Short, and sweet, Netflix’s The Fabulous is the perfect K-drama to watch for a relaxing time. It is light-hearted and unlike many K-dramas of the past year, does not over-complicate. At the same time, it is as much about the characters’ individual lives as it is about the romance. Starring SHINEE’s Min-ho, the eight-episode K-drama helps unwind while getting a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes in the fashion world.

Plot Pot

Pyo Ji-eun (Chae Soo-bin) is a dedicated PR professional at Audrey, a PR agency specialising in luxury fashion brands. She is usually seen with her friends Joseph (Lee Sang-woon), a fashion designer, Ye Seon-ho (Park Hee-jung), a supermodel and Ji Woo-min (Choi Min-ho), a photographer. The story primarily revolves around these four people and how they navigate the complexities that lay behind the glitz and glamour of the fashion world. While each of them face ups and downs in their careers, their personal lives are highlighted as well.

Ji-eun and Woo-min are exes-turned-best-friends who have lingering feelings for each other. Like for most other things in his life, Woo-min is undetermined and listless when it comes to expressing his feelings. Ji-eun, on the other hand, is a busybody and passionate in her work, a go-getter who does not wait around. As the plot progresses, we also see them navigating their feelings for each other. There are a number of subplots sprinkled throughout.

The Fabulous rides more on an emotional value than intricacies of plot. The power of friendship and their close-knittedness save the four friends from trouble time and again, and they sail through with minimal damage, which probably contributes to their superhero-like title, The Fabulous. Its attempts at a behind-the-scenes look are detailed but uncomplicated, which might come across as lack of depth. There are no insights, but plenty of backstage scenes that might satisfy anyone interested in knowing more of the work that goes on behind pulling off label launches or runway shows.

The performances from the cast are mostly admirable, but Min-ho falls short of the necessary gravitas that his character would have perhaps benefitted from at times. Chae Soo-bin puts up an energetic and fun act as the driven Ji-eun and steals the show. Although it falls short on the promise of brilliance it might show in the first episode, it is a good option if you are looking for a light watch.

Genre: Romantic comedy, slice of life

Where to Watch: Netflix

You Will Love it If You Love:

• Insights into the fashion industry
• Character-based dramas
• Comedy
• Multiple main characters
• Friendship groups

The Telegraph rating: 3/5

The Telegraph ost picks

Life is Beautiful by AB6IX: A cheerful ode to the fun of life, this refreshing tune by AB6IX provides an energetic melody.

Run by Xydo: A comparatively mellow and romantic song, this soft tune reminds of the more serious strains of plot that the series features. At the same time, it is sweet and soothing.

My Finale by SeungHee: Definitely one of the highlights of the drama, this song accompanies some of the most pivotal scenes in the series and rightly so. Its building crescendo is exciting and just right for a boost of energy.

CHARACTERS WE TREASURE

Chae Soo-bin as Pyo Ji-eun: Passionate and quick on her feet, Ji-eun is a reliable and indispensable part of her agency. Her love for fashion shines through her work and makes her admirable, especially when she is able to navigate every problem with hard work and quick thinking.

We also loved her in: Strongest Deliveryman, I’m Not a Robot

Park Hee-jung as Ye Seon-ho: Seon-ho impresses as a stunning supermodel who is not afraid to stand up to the ills of the industry and for her fellow models. She is also one of the most relatable of the four characters, even if her profession makes her seem distant.

Choi Min-ho as Ji Woo-min: Charming and always present to rescue his friends from trouble, Woo-min is sweet and supportive. Although his chemistry with Ji-eun falls short, he is adorable enough to watch the drama.

We also loved him in: Hwarang, Yumi’s Cells

Lee Sang-woon as Joseph: Cute and eccentric, we heart Mr Joseph. The passionate fashion designer might seem spoilt and without promise, but he ultimately shines through. He is an adorable character addition who provides love and support to his friends, and wholesome laughter to the audience.