I don’t know how to review this one. On one hand the production value is top tier, the acting is very good (the main cast is excellent, but the supporting cast has been hit-and-miss), and the story is solid, but it requires a lot of effort to watch because it deals with very negative subject matter. Don’t get me wrong: mental illness, suicide, suicide prevention, etc. should be exposed in all forms of media, but that doesn’t necessarily make for good entertainment. In fact, trying to make it entertaining might be the problem with this show.

To be clear, the subject matter is treated respectfully, and I think the production means well, but there are simply too many limitations on what can be done within a 60 minute episode. So while the problems are realistic, and sensitively portrayed, the solutions are superficial, and hollow. The reality is that heartfelt words, and appeals to supernatural/spiritual “faith” are rarely ever (probably never) enough to deal with mental illness severe enough to drive someone to suicide. So while I appreciate that this show promotes awareness of many deep issues within not just Korean society, but worldwide, it ultimately falls flat despite being an otherwise excellent show. Thus, difficult to recommend.