Aadia

Thanks for the response, this was what I was finding as well. I saw the original comment and then nothing to back up the assumptions and conjecture to follow. Cancel culture needs to relax.

Hi! Do you happen to still have the source for this? I'd like to read more about it

I came to the comments to see if there is any hype about this drama and just find a lot of vague comments about the lead actor being homophobic, not caring about the LGBQT+ community, only in it for the cash grab?

I tried to use all my google-foo but couldn't find anywhere that elaborated on this besides the initial 2 line Instagram comment and a ton of fan conjecture after that. Have I missed something?

> breaking up with the other party thinking it is best for her/him... and acting like a saint over it.

Great example (and I'm looking forward to your article @Shiro!). I don't know the common term for it, if there is any, but I call this out as intentionally causing trauma (the unnecessary breakup) and emotional manipulation ("I did you a favour so you owe me") - as entertaining as it is at times!

Your line "What was great [...] even this little light stalking was called out once it came to light" really sums it up for me.

Too many times I've seen comments of "this behaviour is problematic" be responded to with "it's just a drama" and that always makes me sad. Just because it's a fictional story, doesn't mean we should ignore, accept or brush off the behaviour as okay in that fictional world.

We can (and I certainly do) enjoy dramas even if problematic behaviour is portrayed. But it's important for it to be recognised - and even better yet, acknowledged - when it is shown.

Thank you for this article full of thoughtful, example-rich content. We need more discussions like this where we can analyse our favourite dramas without getting defensive or feeling personally criticised.

Heck, just repost this article yearly.

BTOB dancing to Red Velvet's "Dumb Dumb" is iconic BTOB 😆

Lowkey love any show with the famous person / common person trope so this one is right up my ally.

Lee Jun Young seems to be really rising as an actor. Good on him! Hopefully he doesn’t continue to get too typecasted, but at least he can show off his dance skills. I’m all for it.

This. The drama had zero development, but those that thought the ending was a happy one missed some crucial signs.

My interpretation: Even though she is with Jae Eon (for now) she still doesn't want to disappoint or dash the hopes of Do Hyuk. Because she's still unsure what she wants. She mentions in earlier episodes that she feels like it's cheating, and it still is. Like someone addicted to cake but saving that dress that's one size too small in your closet because it might fit someday.

This. I came to see how many people had this thought too. :)

Great recommendations for a cosy weekend at home! Our Times is one of my favourites and I've never found anything like it since. A first love story done right, heartwarming and nostalgic.

This is one of the reasons I’m dropping it too. For a therapist he’s kinda out of touch with his own feelings and gives out terrible advice…

Thank you for this well-written article! Of course we all have our favourite cliches but it's always great to look deeper at common tropes and what makes drama stories and characters good (or not) -- Character Agency 100%.

The only SLS I ever experienced was "Reply 1988" and only because I legit thought he was the ML the whole time... Same with "Love Alarm" which is a whole other mess I won't get into *^_^*

Thank you. The hunt has ended!

The airdate shown is for the original release on Tencent. They release them first (they are up to episode 10 at the moment) and Viki / YoYo English Channel on Youtube release it later with English subtitles.

It’s interesting that you thought it was dated as I felt the opposite! There was definite sexism agreed, I found that quite relatable as that behavior still happens today unfortunately. I thought she handled herself well though

Complex characters with charms AND flaws, interesting social commentary that makes you think, and unconventional relationships that you could really understand. It’s rare to have a drama so relevant and captivating and to think it was made almost 20 years ago... It didn’t feel dated at all. Highly enjoyable watch.

EDIT: And thank you to all the comments recommending this adaptation as the best. Started with this one and I don’t think I can bring myself to watch any of the others.

I loved the "Lost Romance" soundtrack for some great pop-ballads, especially Marcus Chang "Lose To You" (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4llOrEvDduNifZOaPI4gPe?si=Rc-jLUJPQOK4DDl6JGyr-Q).

Also, "Someday or One Day" title song by Shi Shi is so hauntingly beautiful. And "Le Coup de Foudre" soundtrack has such distinct vibes it always brings back memories.

Ah that it's adapted from a Lakorn makes so much more sense now!

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! I can definitely appreciate if she does redeem herself later on. I liked everything else about her and this show, especially the role-reversal, but decided to drop about halfway through. She was still trying to find a way to have his baby at this point (even though she told him she wouldn't) and it just didn't sit right with me. I was spoiled through the comments that she later has the baby and doesn't tell him for 6 years. I would be so mad if I was the father. This show ended up more makjang (soap opera style) than I thought it would!