Why Love’s Phantom Fails to Impress: A Deep Dive

Hello ! Today the Drama is “Love’s Phantom” (2021) available on VIKI . Why a phantom?

The male protagonist is the manager of the event floor in a fictional Hotel in Japan. He walks inside the hotel but none sees him until he is already working. Like a human being, he is supposed to eat but none ever sees him eat. He never socializes or hangs out. So workers at the hotel call him a ghost. 

The female protagonist is naive and recent in the work class society. She grew up in the rural city with her grandmother. 

And yes, if you read my post regarding “coffee and vanilla” , the plot is almost identical. Fast and Furious romance , one minute they are sharing the first kiss, next minute they are already living together. 

Of course, all situations in real life depend on the person’s decision. Even when the entire family and friends are against it. In a personal perspective, I went against my bestfriend wedding engagement (at least to me she was my bestie). I did it because she was giving up her romantic dream. She was letting go of the romantic proposal and a romantic dreamy wedding. She was doing this to compensate for the really long past relationship that failed because the guy cheated on her. Well, I found out because the mistress was an old acquaintance of mine ( social media thank you). After a few months, she was engaged to a new guy. He has the sick personality of a psychopath. 

The week after the marriage ceremony, I was accused of stealing the groom’s necktie. I went to give my support no matter what. In Portugal, there has been a twisted new “tradition” (if I can call it that!). It involves getting a few cloth accessories from the bride and groom. Then, a small auction is held to sell them and help with marriage expenses. I found those auctions to be hypocritical events. I left the room. Then I went to watch the kids play. I didn’t even see the necktie. I also didn’t see who “bought” it. I know the groom doesn’t really enjoy me being a headstrong woman. Even if I saved his bride once, it still doesn’t count for anything. Being accused of something I didn’t do was the cherry on top of the cake.

My supposed “bestie” never talked to me again. But I do hope she is happy and the kid she had.

However, I wanted to clarify that sometimes in real life, it works out and sometimes it doesn’t. But all I wish is you live a life with no regrets and full of joy.

Back to the phantom…

Like 70% of all Japanese dramas it possesses less than 15 episodes. Of course, depending on the type of story, the Japanese find it difficult to actually do storytelling.  They enjoy being straight to the point, which damages the plot of the Drama. Even if some dramas are based in Manga.

These types of plots can be a little exhausting by the lack of content. However, these plots are also damaging to professional actors and actresses. They are stuck in a loop of never-ending ordinary characters. The characters change name and family background but their personalities and ability to love stay the same. There is no Challenge! 

Lately, the Japanese drama world has become more serious and demanding. This change can bring a lot of difference in the future. And maybe l, more world relevance.

This Drama “love’s phantom” is a little disappointing in representing Japanese society. It just cringes and romantic fans. It doesn’t have substance.

⭐ Emoji Ranking – Love’s Phantom (2021)

• 💕 Romance: 💕💕💕💕 (4/5) – Steamy, mature romance with lots of passion and fantasy elements.
• 👻 Creepy factor: 👻👻 (2/5) – The mysterious “phantom” aspect and overly idealized male lead can feel a bit uncanny.
• 🔥 Action: 🔥 (1/5) – Very little action; focus is almost entirely on romance and fantasy.
• 😭 Drama (Emotional impact): 😭😭 (2/5) – Light drama with more emphasis on escapist romance than deep conflict.
• 🌸 Popularity: 🌸🌸🌸 (3/5) – Enjoyed by fans of the manga adaptation, though more niche compared to mainstream J-romcoms.

In my honest opinion, it was just screen time for the opening music “dreaming” by the J01. This is a BTS Japanese version selected by the “Produce 101.” This South Korean entertainment event and TV show was also present in Japan and China. Although, in China, there was a little scandal about corruption and bribery. They want to duplicate de effect in Japan but I guess its slow not the came as BTS.