OK, I have watched the first 4 episodes. I feel this is a "grand" drama, a cut above the rest of the usual dramas we watch.
The storytelling style is similar to Pachinko and The Frog where they switch between different timelines: - Earlier past (when Aesun was around 10 years old, portrayed spectacularly by Kim Tae-yeon) - Past (when Aesun was 18, portrayed by IU while Gwan Sik is portrayed by Park Bogum); and - Near present (middle-aged Aesun portrayed by Moon So-ri while IU portrays Aesun's daughter Geum-Myeong in her young adult version).
The earlier past timeline dominates the first episode, while the past timeline dominates episodes 2-4. These two past timelines -- the settings and cinematography remind me of Pachinko, while the childhood friends trope and Jeju as the main location remind me of Welcome to Samdalri.
The story is heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. This is supported by great acting performance from ALL the cast -- the main leads, supporting cast (including the han-yeo ladies) and even the supporting child actors are amazing. Special shoutout to the acting performances of Kim Tae-yeon (child Aesun), IU and Park Bogum.
The cinematography is spectacular -- particularly the scene in the pier when Gwansik's ship left and Aesun ran along the pier calling his name.
The pace is a bit slow in the first episode -- you might feel a bit bored especially if you are waiting for IU and Bogum to show up -- but it moves at a much faster pace on episodes 2 to 4. It's quite fast that I am curious about what things they plan to story-tell us for the remaining 12 episodes, and where the storyline will be heading to. There is a preview of episodes 5 and beyond at the end of episode 4 (at least that's what I saw on Netflix) but I can't really guess where the story will be heading since I saw some new faces I haven't seen in the first 4 episodes.
Finished watching the first episode. The cinematography is spectacular. The acting is top-notch across all casts. Agree with a commenter below that the young actress portraying the child Ae Sun, Kim Tae-yeon, stands out with her spectacular acting. I also saw Moon Woo-jin briefly as pre-teen Gwan Sik.
Can't comment about Park Bo Gum and IU for now since they only appear briefly at the end of the first episode. Looking forward to watching the next episodes!
Finally completed watching the last episode, which I feel to be too rushed, inconclusive with an abrupt ending. Still enjoying the drama mainly due to the superb acting performance of all the cast.
I am at episode 16 now. I am scared of blood so I stopped watching when Jeyi's dad refused to do the surgery on Seulgi's body and Jeyi said she would perform the surgery herself.
And I agree with some commenters here stating that the storyline is so confusing. I am not too sure if those are plotholes but some of the story just doesn't make sense.
what is Mr Han doing. he sees how black 🖤 his heart is with revenge. why does he keep deceiving him. That would…
Jiseok often come to the house nowadays after Hana's back, wondering why he hasn't cross path with Mr Han who lives in the house. It doesn't make sense, lol.
1 
The storytelling style is similar to Pachinko and The Frog where they switch between different timelines:
- Earlier past (when Aesun was around 10 years old, portrayed spectacularly by Kim Tae-yeon)
- Past (when Aesun was 18, portrayed by IU while Gwan Sik is portrayed by Park Bogum); and
- Near present (middle-aged Aesun portrayed by Moon So-ri while IU portrays Aesun's daughter Geum-Myeong in her young adult version).
The earlier past timeline dominates the first episode, while the past timeline dominates episodes 2-4. These two past timelines -- the settings and cinematography remind me of Pachinko, while the childhood friends trope and Jeju as the main location remind me of Welcome to Samdalri.
The story is heart-wrenching and heart-warming at the same time. This is supported by great acting performance from ALL the cast -- the main leads, supporting cast (including the han-yeo ladies) and even the supporting child actors are amazing. Special shoutout to the acting performances of Kim Tae-yeon (child Aesun), IU and Park Bogum.
The cinematography is spectacular -- particularly the scene in the pier when Gwansik's ship left and Aesun ran along the pier calling his name.
The pace is a bit slow in the first episode -- you might feel a bit bored especially if you are waiting for IU and Bogum to show up -- but it moves at a much faster pace on episodes 2 to 4. It's quite fast that I am curious about what things they plan to story-tell us for the remaining 12 episodes, and where the storyline will be heading to. There is a preview of episodes 5 and beyond at the end of episode 4 (at least that's what I saw on Netflix) but I can't really guess where the story will be heading since I saw some new faces I haven't seen in the first 4 episodes.
Can't wait for the next episodes to be aired!
"If you care about me, let me live my life.
Let me live without you...."
Damn, this scene is so heart-wrenching.
Can't comment about Park Bo Gum and IU for now since they only appear briefly at the end of the first episode. Looking forward to watching the next episodes!
And I agree with some commenters here stating that the storyline is so confusing. I am not too sure if those are plotholes but some of the story just doesn't make sense.
Shall I continue watching?
Just speechless watching the last episode. So hectic.
Unlikely, they are the FL and ML of the drama. In K-dramas, both leads will usually end up together (well except certain dramas such as 2521, lol).