Hope is the light that still shines
I think this drama is getting a lot more hate than it needs to be cause of how it turned out, but like the title, it's really about that sliver of sun shining through the darkest of times. I think while we are young, we build these memories that we look back our whole life thinking about how happy we were, and how we changed and I think this drama encapsulates this feeling a lot, especially with the feeling of love. Sadly, life is often a series of miscommunication and obviously it's not as enjoyable knowing the full behind the scenes while the characters don't, that's sometimes what life is and I think that's one of the more enjoyable parts of this drama. The chemistry between Jinyoung and Minju was something that really shown through the drama, and I think Jinyoung's acting was super articulate, I could feel the despair and happiness radiating around him whenever he felt something, and as an emotional person, made me relate heavily to his circumstances and feelings. This is a drama purely based on the feeling on latching on to that last slip of hope, and sometimes you just got to see where that little shining piece of hope can lead you in life.Was this review helpful to you?
"A Love That Still Shines Through Time"
Still Shining is one of those dramas that quietly stays with you. It doesn’t rely on heavy twists or dramatic storytelling—instead, it builds its strength through emotions, memories, and the idea that some connections never truly fade away.The story follows two people who were each other’s first love in their youth but got separated due to circumstances, only to meet again after many years. Park Jin-young plays a man who has learned to live a simple, steady life, while Kim Min-ju brings warmth and quiet strength to her role. Their reunion isn’t dramatic or explosive—it’s subtle, slightly awkward, and filled with unspoken emotions, which makes it feel more real.
What really works here is the atmosphere. The drama carries a nostalgic tone, constantly shifting between past and present, reminding you of how time changes people but doesn’t erase feelings. The chemistry between the leads feels natural and gentle rather than intense, which suits the story perfectly. Their interactions often rely on silence, small gestures, and lingering looks instead of dramatic confessions.
Visually, Still Shining leans into soft lighting and warm tones, giving it a comforting and slightly melancholic vibe. It feels like watching memories unfold rather than a typical storyline. The OST blends well with this mood, enhancing emotional scenes without overpowering them.
However, the drama isn’t without flaws. The pacing can feel slow, especially if you’re expecting constant progression. At times, it feels like the story is repeating the same emotional beats. The plot itself is quite simple and predictable, and some supporting characters—including roles played by Shin Jae-ha and Park Se-hyun—don’t get as much depth as they could have.
Still, what makes Still Shining special is its sincerity. It doesn’t try to be more than what it is. It’s a story about first love, time, and the quiet hope that some feelings can survive even after years of distance. It may not leave a powerful impact instantly, but it lingers softly, like a memory you revisit.
Overall, it’s a calm and emotional watch—perfect when you’re in the mood for something nostalgic and reflective rather than intense.
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"A touching story of pure love and innocence between two middle-class hustlers."
FACT:♡♡If you’re into love stories, this one’s for you.
The story begins with a pure, ♡innocent friendship that slowly-slowly grows into something ♡deeper—love♡.
But distance steps in early, bringing its own challenges, and eventually leading to a breakup.
No cringe scenes, no weird characters—just clean ♡storytelling and a perfectly chosen cast.
It also features stunning visuals of ♡subways and bridges, which add depth and mood to the narrative.
Distance really messed things up for them.
Getting back wasn’t easy—it was even harder than ♡falling apart.
The background music may be ♡average, but it still hits where it matters ☠︎.
After ten years of distance, silence, and ♡missed chances, their love doesn’t shine easily—
it endures, and that’s what makes it real.♡♡
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She didn't care, why should I?
Things I liked1 The acting of the ML. he's a great actor and he deserved a better partner, a better story, a better ending.
Things I disliked
1 The FL. She didn't convey any feelings and I'm not sure if it was her acting or the story that didn't work. Probably both, but I still think she was the weak link.
Things I hated
1 The ending. What exactly did they want to convey? I've seen dramas with sad endings that delivered but here there was nothing to like. The FL was an awful character and let me tell you something: she never loved him. That simple. but that wasn't the thing that irritated me the most. It was him giving her the possibility to come find him in the future. For what? to ruin his life? Unbelievable. This was a bad ending if I've seen one and no, I didn't cry, I wasn't moved. I was mad.
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Soooo Depressing
Hate the ads for the candy and food appearing in the K-dramas- they are really overdone. I don't think Netflix offers the best in K, C or J dramas.The narrative began in an interesting way then the narrative failed. The acting nor the plot were able to convince me that these characters were in their 30s and still so clueless.
Both characters were struggling and had very odd ideas about what is possible in a relationship.
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Complex main characters, slow pace.
April 2026.I had high hopes for this drama, as I love Jin-young's acting. I actually thought both leads gave good performances, as both characters were incredibly complex, and with reason.
This will definitely not be for everyone, and I imagine it splitting opinion quite widely, just like 'My Liberation Notes' did (which I didn't enjoy).
I thought this was well written; there were no real extremes in the story, and it felt quite true to life, in terms of the ordinariness of the every day.
The ML character has, what feels like, the weight of the world resting on him ~ he feels overwhelming responsibility for his family, seeing himself as the most able provider.
He is often withdrawn, doesn't say unnecessary things, and doesn't talk about how he feels, to anyone.
The FL character also feels similarly about family responsibility, but for very different reasons. She is somewhat more outgoing, but at the same time has no friends.
The two connect whilst nearing the end of High School, sharing a study space, and become close friends. They seem drawn together and provide one another with often unspoken comfort.
The pace may be crippling for some, and the story at times stagnant. I personally felt that fit. They were healing slowly and beginning to think of themselves more ~ Eun-A was definitely a shining light for Tae-so; and Tae-seo a rock and guiding light, for Eun-A
At this point I liked her character; quirky and quite focussed. However, some actions towards an adult female character earlier in the story, especially when coupled with later behaviour as an adult, made her seem an incredibly selfish character, to me, byvthe end of the drama She put herself first, and I got the distinct impression she was desperate for a way out of her young adult life, which she was successful in getting ~ again through someone else's guidance and involvement.
The two grow apart, as happens, with college/Uni and maturing. They reconnect later, and it's from this point I really grew to dislike Eun-A. I felt she used people, from beginning to end~ maybe it wasn't intentional, but the feelings of others were secondary to her, from where I was sitting, it was mostly about her own aspirations, and needs. Yet she allowed herself to be pushed around in work settings. Infuriating.
The ending, I thought, was fitting.
Made me want nothing but love for Tae-seo in his future, and for Eun-A to grow up and think of others, as well as herself.
If you don't mind an at times snail pace, with a contemplative focus, you might like this. I didn't dislke it at all, but watched alongside others, as it aired, which I think helped. Not one I could binge, nor would I revisit it.
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Biggest waste of acting talent and MY TIME
I am so frustrated after watching this. It was the biggest waste of time. I watched to the end hoping for some resolution but it was just stupid and annoying to the end.I am so sad Jinyoung felt he needed to do this drama. He needs to do brighter rom coms. People will just think of him and get depressed because of this drama. I guess in that sense, he did a good job acting. However, this story doesn’t deserve his efforts nor our time.
There’s plenty to be depressed about in the world these days. I don’t need to waste time and money for crap like this.
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Story of most pitiful and unfortunate Taeso
I’ve watched quite a lot of dramas, and usually I just move on after finishing one. But this time feels different—I genuinely needed to sit down and get this off my chest.First off, I have to say: I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more unfortunate, pitiful male lead. Not in a compelling, tragic way—but in a frustrating, almost exhausting way. His character feels mishandled throughout, and the ending only makes it worse. Personally, I would have much preferred a clean break between the leads. Instead, we get this one-sided confession where he says “I love you” and gets nothing in return, leaving the impression that he’ll spend the rest of his life stuck on her. It just feels unfair to him as a character.
I don’t hate the female lead, and I don’t think she’s a bad person. But as a gf, she was undeniably frustrating. She wasn’t honest or forthcoming about her situation with here ex (the sunbae and her business partner), and that lack of clarity kept creating unnecessary tension. One scene that really stood out to me was when she had wine with him alone in the guesthouse while the male lead was going through such a difficult time with his grandmother. That contrast was hard to ignore.
It also started to feel like her presence consistently derailed his life. His job interview gets affected because of her memory, and her interference shuts down any potential relationship he could have had with the second female lead. It creates this pattern where instead of supporting his growth, she unintentionally holds him back.
What makes this more disappointing is that the show actually started strong. I really enjoyed the early episodes—the tone, the setup, the emotional pull all worked well. But things began to go downhill for me after the female lead abruptly ended the relationship the first time. From there, the story just never quite recovered.
That said, I’m at least glad the show didn’t stretch itself out unnecessarily. It could have easily dragged on for several more episodes, and that would’ve made things even more frustrating.
In the end, I just wish the male lead had been given a more satisfying arc—something that allowed him to walk away, heal, and move forward instead of being left in emotional limbo.
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The characters are all miserable and depressed
Let me start by saying I really enjoyed this show for the majority of the episodes. The story was simple, but enjoyable. The first half or so felt like watching a real story more than watching characters in a show, which I really liked. It gave me the same feel as When Life Gives You Tangerines in that way (a very high compliment). Then the show got to the finale and lost so many points for me. I hate when a finale erases everything that the show did and that's exactly what this finale was. There was no point to the rest of the show nor the progress the characters made because the finale throws that all away.The first few episodes of them in highschool and the year or so following were the best of the show. We saw them fall in love, and see how hard it is to keep a long distance relationship going while trying to get through your first year in adulthood. That was all beautifully done, even their breakup. The next episode jumping ahead 10 years and seeing what they've been up to, loved it. Then they run into each other again...it starts out okay and then really went downhill from there. They get back together for a month and breakup for the same reason they did before, Tae So is making all the effort to be together while Eun A is making none. They breakup again and I'm thrilled. Tae So has A Sol in her life and I think they'd be really good for each other, which they were. I was hoping it would develop into more, but not mad it didn't either. Where the show greatly disapointed me and made me angry to be honest, is the finale. Most of the finale is spent with Tae So and Eun A meeting up, saying goodbye, and repeat. They keep saying that it's going to be their last goodbye over and over, but it isn't. Finally Eun A decides to go to Hawaii and they say goodbye...again. We flashforward a year and she sends him a message, he smiles, and they start to narrate the same thing talking about destiny, and the credits roll.
...the credits roll.
Reasons I hate the finale with a passion:
1. It was wasted by a million goodbyes that meant nothing
2. When we think they're just going to get back together, she leaves AGAIN
3. It's been a year, maybe he can move on. NOPE. She's got him wrapped around her finger AGAIN.
4. The entire narration talking about destiny. They are not destined. They are just two people who can't move on because they don't let themselves nor eachother move on. They're just going to keep repeating the cycle over and over again.
Other issues I had with this show:
1.We got to hear what A Sol was thankful for with Tae So, but didn't get to hear what he said to her...why? Because we wasted all the screentime on pointless goodbyes.
2. Eun A was super selfish and thoughtless. She never cared about what Tae So wanted or what was best for their relationship. She only cared about herself
3. Eun A seemed like a completely different character in highshcool than the rest of the show. In highschool she was fun, caring, whymsical. After that she was boring, depressing, and selfish.
4. Eun A's beef with her stepmom seemed stupid. We didn't really get enough on why she blamed her for her dad's death, so it just seemed petty.
5. The "dating" between Eun A and Seong Chan was so pointless and practically nonexistant. Also why did he have a thing for her when she was 17? Weird.
6. A Sol's ending seemed like they didn't care about her ending so they just faded to black on her last scene and we never saw her again
7. Tae So was so boring for a main character. Super caring, yes. Not much else though
Things I liked:
1. Tae So and Eun A's chemistry as well as Tae So and A Sol's chemistry. The actors did a great job with that
2. Great cast. I liked a lot of the actors
3. Tae So's family. I loved seeing the relatiopnship between all of them. Loved his brother a lot too. I thought the brother and his coworker were going to get together but they didn't do anything with that.
4. A Sol. She was the best character and I really enjoyed her scenes.
5. I liked the cinematics of some of the shots
6. I liked how simple the story was. Everything nowadays is always so flashy and in your face, so this was a nice change of pace.
7. The realistic feel of this show, like I mentioned before.
Overall, I enjoyed quite a bit about this show, but there was also a lot I didn't. The finale is where my biggest issues lie and unfortuantely a lot of that outways the good.
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Slow, messy, and I'm just... confused ?
This drama seemed promising at first. Their school life was nice to watch and it's a pity they didn't make it longer. Main thing that bothers me is that I have so many unanswered questions. Like about Eun-a's dad, Tae-so's parents Seung-chan, A-sol... and so much more. I feel like it wasn't properly unraveled to an extent I would like it too. Oh, and it also doesn't have a plot. Not really. Besides what goes on with Tae-so's grandma, there wasn't a storyline going on. Also the misinformation goes crazy, there are so many moments where they just can't talk things out for some reason. It's very slow and I just couldn't really grasp what's going on. And it's quite monotone, like the only emotion I feel from it is this weird sadness. I have to say it is cozy and has soft vibes though, but I don't really think it's worth it just because of that.Was this review helpful to you?
One of the most realistic drama I ever watched
No sugar-coated events or realities. A story we can all relate to, which makes it hit on a deep emotional level.The ultimate choices—love or life, oneself or others. Families that are struggling or even toxic. Responsibilities too heavy for such young adults…
Even when they’re apart, it’s not because love faded, but out of necessity and a lack of choices.
Visually, the settings are remarkable, and the leads are gorgeous and act so well. Seeing Minju here was a pleasant surprise.
The OSTs are very healing too.
My drama discovery of the year so far.
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Storyline has this spark which makes you keep on watching, you slowly connects to the story!
Love how they’re pacing the storyline and I find the lead couple so adorable! Their dialogues feel relatable, nothing too much or over… you can easily connect with them and try to understand them on the deeper level! Sad part there’ll be only 10 episodes. Ideal for those who don’t like the story to be dragged much!Would highly recommend it to those who have lost someone in their life or love watching Romantic and deep type love stories… where the couple share great bond and completes each-other with their presence in their life!
Why she left him? Did she got the trauma from her dad who was also facing depression into his life.. are the questions which keeps me thinking what gonna happen next..
Jinyoung & Kim Min-ju’s acting is like a breath of fresh air in summer days! <3
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