What is love?

Is love the need to be close to each other and see each other all the time, or is it simply the feeling you have when you think of the other person?
These questions crossed my mind as I was watching Crash Landing on You. This series is the perfect example of how people can go from being enemies to friends, or in this case, to partners. It’s a beautiful story of a love that blossoms amidst the tensions of a “paused war.”

Is it the lead and supporting actors who make this drama so great, or is it the storyline? I believe this question can be answered with one simple word: “Both.” The actors, whether they’re in supporting roles or leading roles, play their parts so convincingly that you feel the entire story could be their own. This is especially true when you consider that the two lead actors are now married and have a child together.

The conflict between North and South Korea is portrayed exceptionally well. It’s neither exaggerated nor over-dramatised, but it is ever-present and addressed clearly in several scenes. The prejudices both sides hold against each other are also seamlessly woven into the narrative. My issue with most series set in a similar context is that they tend to portray one side as the villains and the other as the heroes. These series focus solely on the positives of the “good” side against the “bad” side, without acknowledging that the reverse can also be true, and that the stark distinction between good and evil doesn’t really exist. These nuances are so well handled and executed in Crash Landing on You that I believe this should be the standard for all series.

Even though some viewers were not entirely satisfied with the ending, I personally think it was a well-chosen conclusion, because reality rarely allows for a truly happy ending. The fact that they can see each other at least once a year doesn’t erase the pain of their separation, but it does make it slightly easier to bear.

In conclusion, I would count this series among the top K-dramas. I would give anything to be able to watch this series for the first time again.

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