Nevertheless,

Not what I expected

Where do I start with this story. Yes it's about relationships. Yes it's about love, in all it's forms, but fundamentally it's about the individual, and how they handle their own feelings. From the start you could sense the female lead was searching for something. Maybe it was love, maybe it was just her own sense of self worth. Who really knows, because even by the end of this very complex series, I don't think she really understood herself, but I did get the feeling that no matter what, the relationship she had with the male lead was what kept her from going completely under. The male lead himself had issues. Never truly giving himself to someone. A player if you will. Just looking for the next conquest, and not caring about the aftermath of persuing someone in that way. That is until he meets the female lead. A man who admired butterflies, ended up falling for a real life one in human form. The way he still played his usual tricks. His charm offensive in order to get a woman into bed. He became unstuck when he had genuine feelings for the female lead, and everytime he tried to play it like before, he got himself hurt the most.
The drama is both frustrating and realistic in equal measure. The way neither of the male and female lead could admit their true deep feelings for each other. The way they listened to the gossip instead of talking truthfully to each other. Misunderstandings on both sides carried on until the final episode. I never understood why they never cleared up this blackhole between them. I also didn't understand fully the relationship the male lead had with the girl from his past. Between the lines you get the feeling they were exes, but she was just as toxic as him, and most of the time I just felt the urge to go into the screen and slap her one. She didn't want him, but was jealous when he would be with the female lead. Between his mother and herself no wonder he found it hard to express his feelings to the woman he loved. This was a love story. A love story for the 21st century. No true happily ever after in the sense of the word, but a understanding that no matter how much emotional pain they might inflict on each other, they were willing to take a chance on each other. They were willing to be their for one another and find their way to a fulfilling relationship.
What I liked about this series was that it didn't sugarcoat how messed up people's feelings and relationships can be. Even all their friends could not get over the trauma of working out what they wanted in a relationship. In the end they all found their own path. Realising that relationships take work from both sides, and that it isn't easy to just hook up with someone, when feelings are involved people can get hurt. Unless you put your guard down, and trust that your partner feels the same as you, then your relationship can flourish.
Overall in was a well written, well acted drama. Whether I would watch it again, probably not. It was a good series, but one that I personally couldn't sit through again. Too much angst. Too much self reflection, and not enough projection. The relationships and the troubles within them needed to be aired more. A lot of talking, but not to each other, and when they did speak, nothing of depth. Nothing that would help resolve their issues with each other. This series I found frustrating at times, because of this. I even felt even though he grew up by the end, and found his feelings for the female lead, after everything he put her through, I don't think he deserved to be with her in the end. As for her, at times I found her weak, and at times cruel. Her best friend since middle school was the best choice for her. He had do much love to give her. So much respect and was sincere with it, that he was the healthy choice for her to be with. Putting her first all the time. The male lead you felt was always playing catchup here. His own issues, made it hard for him to truly give all of himself to her. It took loosing her for him to wake up and make a decision. Step forward and express how he truly felt. In the end I found it a disappointing ending. A series that did need the kdrama trope of moving away, and their paths not crossing for a few years. This didn't have. If it did I might have been more on board with them getting together in the end.

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The Danger of Hope in Nevertheless

Nevertheless presents a raw and emotionally layered exploration of modern relationships, desire, and ambiguity. Han So Hee and Song Kang have undeniable chemistry. Their performances feel intimate and natural, making the audience almost complicit in the push and pull of their complicated relationship.

The first half of the drama is especially compelling because of how realistic it feels. It captures the intoxicating early stage of attraction so well, the butterflies, the longing glances, the unanswered questions, and the constant curiosity about who the other person really is. As viewers, we experience that same intrigue toward Park Jae Eon. He’s charming yet emotionally elusive, and that mystery keeps both Nabi and the audience hooked. The drama doesn’t rush this phase. Instead, it lingers in the tension, allowing us to feel the excitement and uncertainty that often define relationships that don’t have clear labels.

What makes this portrayal strong is how relatable it is. When you’re in this kind of undefined something relationship, it can feel thrilling at first. There’s passion, spontaneity, and the illusion of depth. But as time passes, the cracks begin to show. Emotional inconsistency becomes more visible. Mixed signals start to hurt more than they intrigue. The drama subtly shifts from romantic tension to emotional frustration, showing how charm without commitment can slowly turn toxic.

However, the ending feels less aligned with the realism the drama carefully built. Although I didn’t read the original webtoon, I learned that in the original story they don’t end up together. That conclusion arguably would’ve strengthened the drama’s message. Throughout the series, we see how emotionally draining their dynamic becomes. It portrays the kind of relationship that starts with excitement but gradually reveals incompatibility and emotional harm. A separation would’ve emphasized the importance of self respect and growth, showing that sometimes love isn’t enough, and walking away is the healthier choice.

By choosing a happy ending, Nevertheless softens its critique of toxic dynamics. It suggests that change and reconciliation are possible, but often that isn’t the reality. In many situations like this, patterns don’t magically disappear just because feelings are strong. There’s a risk that younger viewers, especially those experiencing this kind of relationship for the first time, might internalize the idea that if they just wait long enough or love hard enough, they’ll eventually get their happy ending. That message can be misleading. Not every emotionally inconsistent partner transforms, and not every intense connection is meant to last. Sometimes growth comes from walking away, not holding on.

Even so, Nevertheless remains impactful because it reflects a type of relationship many people have experienced but rarely see portrayed so honestly on screen. It captures the confusion of wanting someone who can’t fully give themselves to you, and the exhausting internal conflict between heart and logic. That push and pull feels painfully real, which is why the drama resonates despite its idealized conclusion.

Ultimately, Nevertheless succeeds in starting important conversations about boundaries, emotional availability, and self worth. Even if the ending feels romanticized, the journey itself remains authentic and emotionally resonant, forcing viewers to reflect on what love should look like and, more importantly, what it shouldn’t.

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Waste of good actors and osts with the awful storyline

I think this is one of the worst kdramas i've ever watch in my life... I have a lot of expectations for this drama bcs of the craze and popularity and also for song kang and han so hee's chemistry but it's a big disappointment...the actors did a great job to portray their characters but the story itself is so cringy and toxic at some point it really make me feel uncomfortable, and also i don't see any character development throughout this drama and the ending was just so awful...i do regret watching this drama and the fact that i'm more invented in the side character stories than the lead characters...i can't explain how annoying this drama is...but i must say that this drama has the best ost of all the time, and also the cinematography was also good...

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In this age where mental health takes priority, are we really interested in the

character development or lack thereof of a player and a reckless woman?

I wanted to see what the writer tried to achieve. The message is unsubtly expressed by:
a) the professor - "It must have been tough, but it was worth it wasn't it? You've spread your wings. There's no need to overthink it. Eat what you want. Do what you want to do. Like the people you like. That's all you have to do"
b) the aunt who respects the female lead's mother for going out with whoever because she is not afraid to "love"
c) the development (or not) of the male lead.

Bring back stoning for communicating an idea that should not be entertained for the sake of women's safety.

Is this the work of someone who tries to justify their past? Are they convincing themselves there is nothing to regret because it's just a part of life to have your dignity removed by yourself sometime, somewhere? Or is it the work of someone trying to appeal to the dreamers that there is such a thing as accomplishment in being 'that' person a player had [a brief] romance with?

Forcing a deep thought in an otherwise played out story, it urges one to ponder that there is not one way to live life correctly. Life is to be experienced. This happens, so what? That happens, so what? We grow from mistakes we only learn after they're done... all of this is true.
BUT in the face of one that we are aware of? It's not very "so what." It defines what kind of person we want to be.

On the other hand, the show can also be a reminder of the growth women have reached in their life. It's very easy to spot now danger signs and the mind no longer falters at deciding.

I almost dropped it because at least two of the side characters were painfully childish, but it's not all bad.

What I like about it is that the intimate scenes are not slapped on the drama for the audience. It has just the right amount and right videography for the characters. It may be frustrating to see stupid decisions but the characters portray their roles close to reality:
- the woman devoid of self-respect, filling a hole that she thinks must come from being valued by a man, aware she deserves better but "what if..", the excitement of the forbidden, the inner rebel that is freed despite the pain that comes with it
- the man keeping her confused, saying and doing just enough to keep her on a leash but reserving more than enough to be unreachable.

The attention to details is worth a compliment. She physically shrinks in front of him, not in a play-a-character kind of way but how a manipulated person behave in the real world. The male lead shows emotion only twice in 10 episodes, faint and yet strong to move the audience. But should we believe this? Is it ground to give the person a chance for newfound sincerity? I lose one experience and that's it. I'm not too hungry for such heedless interests.

The OSTs had me shazaming every now and then.

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benefits of having a relationship with a red flag guy and harsh reality in getting together...

let me explain why this drama was a 9 out of 10 (but why not 7 or 8?)

first thing s first, I dropped this drama last year when episode 10 got released and watching the episode 8 until I stopped due to shipping nabi and do-hyeok together knowing the ending of too many spoilers online. As i came back to watch this drama, i guess i was satisfied with the ending as well. I supposed before watching this drama even after watching few episodes, I need to be open-minded to na-bi and jae-eon's decisions of having their relationship whether it is kind of a little benefits with them. Expressing the desires, temptations, desperate, and pleasures they have especially to nabi having a previous relationship that destroys all over her life and jae-eon being the red flag guy in this drama. but then showing up jae-eon, until she decided to try do something new that would change her life ever since from the beginning. And at the end, showed up that they were together, until she saw do-hyeok, thinking that i guess the ending was the togetherness of nabi and jae-yeon as a couple, but maybe they would end up having regrets and blameless (as what nabi told him in the last scene in the exhibit) + let me appreciate the wonderful art of nabi's statue at the exhibit, it was soooo pretty and fascinating :<

now let me explain the plot since mostly everyone watching this drama was disappointed at the ending. overall, nabi wants to discover a new type of relationship that is full of love (but not really love bombing), but she does not know about jae-eon's path of his life when meeting other girls. Actually, there was a scene about him and seol-a (the girl who make nabi jealous) that makes me think of that he is a red flag type of guy. Until i found out and realized that I think jae-eon was the type of guy before to hangout with so many girls without knowing that he used too much of his intimate relationships hanging out with girls. but then when he ended up with nabi, that's how he appreciates nabi the most that changes his life to become a better person at the end. I was really surprised at the ending exhibit scene because he actually cried (even if the last part when the statue got rebuild then saying goodbye to her disappearing out of nowhere). I also got bad with do-hyeok's ending since he decided that he would be happy of what nabi's decision would she make if she ended up back with him or jae-eon. I really like how do-hyeok portrayed in this drama. him being the green flag guy + knows how he would interact with nabi being childhood friends. but sadly, i got to understand well his point where he would respect nabi's decision after all, and as nabi accepts what do-hyeok gave to her (even his heart and flowers as well :<) ahhh + how he also confronts nabi's decision at the exhibit scene as well. how i wish do-hyeok type of guy must exists in real life PLSSS :< and as well as episode 10 was enough for me.

I'll go now to the casts, especially the supporting casts. I feel happy with their ending as they also felt happy from where they were by the ending. The relationships that they have, and how they expresses relationships that are not really perfect, but with such benefits and passion on never giving up until they ended up together. I like how they also blends with the point of the plot from this drama. this part would be short, but again, I appreciate their screen time as well. sometimes i got sad, and sometimes i get chills and mad hehe.

Overall, this drama was more about the reality of having relationships nowadays with guys that you don't trust somehow. comparing a red flag and green flags relationships made me understand better of having that types or relationships that you might encounter, not knowing when would happen. is fate real? is love by fate real enough to express relationships that much? is it too much to handle for nabi's point of view with jae-eon and/or do-hyeok? that made me think all over this drama. But, I like this drama and finally, I got to appreciate the casts who did a very job well done!
Recommended, not really good for beginners since it needs kind of an open-minded mindset of their point of views and lots of patience as well :')). Good for binge watch and ep 10 was pretty enough for me too. + the ost OMFG PLSSS I LOVE THEM :<

thanks to this drama, i learned a lot, very :')

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watched it only to see Song Kang on my screen :)

The plot of this drama was kinda realistic, and even a bit sad at times. As a viewer, I found myself feeling empathy for Na-Bi, completely understanding and relating to the process of her falling in love.
In that sense, the show felt exceptionally realistic rather than depicting an impossible fairytale. Entering an informal relationship and unexpectedly developing deep feelings is something that happens to a lot of people in real life.
If there is a core lesson this show teaches, it is the fundamental need for honesty. It was clear from the beginning that both leads were drawn to each other, but all that was missing was simply being honest with one another about what they truly wanted. Regarding the ending—I would have loved to see a more detailed epilogue showing where they are a few years down the line and whether the relationship actually lasted. At the same time, perhaps leaving it open was for the best, as perfectly neat endings usually only happen in fairytales.
With that being said, i felt like this is not the greatest drama i've watched, I really don't like han so-hee's acting, she's giving me a Bella Swan vibes and i just can't stand it, I definitely watched it mainly thanks to Song Kang —but it wouldn't sit at the very top of my absolute must-watch list

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Really good, hate totally unnecessary

This was really good, I don't get the hate at all.The ending felt a little rushed but the rest was well acted and well written. Nabi wasn't the tipical main character that makes dumb decisions because she's clueless, instead she seemed mature and I could acutally understand her thinking and relate to her decisions. GL second leads slayed and the other side couples weren't annoying at all, so I genuinely enjoyed their short scenes because they made the whole series a little less angsty.Good production and topic.
(I feel like people might hate on it because it isn't the usual fluffy romance, but I prefer this storyline much more over a total cliché)

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I cant stand the 2 protagonists , the rest of the cast are better

I started watching k dramas 2 weeks ago. This is my 1st series the main characters have annoyed me so much. This is both good and bad cause the acting is amazing since it actually got me mad lmao but I hate those kinds of people. Both of them are full of red flags, I wouldn't want people like that in my life(used to have ppl similar to that).
Im probably mad cause I can relate so much to the beanie guy and the childhood friend.
note: I'm on episode 7 writing this review because no matter the outcome or character development, I wanted to let people know to stay away from people with similar characteristics cause they are literally the definition of toxic its better to let that kind of people be together and away from others for the most part. I could drag this on and on but I don't know how this site works and if people can or will interact with this review. Omw to finish it, hopefully less mad and annoyed that I'm right now.

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nine and a half episodes of edging

i just finished the drama and so my hot take on it is that while the drama seemed very promising and it captivated me at first due to its quite progressive approach to relationships (which was kinda refreshing ngl), after 5/6 episodes it got boring assssss and too tiresome watch. all the main characters kept on doing is being angsty af, yearning, edging, and having like 0 communication skills which lead to even more angst. and afterwards the main plot of the drama got resolved within like last 10 minutes so after all that happened between the main characters it felt unnatural and rushed. ill give this show points tho for quite good lesbian representation and realistic portrayal of youths. then, in my impression it was the side characters such as yunsol, jiwan, bitna, and gyuhyun that hard carried the show. although they were side characters their plots were more enjoyable to me, because these characters at least had CHARACTER. nabis and jaeeons personalities, on the other hand, were super bland and they had like 0 chemistry.

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artsyy

the art student vibes was sooooo good, its a little cliche but actually it was fine. because there aren't many dramas like this one. andd i love han so hee sm. and song kang was a diffrent kind of thing in this drama. my favs are ofc oh bitna, yoon sol, seo jiwan and gyuhyun. i was sooo in love with bitna while i was watching it (im still tbh). The cliché side of the drama is of course Nabi and It was jaeeon's strange love but still sweet. But the most ridiculous thing to me was their encounter, the strange name that Nabi's family gave her, the guy's butterfly tattoo and the guy's strange behaviours.

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