I absolutely adore this drama, it's one of my new favourites for sure.
I understand the general frustration of people who were expecting a more conventional romance drama (the misleading summary does not help here), but let me assure you if you know what you're getting into when you start watching, you'll find a lot to value and love about the show just as it is.
The acting and writing are absolutely incredible, the dialogues flow naturally and all the characters just feel deeply real, hell I even think the editing is very well done and effectively underscores a lot of impactful emotional moments.
The show doesn't really coddle its viewers with spelling things out for them, but I found the plot very easy to follow and the character motivations understandable and often relatable.
Rather than introducing a main villain the characters have to go up against, the show explores concepts of freedom, self-determination, art, and love from various different angles with the publishing industry and its shady politics serving as the backdrop.
While romance may not be the major focus of the story, love is very much an important theme - what does loving someone mean? What is the difference between love and possession, where does selfless love end and selfish love begin? Is love always enough or can relationships built on it still become twisted and harmful? These are all questions the show poses and expertly analyses.
Another important theme, if not the main theme, of the story is fear and how to overcome it. There is great importance placed on the idea that failure should not mean giving up, that there is value to be found even in defeat, and that stepping outside of your comfort zone and taking risks is vital. Failure happens, that's just how life goes, but failing at something doesn't have to mean the end of happiness, hell it doesn't even have to mean really losing anything at all. Things happen, both good and bad, and happiness and joy are found in the simple willingness to try.
This is an incredible message and it is woven into the series so seamlessly, communicated so succinctly that I was left a little in awe.
So no, this may not be a traditional romance, but it is, at its core, a love story. Love of people, love of art, love of the self, and love of life; universal themes, in other words, that everyone can relate to in one way or another.
Give this show a shot, I really believe there's something here for everyone to enjoy.