Netizens are none too happy about the latest turn in events in the plot of "When A Man Loves." And much of the negative feedback has to do with Seo Mi Do, the character played by actress Shin Se Kyung. Comments on blogs and articles about the drama are not sending much love her way. And while it's the mark of a good drama to see fans react so strongly to any character's actions, netizens seemed to be unusually upset by the choices made by Seo Mi Do.
The drama tells the story of Han Tae Sang, the loan shark, played by Song Seung Hoon, whose life is changed by an encounter with Seo Mi Do. He straightens out his act, becomes a successful businessman and woos her. He's devoted to her, trying hard to learn what pleases her, even at one point getting stabbed to save her. Despite his shady background, viewers sympathize with him. He's loyal. He looks out for his own and has taken care of his best friend's young brother, sending him to college.
The young brother, Yeon Woo Jin, played by Lee Jae Hee, falls in love with Seo Mi Do and that's the problem viewers are having with the series. It's bad enough that Yeon Woo Jin does not forsake his feelings out of gratitude for Han, but Seo Mi Do keeps flitting between them. She says yes to Han but then keeps seeing Yeon. She agrees to marry Han and then gets passionate with Yeon.
Netizens are not happy with her. Online comments include "She should make up her mind" and "This is supposed to be a love story between Han Tae Sang and Seo Mi Do, not Yeon Woo Jin and Seo Mi Do." They also say, "What is wrong with her? How can she do this to Han?" And even, "If she doesn't get it straight soon..."
Why is the character so unsympathetic? Seo Mi Do feels she ought to be grateful to Han but she resents being dependent on him. She feels attracted to Yeon but knows she should not see him.
It's normal for a kdrama heroine in a love triangle to have a hard time making up her mind, but the problem here may be that she's not being honest with anyone. Melodrama viewers know that this can't end well. The love triangle has already created a rift with the potential for some serious consequences.
In a way, the negative feedback may be something of a coup for Shin Se Kyung. In the past she has been criticized for her lack of acting skills. But if she can get fans this mad, she can certainly act.
