Another overhyped netflix drama with no substance.

It's basically a take on all annoying cliches from the kdrama world - chaebol guy with a traumatic family childhood meets a lively, poor girl who turns his whole world upside down. Plus, there's the chaebol's family going against the relationship (what a surprise). An annoying love triangle exists too.

If you're like me, an avid long time Kdrama fan who's fed up with these cliches, you really should avoid this drama if you don't want to feel annoyed. I always crave for dramas that are realistic and relatable, and sadly this isn't one of them.

A lot of people also mention the chemistry between the leads as their favorite, but honestly, I didn't feel any spark at all. The acting was also too bad. The male lead was trying too hard to replicate the main lead in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim (with the countless hair touches) and it really din't work for him. (heard the webtoon really portrayed this but come one guys) I hope he gets a better roles next time cause he's actually good.

The only plus side I found was the female lead's job of being a product researcher. I often find it amusing how kdramas can romanticize jobs that often go unnoticed. This drama amazed me only in that aspect.

Really, skip it. They keep saying that this drama did all the cliches right... It honestly didn't.

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I had high hopes for this drama since many have recommended it, but it left me feeling disappointed by how great it could have been.

First, the female lead could have been a strong woman, but ended up being weak, immature, and too reliant on others around her. Seeing how the whole drama mainly surrounded her life, seeing her rise from her trials strongly would have been satisfying, but she ended up being a weak female, crying at almost every episode, being chased around by guys. I saw no growth in her character for the entire 16 episodes.

Second, there was no chemistry at all between the main couple. It felt like their “love story” felt too rushed. They reminded me more of a “sunbae” relationship, where distance should have been kept because no warmth arose between them.

Next, the second lead had the most character development, from an immature, spoiled kid, to a mature one who started caring for someone before himself. It would have made more sense had he ended up with the female lead, but ya, the drama decided to do another Barney Stinson - the one who had the most satisfying character change because of love, but ended up being left behind and going back to being his immature old self. Sigh.

If there’s one thing that made me stay, it’s definitely the use of poetry as a central theme of how each episode would go. The stories of the minor (very minor) characters in each episode made me tear up from time to time, alongside with the poems which were the main focus of the whole drama.

The side stories were more captivating than the main story plot, that should say something about this drama.

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I don’t get why it’s getting too much hate. Maybe not for all.

If you’re looking for an overhyped drama where newbie fans end up disappointed because it doesn’t contain your usual cliches (fighting over females, cinderella leads, etc), this one isn’t for you.

I tried to analyze why it’s getting a lot of hate, and I can only come up with 2 probable reasons - the pace and the ending. If you’re into fast paced dramas with happy predictable endings, skip this.

However, if you enjoy slice of life dramas while watching real character growth, characters who are actually relatable and mature romance, I highly recommend you watch this.

Things I love:

- I totally related to this story. Being a 27 yr old who still feels lost with my chosen career path, seeing the characters in this drama go through the same thing totally gave me a great comfort. The pressures Bogum’s character got from his parents for his career choice, wow, I’m sure a lot of us relate to this at some point. I totally felt for his character every time he argued with his dad, and every single time he started to doubt his own choices. I guess I wasn’t alone.

- The romance was very sweet and raw. I love how they were both mature enough in handling some of their problems as a couple, and I love how everything was realistic (no parents throwing money to undesired partners, no chaebol - cinderella, etc). These were two people who were struggling in life and found solace in each other’s presence. I loved how ordinary everything was about them. The only thing I didn’t understand was the break up. The slow fall out due to the ML’s stardom was understandable, but the female’s reasons for her decision felt too sudden and unexplained. Other than that, i liked how raw this couple was.

- The “second lead” who never stole the girl and destroyed his friendship with the ML. I appreciated how this character also showed depth, and I enjoyed watching his struggles with overbearing tiger parents.

- A glimpse of life behind the spotlight. This drama taught me a lot of things about the lifestyle of famous people in korean’s entertainment industry (like not to instantly believe articles about our favorite artists because a lot of them may be fake news). It was truly a treat to someone who’s such a fan of the entertainment industry.

There’s still a lot of things I love - acting, OST, the writing and the metaphors used, cinematography, the use of social media to as a record of one’s youth... too many. This drama really deserves more love from people who believe in stories that are more real.

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Was more enthralled by the side stories and brotherly love than the unconvincing romance.

Everyone loved this show, and understandably so. It had the perfect formula to become mainstream that everyone would truly enjoy. Sadly, for someone like me who craves for unique and realistic stories, some parts of it were too frustrating to watch that I had to convince myself to finish this show because of the parts I loved about it.

Things I loved about it:

- The fact that it revolved around Psychology (I’m a Psychology Major so I’m a sucker for this). I found myself crying every time they revealed and focused on the struggles of the families of autistic people, as well as the other Psychological disorders that were highlighted through the various patients of the ward. The first few episodes made my heart burn and I knew it would be a good story after how they revealed the story of that guy with manic tendencies. Wow, genius and heart wrenching.

- I loved the writing style. Whenever a drama uses a creative way to place a theme for each episode (in this case, the fairy tales), I know i’m in for good writing. Truly appreciated this side of the show. The mini story books and the final story book was truly a genius way to tie up the whole story. The first scene of the show which also used a story book to introduce everything was also truly genius.

- The acting of the brothers. Wow, that autistic brother was truly amazing. And wow, Kim Soo Hyun was just truly breath taking. I managed to finish the show because of these two, and I shed a lot of tears because of their scenes.

Things I didn’t like about it

- The romance. I still find it hard to believe that someone would fall for a scary woman like Mun Yeong. She indeed was fun to watch, but I honestly believe you’ll be creeped out if you met someone as obsessed as her in real life. Not to discount the fact that she also has a personality disorder, but I felt like everything between her and the male lead was too rushed and forced. They should have given their romance more time to develop to make it convincing.

- The story of Mun Yeong’s family was totally unconvincing. I hated how unrealistic her mom was, and I hated how their story was one of the main plots from the very start. I wish they explained a bit of the mom’s background just so we can understand why she turned out to be that way, staying true to this show’s attempt to explain their characters’ stories through the use of past traumatic experiences. Aside from lack of understanding for this character, the head nurse’s acting was actually quite off. She totally wasn’t convincing and I found myself distracting my head whenever she appeared on screen just so I won’t turn off my phone. The original mom would have been more convincing as the villain until the very end.

Don’t get me wrong, it was such a good show, it’s just that I was slightly disappointed about how they forced the “thriller” side of the show through Munyeong’s family, without properly developing their story. However, I feel like the show managed to redeem itself in its last episode after it chose to focus on the brotherly love again (which I honestly think was good enough to be the main plot) and the other patients.

A good watch, truly unique, but it did not really make a lasting impression. Maybe I was hoping for another Psychological drama (a realistic one) like It’s Okay, That’s Love? Once again, my high expectations ruined my viewing of this show. Don’t make the same mistake!

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You’d actually think it’s your typical light hearted rom com with a slight dark background, but it ends up driving you to an unexpected destination, leaving you feeling blessed and grateful about life...

First, the writers were brilliant. This story was well thought of and planned, you can conclude that every story in the series was carefully considered. They successfully conveyed the hardships of time passing by, people leaving, and our tendency to take each other for granted. Wow.

Second, the actors were too brilliant. I never really appreciated the “background” characters... but here, they turn out becoming the main stories in the end. It’s such a joy to reach the end and see everything make sense. (again, writing was... wow)

Third, it’s my first time seeing a drama dedicated to our beloved grandmas and grandpas. I’ve always had a soft spot for old people, and this one just spoke to that side of me too well.

Fourth, just the fact that you thought it was about this story but it ended up becoming about another, all along... it literally made me gasp, confused for a split second, then gasp again at the realization of how beautiful this series was to actually focus on family and life. It’s really not just a love story.

I’m really in awe.

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Watched it the second time around today, and I still ended up harboring the same intense feelings of pain that I felt the first time I saw it. Love under the wrong circumstances, I’m always a sucker for these stories.

I love everything about this drama that I’m even having a hard time putting my love for it in words. Where do I even begin?

The plot was genius. Reincarnation stories are common in the world of kdrama, but wow, this one was really well thought of. You obviously have a writer who knew what kind of story s/he wanted to share since episode one, and she managed to connect both the past life and present life in such a clean manner that would leave you wanting more of the story after every episode. The characters and how they each played a role in each others’ lives both in the past and present was stitched too well. God, I can’t get enough of this brilliance.

The writing and pace was perfect. Truly appreciated the subtle hints they gave of how explosive the revelations from the past would be in the end. From the very first episodes, I loved how the characters used their past lives in passing for their present day dilemmas (ex: “i must have been a traitor of our country in my past life”) . Never knew these harmless comments would actually take a whole new meaning once the whole story would be revealed.

The acting... they were too good. All the actors gave so much life to the characters that I found myself being attached to them and thinking about how painful their pasts could have been.

The OST. Omg the OST. The songs were perfectly used during the right moments. I found myself listening to some of them weeks after I finished the last episode, and I’m always drawn back to the pain I felt while watching this drama. Sometimes, I even pause whatever I’m doing just to feel the pain that comes along with the songs.

The setting. The show managed to give us a peek into the life of Korea under the Japanese rule. The costumes and places truly gave off a nostalgic feeling, and it left me wondering about what kind of life they had back then.

There are too many other things to compliment about this show. It’s perfect for someone who loves sad stories like me. Haaaay ❤️

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A tragedy that would leave you longing for the pain.

It’s my third time watching this show and it still gives me the same intense feelings I got after my first watch. One of my faves of all time.

First, the plot and writing was brilliant. One can easily discern how the writers thought hard and well about each part of the story, since unlike other dramas, I never found the need to skip any of the side characters. They were all equally playing their respective roles to the bigger story. Wow. The pace was also brilliant. Each episode gave you something and you’ll never really find the need to overlook anything. Totally binge worthy.

Acting. Ohmygoodness the acting. Lee Joon Gi and Kang Haneul were both so good in pulling off complex characters. You could feel their raw emotions and how they managed to pull off these unrealistic scenes, brilliant. IU was also equally good, but the two main princes were the main ones for me. Even the other princes were amazing, considering that some of them were acting for the first time for major roles.

Characters. Damn, never have I seen a drama bring two spectacular characters to life. So and wook, these two were the main dishes of this drama. Wook, especially got my attention. How the writers and Haneul were able to show an understandable shift from good to evil, wow. It was too amazing. Each of his actions were calculated well, and you can really understand his reasons behind everything. Probably one of my fictional characters of all time.

If there’s anything I didn’t like, they were the last two episodes. Despite how the writers were able to pull of complex character arcs, it was kind or frustrating to see Soo and So give up on each other for reasons that seemed petty. I believe there were deeper reasons that could only be explained through theories (such as soo leaving to save her child from the palace), but I wish they spared a few episodes to show these reasons so the whole drama could not have been spoiled. I mean, how can So, who gave way to Soo in so many instances (even to the point of forgiving her for her distrust that caused Eun’s death) and always understood Soo and even fought for her hard, suddenly become so immature about Soo’s past lover? I Just can’t comprehend.

Putting that aside, I still love this drama and it will always be at the top of my list. I love how it’s unconventional. It steered away from your typical rom com that’s too afraid to go for a tragic ending. This story may be a tragedy, but its execution is the complete opposite of a tragedy, pure genius.

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If you're a fan of before sunrise and kdramas heavy on destiny, watch this!

The writing is just beautiful. It perfectly showcased the emotions of people when faced with realistic troubles.

First, the idea of fate may seem unrealistic, but what got me drawn in to the story was how each character changed each time they met. The idea of reluctance in their relationship due to their personal circumstances was truly, very nice nice. It was a painful story, and you felt the frustration from both each time their timing went awry. This really was well though of.

Second, the chemistry between the lead actors was just... I can’t even describe it.

Third, there’s photography and dancing as their profession. Both were protrayed in ways you could appreciate them.

The OST was also very fitting.

Finally, it was very real. Finding characters who met at the time when they were both lost, confused, and trying to find themselves. I could totally relate.

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This made me feel things deeply.

This show will make you pause and re-evaluate the kind of person you've become after your heartbreaks.

Disclaimer: I'm a sucker for breakup stories so this is one big reason why I loved the show. I found myself often pausing in between episodes to bring my thoughts back to my own break up experiences. I cried, laughed, and cheered for characters here too. Overall, I was moved (to a very unexpected extent) and I can't help but love how genius this show is.

If you have any unsettled feelings for your past loves, or you're curious to take on a journey with the versions of yourself in your past relationships, this one's for you. Through this show, I was unexpectedly attached to the development of the stories. I was pissed at Nayeon, pitied Won bin, and rooted for Hae Eun, while getting butterflies from Hee Doo and Ji Yeon's love line, and eventually appreciating Gyu Min. Never have I ever been this involved and invested in a show.

Though I wasn't so happy about a lot of things, I still love this show ultimately for its success in making me feel a wide variety of emotions. It's really a journey going through all 20 episodes of this.

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This drama will show you the reality of relationships.

I was moved the very first time I finished this. Now, After watching it the second time around, I am deeply moved enough to make me write a review.

What I love about this drama is its rawness- it shows you the start, process and end of a relationship in a very realistic way. I particularly appreciate the fact that it made me realize many things as i watched further, making me relate to many particular instances.

Relationships aren’t grand. It may start on a simple day, when one person touched you at a time you needed it the most. We saw this with the main leads. The end of a relationship doesn’t also always have to be grand. It can simply start due to petty fights and mistrust. And once it gets tiring, the little things become enough reasons to end everything. This reality was very much shown as we saw the leads journey through love.

I also love how the style and mood of the story changed as they grew older, showing how growing up erases the “fairytale” expectations from relationships. When youngjae and joonyoung first met, it was cute and sweet. When they met the second time around, we saw the honeymoon phase and the death of the said phase. When they saw each other for the third time, we saw a more mature take on relationships from both parties. It was truly a joy seeing this.

I loved everything about this show. The rawness. The writing. The acting, mygoodness the writing. The cinematography. The music. Hay, I loved it way too much.

I think it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re patient enough to truly journey with a very realisting love story, watch this.

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I fell in love with this drama for many things, but mainly because it made me value this life so much, and it made me rethink the way I’m treating those around me.

It ended with two questions from Yu Ri... Were you happy in this life time? And Did you make others feel happy around you? For most of us, we always think about the former, but rarely about the latter. This show made me realize how your death, and how people react to your death definitely says a lot about the way you lived your life.

Realizations aside, this story was well written. I’m always a sucker for these kind of episodes, where epilogues exist and characters do voice overs to introduce the episode and end the episode with a certain theme. These kind of dramas definitely give me a sign that the writer planned this drama well, and that It’s really worth something. And this drama definitely was worth something.

The acting was definitely top notch. There was a lot of crying that felt natural, and even humor on the side. New found respect for these actors since they were able to pull off situations that don’t really happen much in real life. Wow.

My favorite part about the whole thing was the fact that there was no antagonist. It’s simply about death, its initial and lingering effects, and how life continues to turn despite one leaving permanently. It also shows us that in our own lives, maybe, there really are no antagonists, rather only people who play different roles in our lives.

Overall, I really enjoyed watching this. It wasn’t fast paced and there were no cliche twists. Only life and death, and family.

P.s. was a bit sad for the few happy family moments between yu ri, seo woo and gang hwa. But i guess that was necessary for the plot to be effective. However, I had such a soft spot for this couple. My favorite scene of this entire sceries was when they pulled off the “what if you never died, what could have been our tomorrow?” Epilogue. This made me cry a lot.

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If you’re tired of female leads being weak and dependent on the men around them, this is the drama for you.

I see three women dominating the corporate world and I was totally blown away by its premise. We’re so used to seeing males act as prince charming in dramas, that seeing the opposite in this one was such a breath of fresh air. One of the male leads fell for the female after seeing how competitive she was, that already says something.

The setting of the story was also fresh, you don’t get to see how web portals operate on a daily basis. It surely was interesting to watch. The OST was also perfect.

this drama made me feel excited the whole time and I totally recommend it!

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Don’t get me wrong, this drama was a fun watch. I loved a whole lot of things about it. From its OST, to the premise (who the hell can actually think of a hotel for ghosts???) and the acting, Damn the acting. It’s just that the writing had its ups and downs.

The up? Every story of a visiting ghost was a treat to me. I enjoyed seeing how the hotel solved their problems in the most human way possible, because afterall, they are humans... just dead.

The down? The love story and the shift in focus let me down gravely. They’ve been building up the Man Wol - Chong Myeong story since the beginning and to have it end sadly with Man Wol leaving him by the bridge to after life... what the hell was that for? I mean, did we forget that this guy chose to live as a glow in the dark insect for 1300 years only to be forgotten because of a new, way younger guy she had a few meals with??? I do love chan sung’s character, and I rooted from them at the start, but it was always the flashbacks that dominated the course and mood of the story for me. To make that grudge disappear too quickly was really just... lousy writing.

Other than this huge disappointment, I loved the drama. Sadly I ended it without rooting for the couple they wanted to close the story with. Sigh

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Don’t get carried away by the bad reviews.

Unlike most reviews I’ve read in this site, I actually enjoyed watching the drama. It had its flaws, for sure, but I don’t think it deserves the hate it received.

What I love about this show is how realistic it can get when it comes to a love that ends due to simple misunderstandings. It shows you how pride and anger can get in the way of a lasting relationship.

I also feel like it was a brilliant way to show ex lovers meeting years later. It shows us the effect of maturity on how people start to view their relationships.

The love “quadrangle” wasn’t even toxic. They don’t leave you guessing for too long on who’s the father, because even in the early episodes, one candidate’s true identity is already revealed. It doesn’t take on the annoying damsel in distress with many guys fighting for her plot, if that’s what’s stopping you from watching it.

I also loved how the fatherless child played a central role in finding her true father. She was such a joy to watch.

Again, it’s not a perfect show. But I truly believe it doesn’t deserve the hate it’s getting.

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I don’t even know where to start. There’s just too many layers to this masterpiece.

The story and writing were beautiful. It made me google about Korean History a few times just to check fiction from fact, and to know some parts were inspired by real history just made it even more engaging. The fact that this made me curious about another country’s history... that’s a win for me.

The cinematography, oh my gosh. Your eyes will surely be in for a feast, and you’ll leave fully satisfied and in awe from almost every episode. The music also heightened the emotions.

The characters. Most dramas usually reveal their backstories mid way or towards the end as a plot twist, but the writer in this drama chose the opposite. You’d appreciate every character from the very beginning since their history is revealed as early as the first episodes. Though it got confusing for awhile, be patient and wait for all of these beautiful characters with beautiful histories meet and create an even more beautiful story for us.

Can I specially mention the bromance? They added humor in this very “heavy” drama. This is probably one of the few dramas that really had me literally laughing out loud, all thanks to the peculiar friendship of the three.

And sorry, special mention for Yoo Yeon Seok. His acting was totally out of his usual character, and damn sir, you really pulled it off. I rarely fall in love with characters, this is one of the few moments.

The heart ache. You felt for the characters, their desperation, anger and frustration for a country that was falling, and their eagerness to stand up and fight for a cause... damn, this makes you realize how lucky we are in the times we live in.

Spoiler: this one particular scene in the end made my heart ache in particular... this was when the shop that buys stuff and does favors opened again, and they started having a collection of the many things that hold too mny good memories. It gave me a familiar feeling I have about growing old- the feeling of sadness when you’re reminded of the good moments and how you’ve lost the people you’ve spent them with. This is the pain of passage of time.

Thank you, Mr. Sunshine. This was truly a treat and I’ll surely be reading articles about you for days.

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