BlackLotus01

I see a lot of people calling the characters frustrating, immature, weird, and honestly, I can understand why. But I don’t think those qualities necessarily make them unrealistic.

The people in the lab? Are they weird? Of course 😂 But I find their behaviour believable because I have friends in that field and some of them have similar personalities. They’re academically brilliant but can be socially awkward and once you get to know them, they’re actually quite nice and funny so their behaviour doesn’t feel that strange to me because I’ve seen similar personalities in real life.

As for the two leads, I know people find their behaviour immature, especially considering they’re already in graduate school. But academic intelligence doesn’t automatically translate into emotional maturity. Someone can excel in their field and still struggle with feelings, communication, and relationships. Being an adult doesn’t mean you’ve figured everything out.

I also think this ties in with the English title, Between Steps. To me, it represents the space between who we are and who we’re still becoming. The characters have their own strengths but they’re also navigating insecurities, relationships, and emotions they don’t always know how to handle. Growth isn’t always a smooth or logical process.

There are definitely moments when I cringe and think, “WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!” 😭 But sometimes, when I take a step back, I can understand where a character is coming from, even if I don’t agree with their actions. The FL especially keeps me guessing. I’ve never met anyone quite as forward as her but that doesn’t mean people like her don’t exist. Not everyone expresses themselves or handles situations in ways we’d consider normal.

I think that’s what makes these characters interesting to watch. They’re unpredictable and their behaviour doesn’t always fit our expectations of how people their age or in their position should act. But real people can be contradictory too, socially awkward yet kind, academically brilliant yet emotionally immature, or confident in one area of life but insecure in another.

Of course, I’m not saying every character decision is automatically good writing or that we shouldn’t criticise them. I just don’t think a character has to behave exactly as we expect to be believable. Sometimes, understanding a character means looking beyond whether their actions seem sensible and considering why they might act that way.

I can understand why the scene felt awkward especially considering that Yu Jin initially ran away after she saw Min Jae’s leg. But personally, I interpreted her crying differently.

When she asks why he had to get sick when everyone else is healthy, I don’t think she’s necessarily implying that he had a choice or blaming him for his condition. To me, it sounds like she’s overwhelmed by how unfair his situation feels to her. She’s crying while expressing her frustration that someone she cares about has had to go through something so difficult.

I agree! I feel like Yu Jin thinks she’s more mature than she actually is. She can stand up for others without hesitation but when her own emotions are involved, she struggles to consider how her actions affect others. I think that’s where her lack of emotional maturity shows.

I understand why people are upset with her especially when it comes to Min Jae but personally, I find flawed characters more relatable because they feel more human and realistic. People can have good qualities and still make mistakes.

I’m curious to see whether Yu Jin will reflect on her actions and learn from them. I think that’s what will make her character development interesting to watch.

I find Yujin’s character quite interesting. After hearing the rumours, she wanted to see for herself, but when she did, she got overwhelmed and ran away. Was it the best reaction? Probably not, but isn’t that how some people react in real life? We don’t always know how to process what we’re feeling in the moment and sometimes our reactions hurt others even when that isn’t our intention. I think that’s what makes her character feel human. She can be genuinely overwhelmed and Minjae can still be genuinely hurt by her actions. Both things can be true. I’m curious to see how her character develops from here.

I don't see Min Jae’s cancer, amputation, prosthetic difficulties or social awkwardness as a checklist of tragedies the writer invented to force us to pity him. To me, those experiences are part of what shaped who he is and the drama is showing us how they affect the way he interacts with people and sees himself.

He's not just "a victim." He's a robotics researcher, he's intelligent, he's awkward, he's insecure, he clearly has difficulty navigating relationships and he's also capable of making questionable decisions. We're two episodes in and we're still getting to know him.

I also don't understand the idea that showing a disabled character struggling automatically amounts to "emotional manipulation." The show is allowed to acknowledge that disability can genuinely make someone's life more complicated without that automatically becoming pity bait. His difficulties with his prosthesis aren't some unrelated tragedy the writer added just to make him more miserable, they're connected to his amputation and to the reality of living with it.

Call it delusion or hope, but I truly don’t think Dongju is going to die at the end. The way the story is going, it feels like the writer is building toward something more bittersweet than tragic. If anything, I think he’ll lose his vision but stay alive and that kind of ending would still hit hard.

Just imagine if Hanna is the last person he sees before everything goes dark, that moment would be absolutely heartbreaking. 💔

And what if the dog named Dongju ended up becoming his guide dog? That would be such a sweet and meaningful touch. He’d literally be leading him through the darkness, just like Dongju has been guiding the team all this time. 🐕✨

This drama has always felt more about healing and found family than just pain and loss. So I’m really hopeful he’ll make it through. Even if he’s not physically whole, I think the story is saying that survival and peace are still possible. That even after everything, you can move forward and still find love, support, and light around you.

It might not be a perfect ending, but it would be the kind that really stays with you.

Oops, didn’t mean to stir the pot! Looking back, I can see how it might’ve come across differently. I just noticed Devil’s post above mine and thought the timing and username combo were too ironic not to joke about 😆 It was meant as a harmless little joke, dry humor, not shade or drama. Clearly didn’t land as softly as I intended 😅 All chill here, I promise 🫠

Really appreciate your comment! Always great to hear from someone else who’s enjoying the show too 🫶

And Devil’s triple warning above mine? Honestly felt like a one-man exorcism trying to banish the drama from existence, all signed off as Devil, no less. The irony tho! 😆🔥

Just some thoughts from someone who’s been enjoying the drama, even if it’s not exactly what I expected going in.

When it was first promoted, I was really drawn to the whole “Olympics Avenger Team” concept. The idea of former athletes forming a special force unit sounded like a fresh, ensemble-driven story with strong team dynamics. But now that we’re deeper into the series, it’s clear the title kind of says it all.

The team is present and has some solid moments, but their development mostly feels designed to support Dongju’s arc rather than stand on its own. And to be fair, that’s not a bad thing. Park Bo Gum is genuinely killing it in the role. Emotionally, physically, aesthetically. The man is acting like the rent is due every episode.

It just wasn’t quite the balance I expected going in. I was ready for a group project, not a solo presentation with occasional group slides. The spotlight stays firmly on Dongju, which makes sense given the title, but it does leave the rest of the team feeling underused.

Though to be fair, that one’s also on me, I probably should’ve taken the hint when the title was literally “Good Boy.” 🫠

The tone surprised me at first. The drama weaves together some heavy emotional themes with comic book-style action, fights that are stylized, exaggerated, and sometimes borderline cartoonish. Personally, I think it gives the show a unique energy that sets it apart. But I can also see how that blend might feel jarring if you were expecting a more grounded action. If the show had been marketed more clearly as a comic-action drama, I think the tone would’ve felt more in line with viewers’ expectations.

The story has moments where it loses momentum. The pacing slows, and it feels like we’re circling the same plot points. But the acting is consistently strong. The cinematography and direction? Gorgeous. You can tell the cast and crew are giving it their all.

I can understand why this drama isn’t for everyone. The way it was originally framed set up different expectations, and the actual execution veers in another direction. But if you meet the show on its own terms, it’s still enjoyable. It’s flawed, but it has moments that hit hard and stick with you.

So overall, not the best drama of the year, but far from the worst. If you manage your expectations (don’t go in expecting a full-on team-centered narrative or grounded realism), Good Boy is still a fun and worthwhile ride. I’m definitely sticking around to see how it all wraps up.

Funny how the comment section kind of mirrors the show, a little chaotic, sometimes repetitive, but still engaging enough to keep us coming back. Especially those who keep saying this drama is “stupid” every week 🤣 gotta admire the dedication! Maybe “stupid” just means “can’t stop watching” in disguise.

It’s far from flawless, and yeah, the pacing can drag, but somehow the story still keeps me curious enough to see how it all ends. So whether you’re here to praise or roast, one thing’s clear, this drama’s got us all hooked, no matter which side you’re on.

And if you dropped it? Totally fair. Not every show clicks for everyone. Watch what makes you happy ✨

I get why some people think the love triangle in Good Boy is unnecessary, but honestly, it adds more depth to the story. It shows how each character is growing and how they deal with love and loss in their own way.

Hanna clearly doesn’t have romantic feelings for Jonghyeon anymore. When she called him “sunbae,” that was her drawing a boundary. What she feels now is respect and maybe guilt, especially after he got hurt protecting her. She still cares, but she’s no longer in love with him. And that distinction matters.

With Jonghyeon, it feels like he’s quietly accepting it. He’s still around, still kind, but you can tell he’s starting to let go. He admitted he still wants to be with Hanna, but also said he wouldn’t pressure her. That quiet honesty says a lot. He’s not chasing her, just protecting her from a distance. There’s something really moving about the way he’s learning that love can sometimes mean letting go instead of holding on.

As for Dongju, I’m honestly scared about what’s coming. We know he’s sick, but Hanna and Jonghyeon don’t. That makes every moment with him feel so fragile. What if he asks Jonghyeon to look after Hanna if something happens to him?

That would be devastating. Not just for Dongju or Jonghyeon, but especially for Hanna, who’s been cared for and protected by both of them from the start. But maybe that’s where her growth comes in. Maybe this time, she’s the one who steps up to protect them.

And if the writer follow through with that arc, with Hanna choosing to fight for the people she loves instead of always being the one protected, it could turn what looked like a predictable love triangle into something deeply meaningful.

Not about who ends up with who. But about sacrifice, timing, and what it really means to love someone, whether that means letting them go or standing beside them.

Not gonna lie, the drama’s starting to feel a bit draggy lately. The constant loop of the team confronting MJY only to be defeated again is wearing thin 🫠

Still, I’m sticking around because the small background reveals are honestly more interesting right now. Like finding out about Drugmon’s past and how MJY is using that against her. Her soft spot for women probably has to do with the girl she’s been searching for.

And the girl at the flower shop with MJY?? Who is she? MJY’s lover?? That caught me off guard.

And Leo?? His arc is getting better every episode. I don’t think he killed Hanna’s dad. I mean, he was definitely there, but what if he’s not the one who pulled the fatal shot? And if he did, maybe the guilt is why he left that alcohol at the grave. And that shot at the end of ep9 didn’t feel like he was actually trying to hit her, it felt more like a warning to alert the cops or cause just enough chaos for the team to escape. Yeah, he aimed at her, but maybe not to hit her and then Jonghyeon stepped in and got shot instead.

I could be wrong, but it’s that ambiguity that’s keeping me hooked. Also can someone tell the director/writer to give Jaehong more screentime?? He’s been MIA lately. Lowkey starting to joke that he might be the leak 😭 (but hopefully not lol)

Honestly, isn’t that the whole point of the show? They’re introduced as the “Olympic Avengers,” so it makes sense the story is built to make them look heroic (even if they’re still a mess now, ‘cause they keep losing to MJY 🤣). It’s more about flashy action and epic moments than strict realism, which I think most viewers expect from this comedy-action genre.

Fair point tbh! A backup plan would’ve made sense with all that corruption going on. But hey, sometimes K-drama logic leans on tension and chaos over tactics 🤣
Tactical failure? Maybe. Cinematic excellence? Absolutely. We got that epic tunnel scene out of it 🔥 No tunnel scene would’ve been the real crime here 😤

Yeah, I can see how it’d feel like that. Personally, I saw it a bit differently. There was a scene where Mansik told them to change the route after they got out of Jungdong Tunnel. Hanna and Jonghyeon were already heading in at that point, so I don’t think they expected to get ambushed inside the tunnel. Felt more like the villains just outplayed them earlier than expected.

As for the weapons, I think it’s more of a gang-style thing. The Korean-Chinese gangsters seem to go for knives and pipes, while the Russian side (like Leo) uses guns. So it doesn’t feel like it’s just to glorify the heroes, it kinda fits how each group operates, if you think about it 🤷‍♀️

And as for the pacing, yeah, I get why it might feel a bit samey to some people. It’s more of a “we already know who the villain is, now let’s see if the team can actually take them down” kind of arc. It’s a slower burn, and not everyone’s into that. If you’re expecting constant twists and momentum, I can see how it might feel a bit off.

That said, I feel like people who aren’t vibing with the pacing might actually enjoy it more if they binge it later. Even with two episodes a week, the flow just hits different when you can watch it all in one go.

But hey, if we really are stuck in the “fight, lose, revenge, repeat” loop, at least they’re making it look good while doing it 🤣 Hopefully the second half gives the team more shine ✨ and builds toward a proper payoff 🙌

She’s not using real bullets because I think that’s just how it works there. Honestly I don’t even think she was issued any, probably just non-lethal ones.

But if she ever fires one for real, that little “teach me how to shoot” line MJY said at the hospital is gonna hit so different 😭🤣

The pacing and structure of this drama is kind of unusual, but I think it’s intentional. I think there’s a reason they introduced Min Juyeong so early. They wanted us to know who we’re dealing with right from the start. We see how powerful he is through his minions and actions.

It kind of feels like a reverse build-up. We get the villain upfront, and now we’re watching the team try to take him down slowly. They are making moves, but since they keep messing up or getting blocked, it feels like we’re stuck in a loop. Maybe that’s why it feels draggy to some people. Still no real win against any of MJY’s key people yet.

Also, there’s a lot going on under the surface if you look closely. That hospital scene where Drug Mon said, “Or you could just tell now where that b*tch is” and MJY replied, “If I do that, I’ll be in trouble. Make the goods first, and I’ll tell you.”That line really stuck with me. Who is she even looking for, and why would he be in trouble?

Lowkey think Drug Mon might switch sides. She clearly has a soft spot for women. She was pissed in the drug lab scene and didn’t hesitate to take that guy out. Plus, she kind of saved Dongju’s friend’s mom. There’s more to her for sure.

And the Russian mafia guy? I think he’s somehow connected to Hanna’s dad. Hanna’s dad was said to be investigating the murder of a Russian mafia member in 2008, and his own death might be linked to the group known as Black Cat.

That “Choose something that’s right for you. Don’t make the same mistake as I did” line by Leo, followed by his flashback of possibly someone younger holding a gun? Yeah, that wasn’t random.

This show really rewards people who pay attention. Can’t wait to see how it all connects.