Nevertheless, (2021)

S O L J I W A N

This was the most disappointing drama of 2021 in my opinion. The first couple of episodes were great and had a lot of potential for the upcoming episodes after but oh my did it flop after. The main disappointment of the entire drama was the main couple and Bitna's relationship with Gyu Hyun. The only reason I gave it the rating I did was for ❤️Soljiwan❤️. They were EVERYTHING to me!! Their storyline was so well-written and ugh it was just so good. The CONFESSION SCENE OMG. Nah because I replayed that scene a ridiculous amount of times. Before I submit the review, I should acknowledge potato boy who was unfortunately hit with the terrible disease of 'second male lead syndrome. rip potato boy :(

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The producers knew this was hot garbage, nevertheless...

I made it .. barely.

I feel like I need a long, hot bath and some sort of special trophy after enduring that.

The whole 'friends with benefits' concept must be foreign to whoever wrote this.

Their interactions from the start were not even close to a FWB type of vibe.

The smoking and then kissing was a huge turn off.

The whole smoking angle in general added a layer of grime that just wasn't needed.

The FL was a shell of a space cadet.

ML was childish and had the personality of a spore.

Not sure why so many had second lead syndrome.

I wouldn't want that sweet little guy to end up with someone like the Nabi.

None of the side characters mattered much or were remarkable in their performance.

Music was alright, nothing too spectacular and fit where it should.

Overall - this was like a bland jello mold; just kind of sat there and jiggled from time to time.

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Philosophical Mambo Jumbo

At first I thought this will be a more mature drama. I thought it would be about a relationship between to people and the up and down in their life. But I could not stand all the philosophical Mambo Jumbo and mind playing game. It totally became boring and I just mostly fast forward the last 3 episodes. I thought this would be a more realist relationship but it became a psychology training for therapist. I don't know anyone that has all this mind games and do not speak their mind at this age. They are not kids they are adults. I feel like she was an abuse women and is afraid to talk to anyone. I am being generous in my rating. The actors did their best in the performance but the story stinks.

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Not your typical kdrama love story

I have to disagree with a lot of the negative reviews here. "Nevertheless" is not a typical kdrama love story, but it is a genuine love story nevertheless. The love story between Na Bi and Park Jae Eon is primarily told from the female lead's point of view, giving the male lead a sense of mystery and leaving the viewer with a lot to guess (and therefore giving him a lot of hate). We know everything in Nabi's mind about her worries on Jae Eon through her own monologues and what she hears from other people about Jae Eon. But we never hear Jae Won's voices in his mind or his perspective on Na Bi until the very end. In the beginning we are given a hint that before hooking up with Nabi, Jae Eon might be having another friends-with-benefits relationship. But we cannot be sure, because that relationship (or lack of) is never really shown on screen with the front of his face. He kissed another girl in front of Na Bi's house, but it's in the context of a kissing game the group of friends participated in. His blurry relation with Sol La (ex-girlfriend) never materialize into a current love relationship. The only thing that comes out of his mouth hinting that he isn't too serious about Na Bi (at least in the beginning) is that he said "why do people need to date". That's his viewpoint on romantic relationships prior to his big change as a result of Na Bi. All of these added together are enough for some viewers to tag him "player". But is he really a player?

I want to give two thumbs up to Song Kang's portrayal of Park Jae Eon. His character is sexy and boyish. He is a young man who didn't grow up close to his mother. So he never really know what a true close relationship with a woman should be until he learns it in Na Bi. Song Kang is at the right age to play this role. He has just the right amount of playfulness and seriousness for this character.

I also want to praise the director on her artsy and bold take of telling a love story. She purposely left the viewer with a lot to imagine. At some places where Jae Eon's face is not shown, the director wants viewers to guess just like Na Bi: "Is that Jae Eon?" "Would you believe his sincere interest in Na Bi"? When Jae Eon tapped on a waitress's shoulder, the camera zoomed in on his hand, and we see the waitress's smile seeing a handsome guy. Here we see another example of the director trying to confuse/fool the viewer into believing he is a "player".

Romantic love carries a risk. Some might have bigger risks than others. One woman's frog might be another woman's prince. Jae Eon doesn't want to be in a monogamous relationship with any women before meeting Na Bi. But he changed for Na Bi in the end. These happen a lot in reality. It is all about timing and meeting the right person. The characters in this kdrama are all around twenty years old, when they face a lot of uncertainties for their future and some are still trying to figure themselves out. But they are adventurous in their search for love.

This show has a very positive message: Be brave in seeking love. You might get hurt (or you might end up with the one you love). But you wouldn't know until you try.

I give this drama a 9 out 10. Reason it's not perfect is because of the many side couples that take up a lot of screen time in the second half of the drama. The writer wants to depict a picture of a group of young, adventurous people's romantic lives. Although this is her creative choice, but I think they should have given more focus to the Na Bi/Jae Eon's story in the second half. Perhaps let them have more dialogues rather than keep showing Na Bi's monologues. If Jae Eon's change can be shown more in depth, perhaps he wouldn't get so much hate from viewers.

For those of you who think friends-with-benefits won't ever turn into real monogamous relationships, you should do your research on the internet and you would be surprised to find out that's not true at all. There are different statistics out there surveying real people who had FWB relationships. One major dating web site did a survey to real people who had FWB relationships, and found out more than 40% of those FWB relationships turn into full-fledged relationships. This is quite an impressive number. Other research might give a lower number. But the point is, it is POSSIBLE to go from FWB to real relationships. I even saw comments on the internet where one woman said she ends up marrying her FWB. It all depends on each situation. You can read all the articles advising people how to turn FWB into relationships, and you can see from those articles that in "Nevertheless", Park Jae Eon and Yu Na Bi have every sign of it turn into a relationship - very strong attraction, frequent contacts, cuddling and talking, he remembers her birthday, jealousy, etc. I am not saying FWB should be the way to go for real relationships. I still think real relationship would better off start as non-sexual. But relationships are very complex, and there are no rules. It's not fair to judge a drama show based on your personal experience or preconceived notion.

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How Nevertheless Failed Its Audience

"Nevertheless" is a Korean drama that bravely delves into the complexities of relationships, emphasizing the toxic dynamics that can be prevalent, especially among young adults. The series is unequivocally for a mature audience due to its mature themes and depiction of toxic relationships.

One of the most striking aspects of the show is its unflinching portrayal of toxic relationships. The narrative exposes the audience to the often-damaging dynamics that can exist in modern dating, providing a raw and unapologetic exploration of manipulation, possessiveness, and emotional turmoil. It does not shy away from showing how individuals can be ensnared in unhealthy relationships, challenging societal norms.

The symbolism of butterflies throughout the series is notable, representing transformation, growth, and freedom. The delicate yet transformative nature of butterflies mirrors the journey of the main characters, highlighting their evolution throughout the series. It's a poetic and powerful symbol that adds depth and symbolism to the narrative, underscoring the theme of personal growth amidst tumultuous relationships.

"Nevertheless" also drew attention with its choice of soundtrack, featuring "Butterfly" by J.una. The song encapsulates the spirit of transformation, echoing the themes of the drama, and seamlessly intertwines with the symbolism of butterflies within the storyline.

However, where the series falters significantly is in its ending. The disappointment lies in the departure from the growth trajectory of the female lead depicted in the webtoon. Fans of the original work were invested in seeing the female lead break free from the shackles of toxicity and find her own path. Sadly, the adaptation deviates from this hopeful and empowering journey, choosing a more disheartening route that has left many fans feeling let down and frustrated.

The decision to have the female lead return to a toxic relationship sends a disconcerting message about self-worth and the importance of healthy boundaries. It leaves the audience questioning whether the characters truly learned and grew from their experiences, ultimately failing to provide the closure and character development that viewers were hoping for.

In conclusion, "Nevertheless" is an intense exploration of toxic relationships, providing a realistic glimpse into the trials and tribulations of modern romance. The symbolism of butterflies and the song "Butterfly" are noteworthy elements that add depth to the storytelling. However, the series falls short in delivering a satisfying ending, deviating from the empowering journey depicted in the original webtoon and leaving a lingering sense of disappointment among its audience.

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“All Hype, No Substance”

Overall rating of one star because the entire drama series was one-dimensional. It was flat, dragging and uneventful.

The storyline had no depth and to compensate for its lack of development the writer just seasoned it with sensual scenes to titillate the audience.

The female lead Han So Hee annoyingly moves in slow motion, has a shallow viewpoint, perennially stares blankly, and talks mostly in expressionless monologues. She appears lifeless with no energy and enthusiasm. She also has a habit of nagging the playboy male lead about his self-centered and heartless ways but ends up in bed with him anyway. So, what is there to love and admire about the lead characters? Nothing.

Song Kang portraying the playful gigolo is unconvincing. His facial expression is exactly the same whether he is happy, sad, excited, upset, and what not. His entire demeanor is like a cardboard cutout. No impact whatsoever. To be a believable heartthrob he should possess more than just good looks. He needs to have a charmingly vibrant personality, sense of style and eloquence. Sadly, his only redeeming factor is his visuals.

The supporting cast members somehow breathed a bit of liveliness to the otherwise monotonous, sleep-inducing plot.

Don't expect a happy and ideal ending. Lust and stupidity triumphed in the end.

The director, producer and writer should all reflect on their dismal collaboration to determine why this drama of theirs yielded such a shameful outcome. The consistently low ratings and numerous negative reviews are evident proof of their collective failures.

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WORTH WATCHING AND DOESN’T DEAL WITH TOXICITY

I don’t understand why this drama has so many bad reviews. But personally its a best drama. I have watched it quite a time and can relate with it. It’s a realistic drama and talks about the relationship of 20s i.e. of this generation. After going through something similar, I can totally relate with this drama. This drama is a rollercoaster ride of emotion. You can feel different emotions, the anxiety, happiness, sadness, etc. This drama tells about how people in current times are unsure as well as insecure about getting into a relationship as well as to talk about their past, and to be open about themselves to someone else. Basically the fear of getting close and just wanting to have a casual relationship with someone else.
Many are saying it’s a toxic drama but personally I believe it’s not because both the ML and FL knew what they want from each other. They weren’t able to express their feelings towards each other because of the insecurity about getting into it relationship and because of there past. (Honestly they both knew that they both like each other)
If I talk about the ML, if you try to watch this drama from the viewpoint of the ML you can totally relate towards him. He has a different way of expressing his love and care towards the FL which can be clearly seen.
I think the term ‘toxic relationship’ that is being used with this drama is absolutely incorrect. It’s not at all toxic, it just talks about the insecurity as well as the confusion about being with someone.
The chemistry between both the leads were amazing. They truly looked good together. You can clearly sense the sexual tension between them from the screen. Their chemistry was fabulous, and I find myself smiling at the screen, as well as repeating few scenes quite a time. The OST in this drama are amazing and fabulous. I just want to listen to them on repeat.
Lastly, I would say it’s worth watching, if you try to watch with an open mind and try to understand the viewpoint of different characters.

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I didn't think I'd love it!

I had my doubts going into this drama because I saw all the negative reviews prior to starting. I had just finished watching "My Name" where I saw Han Sohee for the first time and I was already a fan of Song Kang when I saw "Sweet Home" when it was released.

I started this drama because of the main leads and I'm so glad I did. I keep seeing the phrase "toxic relationship" thrown around, but I didn't see that at all and I think it's because people forget that they started as FWB. Yes, some of their action/words were hurtful, but it shows how complex human emotions are, and I think the drama portrays each aspect of that really well - the initial attraction, the uncertainty, the confusion, the frustration, the jealousy and remorse. Humans are sexual beings and this drama shows that no one is a saint. It is definitely for a mature audience and I can see why people would see their relationship as "toxic" so I braced myself for it but what I saw was raw and realistic emotions.

Han Sohee did a wonderful job as someone who finds herself between two emotions - raw physical attraction to someone and the resistance to give in because she knows she deserves to be treated better. I think Song Kang did an amazing job as well displaying his emotions and the transition of his character. You could really see his character development - starting with flirty confidence in the beginning and then to confusion and him not knowing how to express himself when he felt jealous. I think people forget that Jae Eon is a very complex character who is afraid of getting hurt, and doesn't know how to express himself. Some people are saying there is no character development but I think there are many subtle hints that show he was confused and also fighting with himself about his feelings for Nabi.

The side characters and storylines were also very entertaining and I really loved all the side characters. They make me miss my university days!

I would 100% recommend this drama if you are thinking about starting but are unsure because of the negative reviews. I would say that you do need some patience because it's filmed in a more artistic way with a lot of slow motion camera angles and closeups, while supported with an amazing soundtrack. The chemistry shared between the two leads will definitely give you butterflies (ha). Just go in and enjoy the ride - take in the the beautiful scenery, the attractive cast, and a ton of sexual tension and chemistry between the leads. Don't expect the typical bubbly K-drama romance and cliches from this one. Humans are not one-dimensional creatures - keep an open mind and I promise you'll enjoy this one a lot!!

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In a toxic relationship with Nevertheless,

K-Dramas are no strangers when it comes to unhealthy relationships (unfortunately) but I have never seen a K-drama that was self-aware about it and leaned into that very premise, so I was intrigued by this show before it even aired.
I want to start off by saying, that a story is about a toxic relationship, is itself not a problem. I saw a lot of people writing this show off entirely because it contains a toxic relationship. Yeah, no shit dude, that’s what it’s about. You wouldn’t cancel a crime show because it contains murder and is therefore problematic. The question at the end is if the narrative endorses said relationship. And with Nevertheless, I am not too sure. But let’s get into it.

This show has a lot of things going for it. The cast is insanely charismatic. The chemistry of the two leads is especially off the charts, but the lead actress has a lot of chemistry with the second lead as well.
The cinematography wasn’t necessarily outstanding, I felt like they could have been more creative at times, but the show still looks pretty nice, and especially the spicier scenes were well-shot.
The soundtrack stood out as well, even though I have never been one to care about OSTs. I found it exceptionally good.
The dialogue was good and flowed naturally. Everyone talked like a real person would, which might seem like a low standard to have but is still something I appreciate. All the characters in the show felt like actual people, which is the foundation for a mature story like this.
This show definitely offered a more realistic approach to relationships, which I loved. The obsession with a purity that many Asian dramas have can get really exhausting so it was nice to see that casual sex wasn’t off-limits in Nevertheless,.
I really loved the supporting cast. I found myself rooting for Min Young and Kyung Jun who were sweet and funny and relatable and I wouldn’t mind a spin-off just about their relationship. But I was even more pleased about Sol and Ji-wan. Surprised because I actually wasn’t queerbaited (thank God) and it’s just really nice to see a healthy gay relationship in a Korean drama, but also because I was just really invested in their story. I thought it was a really well-done portrayal of a WLW friends-to-lovers-relationship. It didn’t escape me, that they were the only couple that didn’t really get any genuinely intimate moments, which makes me bitter, because we literally have multiple sex-scenes in this show but two girls being affectionate still was too controversial for Korea, but eh, sometimes you have to be happy with what you get. I usually have to look ages for halfway decent lesbian representation and happy endings for LGBT+ characters are especially rare so it was heart-warming to find something like this in a mainstream drama. I really can’t stress enough how much I loved these two and how happy this couple made me and without them, I probably would have given Nevertheless, a much lower rating.

With the leading couple, it's sadly not that simple. I expected to have major issues with at least one of the two characters because again, this is about toxic relationships, but I have major issues with both of them.
Park Jae Eon not wanting to date is completely valid. If casual sex is what you’re into, hey I don’t sl*t-shame. That’s cool with me. He wasn’t a bad boy that needed to be reformed in that regard. His actual flaw was toying with Na-bi’s feelings. When he was upfront with Na-bi and told her that he doesn’t do relationships, I was completely on board with that, problems arose when he started behaving like a boyfriend while refusing to be one.
Na-bi craving a stable relationship was of course valid as well. I also don’t blame her for falling for Park Jae Eon, because a) that man is dreamy as hell and b) he was very unclear about the boundaries of their relationship. I found myself frustrated with her a lot, for continuing to spend her time with this guy, but when you’re wearing the pink-colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags. We’ve all been there, we’ve all been in love with someone who clearly wasn’t good for us, but whose magnetism we couldn’t escape. I could only be so mad at Na-bi because I literally have been her and yelling at her to get her life together while I continue to make her mistakes would have been pretty hypocritical.
So we have two flawed people, a guy that’s aware of his charisma and toys with other people’s feelings and a girl that doesn’t respect herself enough to walk away. A common dynamic, truly a tale as old as time.

All of that itself isn’t a problem. I want characters to be flawed, heavily flawed even. I want them to make gratifying mistakes. But God damn it, something needs to come from it. Some growth. Or a life lesson. Because that’s my main beef with these two. Noone learned anything. I guess Park Jae-eon is willing to date now, but again, that wasn’t his flaw that needed fixing. Him enjoying flings wasn’t what made him toxic. What made him toxic is that he was just as bad at having flings as Na-bi was. He obviously struggled to differentiate between what is causal and what is romantic, which is why he continued to lead people on.
Na-bi wanting a boyfriend is valid, but she didn’t NEED one. Her not having a boyfriend wasn’t the flaw that needed fixing either. What she needed was to love herself. As much as I liked potato-boy, I prayed to God that he wouldn’t end up with our female lead, who herself was just as unready for a relationship as our male lead.
So, what this really should have been, was a story about two people overcoming their flaws individually. A girl that learns to stand up for herself and walk away from situations that aren’t good for her and a guy that learns to respect boundaries and communicate his intentions more clearly. Then I would have been totally fine with those two ending up together because they clearly have a lot of chemistry. But what those two needed was time apart to grow as separate people. Sadly this wasn't what we got. Na-bi and Park Jae Eon both never really changed throughout the course of the story, they’re just dating now. And that’s just really disappointing. Because now this show’s main message simply is “You can fix him <3”, which certainly is never true. And even if it was, that’s still a boring conclusion to arrive at. There are already tons of stories that keep telling us that love conquers all and that women are men’s free therapists, so I really didn’t need to watch another one that tried to sell me those ideas.

Should you watch Nevertheless,? Probably not. I wouldn’t classify this as a total waste of time, because there were a lot of things that I really enjoyed about this drama, but I still walk away from it with a bitter taste in my mouth. I was honestly quite surprised by Nevertheless, ending. Because it branded itself as being a more realistic, different approach to relationships but in the end, it still fell into old K-drama formulas. That makes the entire experience feels incredibly unrewarding. Because you watch Na-bi make the same mistakes over and over again to the point where it’s becoming ridiculously repetitive, all in the hope that the outcome will be worth it. That Na-bi will walk away from this, a different, empowered woman. But she doesn’t. And so this show is everything but.

In a weird way, I am Na-bi and Park Jae Eon is Nevertheless,. There were red flags that this drama would disappoint me, that I simply chose to ignore because I was too charmed by its strengths. I really thought things would be different this time, but I ended up heartbroken. I keep reimagining how things could have gone, a version of this that could have worked but it’s all fruitless. This is a toxic relationship and I need to love myself enough to walk away from it. Me and Nevertheless, simply aren’t meant to be.

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