Still Shining

Worth a watch?

Some did not like this because of the ending but it ended the way it did for a reason. A slow drama but slow for a reason. If a drama is judged by the actors ability to have the viewer feel the emotions required to understand what is being presented without a lot of dialog this drama scores a 100. The chemistry between the main leads felt real and the conflicts between them could be felt. The meeting and separations of the two was sometimes frustrating because of the sometime lack of communications, things left unsaid, yet there seemed to be an understanding between them.

Yes the ending could have been different, but it did not leave me empty.

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Story of most pitiful and unfortunate Taeso

I’ve watched quite a lot of dramas, and usually I just move on after finishing one. But this time feels different—I genuinely needed to sit down and get this off my chest.

First off, I have to say: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more unfortunate, pitiful male lead. Not in a compelling, tragic way—but in a frustrating, almost exhausting way. His character feels mishandled throughout, and the ending only makes it worse. Personally, I would have much preferred a clean break between the leads. Instead, we get this one-sided confession where he says “I love you” and gets nothing in return, leaving the impression that he’ll spend the rest of his life stuck on her. It just feels unfair to him as a character.

I don’t hate the female lead, and I don’t think she’s a bad person. But as a gf, she was undeniably frustrating. She wasn’t honest or forthcoming about her situation with here ex (the sunbae and her business partner), and that lack of clarity kept creating unnecessary tension. One scene that really stood out to me was when she had wine with him alone in the guesthouse while the male lead was going through such a difficult time with his grandmother. That contrast was hard to ignore.

It also started to feel like her presence consistently derailed his life. His job interview gets affected because of her memory, and her interference shuts down any potential relationship he could have had with the second female lead. It creates this pattern where instead of supporting his growth, she unintentionally holds him back.

What makes this more disappointing is that the show actually started strong. I really enjoyed the early episodes—the tone, the setup, the emotional pull all worked well. But things began to go downhill for me after the female lead abruptly ended the relationship the first time. From there, the story just never quite recovered.

That said, I’m at least glad the show didn’t stretch itself out unnecessarily. It could have easily dragged on for several more episodes, and that would’ve made things even more frustrating.

In the end, I just wish the male lead had been given a more satisfying arc—something that allowed him to walk away, heal, and move forward instead of being left in emotional limbo.

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The characters are all miserable and depressed

Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this show for the majority of the episodes. The story was simple, but enjoyable. The first half or so felt like watching a real story more than watching characters in a show, which I really liked. It gave me the same feel as When Life Gives You Tangerines in that way (a very high compliment). Then the show got to the finale and lost so many points for me. I hate when a finale erases everything that the show did and that's exactly what this finale was. There was no point to the rest of the show nor the progress the characters made because the finale throws that all away.

The first few episodes of them in highschool and the year or so following were the best of the show. We saw them fall in love, and see how hard it is to keep a long distance relationship going while trying to get through your first year in adulthood. That was all beautifully done, even their breakup. The next episode jumping ahead 10 years and seeing what they've been up to, loved it. Then they run into each other again...it starts out okay and then really went downhill from there. They get back together for a month and breakup for the same reason they did before, Tae So is making all the effort to be together while Eun A is making none. They breakup again and I'm thrilled. Tae So has A Sol in her life and I think they'd be really good for each other, which they were. I was hoping it would develop into more, but not mad it didn't either. Where the show greatly disapointed me and made me angry to be honest, is the finale. Most of the finale is spent with Tae So and Eun A meeting up, saying goodbye, and repeat. They keep saying that it's going to be their last goodbye over and over, but it isn't. Finally Eun A decides to go to Hawaii and they say goodbye...again. We flashforward a year and she sends him a message, he smiles, and they start to narrate the same thing talking about destiny, and the credits roll.

...the credits roll.

Reasons I hate the finale with a passion:
1. It was wasted by a million goodbyes that meant nothing
2. When we think they're just going to get back together, she leaves AGAIN
3. It's been a year, maybe he can move on. NOPE. She's got him wrapped around her finger AGAIN.
4. The entire narration talking about destiny. They are not destined. They are just two people who can't move on because they don't let themselves nor eachother move on. They're just going to keep repeating the cycle over and over again.

Other issues I had with this show:
1.We got to hear what A Sol was thankful for with Tae So, but didn't get to hear what he said to her...why? Because we wasted all the screentime on pointless goodbyes.
2. Eun A was super selfish and thoughtless. She never cared about what Tae So wanted or what was best for their relationship. She only cared about herself
3. Eun A seemed like a completely different character in highshcool than the rest of the show. In highschool she was fun, caring, whymsical. After that she was boring, depressing, and selfish.
4. Eun A's beef with her stepmom seemed stupid. We didn't really get enough on why she blamed her for her dad's death, so it just seemed petty.
5. The "dating" between Eun A and Seong Chan was so pointless and practically nonexistant. Also why did he have a thing for her when she was 17? Weird.
6. A Sol's ending seemed like they didn't care about her ending so they just faded to black on her last scene and we never saw her again
7. Tae So was so boring for a main character. Super caring, yes. Not much else though

Things I liked:
1. Tae So and Eun A's chemistry as well as Tae So and A Sol's chemistry. The actors did a great job with that
2. Great cast. I liked a lot of the actors
3. Tae So's family. I loved seeing the relatiopnship between all of them. Loved his brother a lot too. I thought the brother and his coworker were going to get together but they didn't do anything with that.
4. A Sol. She was the best character and I really enjoyed her scenes.
5. I liked the cinematics of some of the shots
6. I liked how simple the story was. Everything nowadays is always so flashy and in your face, so this was a nice change of pace.
7. The realistic feel of this show, like I mentioned before.

Overall, I enjoyed quite a bit about this show, but there was also a lot I didn't. The finale is where my biggest issues lie and unfortuantely a lot of that outways the good.

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good GOODBYE

I'm writing my first review here because I'm deeply touched by this series.

I started watching it the minute it started airing in March but it took me too long to finish it until today, and it's totally my cup of tea. It's a slow-paced melodrama about two teenagers who have to deal with a lot of things while they're still too young. Then we have a 10-year time jump, when they meet again under different circumstances.

I think this series wanted to show that we can have a good GOODBYE, and that it's not always a bitter feeling. We can love someone deeply, but when we're with them, we can feel like we're stuck in a cage and trapped in a cycle. I believe it was really a good choice for them to be apart at the end because, as the FL said, they would have remained stuck in the same loop without getting anywhere.

Personally, I related to both characters. I related to the ML because I'm the first child, and as I grew up, it was always my responsibility to take care of things when they got worse, even when I was too young. And I related to the FL because I understand her feelings. She wanted to stay with the ML but thought that maybe a better time would come when they could work things out together. But sadly, sometimes it's not just about timing.

Although I believe the writer could have done a better job of writing her character, especially when it comes to her thoughts and how she felt throughout those 10 years. I think the series moved too fast, maybe because it was only 10 episodes. That's why a lot of people called her toxic, which I don't think she was. They just didn't show enough of her perspective. She was young and was dealing with a lot of things all at the same time, so of course she could have made some mistakes.

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Slow, messy, and I'm just... confused ?

This drama seemed promising at first. Their school life was nice to watch and it's a pity they didn't make it longer. Main thing that bothers me is that I have so many unanswered questions. Like about Eun-a's dad, Tae-so's parents Seung-chan, A-sol... and so much more. I feel like it wasn't properly unraveled to an extent I would like it too. Oh, and it also doesn't have a plot. Not really. Besides what goes on with Tae-so's grandma, there wasn't a storyline going on. Also the misinformation goes crazy, there are so many moments where they just can't talk things out for some reason. It's very slow and I just couldn't really grasp what's going on. And it's quite monotone, like the only emotion I feel from it is this weird sadness. I have to say it is cozy and has soft vibes though, but I don't really think it's worth it just because of that.

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When we step back and look at how the story began and ended. The two leads were in love and still are. No matter how long its been their relationship was real spending time together and even the time of missing each other. Some may say the ML is stubborn and annoying but you have to remember they fell in love with each other at a young age and they were still working on themselves. You also have to consider their background life. One was working on himself in school but far apart while the other still haven't figure out what she wanted to do. Situation and decision had to be made.

Two people growing up together falling for each other but due to their situation they had to stop. Ultimately they were hesitating to get back together because neither side didn't wanna get hurt or hurt the other. Although it was sad to see them part ways that's how the real world works. Not everything have to be a happy ending.

Reasons why I liked it - showed the love of two young people progressing into their adult life hard choices were made.
years later they were slowly catching up the time they missed but it happy things had to end because the reality hits them that it'll be hard to hold on to the relationship as it will hurt each other. That is why they had to part ways. While being mindful that they love each other.

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A slow burn that shines because of the characters

i’m kinda conflicted about Still Shining because i genuinely enjoyed it, but i also don’t think it’s as flawless as some people make it out to be.

what i liked most was the atmosphere. it has this quiet, comforting vibe that makes you want to keep watching even when not much is happening. the emotional moments usually land because the drama takes its time with the characters instead of rushing everything.

the acting was probably the strongest part for me. even when the story slowed down, the cast made the relationships feel believable. i found myself caring about the characters more than i expected, and that’s what kept me invested.

that said… the pacing is definitely going to divide people. there were episodes where it felt like the story barely moved forward, and a few plotlines could’ve been trimmed without losing anything important. some emotional scenes also felt a bit repetitive, like the drama kept making the same point instead of trusting the audience to get it.

the romance (if you’re watching for that) is more about emotional growth than constant butterflies, which i appreciated. it’s subtle, sometimes frustrating, but it feels earned by the end.

the cinematography and soundtrack deserve a mention too. they’re not flashy, but they fit the tone perfectly and really add to the overall feeling of the drama.

overall, i don’t think this is a drama for people looking for nonstop twists or fast-paced storytelling. it’s slower, more character-driven, and asks for a little patience. if that’s your thing, there’s a lot to appreciate here. if it isn’t, i can totally understand why it wouldn’t click.

for me, it’s not perfect, but it’s one of those dramas that sticks with you because of how sincere it feels rather than because it does anything groundbreaking.

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One of the most realistic drama I ever watched

No sugar-coated events or realities. A story we can all relate to, which makes it hit on a deep emotional level.
The ultimate choices—love or life, oneself or others. Families that are struggling or even toxic. Responsibilities too heavy for such young adults…
Even when they’re apart, it’s not because love faded, but out of necessity and a lack of choices.
Visually, the settings are remarkable, and the leads are gorgeous and act so well. Seeing Minju here was a pleasant surprise.
The OSTs are very healing too.
My drama discovery of the year so far.

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Storyline has this spark which makes you keep on watching, you slowly connects to the story!

Love how they’re pacing the storyline and I find the lead couple so adorable! Their dialogues feel relatable, nothing too much or over… you can easily connect with them and try to understand them on the deeper level! Sad part there’ll be only 10 episodes. Ideal for those who don’t like the story to be dragged much!

Would highly recommend it to those who have lost someone in their life or love watching Romantic and deep type love stories… where the couple share great bond and completes each-other with their presence in their life!

Why she left him? Did she got the trauma from her dad who was also facing depression into his life.. are the questions which keeps me thinking what gonna happen next..

Jinyoung & Kim Min-ju’s acting is like a breath of fresh air in summer days! <3

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Great Drama after a long time

It’s rare that I finish something and immediately feel the need to tell people about it, but this one is sticking with me. Honestly, just trust me and go for it. It’s a bit of a masterpiece in its own quiet way, and it’s honestly just sad to see it not getting the traction it deserves.

What really gets me is the cast. You’re watching these incredibly talented actors give these massive, grounded performances, and then you look around and realize nobody is really talking about them yet. It’s frustrating because this is exactly the kind of acting people say they want to see—nuanced, real, and actually impactful—but for some reason, the support just isn’t there yet.

I’m not trying to oversell it or pretend it’s something it’s not, but it’s genuine. It’s one of those projects that feels like it was made with a lot of care, and it shows in every scene. It’s the kind of thing that makes you want to support the people involved simply because they’re doing the work so well.

If you have a bit of time and you're looking for something that actually has some substance to it, give this a shot. We really need to start showing up for the artists who are actually putting in this level of effort. It’s worth the watch, and it’s definitely worth the conversation.

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