Love Untangled Tamil Movie Review: A Heartwarming Korean Rom-Com with Universal Charm
Love Untangled (Gobaekui Yeoksa, or History of Confession) is a 2025 South Korean romantic comedy directed by Namkoong Sun, which premiered on Netflix on August 29, 2025. Starring Shin Eun-soo, Gong Myung, and Cha Woo-min, with support from Yoon Sang-hyeon and Kang Mi-na, the film takes audiences back to the late 1990s with a nostalgic story of first love, friendship, and self-acceptance.
Plot and Themes
Set in 1998 Busan, the story follows Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo), a lively high schooler insecure about her curly hair. She dreams of winning over the popular boy Kim Hyeon (Cha Woo-min) and sees a chance when a new salon offers a trendy straightening treatment she cannot afford. Enter Han Yun-seok (Gong Myung), a transfer student with a troubled past, whose mother offers Se-ri help in exchange for assisting him.
As Se-ri and her friends plan “Operation Love,” her growing bond with Yun-seok makes her rethink what truly matters. Themes of self-love, friendship, beauty standards, and the innocence of first crushes drive the narrative. The nostalgic 90s setting—with walkmans, pagers, and coastal vibes—adds warmth, though the film’s attempt to weave in a subplot on domestic violence feels rushed and underdeveloped.
Performances
Shin Eun-soo is radiant as Se-ri, capturing both her loud energy and inner vulnerability. She makes the character lovable and relatable.
Gong Myung balances Yun-seok’s mystery and gentleness, building tender chemistry with Se-ri.
Cha Woo-min has limited screen time but leaves an impression as the polished school heartthrob.
Yoon Sang-hyeon and Kang Mi-na add fun as Se-ri’s quirky friends, their chaotic energy evoking the ensemble humor Tamil cinema fans enjoy.
Surprise cameos by Gong Yoo and Jung Yu-mi bring smiles, especially for K-drama followers.
The cast’s natural chemistry and playful dynamics carry the film, even when the script wavers.
Direction and Writing
Director Namkoong Sun infuses the film with a nostalgic, coming-of-age atmosphere reminiscent of classics like Reply 1997. The screenplay focuses on Se-ri’s personal growth and light comedy, but the second half introduces tonal shifts that feel out of place. The domestic violence thread tied to Yun-seok is more of a narrative device than a developed arc, and the rushed ending undermines the emotional buildup. Still, the film’s sincerity and humor ensure it remains enjoyable.
Technical Aspects
Cinematography highlights Busan’s 1990s coastal charm, with retro touches adding authenticity.
Soundtrack with catchy, era-inspired tracks amplifies the nostalgic mood.
Editing is uneven—sluggish in the middle and hurried at the climax.
Production design, from uniforms to the salon, adds period-accurate detail, though the Netflix gloss makes it feel a bit too polished.
Social Relevance and Impact
The strongest element is its message of self-acceptance. Se-ri’s journey to embrace her curly hair mirrors universal struggles with self-image, resonating with Tamil audiences who appreciate empowerment arcs. Its light tone and absence of heavy melodrama make it a stress-free, family-friendly watch. However, viewers seeking deeper social commentary may find its treatment of darker themes unsatisfying.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Shin Eun-soo’s vibrant lead performance
Nostalgic 1990s Busan setting
Playful ensemble dynamics and heartfelt humor
Uplifting self-love message
Weaknesses:
Predictable narrative structure
Rushed domestic violence subplot
Uneven pacing with a hurried ending
Final Verdict
Love Untangled is a sweet and nostalgic rom-com that delivers laughs, warmth, and a charming retro vibe. While it doesn’t dig deep into the heavier themes it introduces, the sincerity of its storytelling and Shin Eun-soo’s delightful performance make it worth watching.
For Tamil audiences, it’s a perfect Netflix weekend pick—a feel-good love story with universal charm, even if it stops short of being a genre-defining film.
Rating: 3.5/5
Streaming Platform: Netflix