This review may contain spoilers
Worth the watch?
Well, if you expect something out of the ordinary or something outstanding. You might be quite disappointed. i haven't even watched that many dramas but i still could predict what would happen next in most occasions. It's the typical you know romantic-drama action plot that you would see in most dramas.What is it that I liked about this drama you ask? Well first and foremost is the acting. The acting was actually better than I expected and the roles played were quite fitting except for choi ri, which don't get me wrong, it's not that i didn't like her, it's just that I thought she didn't fit to take the role of the sister as in certain scenes her acting didn't feel quite right with me. The next thing is how Do Jin and Jae Yi didn't have any 'misunderstanding' cliche plot like most dramas have. I hope you understand what I mean. If you don't let me explain. Usually in dramas with these plots especially when it comes to 'murder' and 'betrayal' and stuffs like that, there are usually misunderstandings to it. For example when the male lead or a person he is related to says or does something and the female lead doesn't fully understand the story and kinda just come to conclusions without proper understanding of the situation, she will kinda just hate the male lead and you know be immature most of the time in the drama which leads to the male lead trying to redeem himself. In this case the drama had the female lead's parents killed by the male lead's parents and she didn't really blame him for what had happened. I mean the brother did but the drama made him have a good reason and actually resolved it pretty quickly. I kinda expected that she would think 'oh, it's his fault for approaching me and getting my parents killed' or something like that but surprisingly she was mature enough in this story and didn't blame the male lead because of what had happened because she KNEW the male lead was a good person. Which is a hella good thing for me because I DESPISE these kind of shitty plots. If you want a good example, I would say the drama 'my strange hero'. Kinda a spoiler but I won't get into the details. That drama was fucking dogshit. Though they did make up for it in the end I guess. But the start was fucking trash.
Okay, so what about the things I didn't like? Well, there wasn't really anything that annoyed me personally except for Choi Ri's role. Though I do have to say that the drama kinda got more boring as it got towards the end. I usually watch romantic drama's for the sweetness. The couple in this one wasn't bad. It was just not that appealing. They had a good relationship and I couldn't really ask for more. they had very mature personalities roles so I can't expect them to be all 'lovey-dovey' and cute. They simply were good together. Though I felt like the junior detective which obviously had a crush on Do Jin was kinda sad because she also obviously had no chance. I think it would've been better to just make them a co-worker relationship and not a one-sided love relationship.
As for everything else, the music and everything, they weren't bad nor good so I kinda just.... yea.
overall, I would recommend you watch this if you were bored and wanted to watch a kinda slow action romantic drama but if you want something more cherry like and funsies, this wouldn't really be a thing I would watch in that mood. So overally rating is 7.5!
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i liked it. i really did. the story was honestly very very good, kiyong and kijoo portrayed the characters as well as dareum and hanbi. applause goes to joonho who portrayed yoon heejae. while watching this drama i fell in love with plot, yoon heejae's character freaked me out to fullest, same as lee seungwoo (played by hong seungbum). the thing i want to point out is the fact how yoon hyunmoo (amazingly played by kim kyungnam) twisted to good, till the end i wasnt sure will he just leave his family but it was clearly shown how he cared for them. something i wanted to see more of was main character's (chae dojin and han jaeyi) relationship being more pointed out. dont get me wrong, it was, but their love in younger days seemed more connected than when they grew up, which is understanding because they havent seen each other for 12 years and because of all the trauma that they have. i was maybe hoping for a timeskip to like marriage or smth (thats just what i almost always wanna see in non-highschool dramas). also i feel like some stuff were taken too long to like go through idk how to say it, but it took me a quite while to complete the drama, at some points it was boring thats why.
in conclusion, this drama isnt a waste of time and i suggest watching it. also if i was asked would i rewatch this, i wouldnt, it is a good drama but not a rewatch material.
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This review may contain spoilers
Unfortunately could not live up to the trajectory of the first few episodes, the writer hit the ground running but clearly could not maintain stamina. It's frustrating because it did start out well, the child actors were good and the flashbacks invigorating but beyond that it fell flat: the love story between the adult Namu and Nakwon was very one note, beyond staring in each others' eyes for endless wasted minutes and a sickeningly repetitive dialogue of "are you okay?/"yes, are you?" there was nothing to believe in. I wouldn't put this down to the actors, I'd say they were more limited by the writing which is frustrating because these are two extremely complicated characters, who've both been through hell and back, battling odds unfavourably against each other and are supposed to be held on for their love for each other alone, all of which is barely conveyed despite the fact it's what holds the whole drama together. After years of being kept apart and a bond formed by an incredibly traumatic experience, once they finally get together you almost wish they'd never found each other it's THAT annoying to watch. The child actors were great I loved their scenes but the later ones were so boring and never added anything new.
It was supposed to be a psychological thriller I think rather than a crime drama which is what it came across as, but there wasn't enough psychology in the lead villain. Heejae is supposed to be this terrifying, cold blooded killer but his relationship with Namu for me kind of destroyed that, he's randomly fixated on Namu as his prodigy which is not supported in the flashback scenes and randomly introduced like five eps in. Additionally, as a viewer you're supposed to believe in this 'dark/evil' side of Namu, to suggest at an ending in which he lives up to his father's expectations of him which to me was absolutely ridiculous. Also, the fact that Namu hit Heejae 'that fateful night' seems like it's supposed to be this huge shocking revelation that changes the tragectory of the drama was ridiculous, like it was apparently so shocking it literally needed to be covered up by the police and then massively changed public opinion once it got out and also was seemingly evidence for why he was destined to follow his father's footsteps....idk should've been scrapped added nothing to the storyline.
Other characters:
Hyeonmu and Okhui were honestly the best written characters I thought, there was a depth and redemption to their actions that was unseen in everyone else, both characters pay the price for their sins and you understand their motives and intentions and love them at the end. Especially Hyeonmu his character was the depth that everyone else in the show needed to be at. Loved both of the actors' acting, and Okhui was for me, the stand out character of the show.
As for the other villains, Jihong was okay, a bit annoying but relevant at least. Jeon Yura was randomly shoved in with no explanation or development, besides from a surface scratch in her confrontation with Nakwon at the end I really didn't understand why she was included.
Mostly the characters just weren't properly developed... Nakwon literally the female lead is never really given a chance to talk through her trauma and vocalise literally anything besides a profession of love to Namu every two seconds.
Also the plot was just so irritating sometimes, like the lack of security throughout actually enraged me, someone was kidnapped and nearly murdered every episode and no one thought to give them a couple guards maybe???? Or put them in a safe house ridiculous.....
Overall, I really liked the cast and I don't really fault the acting I just think it was shocking writing that felt very rushed, for a drama with this much tragedy I never felt moved or really much attachment to any of the characters, I've seen worse and it was definitely enjoyable for the first half but won't be rewatching.
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A story about emotional healing and self identity
What would it be like if you were in a relationship with the son of the man who killed your parents? And how crazy would it look to the rest of society? would you be able to stand the judgments of strangers from your decisions? And would a couple who went through such events ever be able to overcome their crippling trauma? These questions will be explored in this. I know the term “underrated” is overused these days but it reigns true for this drama. It’s a slow burn, and while the series of events could be perceived as predictable, the emotional payoff for the viewer is incredibly satisfying and the ending was done so well.Jang Ki-Yong and Han Jae Yi really deserve recognition for their actions. They did inexplainable justice to their characters and portrayed their emotions in a way that was so realistic and compelling. Na Moo and Nak Won have grown up physically, but mentally they are still the traumatized young teens who are stuck in the night of the murders that tied their souls together. One of my favorite parts was when they were finally able to admit how they really felt about each other and were honest about it. It would be no easy thing to love a man whose father ruined your life but this drama instills that it’s not about who you are but what you do that defines you. It is indeed possible for a person to rise from their past and become something that is better than what you know. It was very touching to see them cry, laugh, smile, and heal together as they move past the tragedy that scarred them. I have to shout out to the actor who plays Na Moo’s father. What a villain! He was so creepy and intimidating, yet he did so little. He definitely had a presence on screen. 9/10
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This review may contain spoilers
The Flashbacks Were Better Than The Main Plotline
This show was pretty good, but it was a bit disappointing for me. The beginning was amazing, but the big portion of the middle of the drama was quite repetitive and boring. I think that what really threw me off about this drama was the fact that the younger actors that played the main characters in the flashback scenes had more chemistry and put on a better performance than the main actors. I found myself getting super excited for the flashback scenes, and enjoyed them more that the “present day” timeline. However, in the last few episodes I really enjoyed the drama as a whole once again, and the ending scene where the adults hug the younger versions of themselves was touching. All in all, it was a decent show and the crime elements were interesting enough to at least keep me somewhat engaged. I wouldn’t rewatch it, but if you’re looking for an angsty romance with a sweet ending, this might be something you’d enjoy.Was this review helpful to you?
the storyline was really interesting, it made me sad and upset at some points because the culprit couldn't be found.
Dojin and Jay went through so much but they always had each other's back even though no one supported them.
At the end I was feeling at peace. The end was amazing I didn't feel upset or got mad or thought it was too unrealistic.
9,5/10 really recommend watching
(0,5 because it's on netflix)
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The true value of relationships
After reading comments from 5 years ago with the top ones shown being a bit harsh, I watched this show with no expectations. Since Heo Joon Ho was in it, I knew his character would be wonderful but I certainly didn’t expect the creepy level performance he gave. The story of young love, salvation and forgiveness intertwined with the harsh reality of people’s perception and typical media greed lends to a story of overcoming the past. There are plenty of characters to hate and love so buckle up.Was this review helpful to you?
The story is mind blowing. I love that I got to see the point of view from all sides. I have nothing more to elaborate other than the story/plot is amazing. So congratulation to the screenwriter, Ms/Mrs Lee Ah Ram, for creating this amazing story.
As for the cast, let me start with our hero, Jang Ki Yong. I've heard of him before but I've never watch any of the drama he's in. And wow, what an introduction to this incredible actor. He is amazing as Yoon Na Moo/Chae Do Jin, this character in my opinion is very hard to portray because Na Moo doesn't show too many expression on his face but instead you can clearly see everything he's experiencing through his eyes. He mainly conveyed his emotions all through his eyes. Whether he's happy, sad, angry, anxious, excited, worried, a little crazed up, you can see it all from Jang Ki Yong's eyes.
And of course, through Nam Da Reum's eyes too. This boy is going to be a top actor in the future, mark my words. Nam Da Reum managed to portray such mature and calm vibes. While watching both of them as Na Moo, all I want to do is protect them both and hug them. Na Moo is such an incredible character and they both nailed it.
Honestly, I've never heard of Jin Ki Joo before. After looking at her drama list on MDL, it's no wonder why she escaped my radar, it's because I didn't watch any of the drama she's in before. She's such a great actress and she's beautiful and cute as heck. What I love the most about Jin Ki Joo is her voice, it's very soothing. I absolutely love Ryu Han Bi. She's an amazing actress and she's sooo gorgeous. I am so looking forward to when she's an adult and will become the main lead in the future :) I have my fair share of kdrama in my life, so far in my opinion, the only best heroine ever is from While You Were Sleeping. But now Gil Nak Won/Han Jae Yi just join the club because I love Nak Won so much. She's strong and she's not scared to defend herself. Nak Won is so understanding towards Na Moo. And watching them together makes my heart ache.
As for the other actors, they all did an amazing job. And the music suited the drama so well.
The romance between Na Moo and Nak Won is so spectacular. Their love withstand all the bad things that happen to them. Watching them together is so beautiful. Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo have a very great chemistry, it's off the chart. And of course, Nam Da Reum and Ryu Han Bi too. I will be on the lookout for this 4 actors <3
I recommend this drama to someone who is not afraid of dark romance theme.
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WOW WOW WOW
Kind of a review:Child actors/actresses are amazing! Seen the main guy in stuff before, always been amazed by his incredible acting. Hadn’t seen the main girl in anything. But OMG she is so fantastic! Truly blown away.
Jang Ki Yong is growing on me. I like his acting more and more. I thought he was void of emotions at first. But he keeps getting better. His haircut though. Yikes… Too harsh for his face.
Jin Ki Joo is just amazing!
Plot is good. Really enjoying it
Every single actor is bloody amazing!
Time jumps??? IT WORKED. Made sure the story was realistic and not boring!! <3
No forgiveness?
His haircut has improved (yay^^)
Unique!
The emotions are so raw and real.
The leads chemistry!!!!
Kim Kyung-nam! Wow. Just wow.
PLOT TWIST!
KIM KYUNG NAM!
Still not a massive fan of Jang Ki Young's acting. He’s okay though, it’s a tough character to do.
Kim kyung nam’s acting is amazing! I love the depth he brings to his character!
Not a fan of Gil Moo Won tbh his character is a bit whiny and annoying sometimes
THE PLOT TWISTS!
These people are psychos! Yoon Hui Jae & Co.
Yoon Hyun Moo… this character makes me feel so many emotions, I just want to give him a hug
Oooh Gil Moo Won is growing on me
I took a short break in between watching each half of this drama. I think I just needed to get used to Jang Ki Young's acting again. I’m liking it a lot more
I hope he smiles more (he = Yoon Na Moo)
Good acting from the guy working with the bad guy
There’s a lot of hugging in this drama….
WHY IS THIS DRAMA LEAVING NETFLIX :(((((((
Well that was tense
FAB-U-LOUS!
Kim Kyung-Nam and Seo Jung Yeon are just amazing!
Slightly underwhelming ending but 10/10
Overall, I loved this drama! I was always on the edge of my seat! Loved all the characters! The actors/actresses were phenomenal! I think some else could've done a better job than Jang Ki Yong at playing the lead, I occasionally found him to be a bit emotionless/monotone. HOWEVER, he did grow on me and it didn't take away from the experience I had watching the drama! One last thing, KIM KYUNG NAM is absolutely incredible!!!
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Wow, just wow. This drama is the epitome of character development. Even though the characters went through a tragedy I never understood, the story provided enough depth for me to sympathise with them. After watching the last episode and identifying each character's relationship, even the supporting and reminiscing the first episode and comparing it really blew me away. What I'm trying to say is the character development is top notch. Hence, not only did this drama provide an overwhelming storyline but it's execution was unbelievable.
As you may have read, this story's plot is about the male lead's father murdering the female lead's parents. I may have made that sound simple and mediocre but the antagonist provided a disgusting, meaningless motive. What's worse is his explanation to his motive somehow makes sense and you beat yourself up for understanding him. This point was executed so well to the point everyone involved and everyone who assisted the antagonist when he was locked up made your blood boil even more than the antagonist himself. The romance in this drama doesn't feel absent, but slightly unnecessary. I'm not saying the drama would be better if there was no romance, but it felt like it didn't matter either way. Analysing the two protagonist's relationship, if you told me they were friends, I'd believe you.
This is completely biased and my opinion, but there is something about the drama I don't like. And it's how heavy the plot is. You wouldn't jump to your room, open your laptop and click the next episode with a smile on your face. Instead, your heart will be beating, your mind clouded, hands shaking. The amount of impact of this drama on your emotions is hysterical. I somehow didn't cry a lot watching this drama but there were moments my mother walked in my room and asked why I was crying.
You may argue that the plot was the best part of this drama, but I would protest and say the symbolism of this drama really hit deep. For this drama, there was a hammer, almost like a black cat symbolising death but instead; it symbolised murder. I can and will argue that the character development of the male protagonist was the most heartwrenching. He was intoxicated with his broken family, and his 'unhumane' father. There were parts of the drama that he'd convinced me that his father's blood really was in him; merciless and haunting. His surroundings as a kid influenced him to be murderous, but his surroundings as an adult influenced him to be logical. Considering how many times I've brought up character development, I think that is easily the most surpassing aspect of this drama.
I've seen some comments describing the ending as, 'empty' and 'cliche'. However, in my opinion, the ending was perfect. Even if 31 episodes was pure thriller, the amount of heartwarming in the last episode was worth it, and I think there couldn't be a better way to execute the ending of this wonderful drama.
In conclusion, watch it lol, u won't regret it <3
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So I really didn't know what this show would entail. Compare to other popular dramas I saw almost no promotion for it. Truth is, if I wasn't on this site and seen the cover picture for it and clicked it, it would have been one of those dramas that I'd just overlook. Which is what makes this site great. I'm usually bias when it comes to romance drama because in the drama world it's so overly done that many of them cheesy and super annoying to watch. But I'm really glad I picked this show up. It exceeded my expectations.
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Production:
PACE is the main reason why even though sometimes I may like a story as a whole, I still find myself fast-forwarding it. That and pointless arch stories or subplots with side characters that really does little to compliment the show. Which is why I'm glad this drama did NOT have any of those nuances. The production team who handled Come and Hug Me did it so to a marvelous pace. Every episode moved the show accordingly, every side characters had a relevant role all relating back to the two leads. And when I say relevant, I mean the side characters didn't take unnecessary screen time or given a sub-universe on their own causing the show to lag. If more romance/love dramas were better edited, I'd probably fast-forward less or even not at all. So perhaps others can learn from this one. This show gets my thumbs up for not boring me or causing me to move my cursor to the end of an episode.
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Story:
I wasn't sure what to make of it from the summary alone so when I decided to just watch on, I found that the writer applied the Shakespearean concept here. The infamous cross-star lovers' theme. The thing is, whether it's the Romeo&Juliet phenomenon or other classical romance, if done properly, will never feel redundant to watch because the truth is people love a good tragic tale of forbidden first love. This show did that very well.
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Characters:
I love the two leads. They were given such in-depth personas. Na Moo who struggles with his place in the world and Nak Won who is isolated by the tragedy that altered her life. These two are by far my favorite lead characters in the K-drama world this year. The other characters, Na Moo's family are very likable too. His stepmom who tries to make up for her past mistake, his stepsister who always supports him, and his brother who finally realizes what life is. Nak Won's stepbrother, he doesn't standout much, and has a shady background but we get to understand him by the end.
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Actors:
I read that Bae Suzy and Nam Joo-Hyuk were offered the lead roles and both turned it down. Bae Suzy who knows, but Nam Joo-Hyuk might be due to the low rating of his last romance drama. I don't think he wanted another one those project right afterwards. Too bad for them because this was one great story. Though it's probably great because of these new rising actors. I can't picture any face other than Chang Ki-Yong playing Na Moo. He's branded the role as his. I love how he managed to express his character's dual tendencies from a quiet pain to glimpses of psychopath facial expression to show viewers that he could become a killer if provoked to. And the actress Jin Ki-Joo is a fresh face to watch. She did very well in portraying her character's strength and weakness from bearing her pain alone, crying alone, to have to step out and face the world the second she dries her tears. These two are definitely actors to look forward to in future dramas - given they pick good ones.
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Music:
I was paying attention too much to the story and didn't care much for music. The only thing I notice was the instrumental score. Now that was one beautiful background instrumental music. It really draws you into Na Moo and NakWon's world.
Rewatch: YES
Overall & Suggestion:
So there is a little inconsistency or lack of, with the father's character. The father isn't given a background other than being a psycho and there's not much indicating any childhood of sorts and he just seems to act on impulse for no reason. And add on an annoying reporter who's motives are unclear, whether she hates Na Moo and Nak Won or likes them know knows, but she dies midway so meh. But those inconsistencies aren't a major bug and not the main focal point of the drama so anyone watching can do away with it. Other than that, this is a drama worth all its five stars. I recommend this if you like a blend of thriller and forbidden love story. Watch it. You won't be disappointed, or I don't think you would be.
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