«There's a couple here now... The two have lived without being able to open up to each other. Would things have been different if they had been more honest and shown their true feelings? If they try to make an effort now, could they live like any other ordinary couple?»

I'm beginning in all honesty.

The opening of the show, with the almost antagonizing of our Baek (incorrectly written as Paik) Saeon, surely built up to some archetypes, or at least a certain develop of our main characters.
We were never promised a rom-com or anything similar, however, the accurate portrayal of a badass man whose past is as dark as the suits he wears, anticipated to me an undeniable progress or evolutions of the events: I was expecting way more intimate scenes, considering also the brightening chemistry between the actors. And when I talk about intimate scenes, I'm not referring to steamy or R-rated ones, but to the illustration of their mutual understanding, harmony and attraction.
On the other hand, what we got was miscommunication, secrets, unfair decisions taken solo, and a strange will from both of them (Hong Heejoo I'm talking about you) to die with the possibility of the other being alive. My woman, you're great, but shouldn't you want to live with him?

The systematic unfolding of the mystery and its repercussions on the characters, although seemingly unimportant at first (well, at least not how the last details revealed), created a perfect keenness and high expectancy for the final confession, which unfortunately wasn't that much unexpected.
I still can't understand if it was wanted or not, if the drama left voluntarily clues for us watchers; if that's the case, then they did a great job.

Although the last detail and the way they broadcasted it (the grandfather deciding to kill Heejoo's brother because the latter had seen his son's face) seemed a little useless. I mean, it was used to be added to the list of excuses for Saeon and his disappearance, but it all gave the impression of a rushed and not carefully analyzed decision of a grand finale. But I also understand this was the cinematic adaptation of a novel, if I remember correctly, so I won't be obstinate on such particulars.

As for the romances... Well, as said before, I was expecting more intimate scenes from the main couple, and honestly I was expecting anything at all from the second couple. The writers decided to give us their marriage announcement at the end, but it was completely unexpected, genuinely more than the mystery. They dropped the bomb on us without even depicting their love, not even in a single scene. I would've way more preferred if they'd remained friends. Also because, right after Heejoo and Saeon announced their new marriage, Ji Sangwoo looked kind of distressed, as if he was still into her after all those years.
I wholeheartedly decided to ignore these details.

I appreciated how Park Dojae returned as Saeon's secretary (or whatever function he had before), and frankly I hoped they would've shown us more about his redemption, but I guessed I'm asking for too much now from a miniseries.

What I found completely useless to the plot was the whole Argan thing. I mean, I can understand its insertion since we've come from 406 to 604, and Saeon's past and whatsoever, but it truly didn't make any sense for the rest. Saeon's friend (the journalist) explained how much he loved sunsets and that he really liked a spot in Argan to take pictures, but... Could've chosen, I don't know, Canada just for that? Why entering a war zone? Especially knowing your wife's going to look for you.
And let's not talk about how she tried to hide from the rebels while wearing white and a bright scarf over her head? Are you stupid? Heejoo totally called that upon herself. I'm sure if she looked around there would've been troupes of resistance somewhere.

I also appreciated Heejoo's mother redemption, although we couldn't see much about her journey, we've assisted to her breakdown and realization and then their reunion. Ina was also a key character for the show, and she was just amazing. All the other side characters, from colleagues to friends, were just perfect. The real Baek Saeon was also a mesmerizing character, and the actor portrayed perfectly his sociopathy.
About the latter, I must say I can't really put my mind around the fact that he chose to actuate his revenge on the new Baek Yuyeon instead of his family, which obviously were the real villains. On the other hand, I understand his mother: the fear of having a son with such difficulties and so much dangerous to society must've been stressing, but then I don't excuse any of her consequent actions.

Now, music? Majestic. Actors? Perfect. Rewatch value? Meh. The thing with this kind of dramas (like My Name, The Glory...) is that they're quite difficult to rewatch once you know the secrets. Although, it is true that enjoying the show once more could uncover so many details about the depiction of the series.

Overall, this has been an amazing kdrama, with lots of holes but also lots of details. I won't say it's my favorite one, I won't say it's particularly remarkable, but I'll say it's enjoyable. I also really loved the final scenes, romantic and normal, like they'd dreamt to live.

«There's a couple here now... They don't hide their true feelings and are honest with each other. They have promised to make an effort to be happy together»