The Girl Downstairs Season 1: A Heartfelt Dive into Romance and Identity

Adapted from Min Song-a’s beloved South Korean webtoon Lee Doo-na! (known in English as The Girl Downstairs), the Chinese animated series (donghua) The Girl Downstairs Season 1 premiered on Bilibili on April 20, 2023, and has since captivated audiences with its blend of romance, drama, and coming-of-age themes. This 22-episode series, produced by Red Dog Culture House and directed by Dong Yi, brings a fresh perspective to a familiar romantic trope, weaving a story that’s both emotionally resonant and visually stunning. Below, we’ll dive into a comprehensive review of Season 1, exploring its narrative, characters, animation, music, and cultural significance, while offering a unique lens on its impact and appeal.

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Overview of The Girl Downstairs Season 1

The Girl Downstairs follows Yuan Juntang, a college freshman at Minsong University, who moves into a new apartment complex with dreams of reconnecting with his high school crush, Zhu Zhu. His plans take an unexpected turn when he discovers that his downstairs neighbor is Li Shiya, a former pop idol who has stepped away from the spotlight and enrolled at the same university. As Juntang navigates his feelings for Zhu Zhu, he finds himself increasingly drawn to the enigmatic Shiya, whose mysterious past and vibrant personality challenge his perceptions of love and ambition. The series explores themes of self-discovery, the weight of past dreams, and the complexities of young love, all set against the backdrop of a bustling university campus.

Based on the webtoon serialized on Naver Webtoon from July 2019 to July 2022, the donghua stays true to its source material while introducing subtle changes, such as altered character names (e.g., Doona/Duna in the webtoon becomes Li Shiya in the Chinese adaptation). The series has also inspired a live-action Netflix adaptation (Doona!, premiered October 20, 2023), but Season 1 of the donghua stands out for its animated charm and fidelity to the manhwa’s emotional core.

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Review: A Tapestry of Emotion and Visual Splendor

Story and Themes: A Familiar Yet Fresh Romance

At its heart, The Girl Downstairs is a romance-driven story, but it distinguishes itself by grounding its narrative in authentic emotional stakes. The premise—a college freshman caught between his childhood crush and a charismatic former idol—may sound like a standard love triangle, but the execution elevates it beyond cliché. The series delves into the personal struggles of its characters, particularly Shiya’s journey from fame to anonymity and Juntang’s quest to define his own path. The story’s pacing is deliberate, allowing moments of quiet introspection to coexist with bursts of comedic and romantic tension.

The narrative shines in its exploration of identity. Shiya’s arc, as she grapples with her past as a celebrity and her desire for a “normal” life, resonates with anyone who’s ever felt trapped by others’ expectations. Juntang, meanwhile, is a relatable everyman, his internal conflict between familiarity (Zhu Zhu) and the unknown (Shiya) serving as a metaphor for the uncertainties of young adulthood. However, some viewers have noted that the ending of the source material feels abrupt or unsatisfying, and while the donghua’s first season doesn’t reach the webtoon’s conclusion, it hints at potential deviations that could address this criticism.

The series also weaves in subtle commentary on societal pressures, particularly around fame and gender roles. Shiya’s decision to step away from her idol career challenges the notion that success is tied to public adoration, while Zhu Zhu’s hesitation to reciprocate Juntang’s feelings reflects the fear of vulnerability that many young women face. These themes are handled with a light touch, making the show accessible yet thought-provoking.

Rating: 8.5/10 – The story is engaging and emotionally rich, though it occasionally leans on familiar tropes. The promise of deeper character development keeps viewers hooked.

Characters: A Vibrant Ensemble with Real Depth

The strength of The Girl Downstairs lies in its well-crafted characters, each serving a distinct purpose in the narrative. Yuan Juntang is a compelling protagonist—not a flawless hero but a flawed, relatable young man whose growth feels organic. His awkwardness and earnestness make him easy to root for, especially as he navigates his conflicting emotions. Li Shiya, voiced with nuance in the Chinese dub, is the series’ standout. Her blend of confidence, vulnerability, and mystery makes her magnetic, and her interactions with Juntang crackle with chemistry. Zhu Zhu, while less prominent, adds complexity as the “unattainable” crush whose own insecurities shape the trio’s dynamic. Supporting characters, like Juntang’s friend Rouni, provide comedic relief without feeling like caricatures.

The character dynamics are a highlight, with friendships and rivalries evolving naturally. However, some fans of the webtoon have noted that Rouni’s role feels diminished in the donghua compared to Shiya and Zhu Zhu, a creative choice that may disappoint those expecting a more balanced ensemble. Still, the core trio’s interplay keeps the drama compelling, with each character’s struggles—Shiya’s reinvention, Juntang’s indecision, Zhu Zhu’s reticence—mirroring real-world complexities.

Rating: 9/10 – The characters are well-developed and relatable, with Shiya stealing the show. Minor characters could use more screen time to fully shine.

Animation: A Visual Feast with a Touch of Realism

Produced by Red Dog Culture House, the animation in The Girl Downstairs is a standout feature. The donghua blends vibrant, expressive character designs with detailed backgrounds that capture the energy of a modern university campus. The animators infuse a touch of realism into the character movements and facial expressions, making emotional moments—like Shiya’s wistful glances or Juntang’s flustered reactions—hit harder. The color palette is warm and inviting, with soft pastels contrasting with bold pops of color during key scenes, such as Shiya’s flashbacks to her idol days.

While the animation quality is consistently high, some viewers might notice occasional inconsistencies in background details during less pivotal scenes. Nonetheless, the overall visual style enhances the storytelling, making the series a treat for the eyes. The Japanese dub, which premiered on July 3, 2023, in Japan, further highlights the animation’s appeal, with trailers showcasing characters like Mio Katsuragi (Shiya’s Japanese-dub counterpart) and Makoto Momoi.

Rating: 10/10 – The animation is polished and expressive, elevating the emotional and comedic beats of the story.

Music: A Soundtrack That Steals the Show

One of the most universally praised aspects of The Girl Downstairs is its soundtrack. The series features four standout songs, including the opening theme, which includes a nod to the webtoon’s original character name with the lyric “Carry on Doona.” These tracks, ranging from upbeat pop to soulful ballads, perfectly capture the show’s emotional range. The music not only complements the narrative but often drives it, with songs amplifying key moments like Shiya’s reflections on her past or Juntang’s romantic dilemmas. Fans on platforms like IMDb have called the soundtrack “mindblowing,” and it’s easy to see why—it’s a rare case where the music feels as integral to the story as the characters themselves.

Rating: 9/10 – The soundtrack is a highlight, though a few more original tracks could have added even more depth.

Dub and Sound Design: A Mixed Bag

The Chinese dub is solid, with voice actors Na Cai (Juntang) and Shangqing Su (Shiya) delivering performances that capture the characters’ emotional nuances. The Japanese dub, featuring talents like Maaya Sakamoto and Masaya Fukunishi, has been well-received for its energy and fidelity to the source material. However, some viewers have noted that the dub quality in certain episodes feels uneven, particularly in dialogue-heavy scenes where pacing can falter. The sound design, including ambient effects like campus chatter or city sounds, adds immersion, though it’s not as distinctive as the music.

Rating: 8/10 – The voice acting is strong, but minor dubbing inconsistencies slightly detract from the experience.

Cultural Significance: A Bridge Between Mediums and Cultures

The Girl Downstairs is a fascinating case study in cross-cultural adaptation. As a Chinese donghua based on a South Korean webtoon, it bridges Eastern storytelling traditions while appealing to a global audience through platforms like Rakuten Viki and Bilibili. The series’ exploration of fame and identity resonates universally, but its university setting and focus on young adult struggles feel particularly relevant to East Asian audiences, where academic and social pressures are keenly felt. The donghua’s success has also paved the way for the Netflix live-action adaptation, highlighting the growing influence of webtoon-based stories in global media.

The series’ connection to the Webtoon Singer reality show, which featured K-pop artists performing scenes from the manhwa, underscores its cultural footprint in South Korea. This multimedia approach—spanning webtoon, donghua, live-action, and music—makes The Girl Downstairs a standout in the evolving landscape of animated storytelling.

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Critical Reception and Audience Feedback

The Girl Downstairs Season 1 has garnered strong praise for its animation, music, and character chemistry. On IMDb, it holds a 7.8/10 rating, with reviewers lauding its “realistic” animation and engaging romance. Fans on MyAnimeList have called it a “masterpiece” for its character-driven storytelling, though some critique the webtoon’s ending, expressing hope that the donghua will chart a different course. The series’ ability to balance humor, romance, and drama has made it a favorite among fans of slice-of-life and romance genres, with many recommending it as a must-watch for its emotional depth and catchy soundtrack.

However, some viewers have pointed out flaws, such as the reduced role of secondary characters like Rouni and occasional pacing issues in the middle episodes. The love triangle, while well-executed, may feel predictable to seasoned anime fans, and the cliffhanger ending of Season 1 has left audiences eagerly awaiting news of a second season.

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Why You Should Watch

The Girl Downstairs Season 1 is a compelling blend of romance, humor, and self-discovery that transcends its familiar premise. Its vibrant animation, unforgettable soundtrack, and nuanced characters make it a standout in the donghua landscape. Whether you’re a fan of the original webtoon, a romance enthusiast, or simply looking for a visually stunning series with heart, this show delivers. It’s a story about finding yourself amidst the chaos of young love and societal expectations, told with sincerity and style.

Where to Watch: Stream The Girl Downstairs Season 1 on Rakuten Viki (with or without ads) or check for updates on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.

Final Rating: 8.9/10 – A near-perfect blend of romance, drama, and visual artistry, The Girl Downstairs Season 1 is a must-watch for fans of heartfelt storytelling. Here’s hoping Season 2 builds on its strengths and delivers a satisfying continuation.

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A Note on The Downstairs Girl Confusion

It’s worth clarifying that The Girl Downstairs (the donghua) is distinct from The Downstairs Girl, a historical fiction novel by Stacey Lee about a Chinese-American girl in 1890s Atlanta. The novel, while excellent, is unrelated to the webtoon or donghua and focuses on different themes, such as racial prejudice and women’s rights. If you’re searching for reviews of the animated series, be cautious of conflating the two, as their titles are similar but their stories are worlds apart.

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Looking Ahead

As of July 19, 2025, there’s no confirmed release date for Season 2, but the cliffhanger ending and the webtoon’s completed run suggest more is to come. Fans are particularly eager to see if the donghua addresses criticisms of the webtoon’s ending, potentially offering a more fulfilling resolution for Juntang and Shiya. Until then, The Girl Downstairs Season 1 remains a vibrant, emotionally rich journey that’s well worth your time.

For more details on the series or to read the original webtoon, visit Webtoon or check streaming platforms like Rakuten Viki.

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Have you watched The Girl Downstairs Season 1? What did you think of its romance and animation? Let me know your thoughts, and if you’re interested in a deeper analysis of specific episodes or characters, I’d be happy to dive in!