The bindweed flower plays a pivotal role in this drama, and its meaning drawn in slowly and deeply is mentioned several times by the leads. The drama follows the same course, it is slow at first but then it draws you in deeply and intensely especially after the tenth episode. I really felt for and with the characters. Love Affairs in the Afternoon commits to its theme of infidelity unlike some other Korean dramas with similar themes. I was surprised how honest and unapologetic the drama is in terms of feelings and emotions of characters cheating on their partners. The romance between the leads is written beautifully and there is a tenderness with which their relationship is dealt with, that drew me in and stayed with me even after the show ended. Some subplots like that about the birds is awkward and plays far more of an important role than it should have even if they were trying to make some metaphorical remarks about love but still the plot keeps moving and always throws something new at you especially in the latter half of the show. I found the romance between the leads very compelling and I wish the show kept its focus on them. I can see how Soo Ah's story is important as well, but I couldn't help but wait for her story to pass and for the other two leads to be on screen. However, I did enjoy the friendship between Soo Ah and Ji Eun and how both women supported each other throughout. I think the strongest aspect of the show is its story and its overall message of finding one's most authentic self. It is written from a very open , honest, and empowering stance. I found out only after watching the show that it is a remake of a Japanese show, so I credit them for such a strong and honest voice.
I felt that the acting and OST could have been better, which would have added more depth to the show. Also, given how passionate Ji Eun and Jung Woo's relationship is, I felt the show is somewhat conservative with showing physical intimacy between them which is not necessarily an issue and keeps it subtle, but it could have been shown more realistically. I started watching the show for Lee Sang Yeob as the ML and I wasn't disappointed although I felt he could have been more expressive in some scenes. Park Ha Seun as Ji Eun is not as convincing early on in the show, somehow she can't capture the sadness and loneliness as well but she gets better as the show moves forward. I also found some pieces missing or never explained throughout the show, such as the drama shows both leads' in-laws but you never get to see their parents. Maybe it is implied that Ji Eun is an orphan or something, but it's strange that you never get to see her parents or anyone on her side even when she is suffering. I could have missed it, but if she's an orphan it makes sense why she found it hard to leave her husband at first. Also beware that the show is straight up melodrama, so even if infidelity is handles very realistically, some aspects seem exaggerated, especially how both spouses handle the situation and it can be rather annoying and dated to watch. Overall though, I was surprised by the depth of this drama and I may even watch it again just for their beautiful love story. It also had one of the most satisfying finales that gives closure to all characters. I'm happy I stumbled across this drama on Viki only recently. I'm surprised it was not on my radar before, it certainly is a good romance melodrama if you're into that genre.