More than the sum of its parts...feels like I'm better off than I was when I started it

The writing, acting, and directing are all so strong...but the show is more than just the sum of those parts. It isn't a feel-good show by any stretch - it shows some dark events and explores some tough themes - but it unfolds in a way that leaves you feeling like you came through the other side better off than you were when you started. The themes of platonic love, family bonds, and neighborhood ties are woven together nicely.

Heartwarming...a feel-good ensemble show from beginning to end

So. Heartwarming. Cute kids. Sweet Gradmas. Beachy vibes. Strong chemistry and comedy between the leads. I thought it was going to be the typical big-city kid returning to save the little picturesque hometown story, but it turns out that the town reached out and saved him. Just a feel-good ensemble show from beginning to end. Dimples galore!

Chemistry between leads and coming-of-age theme supported by mellow cinematography and soundtrack

The chemistry between the leads is the highlight of this show, which the plot helps develop by showing them at different points in their relationship at different ages. I loved how they developed the ML. The FL was developed too, but it seemed more like just breaking down her walls, whereas the ML found himself over time. The coming-of-age theme was supported well by the mellow cinematography and soundtrack.

Humorous and poignant contrasts between NK & SK...kind of a love letter to the Korean people

Yes, it is blatantly implausible and swings wildly between genres - but there is so much to like between lovable characters, romance with tons of chemistry, and both humorous and poignant contrasts between North Korea and South Korea. I was new to K-Dramas on my first watch so it really made an impression, but it continues to stand out as kind of a love letter to the Korean people and how heartbreaking it is to be so completely cut off from each other. The composer gets an A++ for this soundtrack.

Iconic...flawed but lovable characters grapple with what is means to live and die and be reborn

This is just the total package: well-developed storyline and character development, iconic cinematography and set/fashion design, flawed but lovable characters who find reconciliation and redemption, funny and touching dialogue, and deep themes of what it means to live and die and be reborn. Chemistry and cuteness of leads is off the chart. And the soundtrack is also A . Buckwheat :)

Easy to get immersed...compelling story and chemistry

It was easy to get immersed in this fantasy because of the compelling storyline and the chemistry between the leads. It was a shock for them to then switch actresses in Part 2, but it did seem to serve a purpose (even if that wasn't their intention from the beginning) with the soul-switching. At some point, it did seem like the FLs were intertwined. The ML was really strong, from beginning to end.

Themes of family and found family support tricky depictions of neurodiversity and mental health

Man, with this plot and these characters, it could have gone so very wrong. But the writing, casting, and acting made it all feel organic and built up to a really satisfying conclusion. The themes of family and found family work together to help support the often tricky depictions of neurodiversity and mental health. Chemistry between the three leads was perfect. Bonus points for artwork.

Nailed it...timelessly funny

The actress absolutely nailed this. This will be timelessly funny with her portrayal of a 21st-century man (a ladies' man, no less) stuck in the body of a Joseon-era queen. I was pleasantly surprised at how the romance played out and how the ML interacted with her in those scenes. The costumes and set design were also stand-out.

Weird but interesting...with emotional payoff

The premise here is weird but interesting, and also fruitful in terms of episodic story arcs that support the overall theme/arc of the show. The prosopagnosia angle with the ML has been done several other times, but this show takes it to an extreme with the constantly changing appearance of the FL. I liked both the leads and loved the storyline with her mother. That's where I really felt the emotional payoff.

Understated but in the best way

This show is so understated compared to the other shows at the top of my list but in the best way. It is just pitch-perfect with its wit and chemistry between the characters - the writer gave it a pensive and yearning tone that really hit home and was reinforced by the A+ soundtrack. Bonus points for one of the most romantic first "real" kiss scenes in a k-drama. And so much love for Our Kitty!

Made my heart grow three sizes

My heart grows three sizes when I think of this show. I love its nostalgia, childhood friendships, family and found family bonds, slice-of-life moments, awkward young romance, and combo of humor and heart. It's one of those shows where you feel like everyone - writers, directors, actors, musicians, etc - were all putting their hearts into it. I really cried at the end when they were grown up and moving out of the neighborhood!