This modern series features 3 girl friends aged 39. Their problems are those of grown ups like family and illness. Son Ye Jin looking much like she did in Crash Landing's Seri plays a dermatologist. The second girl friend is about to fall for a younger man. The third is terminally ill. The terminal illness thing was just done in Song Hye Kyo's Now We are Breaking Up. That's not the only similarity. The first episode also features a sexual relationship and then the couple starts the relationship from the beginning. I think this one is better. The dialogue is good and the relationships are mature and supportive. It's only 12 episodes so it shouldn't have become draggy but half way through there is too much about the terminal illness. The pace slows down too much. And they take a long time to say a simple thing. The writer is at fault. Also Yeon Woo Jin as the male lead is a bit bland. There isn't much chemistry compared with Crash Landing.
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phd_travel25 February 2022
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sonia-9511121 February 2022I came on here and saw someone rated 39 as a 1 and labeled it a "snore fest " which literally made me fume so I'm reviewing despite the drama not being completed. I'd like to say that I am finding it real, funny and beautiful to watch! The friendship angle is fabulous! Please ignore the incredibly unfair 1 rating!!! Son Ye Jin is wonderful in this series!
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miss_ambivert18 February 2022I love how the story is real and relatable. Not to mention the chemistry of the 3 leads, Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi-do and Kim Ji-hyun. Love them. This slice of life drama is worth watching!
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caseymahnote21 February 2022I have never seen a line-up of reviews with tens in a row except for the snore-fest. But that's unfortunate.
Sometimes, not often, we find a gem in Netflix, these days the gems come most often from K-drama. This one, is surely a gem. From every angle, it shines, from the acting, from the script, from the story, from the dynamics of the three friends, from the human-interest, I think you get my meaning. Those three friends, the camaraderie,, the banter, the jesting, the kidding, the ribbing, everything about them rings so true and so perfect. You forget you are watching a movie, you feel like you are eavesdropping on these friends, the script, the lines are so well written, so natural, true to life, the way those girls bring the lines from pages to the story, is superb. This is exactly the way three close friends interact.
Hollywood has not given us anything close to this kind of spectacular human interaction movie in decades. The closes I can think of is Sleepless in Seattle. These day, Hollywood banks on their ace actors, Top Gun, Independence Day, Monkey men, action heroes, Marvel characters, Spiderman, Ironman, Batman, Superman, etc. When was the last time we had a movie from Hollywood that tug at our heart-strings, make us tear up? You get all these from K-dramas.
If you want an example, check this out, and don't wake up snore-fest from his sleep. -
mayaagustini20 February 2022The writer & editor perfectly designed the storyline in fast mode. Jumping scene to scene is smartly connected with e.g phone call between one to the other character without loosing the story essence. This is great and as far as I watch kdrama this new at least to me.
The acting of the casts to me are splendid, Main cast e.g Mido perfectly played in her role as semi girly woman which loving married guy and mostly put her shelf to backup her besties. The emotion, gesture & expression just perfect!
Son Yejin, no doubt to me. In any movie and drama I seen her always brave to show different type of characters and successfully hypnotized me to join her anger with mido bf and in the scene brought me laugh with her silly face defence the farting was not hers.
Kim Jihyuning as an innocent 39 woman made the friendship are just perfect and with the all characters composition
Not boring. I sense that because during the show, each of the scenes i followed almost 100% - afraid of missing important story, this type of style fit well on me
Woojin, I knew him from this show as a sweet, caring & loving man I would say superb. Small gesture, eyes play, words already showing the strong characters of doctor which unexpectedly in love with mijo
Mijo sister is a show stealer even she has few scene but succesfully made this drama a great show.
Looking forward for the next episode. -
This is a really wholesome story, i dont have any lind pf complains about this kdrama, absolutely beautiful and heartwarming, love the friendship and relationships in it, and how the story develops, its a really special story with an outstanding performance of the principal actresses, I really loved their characters, specially Mi -Ju, a really down to earth, mature and kind hearted women. My favorite k drama intil now.
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ningrumkata21 February 2022Thirty-Nine tells the story of three friends aged 39 as they navigate love, friendships, life and unexpected loss. The trio has known each other since they were 18 and their bond has only grown stronger with time. The three ladies are Cha Mi Jo, Jeong Chan Young and Jang Joo Hee, played by Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi Do and Kim Ji Hyun, respectively. Cha Mi Jo is demure and loving, Jeong Chan Young is bratty and blunt and Jang Joo Hee is timid and cute. The trio complement and understand each other, and have chosen to stay single.
This drama really worth to watch. Love it so much. -
aggiemanalac2 April 2022No flaws in acting. One of the pleasant surprises for me us that of Lee Moo-saeng, who played a most unlikeable husband in One Spring Night. Here he portrayed an earnest, sincere, love-sick boyfriend who stuck by his girlfriend even after she was long gone.
This is about the friendship of 3 women, and the soulmate-relationship between 2 of them. It is a journey of the last year of Chan-yeong and how her relationship with Mi-jo and Joo-hul strengthened given the suddenly limited time. While the whole story revolves around the 3, it is also about the different relationships they have outside: with parents, partners, siblings.
My only criticism about this series is that there are way too many relationships under-developed and forced into the picture that they were better off un-introduced, such as Seon-woo's adopted sister, Seon-woo's father.
The romantic angles were also under-developed as the writer seemed to have a difficult time balancing the development of the romantic relationships with the pain of the pending loss of a friend to cancer.
Far from perfect, but still a good watch. -
desianechairunnisa20 February 2022The storyline, actings and messages are delivered perfectly! The scene where Son Ye Jin (Dr. Cha Mi Jo) cries on the last scene of Episode 2 broke my heart sooo bad... I luv the chemistry among The 39 Besties also. It's very worth to watch!
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idawahyuni-3457920 February 2022It's a great drama!
Very worth to watch. The chemistry among The 39 Besties (Cha Mi-jo, Jeong Chang-young and Jang Joo-hee) is undeniable. It has mix emotions in it. The storyline, actings and messages are delivered perfectly! -
sharengon15 April 2022It was a great show. The relationships between the characters are so heart-warming. I think this is an accurate show that shows the feeling of loss of a terminally ill patient. The only bad thing is that it is a bit slow at times.
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arunnsh6 April 2022This is a good show. They have done a great job of potraying stories of adults in their late 30's and the growth, heartbreak, love, life, goals and everything in between.
The chemistry between all the lead actor's is amazing with good and solid performances from everyone. You feel like you are being taken on a journey and laugh and cry with them along with understanding them. I applaud this show for tackling some heavy issues in a very heartfelt and realistic way. -
blebbe5 May 2022This series made me feel so many things, every episode made my cry and laugh. It's painful, but it's also a beautiful depiction of friendship and family. It gives you perspective on life and death. The casting and acting was great, the stories of the side characters were interesting as well. I will say that sometimes the sadness became a little too much. Of course, it is a given that this show will be sad, but it would have been nice if there were more scenes to balance out the sadness.
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spasek26 May 2022The central themes of this series are friends and family, and what exactly makes someone family. In many cultures, biological parents--no matter what--are given unlimited respect, even when love isn't present. As it was stated in "Boyz and the Hood:" Any fool can make a baby, but only a real person can be a parent. Of course, I'm paraphrasing, but that is the gist, and there is a lot of truth here.
There are still those that might feel that adoptive parents can never be real parents. This is a lie...as much of a lie as saying that a biological parent is the only requirement needed. Mi-Jo's mother and Seon-Woo's father are despicable people who can never call themselves a "mother" or a "father."
Frankly, there are a lot of people who shouldn't be parents; those who are incapable of accepting the responsibility to love and be there for their kids. We see several examples of this throughout this series.
The series centers around three women, all of whom are thirty-nine, and have been best friends since high school. We quickly see just how involved they are in each other's lives, how much they love and care for each other. The strength of that bond is put to the ultimate test when one of them finds out that she is terminally ill.
While this may seem like a melodramatic plot, it really isn't. I am constantly amazed by Korean series and the actors and actresses who are able to simply "be real" in these types of situations. It's not too much and it's not too light. Perhaps that is why they are able to make the audience feel what they are feeling so acutely.
The three leads have undeniable chemistry as three besties! Chan-Young (Jeon Mi Do from "Hospital Playlist), Mi-Jo (Son Ye Jin from "Crash Landing On You" and Joo-Hee (Kim Ji Hyun). There is laughter, teasing and light bickering, joy and tender moments when these three are in a scene together.
What impresses me the most about this series is how family and friends are always there for each other through thick and thin, and it feels absolutely genuine, and this is tested when the time on this Earth is going to be cut short for one of them. We see how this affects each person who's intimately involved.
There's no denying the acting strength of the entire cast, but Joo-Hee (Kim Ji Hyun) was my favorite. She's the somewhat shy and slightly aloof member of the trio. She gives us grace through soft, warm smiles, and it would be a mistake to perceive her as being weak, when she, in fact, has a quiet strength. The scene at the department store with a very rude customer is a testament to this.
The other performance that impressed me was that ofJin-Seok (Lee Moo Saeng) as Cha-Young's love interest. When his voice cracks and goes high-pitch with raw emotion in several exchanges with Cha-Young, made me choke up a few times.
I also loved how these characters never gave in to abuse or intolerance. Mi-Jo's confrontation was a thing of beauty; nearly as impressive as Seon-Woo's showdown with his father.
The last episode will be a tough one to get through. Even when you know what's about to happen. That's the hallmark of great writing and storytelling; when you know what's coming, and it gets you anyway.
I dare anyone to get through the brunch scene with a dry eye, or the video message that Cha-Young leaves for Mi-Jo. Both were absolute scenes of beauty.
There aren't enough shows out there that truly showcase the power of family and friends; that demonstrate that love and being there for each other are the pillars of true relationships. If you don't already have such people in your life, this show may make you wish that you had. It will also challenge you not to take your loved ones for granted. We never know how much time we have with them. Spend it with love and devotion. In the end, Cha-Young is correct: quality is always more important than quantity! -
cintacanti20 February 2022A simple but meaningful slice of life. Tells about friendship, love, and career. Teaches that life is about leaving or being left behind. The stunning acting of the cast makes us feel their emotions too.
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irnac-1692220 February 2022This drama story is relatable for people in their 30s. Love the storyline of the friendship between the three and the romance between Mijo and Seon Woo.
Not to mention the best acting of the three, each has a strong character. It's only started 2 episodes but their chemistry is already very strong. Can't wait to watch the next episodes.
Slice of life drama that is able to make the audience's emotions go up and down; from happiness, sadness, warmth of friendship to butterflies in the stomach.
Highly recommend this drama for those who like slice of life dramas! -
AJ_McAninch5 April 2022Watched to the end and was glad when it was over. I love the cast; I loathed the maudlin script. Also there was meager chemistry between the "couples" and the relationship between the three friends is very uneven with Joo Hee clearly not treated equally. This cast deserved so much better.
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elbehar4 April 2023You might need to prepare at least one big box of tissues or a few packets. This trio of friends will make you believe that nothing is impossible as long as you have a solid friendship.
They expected to live a long life together but life had a different plan.
Love, hapiness, health these lovely women share just about everything together. When one of them gets terminally ill there's nothing the other two would do to make her last moths the happiest possible and grant her wishes.
You'll cry, you'll love and even believe.
A must see alone or with friends, but do be prepared that you will cry.
Relax and shed a tear. -
erlinayu20 February 2022I watched it wiht no high expectations and i love the storyline and chemistry between the ledies, its so much fun and the plot very fast 1hour and i enjoy it, but eps 2 the mayor plot have been out but i keep in going to watch this drama.. happy watching.
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mayaagustini4 April 2022I am not sad ending fan, but this drama might works for those who loves sad drama.
I would say, the story line was very simple and common in society. What is interesting to me is how the storyline jump from one to the other plot it just amazing works. From ep 1-12 i don't feel bored at all. -
I think 39 better than hospital playlist 1 & 2 3 main character represented very very well the pacing also smooth.
Son Ye Jin looks like Al Pachino or Aman Chow Jeon Mi Do still my heart ...
If you love Hospital Playlist ... you will love more 39 ... -
eandoque20 February 2022Snorefest....the movie is only on its second episode...if you have been watching any drama..specifically Kdrama... the first few episodes DONOT REFLECT the whole Essence of the story... old school? Where have you been hiding? This current regular day life story...
The 2 episodes gave a a bombastic scenes. I'm looking forward to the next episodes and wondering how this will evolve as the relationships and friendships is greatly affected by the news...
Before you judge.... Wait until the end... you nincompoops...unless you are a movie/tv director and made such riveting movies under your belt...then you decide ... but wait until the end of the episodes. -
princessandthepeabody1 March 2022I love the camaraderie of these girls. I like the way the script jumps from the present to the past to show how our heroines got to where they are. Failed relationships and choices that have unintended consequences, just life. We know from the get-go that there is heartache coming. I appreciated how we see the raw emotions that we all feel at times, so well portrayed. Binged watch what I could so far. It reminds us that no matter what we go through, it is wonderful to have friends and family that have our backs.
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alaningle71 April 2022Thirty nine is the age of three friends of over twenty years who have to come to terms with the terminal illness of one of them. The series starts with the funeral and the twelve episodes lead up to that point and the aftermath with flashbacks of the trios first meeting and their interaction over the years. We also learn the backstory to all three characters and there romantic lives. It is superbly acted and the casting director deserves praise as you can clearly see who the younger actors are representing in their youth. It is maudlin at times but is also quite positive in the way these peoples friendship can overcome and survive any obstacle. Superbly acted by the entire cast and gently paced, but be warned it will pull at the heart strings and make you cry quite a lot.
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tamyahussain21 May 2022A story about 3 beautiful souls who struggle with the fleeting time of one's departure. Our smiling musketeer lives her borrowed time on this earth with a smile and gentle heart. Leaving behind the start of many stories for her favourite pair, lover and parents. Such a captivating story in which tears are shed through beautiful moments. The growing sadness behind a smile and painful memories. Definitely worth a watch and worth the tears that may be shed. Unlike some sad dramas this leaves us with a glimmer of hope and content within our hearts.