There is a certain comfort in cliches. You know exactly how it will pan out, you have your expectations which are often met and there is no pressure in thinking what’s next. Shooting Stars might not be extraordinary but it is fun and brings a certain peace. Whether you are trying to wind down from a thriller or just looking for a lazy watch, Shooting Stars is the perfect option.

PLOT POT

K-stars get around with their schedules and content? Well, Shooting Stars gives a peek into the busy world that operates to present these celebrities in all their glory. Oh Han-byeol (Lee Sung-kyung) is a lead PR manager at the agency that houses one of the top actors of the country and an all-round favourite, Gong Tae-sung (Kim Young-dae). Han-byeol is duty-bound to clear any and every rumour surrounding Tae-sung and it is to her endless frustration. She has to practically sleep with one eye open to attend to calls at any time of the day. She hates Tae-sung but the actor himself is practically in love with her.

Tae-sung commands the love and hearts of millions of fans (including fellow agency actor Baek Da-hye), but he is head over heels for the stoic Han-byeol.

Yet, all is not peaceful, as one would expect in the life of a superstar, when Tae-sung’s long absent mother returns to him. He is loathe to talk to the erstwhile actress who had been absent in his most trying and pivotal times, but she informs there isn’t much time that she has left and must speak to him.

To add to Tae-sung’s troubles, there is an anti-fan café whose members are constantly plotting against him, leading to his nightmares and other troubles. At the heart of this café is a leader, determined to harm Tae-sung, who he thinks had caused the death of a young actor who had committed suicide years ago. It is Han-byeol who comforts him during this tumultuous time.

The drama also peeks into the love lives of Han-byeol’s close friends, Park Ho-young (Kim Yoon-hye) and Cho Ki-ppeum (Sojin of K-pop girl group, Girl’s Day) as they get together with Han-byeol’s mentor and fellow PR manager, Kang Yu-sung and the office lawyer, Do Soo-hyuk. There are other notable side characters too like the dashing restaurant owner Kang Si-deok (played by Lee Seung-heub of K-rock band N’Flying) who gets cast while he is working at his restaurant, by Ho-young and his roommate and fellow aspiring actor, Yoon Jae-hyun. While the ensemble of characters might seem many, it is not at all overwhelming to watch them because of the neat plotlines tying them together.

Shooting Stars is mostly fun and games but it is not ignorant of the troubles that outline the world it is set in. From celebrities having to meet public expectations, its pressures to their dating lives that must be hidden, the relationship agencies have with the press and more, there is a lot that is explored in the series. But the overall premise is light, which makes it a fun watch.

Genre: Rom-com

Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki

You Will Love It If You Love:

• Cute romcoms
• Behind-the-scenes of celebrity lives
• Second-lead couples
• Happy endings

The Telegraph rating: 3/5

OST PLAYLIST

K-dramas are at peak of popularity among youth

Shooting Star by Nam Woo-hyun

How I Feel by Kim Jae-hwan

Won’t Give Up by Choi Yuree

CHARACTERS WE TREASURE

Kim Young-dae

Kim Young-dae as Gong Tae-sung: Charming while on screen and dorky behind it, we loved the cute Tae-sung. As a top star his life seems easy yet it comes with its own set of troubles as the drama highlights. We especially loved how he tried to impress Han-byeol with his various antics!

We also loved him in: Penthouse

Lee Sung-kyung

Lee Sung-kyung as Oh Han-byeol: Efficient and chic, Oh Han-byeol is a reliable leader and manager anybody would like to have around. But she still goes through all the relatable work-related stress we all do. Although she is stoic most of the time, it is when she is in love that we see her cuter side.

We also loved her in: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo

Sojin

Sojin as Cho Ki-ppeum: A fierce and determined journalist, Ki-ppeum is a badass everyone admires. Whether it is at work or with friends, we love her sass. Her boss is the cause of her endless frustration but she shines through due to her hard work nonetheless.

Lee Jung-shin

Lee Jung-shin as Do Soo-hyuk: This dashing office lawyer has everyone googly eyed at the entertainment agency as well as us, the audience. His bromance and love-hate relationship with Tae-sung is very cute and so is his eventual romance.