It is slow pacing because this was intended as slice-of-life drama. The DongBaek character is irritating to international viewers because of her weak resolves but please do note that she was an outcast. No one can live as optimistic as she is if you are abandoned. That's why HyangMi is there to compare what could be the two paths of the outcast. Either to be a DongBaek or to be HyangMi. I watched the shows of Baeksang Best Actor Nominees. I must say that Nam GongMin in Stove League deserves also the award. But in Korea, the character of Hwang Yong Sik is so unique to regular lead roles. Kang Ha Neul played it well that I believed people must have Yong Sik in their lives. Who motivates you. Who compliments you. Ang won't hide his emotion in from of you. Yong Sik communicated well and that is needed in all forms of relationships. Nowadays, girls blindly ignored that kind of suitor. I feel sad about it. Many people says that PilGu's dad has a point and have to be part of his son's life. For me, if DongBaek revealed to him that they have a child in a first place, their relationship would be a mess. JongRyeol only thinks himself. He demand things but not return the favor. That's why DongBaek should be with someone who will motivate her. Who will empower her. Because taking advantage of outcast's kindness will make her stagnant and boring.

Ending is the best. It shows the product of all the encouragement of Yong Sik to Dong Baek. It shows how the community responds to threat. How the community helps each other. How mothers thought about life. How a person can be a miracle to somebody else. The reconciliation. The reincarnation and heartwarming thought. It explodes and wrap the slow pacing drama to a full circle.

Overall, this will be placed as second to my top 5.
#1Reply1988
#2When The Camellia Blooms
#3Another Oh Hae Young
#4My Daughter, Seo Young
#5Misaeng: Incomplete Life