‘Take Charge of My Heart’ Season 1 Review: A Sweet Romance with a Charged Twist

Netflix released all ten episodes of ‘Take Charge of My Heart’ on October 9, and the intriguing premise is sure to draw viewers in. The story follows Baek Ho Rang, a wealthy resort executive whose artificial heart is running low on power, and Na Bo Bae, a screenwriter whose touch emits electric shocks due to a childhood lightning strike. An accidental kiss reveals that her charge actually benefits him, leading to a three-month arrangement to keep him alive until his surgery.

Directed by Park Soo Won, known for ‘Birthcare Center’, and written by Song You Chae, this fantasy romantic comedy is based on the web novel ‘Charge Me Up’ by Hae Boon. It also marks a reunion with Kim Young Kwang, who has previously starred in darker roles on Netflix, including ‘Trigger’. I was particularly curious to see him transition to a lighter, more playful character.

One of the highlights of ‘Take Charge of My Heart’ is how effectively the two leads carry the show. Chae Soo Bin brings humor to Bo Bae’s embarrassment without making her seem weak, responding to every demanding instruction with a quick, expressive face that enhances the comedy beyond the script. Her performance is crucial in keeping the show warm, even when the writing falters.

Kim Young Kwang takes a more gradual approach with Ho Rang, and this patience pays off. He begins as a stiff, controlling character who views people merely as power sources, and the actor skillfully avoids rushing to soften those edges. As jealousy and genuine feelings emerge beyond the contractual agreement, he becomes noticeably funnier and more relaxed, marking the moment when the romance truly takes off.

The transition from a cold agreement to a heartfelt relationship is executed with charm. Bo Bae experiences her own moments of empowerment as the power dynamic shifts, adding depth to her character beyond the initial setup. While the romantic comedy path is familiar, the chemistry between the leads makes it feel refreshingly authentic.

However, the narrative struggles when it diverts from the couple’s storyline. The family and corporate rivalry surrounding Ho Rang’s resort empire is the weakest aspect, often feeling like a heavier subplot attached to a lighter narrative. As the plot mechanics accumulate towards the end, the tonal shifts detract from the focus on the characters we truly care about.

Ten episodes are an appropriate length for this type of story, and I appreciated that the series avoids dragging out the leads’ separation to meet a longer runtime. Nonetheless, the pacing dips in the middle as subplots take precedence, and a tighter focus on the romance would have elevated the entire season.

Overall, I found ‘Take Charge of My Heart’ to be a charming, humorous, and slightly overstuffed romance that captivates due to its performances rather than its plot. The leads shine, the central concept is cleverly utilized, and the corporate drama is the only element preventing it from reaching its full potential. I rate it 7.5 out of 10.

Did the charm of Chae Soo Bin and Kim Young Kwang win you over in ‘Take Charge of My Heart’, or do you feel the corporate drama drained the energy? Share your thoughts in the comments and let me know if you agree with my review.