Cheese in the Trap (TV Show)

Title — Cheese in the Trap
Available on — Viki, Disney+, Tubi TV
Production Country — South Korea
Release Date — 2016
In this adaptation of a popular webtoon, a poor student trying to navigate college life gains the attention of a wealthy upperclassman with a dark side.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

In the TV series “Cheese in the Trap,” viewers are drawn into the complex and intriguing world of college student Hong Seol (Kim Go-Eun) as she navigates the challenges of balancing her studies, part-time job, and a tumultuous relationship with the enigmatic Yoo Jung (Park Hae-Jin).

Hong Seol, a dedicated and hardworking student, is determined to overcome her impoverished background by excelling in her studies and earning money for tuition through part-time jobs. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters Yoo Jung, a handsome and athletic senior returning to college after completing his military service. Despite Seol’s best efforts, she finds herself repeatedly crossing paths with Jung, leading to a series of frustrating and confusing interactions.

As their relationship unfolds, Seol’s friends, Jang Bo Ra (Park Min Ji) and Kwon Eun Taek (Nam Joo Hyuk), try to intervene and offer support. Seol’s world is further complicated when Jung unexpectedly helps her secure a year’s free tuition, sparking confusion and mixed emotions within her.

The dynamics between Seol and Jung become increasingly intricate as Seol becomes entangled in the lives of Jung’s estranged friend, Baek In Ho (Seo Kang Joon), and other characters who hold grudges against Jung. Seol’s encounters with Jung reveal his dark and manipulative side, causing her to question his true intentions and the depth of his character.

Throughout the series, Seol faces various challenges, including harassment from classmates, conflicts with her peers, and unexpected revelations about Jung’s past and his connections to those around him. As Seol delves deeper into Jung’s mysterious persona, she must confront her feelings and make difficult decisions about her future.

As the tension between Seol, Jung, and the other characters escalates, secrets are unveiled, relationships are tested, and alliances shift. Seol’s journey of self-discovery and resilience is paralleled by Jung’s internal struggles and efforts to confront his own demons.

With themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and redemption, “Cheese in the Trap” delves into the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between trust and deception. The series offers a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, as Seol and Jung navigate a turbulent path filled with twists and turns.

As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, rooting for the characters, questioning their motives, and ultimately witnessing the transformative power of forgiveness and understanding. “Cheese in the Trap” is a gripping drama that explores the nuances of love and loyalty in a world where nothing is as it seems.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Park Hae-Jin, Kim Go-eun, Seo Kang-jun, Lee Sung-kyoung, Nam Joo-hyuk, Park Min-ji, Hwang Seog-jeong, Son Byung-ho, Ahn Kil-kang

Actor Role
Park Hae-jin Yoo Jung
Kim Go-eun Hong Seol
Seo Kang-joon Baek In-ho
Lee Sung-kyung Baek In-ha

💬 Reviews and feedback

Picture this: You’re a piece of cheese, just minding your own business, when suddenly you find yourself in a trap laid by an enigmatic, sometimes manipulative but undeniably compelling senior student. Welcome to the world of Cheese in the Trap, a K-drama that will have you questioning relationships, motives, and maybe even your own sanity.

Plot, Themes & Tone:

Cheese in the Trap, based on Soonkki’s webtoon of the same name, is a heady mix of romance and drama with a psychological twist. The story revolves around Hong Seol (played by Kim Go Eun), a diligent and somewhat naive university student who gets entangled with Yoo Jung (Park Hae Jin), her seemingly perfect yet deeply flawed senior. The show does an excellent job of navigating complex human emotions and relationships while keeping viewers on their toes with its unpredictable plot twists.

The themes range from academic pressure and social dynamics to darker elements like manipulation and psychological warfare. It’s like biting into what seems to be a sweet piece of cheese only to discover it’s got layers upon layers of unexpected flavors.

Acting & Characters:

Here’s where Cheese in the Trap really shines. Kim Go Eun brings Hong Seol to life with subtlety and grace; she’s relatable and grounded, making it easy for viewers to root for her as she navigates the minefield that is university life. Park Hae Jin as Yoo Jung is nothing short of mesmerizing. He oscillates between charmingly sweet and menacingly cold so effortlessly that you can’t help but be drawn into his character’s web.

The supporting cast also deserves applause. From Seo Kang Joon as Baek In Ho, the brooding pianist with a heart of gold, to Lee Sung Kyung as Baek In Ha, whose bratty antics add both humor and tension – they all contribute significantly to making the story richer and more engaging.

Direction & Cinematography:

Kudos to director Lee Yoon-jung for creating such a visually compelling world. The cinematography captures both the mundane aspects of university life and the more intense emotional moments beautifully. The use of close-ups helps convey subtle shifts in character dynamics while wide shots enhance moments of isolation or confrontation.

Binge-watching Tips:

  • Pace Yourself: While it’s tempting to marathon through episodes (especially given those cliffhangers!), take breaks to digest what you’ve watched. Trust me; you’ll need time to process all those emotional rollercoasters.
  • Keep Snacks Handy: It’s called Cheese in the Trap. You’re going to crave cheese at some point – be prepared!
  • Tissues Alert: Some scenes will tug at your heartstrings harder than you’d expect; having tissues nearby isn’t just practical – it’s essential.

The Ending – To Be or Not To Be?

If there’s one thing that’s sparked endless debates among fans, it’s the open-ended conclusion of this series. Without giving too much away: was it satisfying? For some yes; for others? Not so much! But here’s why that’s okay – life itself rarely offers neat resolutions wrapped up with a bowtie (or should I say cheese ribbon?). Jeong’s flaws make him human; Seol’s resilience makes her inspiring – together they create an ending that feels raw but real.

If you’re looking for something akin to fairy tale endings where everything is perfectly resolved – adjust your expectations accordingly before diving into this series!

*Interactive Element*: What are your thoughts on open-ended conclusions? Do you prefer neatly wrapped endings or ones that leave room for interpretation? Share in comments below!

Cultural Impact & Comparisons:

This K-drama offers more than just entertainment value – it delves into societal issues such as academic pressure & toxic relationships without sugar-coating them! If you enjoyed dramas like Misaeng, which also provides an unfiltered lens on societal struggles within organizational setups then chances are high you’ll appreciate what Cheese brings onto table too!

  • If you’re into exploring complex characters grappling with internal dilemmas similar shows worth checking out include: “My Mister” or “Just Between Lovers”. They offer similar vibes albeit different contexts!

Cinematography & Music Score:
The visual aesthetics play integral role here – whether it’s capturing serene campus landscapes juxtaposed against intense interpersonal confrontations every frame tells part story itself! Let us not forget about OSTs either these tracks perfectly encapsulate mood shifts throughout series adding another layer depth overall narrative experience!

Pace & Editing:
Pacing feels quite balanced despite occasional slow-burn moments which actually work favorably allowing audience ample time soak nuances unfolding before them! Editing ensures seamless transitions between scenes thereby maintaining cohesive flow throughout episodes.

Your Turn Now – Hypothetical Scenario Time!</br
Imagine being able watch only one genre rest life would pick romantic dramas intricate plotlines akin Cheese Trap perhaps thrillers packed action suspense instead?! Why?! Comment below excited hear preferences!

The Final Verdict: </br
Summarizing review essence boils down following points:
<UL
<LIComplex layered narrative exploring multifaceted human emotions relationships.
<LIStellar performances lead supporting cast alike bringing characters alive screen.
<LICaptivating cinematography direction enhancing overall viewing pleasure significantly.
<LIAn ending sparking thought-provoking discussions amongst fanbase globally!
</UL

If haven’t already give shot definitely worth ride albeit bumpy one times rating wise deserves solid </8/10>. Happy watching fellow drama enthusiasts remember keep calm carry snacks handy journey ahead promises quite thrilling indeed!

Pros Cons
Excellent characterization and growth Unsatisfactory ending
Realistic scenarios Open-ended conclusion
Well-rounded side characters Some criticism for being open-ended
Good chemistry between leads Some viewers found it just okay
Engaging psychological aspects Some felt the romantic ending would be out of place

Feedback

  • Cheese in the Trap (TV series) - Wikipedia

    Cheese in the Trap(Korean: 치즈인더트랩) is a South Korean television series adapted from a webtoon starring Park Hae-jin, Kim Go-eun, Seo Kang-joon, and Lee Sung-kyung. It aired on the cable network tvN on Mondays and Tuesdays for 16 episodes from 4 January to 1 March 2016. The series is based on the webtoon of the same name, serialized on Naver Webtoon from 2010 to 2016, although it featured an original ending since the webtoon had not been completed at the time of filming.

    Cheese in the Trap
    Hangul

    치즈인더트랩

  • Cheese in the Trap (TV Series 2016) - IMDb

    Cheese in the Trap

    • TV Series
    • 2016
    • 1h

    A college student balances her studies and a part-time job with a relationship with an insecure man who manipulates others.A college student balances her studies and a part-time job with a relationship with an insecure man who manipulates others.A college student balances her studies and a part-time job with a relationship with an insecure man who manipulates others.

    • Awards
      • 1 win & 4 nominations

    Browse episodes

    Did you know

    Featured reviewGood acting and direction can’t save sadistic writing.

  • Cheese in the Trap (2016) - MyDramaList

    # of Watchers:

    102,294

    Reviews: 182 usersRanked #7070Popularity #47Watchers 49,081Having returned to college after a year long break due to her family’s poor background, Hong Seol, a hardworking over-achiever, inadvertently gets on the wrong side of her senior, Yoo Jung, who’s athletic, good looking, gets good grades and has a kind personality, as well as a hidden dark side. From then on her life takes a turn for the worse and Hong Seol is almost certain it’s all Yoo Jung’s doing. So why is he suddenly acting so friendly a year later? (Source: WeTV) ~~ Adapted from the webtoon “Cheese in the Trap” (치즈인더트랩) by Soonkki (순끼). Edit Translation

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the TV show “Cheese in the Trap,” the finale episode 16 wraps up the story with a mix of resolutions and open-ended conclusions, leaving fans with mixed feelings and disappointment. Let’s dive into the details of the ending to understand why it didn’t sit well with the audience.

The episode starts with Hong Seol being rushed to the hospital after an accident, setting a tense and emotional tone for the finale. As the characters gather at the hospital, secrets and conflicts unravel, leading to pivotal moments that shape the characters’ futures.

One of the central conflicts revolves around Yoo Jung, who grapples with his past actions and their consequences. His complex relationship with Seol reaches a breaking point as he struggles with guilt and the need for self-redemption. The tension escalates as Seol wakes up from her coma, prompting a heart-wrenching breakup between her and Jung.

Meanwhile, Baek In-Ho, a key character with a troubled past, seeks forgiveness and closure for his sister, Baek In-Ha, who faces potential legal trouble. The dynamics between the characters evolve as they confront their past mistakes and strive for reconciliation.

As the story fast-forwards three years into the future, we witness Seol’s personal growth and professional success, juxtaposed with the lingering unresolved feelings between her and Jung. The chance encounter between Seol and Jung in the final moments leaves the audience pondering the possibilities of their relationship and the lingering emotions between them.

The finale also sheds light on the secondary characters, such as Ha Jae-Woo and In Ha, who find happiness in their relationship, and Kwon Eun-Taek and Jang Bo-Ra, who navigate their own romantic journey. The interconnected lives of these characters add depth to the storytelling, showcasing the impact of relationships and personal growth over time.

Ultimately, the ending of “Cheese in the Trap” leaves room for interpretation and reflection, as fans grapple with the unresolved emotions and relationships depicted in the final moments. While some viewers may have found the ending unsatisfying due to the open-ended nature of certain storylines, others appreciate the nuanced portrayal of human emotions and the complexities of relationships.

Despite the divisive reception of the finale, “Cheese in the Trap” remains a compelling drama that delves into the intricacies of love, forgiveness, and personal growth, resonating with audiences through its flawed yet relatable characters and their intertwined destinies.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating and Parental Guide:

Age Recommendation: “Cheese in the Trap” is a South Korean TV series that revolves around the lives and relationships of university students, focusing on a girl who falls in love with a sociopath. Due to the mature themes and content depicted in the show, it is recommended for viewers aged 16 and above.

Sex & Nudity: The series contains mild romantic scenes and discussions about relationships, but there are no explicit sexual encounters or nudity shown.

Violence & Gore: There are instances of mild violence, including physical altercations and confrontations between characters. However, there is no graphic violence or gore depicted in the series.

Profanity: The show may include occasional use of mild language and verbal conflicts, but there are no extreme profanities or offensive language used.

Overall Parental Guidance: “Cheese in the Trap” explores complex themes of relationships, manipulation, and psychological dynamics, which may not be suitable for younger audiences. Parental guidance is advised for viewers under the age of 16 due to the mature content and emotional intensity portrayed in the series.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Viki Watch with English Subtitles
Disney+ Available to watch with subscription. Disney+ offers Basic and Premium plans.
Tubi TV Available to watch for free with ads.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Because he's so perfect, he's not my style. A man should be slightly lacking something in order to be attractive.
    Jang Bo Ra
  • Behind that smile of his, there was a scary duplicitous way about him that he kept hidden.
    Hong Seol
  • Because of one person, my school life was like hell.
    Hong Seol
  • Others might not know, but I know... the truly scary face hidden behind that fake smile.
    Hong Seol
  • If I told you it wasn't me, would you have believed me?
    Yoo Jung
  • I'm not ready to trust your answers for what they are yet.
    Hong Seol
  • Since it happened this way, I might as well work hard.
    Hong Seol
  • As expected, students who are wise take my class.
    Professor Kang
  • When it comes to apologies, the person receiving should feel satisfied.
    Yoo Jung
  • Get a hold of yourself, Hong Seol. You can't fall for that smile. This guy is cunning like a snake.
    Hong Seol
  • Ah Young: You're handsome. Yoo Jung: Thank you. Ah Young: I'm thankful too. In college, you have to be careful of men more than anything. Just because they look okay outside, it doesn't mean they are on the inside. There are wicked people whose thought you can't figure out.
    Hong Seol
  • Jung: Am I distracting you? Seol: Yes. Jung: I'm glad. You've been distracting me a lot too. You made this happen, so you take care of it.
    Yoo Jung
  • Why do you live your life losing out to others? Don't worry about others and take care of yourself first. No one's going to acknowledge you for your troubles.
    Yoo Jung
  • If you're going through something hard, don't keep it to yourself. Talk to me. I'll help you.
    Yoo Jung
  • I have a very sensitive personality. I tend to draw conclusions about people on my own and misunderstand.
    Hong Seol
  • Lately I thought we had gotten pretty close, but you had your own reasons for approaching me. You're just like everyone else.
    Yoo Jung
  • I wonder if she knows what kind of person you really are.
    Baek In Ho
  • Don't hang around the people in my life.
    Yoo Jung
  • It's just like last year, that cold shoulder I saw so many times.
    Hong Seol

🤖Cheese in the Trap Reddit Talks

Cheese in the Trap TV Show

General Consensus:

Cheese in the Trap is a divisive K-drama that has sparked heated discussions among viewers. While some praise its complex characters and psychological elements, others criticize its pacing and unsatisfying ending.

Positive Reviews:

  • Many viewers find the show’s characters to be relatable and well-developed, particularly the protagonist Seol.
  • The show’s exploration of psychological themes, such as manipulation and gaslighting, is praised for its depth and nuance.
  • Some viewers believe that the open-ended ending leaves room for interpretation and allows viewers to draw their own conclusions.

Negative Reviews:

  • Critics argue that the show’s pacing is slow and uneven, with some episodes feeling unnecessary.
  • The ending is a common point of contention, with many viewers finding it unsatisfying or confusing.
  • Some viewers find the show’s treatment of romance to be problematic, particularly the depiction of an unhealthy relationship dynamic.

Specific Criticisms and Discussions:

  • Unresolved Plotlines: Some viewers express frustration over the lack of closure for certain plotlines, such as the identity of the true antagonist.
  • Character Development: While Seol is generally well-received, some viewers find other characters, such as Yoo Jung, to be underdeveloped or unlikeable.
  • Tone and Atmosphere: The show’s tone is described as both heartwarming and disturbing, with some viewers finding the shifts between these elements jarring.
  • Comparison to the Webtoon: The show is based on a popular webtoon, and some viewers argue that it fails to capture the essence of the original material.

Overall Impression:

Cheese in the Trap is a complex and thought-provoking drama that explores a range of psychological themes. While it has its flaws, it also offers compelling characters and a unique perspective on relationships and human behavior. Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the show will depend on your individual preferences and expectations.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cheese in the Trap TV show worth watching?

Yes, the show is definitely worth watching as it effectively communicates a compelling story in a short amount of time. It is recommended to watch both versions for a richer experience.

Does the kdrama Cheese in the Trap have a happy ending?

The ending of Cheese in the Trap has been critiqued for being open-ended. While it may not have a typical romantic happy ending, it is fitting for the flawed characters and the complexities of their relationships.

Does Jung actually like Seol in Cheese in the Trap?

Yes, Jung’s feelings towards Seol evolve as he gets to know her better. He displays sweetness, care, and protectiveness towards her as their relationship progresses.

What kind of drama is Cheese in the Trap?

Cheese in the Trap is a TV series that falls under the genres of romance and drama. Based on the webtoon by Soonkki, it is written by Kim Nam-hee and Go Sun-hee, and directed by Lee Yoon-jung.

Why is it called Cheese in the Trap?

The title “Cheese in the Trap” signifies the irresistible temptation and attraction one experiences when infatuated with someone. It reflects being trapped in emotions due to strong feelings towards another person.

Who is the main male lead in Cheese in the Trap?

The main male lead in Cheese in the Trap is Park Hae-jin who portrays the character of Yoo Jung, Seol’s senior. He is depicted as handsome, intelligent, and successful, with a hidden darker side to his personality.

🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show

List of similar movies and TV shows to “Cheese in the Trap TV Show”:

  1. Love Alarm: A psychological drama centered around romance.
  2. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty: A series that explores similar themes as Cheese in the Trap.
  3. Cinderella and the Four Knights: A show with elements of romance and drama, akin to Cheese in the Trap.
  4. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo: A series that captures the essence of youth and relationships, similar to Cheese in the Trap.
  5. Boys over Flowers: While focusing on high school characters, it shares similarities with Cheese in the Trap in terms of character dynamics and growth.
  6. MARS – Tada, Kimi wo Aishiteru (drama): A drama series that delves into complex relationships and personal growth.
  7. Reply 1997: A nostalgic series that evokes similar emotions as Cheese in the Trap.
  8. Crash Landing on You: A show that combines romance and drama in a compelling manner, like Cheese in the Trap.
  9. Heirs: Explores themes of love and ambition, resonating with fans of Cheese in the Trap.
  10. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha: A heartwarming series with elements of romance and drama.

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