Ttanveer14
Disclaimer: I have never read the webtoon.
I am genuinely confused as to what rating is appropriate for this show. I would honestly give it a 10, if it weren't for the disturbing romance between the female lead, Hong Seol and the male lead, Yoo Jung. As the show went on, I definitely felt genuine sympathy for Yoo Jung and wanted him to learn and grow. I did not, however, appreciate how his character was validated in his unhealthy tendencies by Hong Seol. There is a difference between feeling sympathy for someone and engaging in a relationship with them. It is not Hong Seol's job to fix him! It just felt like a toxic relationship to me.
Similarly, I understood Yoo Jung's resentment towards Baek In-ho, but his sense of entitlement was out of control. Being hurt by someone does not entitle you to hurt someone the way Yoo Jung hurt Baek In-ho. By the way, Baek In-ho demonstrated a much healthier way of interacting with Hong Seol and caring for her, but for some reason Hong Seol chooses toxicity over him.
Other than these criticisms, everything was fantastic! The music was phenomenal. Every track was on point for each moment, and the songs are excellent listening in and of themselves. The characters felt three-dimensional and compelling; I loved Baek In-ho, Baek In-ha, Eun Taek, and Bo Ra! All of the actors (including Park Hae-jin) did a great job, and it was so refreshing to see such realism in a K Drama.
In summary, I believe this is an excellently crafted K Drama. It feels real and compelling. But I personally can't get over how the show rewards and exalts a toxic relationship, and this alone results in my relatively low rating of the show.
I am genuinely confused as to what rating is appropriate for this show. I would honestly give it a 10, if it weren't for the disturbing romance between the female lead, Hong Seol and the male lead, Yoo Jung. As the show went on, I definitely felt genuine sympathy for Yoo Jung and wanted him to learn and grow. I did not, however, appreciate how his character was validated in his unhealthy tendencies by Hong Seol. There is a difference between feeling sympathy for someone and engaging in a relationship with them. It is not Hong Seol's job to fix him! It just felt like a toxic relationship to me.
Similarly, I understood Yoo Jung's resentment towards Baek In-ho, but his sense of entitlement was out of control. Being hurt by someone does not entitle you to hurt someone the way Yoo Jung hurt Baek In-ho. By the way, Baek In-ho demonstrated a much healthier way of interacting with Hong Seol and caring for her, but for some reason Hong Seol chooses toxicity over him.
Other than these criticisms, everything was fantastic! The music was phenomenal. Every track was on point for each moment, and the songs are excellent listening in and of themselves. The characters felt three-dimensional and compelling; I loved Baek In-ho, Baek In-ha, Eun Taek, and Bo Ra! All of the actors (including Park Hae-jin) did a great job, and it was so refreshing to see such realism in a K Drama.
In summary, I believe this is an excellently crafted K Drama. It feels real and compelling. But I personally can't get over how the show rewards and exalts a toxic relationship, and this alone results in my relatively low rating of the show.
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