This is a much better show than I had expected. I thought it was about the romance but it isn't really. It reminds me a little of the K dramas Racket Boys and Hot Stove League. Who doesn't love an underdog triumphing odds story?
The problem with Yuri and Ju-hwan (the exes) is that they wanted their respective cakes and eat them too. The lesson here is I think appropriate -- unless an individual takes responsibility for their part in a failed relationship, they can't move on. This is why Ju-hwan is making noises about reconciling with Bo-ra because he hasn't come to grips with his part in why things ended between them. People who cheat like they did is because they are looking for something else that they don't find in their current relationships. I say this not to justify infidelity but to look at the outcomes more objectively. A lack of communication is certainly a contributor but at its core, it's about unmet expectations that are often unrealistic. The leads get there eventually. Because Su-hyeok eventually acknowledges to himself and Yuri that he wasn't willing to change for her or be the man she wanted him to be, it set them both free. Bo-ra was right. If a man isn't willing to go to the next level or if he's dancing around the issue, then you know he's just not into you. Cheating is usually a symptom of a much deeper problem that gets repeated if not confronted. This is the same issue with Sang-jin and his ex. Because neither of them knew what it was that led to the end of their relationship they were in limbo. In the end the truth set them both free.
This is why I don't think Bo-ra will get back together with Ju-hwan. Certainly not with Su-hyeok in the picture. Certainly not after their last conversation where she in the voiceover called him a "loser". She has moved on but he hasn't because he hasn't taken responsibility for the end of their relationship. He hasn't up to this point acknowledged his sins. He apologizes but he never says why he's sorry. It's meaningless filler. The fact that he wants to get back with her demonstrates how clueless he is. It's sheer hubris. Does he even love Bo-ra? Or was she just a trophy girlfriend to begin with? I think it's just the catfish effect in reverse. I imagine the writer means to use Ju-hwan to light the fire under Su-hyeok's bottom although I think Su-hyeok is justified in taking things slowly considering Bo-ra's reaction to the kiss. But it seems to me that in his mind, they are already dating. He practically confessed right in front of her friends under the guise of "method acting".
I suppose it’s one of those things where viewers have to suspend their disbelief for the sake of plot narrative.…
I had a hard time watching it but it wasn't a deal breaker. : D It was the scene that sparked the most incredulity. Although I did wonder if it was an accurate depiction of some aspect of SK society or based off someone's experience.
I was already in love with the character of Soo Hyuk before that moment (never believed that two-timing little…
The biggest problem is that she desperately wanted him to be something he wasn't. Often it's the case that people have different expectations of what a long-term relationship should look like.
It's incomprehensible (and unprofessional) to me in Episode 4 that no one especially her bestie kept her company in the green room or even thought to stop her while she was going on her rant.
But of course it gave Su-hyeok his knight in shining armour moment.
There are things to like about this second chance romance. The cute precocious kid being one of them. It's certainly more grounded than something like Unforgettable Love and the more recent equivalent whose name escapes me. The leads are good. Wang Ziqi in particular as he does have a flair for the comedic. I don't even mind the supporting romances here.
However, 30 episodes is a stretch and it shows with the push and pull. I don't like the implication that the male lead has to get it completely right before there can be any hope for a long-term commitment and I certainly don't like that it's used quite mercilessly to give Zhou Ruji a reason to hope that he has a chance with Min Hui when he obviously doesn't. After 18 episodes, I am frustrated with the lead's dynamic.
Hard to believe that Ms Yao is more mature than the two older women.
Despite the show straddling in and out cartoon territory, I'm enjoying it. At least there's a decent plot, everyone's reasonably competent, good teamwork and interesting historical titbits. It's a good-natured romp all round.
4 
This is why I don't think Bo-ra will get back together with Ju-hwan. Certainly not with Su-hyeok in the picture. Certainly not after their last conversation where she in the voiceover called him a "loser". She has moved on but he hasn't because he hasn't taken responsibility for the end of their relationship. He hasn't up to this point acknowledged his sins. He apologizes but he never says why he's sorry. It's meaningless filler. The fact that he wants to get back with her demonstrates how clueless he is. It's sheer hubris. Does he even love Bo-ra? Or was she just a trophy girlfriend to begin with? I think it's just the catfish effect in reverse. I imagine the writer means to use Ju-hwan to light the fire under Su-hyeok's bottom although I think Su-hyeok is justified in taking things slowly considering Bo-ra's reaction to the kiss. But it seems to me that in his mind, they are already dating. He practically confessed right in front of her friends under the guise of "method acting".
But of course it gave Su-hyeok his knight in shining armour moment.
However, 30 episodes is a stretch and it shows with the push and pull. I don't like the implication that the male lead has to get it completely right before there can be any hope for a long-term commitment and I certainly don't like that it's used quite mercilessly to give Zhou Ruji a reason to hope that he has a chance with Min Hui when he obviously doesn't. After 18 episodes, I am frustrated with the lead's dynamic.
Hard to believe that Ms Yao is more mature than the two older women.