FIRST some things to consider: This story moves very slow. It was like sitting with friends and hashing out all the neighborhood drama that was going on, so it does not feel like a fast-paced get to the happy ending story. Every emotion is dragged out. At times it may feel like it is lagging. It seems though that storyline changes were made somewhere along the way and it picks up as it progresses. My rating is for the well developed characters and their relationships and the acting.
Story:
So many issues in this. I watched this as it aired. So I had to wait for new episodes. This was a good thing, because I got to savour the first couple episodes and let it marinate in my mind. The societal issues that this show deals with are very timely. The first couple episodes were a punch to the gut. I like romance and it took a couple episodes well for the show to set up and get to the romance. But this did not deter my enjoyment, because the story was so good. That said: the romance of the two main characters alone is worth sitting through 100 episodes. I did not like how the second romance line ended, but even in that it speaks to societal norms and a what the culture would accept as a suitable outcome. This story was real in only the way a Korean drama can do it. So much commentary on how we live our lives, thought-provoking. There is so much pain but so much love, all of it that makes up what our life is. The show is aptly named.
Acting/Cast:
There were a couple annoying characters for me. But as the story developed, I did not get to like them, but understood them and accepted them more.
The main male and female lead gripped me EVERY SINGLE TIME they were on the screen (Kim Jae Young and Seol In Ah). This was a slow show and the nuances were important - they did such a great job. You feel them struggling with everything and trying to find a way to manage the fact that they want to be with this person.
The second couple had a love triangle and a character that was so well done - as a son, brother, neighbourhood person and friend. Loved the character and the acting (Yoon Park).
Music:
I can't say it stood out to make my playlists, but it fit the mood of the show well.
Rewatch Value:
Because of the themes in this show, I would have to be in the right mood to watch again. I would probably skip through to the main romance line and just revel in how they handle their love matter of factly.