REVIEW: tVN's The Romantic & Idol Season 2

The Romantic & Idol S2, filmed on Jeju Island

         So I just finished watching tVN's Season 2 of 'The Romantic & Idol"... It left me here shaking my head and squealing the patience out of my roommates. Though many fans seem to enjoy the first season more, I actually like the mood of the second season better. Yes, the first season was more serious and 'romantic,' but the second season was more candid and felt like a fun co-ed school trip. The best part? They were all old enough to drink- and drink they did. Oddly, the most memorable part was to see all eight idols sit around a table with their heads slumped, staring at nothing. It's such a frank view of people in their twenties- you flirt, date, there's drama, and then vent over some beers. People may crush, but they also change their minds, and after the show ends and everyone goes home, life goes on. I like that there's so fussing or regrets in a show that's meant to be light-hearted and lovely. Though the first season showcased that 'lovely' atmosphere better, the second season had me on an emotional roller-coaster ride (all in good fun, of course). Curiously enough, I felt like there were some solid lessons in Season 2 that even the cast members may not have realized:

1. First impressions aren't everything. Also, numerous interactions may increase attraction, but it can only go so far once a person sets their sights on someone.
2. Guys will always change their mind. However, once they know who they like, they'll remain honest to their feelings.
3. On the other hand, it's rare that a girl will change her mind on who she likes, no matter how competitive the contender. I wouldn't call it an attachment thing, but... they go with their gut (even if their gut is WRONG...!)
4. It's not love and it's not marriage, so please... no hard feelings.
5. It pays to be the bigger person. Being considerate is the way to go. Viewers are more likely to sympathize and take your side.
6. Older girls (25 and up) have it tough on that show! They should really bring in some older guys to change the dynamic. (Speaking from experience, guys in their early twenties still have a long way to go in order to become a man). 

Eunyoung in final selections (Her poor nerves are so apparent here).

Favorite Moments:
- I squealed so loud when Minhyuk performed his cozy backhug... and even more so when Yewon returned his hug from the front. He may be 22, but his comfort level indicates that he has dated older before. With this pairing, he acts like the oppa. They really are very cute and sweet together. Starting the show, I thought Minhyuk would be the quieter, odd man out in the season, but he threw two girls into a tizzy with his indecisive feelings. What a troublemaker, haha.
- My eyes popped open when N choose Jiwon instead of Eunyoung. Yes, I can see that Jiwon is more feminine and mature, but Eunyoung is just too cute to be denied. She's gullible, frank, and a little bit gorgeous! N! Hello? Those personal interviews will surely crack him up later. 
- I pointed accusatory fingers at my laptop screen when Minhyuk told Jiwon he wanted to change the subject of his filming... just when things were going so well with Yewon! It almost almost seemed like Fate (or, er, the script) was setting things up for Minhyuk and Yewon in the way that Hyunsik and Jihyun keep on getting paired together in Season 1, but it turns out, hearts can falter and sincere admirers like Jonghyun can jump at the chance. It is too bad Jonghyun came on too strong, and also that Yewon didn't return his feelings. Aww. I'm not a big fan of the guy, but man, what a face. Also, my heart pings for unrequited love.

Yewon choosing between Jonghyun and Minhyuk for final selections.

For Season 3: What cast members would make the show AWESOME?
- Infinite's Sungyeol: There have been rumors that he may be in the third season, but overall, I'm just curious as to how he would treat girls. He's outspoken and spunky, but will he be that way around
actual girls?
- Infinite's L: This guy had never dated before. I mean, he almost did. As in, he thought about it. Then he decided it wouldn't work out. So it never happened. But, you know, he thought about it. Lol. It also means that he's never had a real first kiss (peppero games with fellow Infinite members don't count, guys, nor MV acting). He's so rigid on his ideal girl (innocent girl with long wavy hair) that it would be super funny to pair him up with someone that might blow his mind. Really, no one really knows what they actually do like until they experience their dislikes. Give him some experience- any, I'm begging you.
- 2AM's Seulong: Fetch the guy a bone here tVN, he's turning 26 this year (27 Korean age) and he's still in an idol dating rut- as in, he's still not given a chance to date. There are so many older female idols in the business (AND preferring an older male) and so little older idol guys with spare time AND the 186 cm height to accommodate/exceed their highest stilleto requirements.
 - A-Pink's Chorong: Aside from Eunji, Chorong is my second favorite member in A-Pink. She may be the leader, but she rules with no rules other than those pertaining to her. Though proper in front of the cameras, she's super goofy and immature behind the scenes. The girl is just a hoot and makes whining hilarious to watch.
- Teen Top Changjo: He's so young (17), but he has such a masculine, older look! The growing height, intense work outs, and frustrated nature of maknae Changjo gives Teen Top a fierce, mafia vibe. Within their group, if you're not going to be awesome, you better get out. It makes me wonder, would he act so strong in front of a female? That's the real test of manliness- can he handle a girl? Or will he end up sputtering in the process?
- Tasty 2Wins Daeryong and Soryong: OMG, either of them, or both of them at once, would be AMAZING. Can you imagine the sibling rivalry if they both like the same girl? Not only are they both at an awesome age, (turning 25), but they also have the stellar 184 and 185cm heights to boost their heart-stealing stamina. There's just something about the Dragon Twins that make them seem so cool and swag-heavy (would you prefer swaggalicious?) Anyways, they would make dates fun in a very chill, casual way. They're also unexpectedly cute... how is that possible??
- BtoB Hyunsik: Okay eye-smile guy, do you think you can win all hearts? I really don't think you're as female-suavey as people think you are... and it's time to show it. How incredibly cute would it be to see this friendly-fatale guy fumbling over words with a girl he's attracted to? Would he even show his interest? Would the girl be able to withstand his bashfulness? Or would he turn a complete 180 and turn into a 'nampo namja ga' (the bad boy?)
- BtoB Sungjae: There's something about this middle-school maknae that screams, "Likeable!" Whether it's his energy, stage presence or overall manly appearance, he's just so hard to ignore. Though he acts goofy and immature around his members, there's a vein of masculine charisma that unexpectedly appears when he has to appear 'sexy.' He seems cool enough around the A-Pink members, but what about noonas a couple of years older than him?

What I would change:
- I understand the tight scheduling of K-pop idols, but four days and three nights really isn't enough time to create any solid feelings or decisions. To have the idols do a mid and final selection within four days seem like a huge stretch. It's too temporary to be as confusing as it is, ya know?
- It's also entirely misleading that anyone really has true feelings for anyone else when they might've only dated one person. For that, I'm glad about the free choice date, but I wish it came right after the mid-selection instead of the last day, when everyone is supposed to have confirmed their feelings.
- Casting directors, can you please stop grouping older girls with much younger guys? Or at least, have the majority of girls be younger than the guys? It's disappointing for the viewers and even more so for the idol noonas that expected a more mature cast to guide their attraction. If I have to see another Seungah or G.Na age disadvantage, I might hurl something.
- Have members listen to ALL the song choices before they do their selection. That way, people won't feel like they've missed out because they chose a song prior to listening to other songs. Also, it would only be fair to the poor boys who present their song later and actually expect someone (to still be there) to listen to it. 
- Instead of doing a necklace selection, the boys should already prepare their gifts in advance- maybe a piece of jewelry or accessory they want their significant other to wear instead of just a single pendant necklace. It would be more interesting to see a hairtie, spike bracelet, scarf, etc. In general, it would be nice if the directors made the selection process more unique. A destination or date-type selection would be nice. Even choosing shoes would be an awesome idea, but I understand that would be difficult to coordinate and possibly uncomfortable for the selector. Maybe even have the guys write information about themselves? A favorite quote? Just something more personal, please.

The idols gather around a table to enjoy company and choice liquors.

Extra Update:
For those shippers of Vixx's N and Two X's Eunyoung, the k-pop variety world has a treat for you. Besides their promotions for "On and On" and "Ring Ma Bell" being promoted at the same time (some even joke that it should be "Ring Ma Bell On and On"), the two have reunited on "The K-Pop Show" hosted by Boom. What happens? I initially didn't even view it with subs and I can tell it's pure shenanigans, and so much having to do with the Nyoung couple! You will laugh, you will stomp your feet, and you might even cry. Check it out below!

The K-Pop Show Episode 23 (Eng Sub)
Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOGxBjwfiI0
Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6g1gZeQbjo
Part 3 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PcdSFT_lro
Episode 24 (Eng Sub)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=672wDnBuMCM