Editorials 
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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Worth a watch?
Some did not like this because of the ending but it ended the way it did for a reason. A slow drama but slow for a reason. If a drama is judged by the actors ability to have the viewer feel the emotions required to understand what is being presented without a lot of dialog this drama scores a 100. The chemistry between the main leads felt real and the conflicts between them could be felt. The meeting and separations of the two was sometimes frustrating because of the sometime lack of communications, things left unsaid, yet there seemed to be an understanding between them.Yes the ending could have been different, but it did not leave me empty.
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This review may contain spoilers
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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Should Watch
I don't know what to start with but let put the title "Should Watch" then, the stories is like a roller coaster, at first you can feel happiness but then it make you stress out, the re-do that again. But the main reason I rated it high because it make me watch until the ending, although the it is an open ending, which I don't like open ending so take out 0.5 in total of 10 (4 in total of 10 for story). Again, the OST save the show a lotttt, it was so good and put it in the right place!Was this review helpful to you?
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good GOODBYE
I'm writing my first review here because I'm deeply touched by this series.I started watching it the minute it started airing in March but it took me too long to finish it until today, and it's totally my cup of tea. It's a slow-paced melodrama about two teenagers who have to deal with a lot of things while they're still too young. Then we have a 10-year time jump, when they meet again under different circumstances.
I think this series wanted to show that we can have a good GOODBYE, and that it's not always a bitter feeling. We can love someone deeply, but when we're with them, we can feel like we're stuck in a cage and trapped in a cycle. I believe it was really a good choice for them to be apart at the end because, as the FL said, they would have remained stuck in the same loop without getting anywhere.
Personally, I related to both characters. I related to the ML because I'm the first child, and as I grew up, it was always my responsibility to take care of things when they got worse, even when I was too young. And I related to the FL because I understand her feelings. She wanted to stay with the ML but thought that maybe a better time would come when they could work things out together. But sadly, sometimes it's not just about timing.
Although I believe the writer could have done a better job of writing her character, especially when it comes to her thoughts and how she felt throughout those 10 years. I think the series moved too fast, maybe because it was only 10 episodes. That's why a lot of people called her toxic, which I don't think she was. They just didn't show enough of her perspective. She was young and was dealing with a lot of things all at the same time, so of course she could have made some mistakes.
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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?
This review may contain spoilers
When we step back and look at how the story began and ended. The two leads were in love and still are. No matter how long its been their relationship was real spending time together and even the time of missing each other. Some may say the ML is stubborn and annoying but you have to remember they fell in love with each other at a young age and they were still working on themselves. You also have to consider their background life. One was working on himself in school but far apart while the other still haven't figure out what she wanted to do. Situation and decision had to be made. Two people growing up together falling for each other but due to their situation they had to stop. Ultimately they were hesitating to get back together because neither side didn't wanna get hurt or hurt the other. Although it was sad to see them part ways that's how the real world works. Not everything have to be a happy ending.
Reasons why I liked it - showed the love of two young people progressing into their adult life hard choices were made.
years later they were slowly catching up the time they missed but it happy things had to end because the reality hits them that it'll be hard to hold on to the relationship as it will hurt each other. That is why they had to part ways. While being mindful that they love each other.
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A slow burn that shines because of the characters
i’m kinda conflicted about Still Shining because i genuinely enjoyed it, but i also don’t think it’s as flawless as some people make it out to be.what i liked most was the atmosphere. it has this quiet, comforting vibe that makes you want to keep watching even when not much is happening. the emotional moments usually land because the drama takes its time with the characters instead of rushing everything.
the acting was probably the strongest part for me. even when the story slowed down, the cast made the relationships feel believable. i found myself caring about the characters more than i expected, and that’s what kept me invested.
that said… the pacing is definitely going to divide people. there were episodes where it felt like the story barely moved forward, and a few plotlines could’ve been trimmed without losing anything important. some emotional scenes also felt a bit repetitive, like the drama kept making the same point instead of trusting the audience to get it.
the romance (if you’re watching for that) is more about emotional growth than constant butterflies, which i appreciated. it’s subtle, sometimes frustrating, but it feels earned by the end.
the cinematography and soundtrack deserve a mention too. they’re not flashy, but they fit the tone perfectly and really add to the overall feeling of the drama.
overall, i don’t think this is a drama for people looking for nonstop twists or fast-paced storytelling. it’s slower, more character-driven, and asks for a little patience. if that’s your thing, there’s a lot to appreciate here. if it isn’t, i can totally understand why it wouldn’t click.
for me, it’s not perfect, but it’s one of those dramas that sticks with you because of how sincere it feels rather than because it does anything groundbreaking.
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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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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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A slow and quiet storyline
As much as I love healing dramas, this one was a bit too slow for me. I lowkey had no clue what was gonna happen next cause it was so slow. I think there are just too many dramas coming out for me to want to stick to this show. I'll probably come back to it one day as the main leads have such a sweet chemistry but as for now I am dropping this show.Was this review helpful to you?
