the need for explanation and the power it represents. The acupuncture scenes were always the most fascinating to me.

This series provides us with some incredibly beautiful and touching moments as both characters learn about each other through each other, and in the end, become the doctors they have always meant to be. Thus, living up to their name. However, it is the undeniable chemistry between Nam Gil and Ah Joong that really makes this series soar!

I've seen Kim Nam Gil in "The FIery Priest" which I also enjoyed. Every time he cracks that big grin, it makes me laugh--and in a good way! He is such a master of bringing charisma and spirit to his roles. He's like a child lost in modern times when he first arrives. He's a little mischievous and a little conceited, but you can't help loving his character anyway. His emotional range is also spectacular, and you really feel what he's exhibiting.

I have not seen Kim Ah Joong in anything until now, but she equally impressed me, bringing her own incredible range to her role. First, as a doctor who is much like a robot, to a wondrous beauty who begins to shine like the sun as soon as allows her heart to open. Her scenes with Ha-Ra.

The character of Yeon-Yi was so adorable, that I enjoyed those scenes with her. I think this young actress (Shin Rin Ah) has a very bright future!

Heo Im imparts the true wisdom of healing: that it isn't just the doctor who is involved, but the willingness of the patient is equally necessary. And, yes, sometimes, despite all efforts, people still die. And doctors should not see this as a failure.

As with so many K-dramas--the series is complex, and expertly imbues heartfelt moments, with inspirational ones, to scenes of complete hilarity. I don't believe anyone does this to such perfection like the Koreans. They are deftly able to navigate and cover so much of the emotional spectrum, that one cannot help being utterly amazed by it.

This series is one of my favorites--and it deeply touched my heart--and it's become extremely challenging to pick out a "top 5" of K-dramas, because there have already been so many that I have watched that have been so good! And yet, having only watched shows over the last 5 years or so, I feel like a kid in a vast candy store, knowing that there is still so many more to watch! I can prove extremely challenging to decide what to watch next!

Joseon-Seoul Drift ~🏩~ Doctors Without⏳Borders °VG° °7.6°

[50fiftillidideeBrain · 7/10 · 11 September 2021]

This one had me on pins and needles. {Oh, dear. Many apologies. I had to expel that from my system. Okie dokie, moving on.....}

I wasn't that enthusiastic about LUTYN a couple episodes in. It almost seemed too ridiculous. It's a house rule that the whole series must be watched prior to weighing in. Some shows are made or destroyed in the final episodes, therefore, carrying on was the only choice.

It paid off like hidden treasure..

The show's premise is that Dr. Heo Im, the most famous and gifted physician/acupuncturist from the Joseon era, suddenly time slips to the 21st century. While a 400 year jump would put a strain on anybody, he penetrates 21st century society uncommonly well. The primary reason is that his skills are still relevant and in demand in the modern day.

Dr. Heo Im undergoes a remarkable transition (or healing) in the course of the show. His preciously touching relationship with Ha-ra is enough reason to watch this series. The interactions with Bong-sik and Mom are almost as sweet.

Watching Dr. Choi Yearn-keyong and Dr. Im circling round each other, while the circles become a tightening loop that binds them to each other, is pure pleasure.

One coincidence after another keeps him and Dr. Choi intersecting with each other. She, understandably, believes he's a lunatic. Eventually, she is forced to believe him, as they are thrust into many harrowing situations together, while they try to understand what in the wide world is going on. It's not a new concept, but LUTYN tells a great story in a skillful and magnetic way.

One scene that was particularly cute was when they played some carnival style games. She's better at throwing darts to pop balloons than Mr. Needle is.

LUTYN has a light-hearted feel, but it also managed to sting my eyes on a couple occasions. They also address some piercing questions that poke beyond merely medical ehtics. It's filmed well, and while LUTYN is not a high budget feature, the battle scene is impressive.

The biggest head-scratcher from my perspective is how they failed to prepare and equip Dr. Im with the best tools and supplies for the final mission. It's difficult to elaborate without spoilers, so we'll leave it there.

The ending was handled significantly better than average. Too many Kdramas have a rushed, or tacked on feeling endings. The cadence on LUTYN is perfect.

The soundtrack is solid. The action song, which is the title track, is 80's inspired. It's similar to the ROCKY theme, but, perhaps, even better. "Troubleshooter" is a get-ready-to-go that's jazzy, and sounds like the track to a 70's or 80's cop show. That one is also catchy. "Not gonna wait," and "Fate" are also very good.

My recommendation: have a little trust, stick around, and give LUTYN 4 or 5 episodes before you seek a second opinion.

Quote: You get angry at others for your own mistakes.

IMHO... ⚡6 🎬7 🤔6 🎭8 💓8 🦋6.

Suggested Age 12+

🧀

Perfect one

[apranto · 10/10 · 28 March 2022]

Totally a outstanding drama. Not just a love story, this drama will teach you your duty for your country, people. I love the story of this drama,and From every angle this drama was too perfect. But their happy ending could have been at least 10-15 minute.

It was ok

[Glue2Screen · 6/10 · 23 March 2022]

After reading all the high reviews, I went into this hoping for a intricate time travel story between two doctors. However, it wasn't really what I expected. It was funny, the acting was great BUT most of the series was a lot of fluff. The overall plot was simple and didn't explore time travel in complexity...which is disappointing for me.

It is a simple rom-com series with bit of time travel. The really isn't much in terms of story and has a lot of fluff to try to keep the story longer. I felt it started to drag early on in the series. Became a bit mindless for me.

6/10. Not the best, but also wasn't horrible. This is for those who enjoys a simple rom-com series with easy plot.

Dragging & inconsistent

[gobie2920 · 4/10 · 18 November 2022]

The idea was nice, having an oriental doctor travelling to the future. I am really facinated when the modern and traditional doctor combining their skills to treat a patient and thought that this could be where the story get more exciting. However, the excitement stop there and the plot become convoluted and dragging. The main character face expression is naturally comedic. It works well at the beginning, but become annoying towards the end when more serious plot is developed. Worst is that they use the same actors for some characters for both time periods - very confusing. Was this done for a special purpose or it is just to cut the show budget?

Good KD

[elsamirre · 9/10 · 10 April 2023]

I loved this one. I don't know why I won't rate 10 stars. It's actually 9.5. 10 stars are for the ones that will stay with me forever. Still. This was really good. Medical accuracy aside, I can't really think of a flaw. Maybe the ending. Doesn't make sense. But I'll let it slide because this show has brought me a lot of strong emotions.

Mostly, I came here to congratulate the main actor. His performance was really impressive. I'm getting used to Korean actors being very good, but this role was difficult. He had to act lustful, greedy, selfish, kind, warm-hearted, cold, desperate, stunned, stupid, sharp, brilliant, cute, name it. And he did everything with pitch accuracy. I can never forget the moment when he first stands as a modern man after his speech. The glance towards the girl. That glance. It had to say " See? Where I stand? Without your help. After you treated me like s**t!" And it said just that.

The lead actress was very good too.

My favourite character was of course the baby pig. OMG, so cute!!!

Ah. Black people. Actually having a part in the story. Wow.

Great series!

[esthercolon-53804 · 9/10 · 2 November 2020]

What a great series! I fell in love with Nam Gil in The Fiery Priest and fell in love again with his innocent portrayal of Heo Im (Bontak). I was captivated from the very first episode. I loved watching them both navigate through different time periods they were unfamiliar with. By episode 8, I knew this was a special series that was going to stay with me for a long time to come. Not sure which time period they will end up in, but so far I am loving it and highly recommend it!

A truly underrated series

[andinas · 8/10 · 19 February 2021]

I always wondering how people give stars to a movie. Did she/he really watched it? Unique story, well made series, it's not the best of all but it will be remembered. One thing for sure, you remember only the good and the bad. This is a good one. Watch it, ignore negative reviews.

Great overall

[Peanuttt · 10/10 · 3 September 2021]

As an American 18 year old from Texas I've never watch anything Korean or from an Asian market. This show has kept me up late for the past week because I can't seem to put it down. This is my first time ever watch a k-drama but I am very impressed by the story and how well the actors performed. Overall 10/10 the best thing i've seen in a very long time. Although i was sadden to learn there was only 1 season and I just want the story to go on and essentially never end.

Starts off good ..... then acupuncture effect wears off

[xcgbyx · 7/10 · 31 December 2021]

Initial introduction was pleasant and although a little "overacting/noisy" it was an acceptable watch as the protagonist adapted to the modern world of bubble teas and smartphones with cameras..... And the courting period with the female lead was also bubbling along nicely, and then ... Bang, once they "connect", the excitement drops off and the story goes into full depth soppy soppy, which isn't a bad thing but just a cup of tea not for me :) Probably closer to 7.3*

Overall, a very good Korean drama

[Ghost-Ops · 8/10 · 30 January 2022]

First, I am very picky about my TV shows. I usually hate Romance/ Drama TV shows.

This Korean drama is lucky enough more than only a romance and I actually liked it. The beginning is very intriguing, mysterious enough to keep you interested. I learned a lot about Korean history and culture (In how far this is correctly presented, I have no idea as I am not Korean) There are enough funny moments to keep you amused.

The protagonist is a really good actor and he plays kind of an idiot, like in a funny way. The second protagonist, Dr. Choi is a pretty and lovely actress. Her reactions towards Heo Im are epic, very well executed.

The TV show progressed very well, enough moments you thought "I hope this will go well" to keep the tension in it.

I only disliked the second to last episode, the romance/ drama went on for far too long, I almost wanted to skip to the end of the episode...

The TV show had a satisfying ending for most people in my opinion. Also a kind of a tease/ cliffhanger at the end. I hope they will make a second season somehow and can keep the story intriguing.

Time travel romance

[geewhiz46 · 6/10 · 16 January 2023]

The story concerns an acupuncturist doctor in Joseon who - after failing to treat the king - is shot by two arrows which result in him being transferred into modern day Korea.

After wandering about he meets the FL who is a doctor in a busy hospital. He ends up meeting her grandfather and is given permission to stay at his Oriental Medicine Facility. During this time his personality is that of a rather silly lost figure who has a shuffling run and a childlike personality - as the story progresses he turns into a well dressed sophisticated doctor who is nothing like his original personality. This is jarring - the difference is just too much - particularly as he reverts to his childlike personality at various intervals. Once again we have the Korean insistence on portraying a woman as being dirty and smelly. Never the male.

As usual the tick boxes by including non-Korean actors - and - as usual - they are totally out of place and can't act anyway.

There are constant accidents that result in the two leads being transferred back to Joseon and it becomes boring and draggy as the storyline there is basically the same as what is going on in modern day Korea. The usual corruption - political maneuvering - difficult choices etc - which all combine to affect the lives of the two leads.

The ML is slightly over the top with his expressions - especially as he can be so stone faced at other times.

It's entertaining enough - but ten eps would have been more than enough.

Surprisingly good! Definitely romantic!

[shareen_shany · 10/10 · 15 February 2022]

It's important in any drama the leads have good chemistry together to deliver an awesome drama. Her both of them are just fantastic! The few episodes towards the end are just so sad & romantic. It really his you!

Both of them change gradually in the show. The awkward Joseon doctor to a more confidence one. The cold-hearted doctor turns to a soft hearted one!

The romantic scenes are so natural, it feels like they are dating in teal life! You can also too feel that they miss each & long for each other.

The only thing missing is they don't say "I love you" when they were dating, while & even before he left.

The supporting casts are good too!

Worth the watch! Definitely will watch again!

Had Potential for 10 🌟 Rating, But Overly PUSHED Ramen Product Placement

[bobbiejod-15775 · 7/10 · 22 February 2022]

This is a highly creative K-drama series that has so many positive aspects to it, to include:

an amazing and unique story, interesting and/or lovable characters, engaging dialogue, raw emotions and authentic feelings, suspense, romance, comedy, action, effective CONTRASTS (like "negative" traits and bad guys"), and very important Life lessons such as Unconditional/True Love (for self/others), Unconditional Forgiveness (for self/others), Deep Understanding, Compassion, Profound Wisdom, Following Heart, Integrity, Authenticity, Honesty, Loyalty, Teamwork, and much more.

But WHY ruin all that by going overboard with a low-standard, cheap, extremely unhealthy, RAMEN product placement?

Plus, it doesn't even make sense that a well-educated doctor would often eat ramen that can cause various health issues and diseases.

At least one Korean man has died from malnutrition eating ramen for over a month in the past.

Is it so important to make profit that so many of these creators of Korean dramas insist on being a major, negative influence to humanity, with excessive ramen (and even fried chicken) product placements?

And they are AWARE that many throughout this world are already suffering from comfort food addiction, as well as alcoholism, especially Koreans (to include children).

It's TIME for MAJOR CHANGES; otherwise, human history will repeat itself via spiraling downfalls due to ongoing corruption. REMEMBER THAT.

Bubble gum romantic drama!

[johntwatterson · 4/10 · 23 August 2022]

Bubble gum romantic drama! Like most of the Korean romantic dramas, this one is so tame/lame that it makes little House on the Prairie, and Downton Abbey look R' rated! The romance portion is akin to the "oh shucks" romance that I would've had in the United States in perhaps fourth grade, you know... Before my adult teeth grew in! The writing is cliché and decades past to say the least. Is the 21st Century Korean version of a romantic drama in the United States in the 1970s. However what it lacks and everything else... It makes up for in a cast of lovable characters that you cheer for every episode.

Such a Pleasure

[phillipjbrown · 9/10 · 20 May 2021]

Korean tv loves timeslip dramas and this is one of the best. Some light comedy, good music, great writing and acting from the leads and for m the medical ethics highlighted were really interesting. Perhaps a little gory if you don't like operations or wounds. Happy ending.

Unexpected happened

[bilou-02331 · 10/10 · 11 October 2020]

My first tv show with subs and what a comedy love story. Completely different to what we use to. 5 🌟🌟🌟✨✨