K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Finale

Hellos and Goodbyes

The finale week of Do You Like Brahms is filled with new hellos and unexpected goodbyes.

Let’s start with another goodbye Lee Jung-kyung (Park Ji-hyun) had to experience. Director Nah Moon-sook (Ye Soo-jung) died and Jung-kyung had to mourn again the loss of a loved one. This time though she let herself grieve. I understand that it was used to reunite Jung-kyung, Park Joon-young (Kim Min-jae), and Han Hyun-ho (Kim Sung-cheol) but I still feel this is unnecessary character death. But then again, I just always hate character deaths in any form so this is just me talking with my personal preference.

Going back, Jung-kyung’s story is, surprisingly, became my favorite subplot from this series. I thought I would be annoyed with her throughout but she grew on me somehow. I think she started to be on my good book when I saw how genuine she was to Chae Song-ah (Park Eun-bin) during the master class. It was then that I realized she’s like Joon-young and Song-ah too. She’s at the crossroad of her life; trying to find out where and how to start again. So, I’m happy to see where her character ended. I’m also not a fan of exes-getting-back-together so I’m also glad they didn’t force her loveline with Hyun-ho.

Speaking of Hyun-ho, there was little of him in the finale week but it’s good to see he and Joon-young became friends again. The same goes with Song-ah, Kang Min-seong (Bae Da-bin), and Yoon Dong-yoon (Lee You-jin). It’s nice to see them on good terms again especially since Song-ah needs as much as supportive people as possible.

Endings and New Beginnings

Joon-young and Song-ah had to endure some goodbyes and hellos too and endings and new beginnings that came with it.

As expected, Joon-young found a reason to fall in love with playing the piano again. It was Song-ah who helped him realize that. It was somewhat bittersweet because Song-ah, on the other hand, decided to quit playing the violin.

Saying goodbye to something you have loved for a long time is hard; it’s like you’re removing a dying organ from your own body to survive. I already assumed this would be the case when Song-ah and her sister talked last week. Playing the violin has brought happiness to Song-ah in the past but it’s become a burden to her recently. And I’m supportive of how Song-ah realigned her dreams with her reality. She’s not talented enough to be as famous as Joon-young but she has her strengths. By freeing herself, Song-ah found a new kind of happiness.

With Joon-young and Song-ah coming to terms with their issues, they eventually dealt with their lingering feelings with each other. I have to be honest that I got a bit frustrated that there was a short time jump after their break-up. Because I think it would only take a show of conviction on Joon-young’s part to convince Song-ah to be with him again. Anyway, the grand gesture in the recital sticks to the drama’s theme. Do You Like Brahms concluded in the way I expected it to be: with our main characters stepping into new paths with a new perspective in life. 

Maknae’s Series Verdict

Someone asked me the other day on whether they should watch DYLB. I vehemently said no. Because I know the dramas they preferred – mindboggling thrillers and intense dramas. DYLB isn’t a series made for that kind of audience. This series is also not for those looking for light-hearted romcoms because Joon-young and Song-ah’s story could be too angsty for them. DYLB stands in the middle of those two extremes. So, I must say it has its own niche audience. If you like music incorporated with your series and if you enjoy a plot with light angst and a lot of growing pains then Do You Like Brahms will be right up to your alley.

Afterthoughts

-This scene screams Kousei and Kaori.

-So we didn’t see Joon-young’s father until the end eh? But I like the bit where he told her mom she should live for her own as well.

-I’m happy that Song-ah finally found a good mentor: Cha Young-in (Seo Jung-yeon). I just really love how they ended Song-ah’s internal conflict. It was realistic but still told in an optimist manner.

-Another thing that I like about the ending? It’s Joon-young repeating ‘saranghae’ in this scene. It was as one time isn’t enough to convince Song-ah about what he feels. And also the kiss!!!

>>First Impression: Do You Like Brahms?
>>K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Episodes 3-4
>>K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Episodes 5-6
>>K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Episodes 7-8
>>K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Episodes 9-10
>>K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Episodes 11-12
>>K-Drama Reaction: Do You Like Brahms? | Episodes 13-14