An end that brings shame to an otherwise well developed plot!

The show starts strong with a well thought out story, beautiful acting and character development by the artists and some amazing aesthetics. This show has given me some of the best aesthetics and I've surely taken notes on some home decorations that I would like to implement. What a beautiful use of plants throughout!

I like how all the characters have been given importance and have their own story-line. What the bond between the players and how they support one another even in their individual sports. The relationship between the coaches and players is also beautifully exemplified through the sprint team and high jump team.

Another thing worth admiring is the portrayal of immense dedication and hardwork it takes for athletes. Nothing comes easy and we can see that. Love how they have depicted the vigour behind sports and the life of athletes.

However, sadly that is where it ends.
1. The end has to be one of the most absurd ends I've ever seen. The guy wants to do high jump but he is forced into sprinting and then suddenly he goes to do decathlons (still fine) but out of nowhere there is some random absurd rumour (baseless) which is not even investigated or refuted and just like that he goes back to high jump???? Out of nowhere? Do the writers think doing sports is a joke and it is easy to change sports just like that? What absolute nonsense! My two problems with this storyline are that a) it is completely unnecessary in an otherwise well progressing show. Their was absolutely no need of this rumour, conflict and the team not even standing up for their otherwise "very promising" talent. They didn't even try to help him once. Where do you see that in real life, what nonsense!!!! and b) like i said before, that is not how it happens. today you do long jump, tomorrow high jump and then suddenly you're back at long jump!

2. For this to be tagged as sports, there was very poor division between sport and romance. This seems more like a university rom-com than sports drama to me. Sports were taken so lightly throughout.

3. We see great character development for DYC as the show progresses from a childish and overbearing pursuer to a more understanding and sensible partner, but there has been 0 character development for LN. She basically makes DYC feel like she has given up on her own student (which is a shitty af feeling), never apologises for it and then fails to recognise her two roles as a coach and girlfriend. There were instances where she supported him as the girl friend but those were rare. Usually she was walking all over him as the coach. Not appreciated. His outbursts (both in the beginning and end) were very valid.

4. What was this surprise out of nowhere, not planned or executed proposal/marriage? I still can't get over the stupidity of it all?

As I finished the show, I'm left with more questions than answers, and I'm not saying that in a good way. But if we ignore the last 3 episodes, it is a solid watch with some good acting and a childish romance. Must watch for people who're into youth dramas. Not so much for people who look for substance and stories in their shows, because believe me, this one makes no sense.

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What a masterpiece: a brilliantly acted out and feel-good piece of work!

Every recommendation list I ever saw, I always saw this show. Now I know why.


I actually started this once, saw the first 2 episodes (not completely) and as soon as I saw her walking towards the weight loss clinic, I gave up thinking it’s the same old fat-shaming crap. Two years later, I dedice to give this show another chance as it still keeps popping up on every single list I see. Started it from the very start once again, and oh my god, I binge watch the whole thing over two all-nighters. It’s safe to say, I absolutely loved it. Every single aspect of this show.

I usually don’t leave comments/reviews. Where I have, they’re usually pretty long and detailed. But when I sit down to jot down my review for this, I’m lost. What do I ever say? I can’t find faults. The acting by ALL the actors is supreme. I love the friendships this show focuses on, whether it be between the girls or the leads. I absolutely love the romance, NJH and LSK have such a great chemistry, cannot even beging to describe without swooning. I love the team spirit between the weightlifting team and how they celebrate together and are there for one another. I also love the family bonds that they depict in this show. I mean, can we find anything not to love in this show? And it’s safe to say, I also love the character who one might even come off as evil at some point. Every body has given their absolute best to this show and I’m all for it.

One thing I would like to touch upon is the aspect of body positivity that this show promotes, which hilariously having misunderstood was my reason for dropping the show. I love how the weight loss clinic does not play into the otherwise usual unhealthy trope and focuses on healthy ways of losing weight. We often forget the kind of impact pop culture and media has on youngsters, so it’s good that the show did not propogate bad eating habits or anything of that sort. Yes, the gymnastic team scenes were hard, but hey, I’m not one to comment on the requirements of a sport. Even when we see Bok Joo bothered by her appearance, she never once dehumanises it and explains the ask of the sport well so that there are no misunderstandings. That is one aspect I appreciate about this show. Also love Joon Hyeong for loving Bok Joo for who she is, how she is. They spread so much positivity around and how he lifts her up when she feels down about her own self, love it!!!!

Just one thing I didn’t like (not dislike but just didn’t like as much) was the OST. It just didn’t stand out for me. Like, usually a song holds to much importance for me. I am a fan of some shows just because of the OST. However, in this show, I can’t recall a single tune. They acting, the story and everything was so fun and engaging that I just never caught the OST which goes to show it wasn’t very engaging for me. For me personally, that’s a let down because I’m a total OST person and hence that’s one place where I can’t give marks.

A definite recommendation from my side, all you rom-com fans (and others) should definitely give this a try. The show is very light-hearted and feel good even though it touches upon few deep issues. A must watch for all k-drama lovers (or not) for sure!

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A medical drama giving Grey's Anatomy vibe with balanced fun, angst, romance and chaebol-ness ?

Growing up in a family of doctors, I have immense fascination and affection for the profession, for which reason I have a slight bias for medical dramas. Not bias in judging, but bias in the priority for watching the show.

I have watched most Chinese, Korean, English and Hindi medical dramas, and there's something about this show here that has brought me back to it several times for a rewatch. This show has now become therapeutic for me, wherein it would play in the background on a hectic day and I would relax to the beautiful melody of "It's Love" by Jungyup. Just the starting beats of the OST have me smiling and I can see every single moment between Hye Jung and Ji Hong flash before my eyes.

I like the character development of Hye Jung, and to be fair, PSH is one of the biggest reasons for me to keep watching this show. That coupled with excellent acting by some characters like Yoon Do, Seo Woo, Soon Hee, and Kang Soo keep me going. Soon Hee plays the role of Hye Jung's best friend beautifully and it is so amazing to see their bond traverse over the years. Similarly, LSK has delivered a powerful performance, like always, to the extent where she made me hate her character the first few times. You see her develop from this aloof personality to this strong woman who learns to prioritise herself, which is commendable. I also quite enjoy the cute and hilarious banter between Ji Hong and Yoon Do, kudos to both KRW and YKS for the amazing bromance!

In terms of the story, I like the swift shift we see in terms of the time period from Hye Jung's high school days to her life as a doctor. I also thoroughly enjoyed the storyline revolving around the grandmother and malpractice issue. What lifts it even more for me is LSK's brilliant portrayal of a person involved in the entire issue in some capacity. I also like how they keep it real by not giving it a fairy tale ending by putting the people behind bars for the main issue (not side issues like embezzlement). Hye Jung's acceptance of the issue and how her character derives peace at the end is very beautiful to watch over the span of the show and makes me happy for her. Totally love the grandmother, granddaughter bond. Though, I believe the show could've done without the unnecessary storyline of the stepmother and stepsister. Maybe even water down the story with the father to some extent. They seem like irrelevant characters to me and hence wasting so much time describing feelings related to them seems like unnecessarily stretching the show to me.

However, it's not all rainbows and sunshine. I am all for "age is just a number" and "age is no bar for love" but I'm just not able to understand the development of romantic feelings between the main leads here. He is a qualified and practicing doctor when he is teaching Hye Jung in high school. Which means she's a minor (if I'm not wrong) and it just gives me quite "pedophile vibes". Although it is not a huge age difference per se, it's just the timing of when it seems to begin that makes me uncomfortable because she was just so young. Although nothing happens, and it doesn't actually begin, so it's all okay. It's just uncomfortable in my head.

Another problem I face is the constant neglect of Ji Hong's feelings by Hye Jun. She seems to be walking all over him for most part of the show which really puts me off. Her aloof character begins to annoy but PSH's beautiful expressions make up for it and do not let me dwell too much into it. However, the shift we see in her character and the growth is commendable, which saves this show from going all downhill for me.

All in all, this is definitely worth a one time watch if you're into dramas with conspiracy, medicine and rom-com. It is not the slow burn or way too fluffy kinda romance, so, please keep that in mind when you go ahead with this wonderful piece of work!

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A well-written mix of happiness, angst, sorrow, joy and excitement portrayed magically!

I once dropped this show after watching 3 episodes. They were too deep and sad for my mental state back then and I decided to stop. But I'm just so glad, months later, I gave this show another go. Best decision ever! This has to be one of my favourite shows. This show has made me wanting a WFH set-up in a beautiful airbnb in a peaceful environment so much!

What I like the most about this show is that ALL the leads have a brilliant background and story. Yes, you heard it right. You do not feel any imbalance in how they handle the multiple characters. Enough and more time is spent on the struggles, achievements and daily life of all the characters instead of being focused on only Hong Dou and Zhi Yao.

I also like how they've shown a broken yet extremely independent and sensible woman in the form of Hong Dou. She prioritises her mental health, is willing to work on herself when things are not right but overcomes it all (with the help of our wonderful characters) to get back on her feet. She does not let others guide her future and is a force to reckon with. Whether it be her family, or love, nothing gets in the way of her dreams, and that is just aspirational. What is even more amazing about this is that she does all of this without stepping on others, she considers everyone's feelings, acknowledges them and talks it out peacefully, commendable!

I also like the character of Chairman Xie. He is a self-aware and brilliant guy who knows exactly what he wants and gives his all to achieve the same. Although his character is too good to be true and very philanthropist-y for my liking, kudos to him for being like that and staying at it throughout the show. His commitment to his goal and community is commendable and it makes me look out for my own Chairman Xie.

My favourite characters though have to be of Na Na and Da Mai. They have developed beautifully over the show, given their best performances and worked magic on the screen. The bond between the two is also magical and something I aspire for. But having said that, all the actors including the village aunties and uncles, have brilliantly depicted their roles and the acting in this show is very top-notch by everyone.

What amazes me to this date is just how calm, composed and peaceful Xu Hong Dou sounds. The tranquility that sets whenever she's talking is no joke. So gentle and so sweet. It's like she could say 1000 mean things to me, and I would still be focused only on just how tranquil and gentle she sounds. I've never heard any actor portray a character like that and usually I find it very annoying but Hong Dou's tone matched the entire show and it's concept so well that it was a brilliant touch!

What I didn't like about the show is the little Chinese propaganda flowing throughout, but personally, I've learnt to overcome the same after having watched countless Chinese shows. At some point it also feels like a tourism documentary but I don't find any problem with that because the show has otherwise delivered on every single front so what's the problem with a little advertisement. I've been to Yunnan, Kunming and Dali and hands down the beauty of these places needs to be shared with everyone.

If you're looking for a feel-good, deep, and absolutely BRILLIANT show, then don't think twice. THIS IS IT. I can't recommend this show enough to everyone. What an amazing 35 hours of my life. Cheers! ?

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