*Solid Dramas, although not my favorites.

Not sure how this has aged, but I remember it being one of the first dramas I loved with all my heart, waiting for each episode to come out on air. Will always hold a special place in my heart, despite the possibility that I may find some of the cuts strange of cheesy now. Truly iconic. 

very heartwarming. feels like a pure fairytale that everyone can enjoy in some way, no matter how old you are. 

yongsik is the sun.

This is a very troll drama-- it doesn't take itself too seriously, and I can get def behind that. It's cheesy, but in a very self aware way, and that's what makes it easy to just enjoy the comedy and sugary sweet romance. You can genuinely get behind and cheer for the saccharine cuteness of the main couple, haha. The whole point of this drama is that it's nonsensical: it's supposed to be "over". As I often say to my friends, "this drama is a joke"-- in a good way. One of the only dramas I can watch that has a cheesy plot, but it compensates in so many other ways.

This drama isn't my usual style of drama, which is realistic and subtle. This drama is loud, extravagant, and  fairytale-like. But for what it is, it is so so brilliant. So much new territory was explored and experimented within this drama. The directing in particular, is what really moved this drama from "a good drama" to "a great drama" for me. Even though there are some qualms I have, the amount of exceptionally executed elements in this drama that feel so fresh is what really made this jump the ranks.

Within the crafting of the story, there are so many subtleties and details to be gleaned, whether it's from the cinematography, acting, or overall set up of the story.

It's a fairytale that reminds us of the real monsters lurking outside, but one that  also nurtures and comforts the person who views themselves as a monster. And how that person can heal and help the people around them do so as well-- how there's strength in every one of us. There's so much humanity in this drama that it becomes easy to not even consider the reality of the situations or characters. Because I want to live in world where things are difficult, things suck, things are comically shitty, but in the end, we can overcome, we can have boisterous, good people by our side, and we can be happy, regardless of the past, regardless of our future. 

*with syj's new deluge of scandals coming out, a disclaimer that with knowledge of those, this drama might be.. harder to watch, esp since the scandals are eerily close to home here. can't see myself personally loving this drama, but I can't deny that the subjects and cinematography explored in this drama were really interesting.

great female lead-- which is sometimes rare in cdramas. the story is centered around her and the situation she finds herself in. it's fast paced, engaging, funny and witty at times, serious and violent at others. well executed overall. good overall color grading and cinematography, makes the drama have a distinct look.

the dynamic between the main characters, FL, ML, and second ML is all really subtle-- and although it feels like it deserves to be the focal point of the story and is so well executed that you feel like it is, it's not. there's so much wealth of characterization outside of their relationships as well as tethered to them. no throwaway characters.

censorship/dubbing caused a few things to miss the mark for me a tiny bit, as well as some relatively tragic and cliche moments, but it's overall charming enough to make me love it. I've never watched an undercover cop drama with this much tension between the leads, executed this well before. one of a kind in my book so far. :) 

This wasn't a perfect drama for my tastes. There were some things I felt like weren't given enough screen time, some emotions and relationships that could have been explored more, but the emotions and plot points that were explored were charming and bizarre, delivered with such unexpected intensity and depth. 

Eunyoung was such a true reluctant hero, whose life has always been touched by loss and loneliness. She spends her life facing those remnants every day-- and that premise itself is powerful. 

I laughed, I cringed, I cried, I sat there with my breath bated, waiting for the camera to pan to a side to reveal something. This drama managed to create such a colorful, striking world in such a short amount of time-- I only want more time with these characters and story. To explore more of this world. (I will always be sad about Sunkang :c They got a good grab of my weak spot: circa Who Are You Kim Jaewook vibes. Those scenes were directed so so well. I will never forget Eunyoung sitting there with Sunkang fading away, of her standing lonesome on the construction field, reliving Sunkang's final moments. They had such a special role in each other's lives. It was so wonderful to see her finally recognize him near the end. )

This music? Also such a perfect match with the drama. A lot of times, the music actually carried a lot of the tension, despite the bizarre developments. 

_____
on the other side, I will say that this drama lacked explanations even on super basic things, which made it harder to love the characters and story. Eunyoung leaving Inpyo (stairs?), Inpyo somehow getting on board with the jelly revelation... These are really huge plot points and factors in a relationship that need to be explained, even with a 20 second scene. Without these, people feel lost and disconnected. 

Fantastic drama with fantastic actors. Super enjoyable _if_ you skip episodes 11-14.5. Unnecessary back and forth drama during those episodes make it a tad painful, but the rest of the drama is so wonderful, sweet, and honestly, an adult coming of age story in some regards, that it's worth it. .... also fell in love with the actors in this, especially Shirasu Jin. Adachi Rika was so so amazing as well. Definitely a comfort drama.

High rewatch value! This drama hits all the spots for me--a youth drama about sports and people chasing their dreams, great character dynamics and acting, and intentional direction. The characters are all so very endearing, and the banter between all of them is smart, causal, and extremely cute. You can't help but root from them through all their challenges. Wonderful slow burn with the main couple learning about and supporting each other, taking their time-- and eventually learning how to better communicate as well. Definitely becoming one of my favorite light comfort watches already, for when I'm craving something good and bright.

Great cast. Cheesy and cliche at times, but it's a slice of life at heart and executes it with a lot of spirit. Had some concerns with all the female characters being either assholes or not naturally academically talented but decided to look past that. And there's a lot to enjoy about it. The family relationship, the strong bond between them, commentary on family and blood ties, a home away from home... relationships of all kinds.