“Love Untangled”: Nostalgic Romance, Curly Hair Debate, and August 29 Netflix Release Details!
- Disha Paul
- Aug 11
- 3 min read
Love Untangled is a 1998-set South Korean teen romance film arriving on Netflix on August 29, 2025.
It stars Shin Eun-soo, Gong Myung, and Cha Woo-min. It follows Park Se-ri, a home-schooled 19-year-old with untamable curly hair, on a quirky journey toward love and self-acceptance.
Plot Overview and Main Cast
Set in 1998 in Busan, Park Se-ri (Shin Eun-soo) is determined to confess to Kim Hyeon (Cha Woo-min), the school’s heartthrob. But she believes her voluminous curly hair stands in her way.
With the help of transfer student Han Yoon-seok (Gong Myung), she tames her curls, leading to unexpected friendship and romance. Supporting characters include Baek Seong-rae (Yoon Sang-hyeon) and rival Go In-jeong (Kang Mi-na).
Retro Aesthetic with a Modern Heart
Director Namkoong Sun and writers Ji Chun-hee and Wang Doo-ri create a warm, nostalgic tone that blends 90s props—think cassette tapes—with a coming-of-age emotional arc. The trailer teases Se-ri's earnest attempts to manage her curls and confess her feelings, delivering both warmth and teenage whimsy.
Backlash: Curly Hair as a "Problem"
Not long after the trailer release, backlash surfaced, accusing the film of reinforcing outdated beauty standards by portraying curly hair as a flaw. Critics argue the transformation trope—straightening her hair to gain acceptance—is harmful.
As one netizen put it:
“The narrative of wavy/curly hair being messy, dirty, difficult to handle and an unlovable feature in the year of 2025… I thought we had moved past this.”
Viewers Push Back: Context Matters
On the other hand, defenders of the film highlight that it’s a period piece set in 1998, a pre-Internet era and filmed in a coastal area where managing textured hair was more challenging.
They argue that Se-ri’s hair issue reflects the reality of the time rather than a modern beauty standard failing.
One user commented:
“This is a coming-of-age story about an insecurity that actual girls experience.”
Why the Curly Hair Debate Matters
This is more than just a plot point. The conversation taps into ongoing issues around representation and beauty norms in Korean media.
When stories suggest someone must change their natural traits to be lovable, it invites scrutiny about whether the eventual resolution supports self-acceptance or upholds outdated ideals.
It’s a reminder that even small moments in pop culture can spark broader discussion.
When and Where to Watch
Love Untangled will be released worldwide on Netflix on August 29, 2025.
It will be available in most regions, though exact timing may vary depending on your location. Check your local Netflix app or the movie’s official page for release details in your area.
Final Thoughts
Love Untangled offers a charming, retro high school romance with strong cast chemistry and nostalgic beats.
But as with many stories, context and execution matter especially when it comes to themes like self-image and beauty ideals. Whether the film challenges or confirms stereotypes will matter most after its release.
What do you think, will the film embrace Se-ri’s natural curls, or fall back on the “fix the hair, fix the problem” trope? Let us know in the comments below.
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