Our Blues

Best storyline ever

I enjoyed this drama, from the conflicts between friends and families, mental health issues, awareness to the different abilities, everything are prefect. this show is absolutely perfect with good ending too. strongly recommended
I enjoyed this drama, from the conflicts between friends and families, mental health issues, awareness to the different abilities, everything are prefect. this show is absolutely perfect with good ending too. strongly recommended
I enjoyed this drama, from the conflicts between friends and families, mental health issues, awareness to the different abilities, everything are prefect. this show is absolutely perfect with good ending too. strongly recommended

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A beautiful story about unique characters and all their ups and downs in life

Our Blues reminded me how precious the "Slice of Life" genre is. It showed the viewer how different and unique everyones life is and it drew attention to so many important topics in a beautiful and heartwarming way.
I have to admit that the beginning was a bit jolty for me, so I even dropped the drama by ep 8. BUT that didn't prevent me from rating this drama with 9 stars. The only reason why it was difficult to drive into this drama was the big amount of characters that were presented, so I was a bit overwhelmed by which person was related to the other one. And of course some storylines were more relatable then others, yet they were all beautiful written.
What I loved the most about this drama was how well the characters were designed. For every emotion they felt and every action they took or every word they spoke, there were reasons and past events which explained their choices so well. So especially in the beginning of a story I sometimes was a bit angry at some characters because of the way they treated others but while watching their story developing, their actions began to be understandable. I also loved that in every conflict nobody was totally right or wrong, this made their stories so realistic. It showed how important it is to be forgiven and honest to each other.
I also was stunned how well they brought sensible topics like mental illness and disability to the surface which are often presented in a stereotypical way. As a person who doesn't have to handle depression or facing ableism, it gave me an insight which made it a bit more tangible for me.
In general the drama covered so many stories about love, friendship and parenting beautifully and it is for granted that you will feel every emotion. From heartbreaking scenes to heartwarming ones everything is there!
Definitly worth to watch :)

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No joy in life

You know, nothing is perfect, and there is a lot to love about this series. The acting was out of this world, many dialogues were brilliant, the characters were all very well crafted.
I'm sure, enough people praised this series to the moon and back. It made me very, very emotional and I cried a lot.
But I can't give 10 stars, because the series made me also angry. Some stories and characters were beautiful, others were rather annoying. At the end, I wasn't annoyed anymore, because everything came together, but throughout watching the drama, I had a lot of rather negative emotions towards this series. Not gonna lie, the teenage pregnancy plot made me almost drop it. I enjoyed the girl with the disabled sister, and I seriously think her story was one of the best, only matched by the dying mother story at the end of the series.
Well, I don't want to spoil, and I know this review is a mess.
I was raised by a very poor family myself. My mother could be one of those old women, working her whole life. She also came from a very poor family. Her mother, my grandmother, had five children, one died. Life was hard back then, but not as hard as portrayed in this series, where we have a woman at a similar age as my mother, who lost her parents when she was only six, her older brother died some years later. Then she married a good guy, had two children. The husband died in the sea, her daughter drowned. Come on! This is against all odds! I would start believing in a revengeful god if this is reality. Maybe I'm ignorant about South Korea's history, but this is too cruel and unbelievable. This is the most extreme example, but almost none of those characters was raised in a healthy and happy family with father and mother. Dead parents, gambling, suicide etc. seems to be normal on the Jeju island. Really? I enjoy realistic series, but when they overdo it with the drama just to have a story to tell - I don't know.
Back to the title I gave this review: No joy in life. There were moments, where I felt exactly that: those characters were all miserable. They said it themselves twice: no joy in life.
The after credits said something like: We are on this world not to suffer, but to be happy.
This series didn't make me happy at all.

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"We were born to be happy"

Lots of ups and downs, I switched back and forth from really hating some characters to starting to love them again especially with Eunhui. Eunhui had a lot of redemptions, which is shocking because when I hate a character it's usually for the rest of the drama. This drama has a lot of actresses and actors I'm familiar with so it's always nice to see how they'll portray this character. I still have a dislike for Hansu even from the last episode, and it's probably because he doesn't show up again after episode 3 until episode 20 so you can't see any character development and that's frustrating. Inkwon and Hosik were so annoying at first but once they stopped fighting I loved their characters. I love how we get to see how vulnerable Eunhui is on the inside. I didn't like how the first three episodes were only about Eunhui and Hansu, it made it hard to follow and it seemed strange to just start with only those two without knowledge of any other character. I definitely like Hyeon and Yeongjus story the most. I was very frustrated by Seona and Dongseok at first, but in the end I really liked them. If I could wish for anything for this entire drama I wish I seen Kijoon more often. I think if a spin off was created just for Hyeon and Yeongju I would enjoy it, but that wouldn't be necessary at all and probably wouldn't end up being very good. I absolutely love Hyeon and Yeongjus characters and their story. I liked Miran a lot I just wish we knew about her more from the beginning and not towards middle/end. For the most part I don't think it was AS good as the reviews acted like, but it was still quite good, just a bit overhyped so I had high expectations, it definitely wasn't as good as other dramas I've watched but the way the episodes are formatted could be the reason I feel that way. I think throughout this drama I was able to empathize really well with the characters and could almost feel what they felt, and hate the person who wronged them, however that wasn't really the case with Okdong, I just couldn't feel bad for her at all, but I was a bit sad by her ending. I wish we got an update with Hansu, not like the last episode but a proper one where it cut to him like a proper support role not just a guest role. Another thing I wish is it could've been just normal episodes and not divided by only 2/3 characters that were related to each other at once, I kinda wish they talked about all the plots at once, the dividing made some things predictable and just less nice to watch, I think my rating would be much higher if it was formatted like dramas usually are. I think in this case the time jump in the last episode was done very well. Quite a cute ending. I wish Eungi got a proper ending or just appeared more, she was so cute. I liked the message at the end about I think the way the ending was made the entire drama much better to me. I liked the message at the end, "There is one thing we must remember in our lifetime. We weren't born in this world to suffer or feel miserable. We were born to be happy. We wish everyone happiness!" Ups and downs, but I'm happy I watched this.

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Smoldering hearts; soothing splashes

The stories of loosely related characters take place on the volcanic island of Jeju, far from the thrills and electric pace of the mainland. Jeju's a place where you can only run so far before reaching the shore to contemplate upon yourself; a place where flashing wealth is not in style; a place where the wealthy still haggle for the best fish prices (or so the setting has us believe). Through music, cinematography, and short stories, the show's ambience encourages us to examine the human heart with a magnifying glass. And that is what Our Blues does so well - invite us to look at the human condition intimately, intensely, and to the point we want to run away and cleanse ourselves of these heavy feelings. It's so intense, that I took several days' breaks from watching the show to seek out lighter fare. It's not all melancholic plot; there are many moments of humor and joy.

The show isn't particularly plot driven, or even character driven; they're important but development is limited due to the omnibus-style narration. What the story does well is invite us to slow down and contemplate the universality of being human. Every human struggles with hardship, relational stress, and craves acceptance. The stories also remind us how much effort goes into living with self, with others. If we work on communication, work through difficult experiences, the potential to find permanent solutions, or at least respite from problems, is achievable. It's when we realize others are hurting and working to get through life that we may back away from hardened feelings, and find opportunities to heal, forgive, and re-connect.

I wouldn't listen to any of the soundtrack in my personal listening, but it was an effective accompaniment to the show. Many tracks evoked the wistful, playful vibe of an island. Perhaps a bit folky. Not a lot of virtuosic guitar solos at the end of the fretboard if you know what I mean. The natural scenery was impactful, soothing, and we see the sea in its many forms, both day and night. The lodgings, market places, and community spaces all looked authentic and humble.

It's difficult to comment succinctly on characters. Overall, a terrific ensemble. Several stories are not believable, but succeed in evoking emotional reflection. One of the scenes that captures the show's overall ambience is when Lee Dong Seok gets angry when his regular customers purchase products from another vendor. In mainland commerce, everyone knows that competition drives life. But here on the island, working together means survival. The haenyeos reinforce this for us as well - "We move together".

Don't feel you have to watch this show in one go. Take a deep dive (watch what you can handle), catch some pearls of wisdom, and return to the surface for air when you need. When you're ready for the next dive, go for it.

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I wish I could give 8 ratings instead of one, to be fair to every story, since that is not possible, I'll do that here: order based on my preferences)
8-Han Soo&Eun Hee 2/10 (I really hated this one, I was almost gonna drop the drama because of it, thank God that I didn't)
7-Young Joo&Hyun 4/10 (not the type of story or the message that I'll want to watch)
6-Mi Ran&Eun Hee 5/10 (a decent story about friendship)
5-Ho Shik&In Kwon 7/10 (The scene in prison cell and the scene between In Kwon and his son in ep8 get 10/10 from me that's when I decided not to drop this drama)
4-Dong Seok&Seon Ah 8/10 (Just watching Shin Min Ah and Lee Byung Hun in one story was enough, I didn't expect much, but ended up loving it, Seon Ah's character developpement was great)
3-Choon Hee&Eun Ki 8.5/10 (ep17 turned my eyes to a waterfall)
2-Young Ok&Jung Joon&Young Hee 9/10 (Young Hee was a bless, so happy to see Kim Woo Bin in a drama again he had a great chemistery with Han Ji Min)
1-Ok Dong&Dong Seok 10/10 (A movie that you need to watch, mothers stories are one of my weak spots, they used it so well, seeing Lee Byung Hun and Kim Hyeja's acting was the gem of this drama, they were so good that I can't call it an acting)
Lee Jung Eun had was in the 2 weak stories but had more presence than the rest of the cast, she gave us Eun Hee the strong independent woman.
My favorite characters that I just loved seeing them in every scene are the two "halmoni"s Ok Dong and Choon Hee what a warm duo!
Over all, it's 8.5/10 and I'm sad to give it that rating after watching such a masterpiece in the last 3 episodes, I wished if they took off some weak stories and shrinked it to a 16 episodes drama, it would have been 10/10, it took me 8 episodes just to decide not to drop, but this drama was unique, special and so real.

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Now I know what "Slice of Life" means....Loved it!

This was one of the best Dramas I have watched in a long time. The stories, the way it was formatted, the music, everything. I was not sure what to expect when I started it, but I wound up binge watching the whole thing in one day! I never do that! I did a lot of laughing and crying (the end of episodes 8 and 15 did me in!) If anyone asks me to recommend a drama, this would be it. I hope there is a season 2. I don't think anything was left open, I would just like to see where everything went in the future for these characters. But I will definitely be rewatching this in the future!

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A beautiful story intertwined by multi-generation of pains

I barely give-out perfect scores but this show just truly hits everything right. From the ensemble of cast, the warm independent stories that connected the residents with one another, the cinematography showcasing unseen beauty of Jeju and the entire conveyance of the importance of happiness was great.

The show manifest how we should see our lives—objectively and with happiness. Honestly, I was able to relate to each of them somehow as they poised real issues that is going on in our society in general (not just in Korea, but the world). All of the emotions I felt while watching was raw. For me, it felt like it was made to give me feelings and to long for that warmth.

I initially thought that this drama will bore me. until I realized that I’ve become engrossed with their lives and seemed to be a resident of Pureung. I wish there was more episodes as I think it could resonate even further on some of their relationships but it needed to end on a certain high and so I am glad.

Excited to visit my parents this weekend!

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Life and the human condition

Just finished watching this. There are upsetting, gut wrenching moments in this drama - just like our lives are peppered with them. But thankfully, there are some truly heartwarming moments that do make up for the other times our hearts are left broken.

The entire cast and crew are brilliant. Just a tremendous piece of storytelling and art brought to life. So many standout moments in this show. Please read everyone's reviews of this drama.

I've watched a couple of Han Ji Min's works and her characters have always come off as slightly different from the usual rom-com Kdrama female leads - not as cutesy or charming, a bit stern and 'straight' type of character. At first I didn't like her character of Young-ok. But I came to truly like Han Ji Min the actor as she was portraying this role. Even towards the end Young-ok wasn't my favourite but I'm glad the writer created such a character.

So, not every character was truly likeable but that's life. Nothing everyone gets a cathartic moment but that's life. And I guess that's the pinnacle of beauty in this show. The good, the bad, the ugly - brought to life, tussled with, leaving people healed, and also leaving others a lil bit broken but strong enough to move on.

There's something about this drama that just left me scratching my head at the beginning but before I knew it, everything clicked. The pieces of the puzzle fit in so snuggly, it was like nothing was ever out of place. I think many viewers will feel the same way. Whether it was the way the storytelling in the beginning or some of the characters or just a general feeling that the show was emitting. This could also act as a metaphor to this thing called life, the human condition. A bit of unease and confusion at times but sometimes it all clicks into place and all feels right with the world.

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Therapeutic Watch

Oh, Our Blues! Let's dive in. First of all, this drama slices you right through the heart, and there’s no easy way around that. It’s raw, it’s messy, and it’s real. Every single character in this show feels like a person you could pass on the street, and the way their stories intertwine is nothing short of breathtaking.

Starting with the obvious—the acting. The ensemble cast is insane. You’ve got Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Han Ji-min, Kim Woo-bin, and the list goes on. My favourites? Defintely Yeong-ju and Jung-Hyun. These actors absolutely breathe life into their roles, making every moment hit that much harder. The chemistry is perfect, and you can see it in the smallest interactions—whether it’s the old, worn-out love or the frustration of feeling stuck in life.

The show’s pacing is masterful. It doesn’t rush, it lets the characters marinate in their own struggles. There’s this level of patience with the story that’s both frustrating and beautiful. It’s frustrating because you want answers right now, but it’s beautiful because life doesn’t hand you answers on a silver platter, and Our Blues really drives that home. It’s not afraid to delve into tough subjects like loneliness, regret, or lost dreams, and the depiction of life in Jeju Island gives it an authenticity that’s hard to ignore.

What I love the most is how Our Blues doesn’t give you a perfect resolution. There’s no “and they lived happily ever after” type of ending. The characters don’t get everything they want, but they get what they need. The way it deals with everyday hardships—whether it’s growing up, the constant pressure of societal expectations, or the personal demons people battle—makes it one of those rare K-dramas that feels almost therapeutic to watch. It makes you appreciate the small moments of joy that seem insignificant but mean the world when you look back.

But my heart, when it came to the friendship and family dynamics! This drama wasn't about one grand romance or any big plot twists, but it was about the people, and that's what made it so special. The way it explored community, love, trauma, and generational issues just felt so... real. Watching these characters navigate through life's hardships, finding solace in each other, and finding the strength to keep going-honestly, I've never felt so emotionally moved by a show before.

In summary, Our Blues is one of those K-dramas that’ll stay with you long after the credits roll. You might cry, you might laugh, and you’ll definitely think. And, yeah, the ending will probably leave you sobbing, but it’s all worth it. 10/10.

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Stay happy, keep your loved ones happy, and learn to forgive.

The drama was very warm and cozy...It's interesting how we tend to dwell on painful memories while overlooking present happiness...We should strive to live in the moment because this time won't return, nor will those who we hold grudges against, and vice versa. It's important to find joy in small things, appreciate what we have, keep our loved ones happy, and learn to forgive.. 🤍
I really liked how each character was portrayed in depth in the drama... The scenes at the sea were very relaxing. I loved the market scenes, and Deok Seok's trip with his mother felt incredibly beautiful to me... 🥲❤

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I give Infinity♾️ points to this drama!!

THE ACTING!!! THE MUSIC!!! EVERYTHING HAS QUALITY!!!
Our blues was such a warm drama. It showed the problems and struggles of all the characters in their life and how they overcome it. I didn't plan to watch this drama but now that I watched it, I must say I'm glad I did!
I love how they focused on everyone's life in this drama. And I like how there is not 1 main character but all of them are main characters! It felt like watching a real person's life. It always felt so real and relatable I can't describe it.

SPOILERS BELOW!!!!


I liked all the chapters.
I cried watching the whole last episode except some scenes.
The friendship between characters sometimes made me cry. ( because I don't have that type of friendship)

I'm just happy that man su didn't die. I didn't want chung hi grandma to lose her child again. I really adore eung hi she's so cute and acts so well!
I'm so happy that dong seok is finally free from all the unhappy things he remembered. I believe he and seon ha will be happy together.
Captain and yeong ok suit each other so well. Captain is so calm and accepted everything about her. He's such a green flag! I always found yeong hi cute, she always tries to do her best! I really like her personality!

Eun hi always reminds me of my aunt. She has the exact personality as my aunt. So I always felt comfortable with her character. And felt relieved when she finally made up with her friend.

Hyeon is such a good partner to young joo. He never leaved her and always assured her that he's always with her.♡

I want to say many things but i just can't express myself well! Well this drama really made me cry too much. I love this drama from the bottom of my heart.
And the OST's, love them!!!

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