JLM

Most of his movies are great, unfortunately his musical taste is ????? Someone should tell him lol

I agree, thank you for such an interesting insight. It isn't just empty vacuous, glossy escapism, it's an insightful examination of how an institution functions in all it's aspects, and how you fit an emotional attachment into that context, and still be effective. and keep your act together. The dynamics are surprisingly cutthroat, this drama director also did the same thing in Secret Love Affair, similar examination of a music institution. The politics, corruption, but also the love of creativity, music. You can see some viewers are just wanting a romantic, trope filled story where ML and FL fall into each others arms. That's not necessarily the only focus of this drama, though you can see it coming. Thanks again, I found your comment really interesting.

Really great show. However plot wise, I don't think we as viewers should be guessing why he didn't report the abduction and get drug tested, video or no video.. People are supplying plausible answers, but that's the writers job not the viewer. Of course keeping this under wraps will be the device to push action forward, the bullets in the gun, the psycho behaviour in the hospital etc. but a fugitive has to have a reason to be a fugitive. Surely abduction and being shot up with drugs is something anyone would report to the police. Especially as most of his colleagues seem to adore him. I wonder if the other jealous detective might be involved in the abduction. Just an idea, lol, really enjoying this series though.

Agree with everyone's comments re the ending. Up until mid ep 28 the pacing of this drama, the intricate story telling was phenomenal. Each detail was perfection, mainly of course the flow of the relationship between NY and ZL. Suddenly you get this speeded up, jumpy scenario where Qing Li has been set up to trap NY into confessing. Awful from many perspectives, because you thought as a viewer that she was reconciling with NY, but in fact she was baiting her. Awful to consider NY therefore confessed to a crime she didn't commit just to save ZL. And spends 6 years in jail as a result. Disgusting to consider LFL and the other guy forced this situation, then we get LFL breaking down and confessing he had a similar history, when NY could have been only convicted of self defence. Actually tbh none of this makes sense as a plot, also why the fuck are we getting to know LFL's background right at the end, it's redundant, and he is shown 'the hero' also right at the end, having spent 6 years finding a way to show that she in fact was innocent. Total garbage. Also the written description of what transpired was weird, why did we not see the progression acted out as previously. So much time was taken up with the young female friend at dinner, etc, why was there focus on her??? Actually she was a support character, and I doubt anyone much cares about her situation. He didn't love her, 6 years later get over it!!! Pretty tragic that ZL's life went down the toilet, after his promising future and all the rap and hype about it. So the ending was choppy and weird, and unsatisfactory. I. guess maybe it's more true to life, but this is a drama after all.
Having said all that, I really loved this drama and still rate if 10/10!! Agree that it is a masterpiece.

Yay!!!!

So this means that Xu Yi really killed himself, he was well and truly finished, and his only thought was to take NY down with him, I don't really get why she said she killed him as he obviously stabbed himself repeatedly. Really one of the most psychotic, evil psychopaths I've seen in a drama. Only equalled by her step mother. Amazing how ZL kept his cool and worked out a plan of action.
It's depressing how LFL and the other sunflower chewing detective are so obsessively fixated on convicting NY or ZL, and as it turns out they are wrong. Both have their motives, it's horrendous to watch NY being pummelled over and over, I really am disgusted by both those policemen. It's also hard to watch as even the people who supported her before, are now also becoming hysterical and abusive.
That scene, where after the glorious wishes for New Year were over and faded out, and each character is shown as miserable and defeated was priceless.
The shots of the village, the streets, the countryside, the markets, the houses and their detail, the incredible, fantastic Millennium celebration, with the atmosphere, lights, lanterns and dragons, are phenomenal.
The narrative is brilliant, complex. It's impossible not to be caught up in the plot, and react to the characters. Who are all so credible and brilliantly portrayed.
I really hope this drama gets the recognition it deserves, and wins an award.

Honestly from every point of view, story, acting, cinematography this is the one of the best things I have watched in ages. It really is a masterpiece!!

Yeah, exactly lol

Yes and now someone should comment on how he slurps his tea eeuuww!! , and his son with the abundant toothpaste froth, revolting.

Yes it's such a load of bullshit how LFL is pretending to carry out the most scrupulous investigation, while everyone else's disgusting, corrupt behaviour is conveniently overlooked. He doesn't seem to see what's driving him, or his own delusional motives.

Yes it's such a load of bullshit how LFL is pretending to carry out the most scrupulous investigation, while everyone else's disgusting, corrupt behaviour is conveniently overlooked. He doesn't seem to see what's driving him, or his own delusional motives.

Yes it's such a load of bullshit how LFL is pretending to carry out the most scrupulous investigation, while everyone else's disgusting, corrupt behaviour is conveniently overlooked. He doesn't seem to see what's driving him, or his own delusional motives.

I've just rated it 10!! I think ML (ZXC) acting is amazing, I'm a big fan of that controlled type of acting where the feeling/response is all in the face, subtle and controlled. As opposed to the girl who likes him, who's acting is a bit sub par, and also Qing Li who is batshit crazy, unhinged, unfortunately for the actress, I guess she's gotta do as she's directed but the character is way too hysterical. I also don't get why she hasn't been arrested for burning the car with the psycho glasses guy, and is still nursing away, despite obviously strung out on the job.
I think detective LFL is deluding himself. He's convinced himself he's fighting for justice, however I don't think he's free from the fact that he loved NY, and totally let her down. Hence his walking out of the office 'for a 10 minute break'. He must be beyond horrified to hear of her life, the factory, her family, the rape, her abuse over years at the hands of XY. Knowing that, why would he not give her the possibility of living a new life, now freed of her psycho husband. Is he in fact somewhat jealous of ZL, and can't bring that motive to consciousness, pretending he's just trying to solve the case perfectly, without ignoring any evidence. Just a point, how can he just walk into ZL's room and rifle around his personal possessions, it's totally unprofessional. I think it's probably a good thing that he is no longer on the case.

It's a wonderful story where everyone's motives are clouded, although they can't see it. Qing li's pumpkin seed chewing father obviously is biased in the same way as LFL is.Probably the most heinous, horrific character of all is NY's step mother. Doing every diabolical thing, to protect her rapist son, justifying every action in her own mind, the glasses guy is horrendous, just fixated on ZL, lashing out in every direction without reason. The list goes on and on. The complexity of the story, the hysteria, the unconscious misplaced hatred, the bigotry is so well done.

The character of NY is incredible. IRL I don't think anyone could withstand her experiences, and stay as sane and reflective as she is. The whole township is projecting their own misery and jealousy onto her as a target. The classic witch-hunt, She's a wonderful character, and I feel that Tong Yao is doing a fantastic job of understanding the complexity of NY, her life, her courage and dignity, her creativity, the degree of abuse she has suffered.

I suppose as a viewer I only hope she ends up happier and safe with Wan Wan, and of course with ZL, the only person who actually gives a damn about her.

I also put it on mute while he ate those pumpkin seeds, why they (editor, director) found it vital to turn up the volume on that who can fathom?? Is his effort to overcome a nicotine addiction that important to the story ?? I also FF'd when he was eating, however he's improved a bit in later eps!!

Exactly...and yet another trauma of SJW's making, the arrival of her precious daughter about as stupidly organised as possible, let's add to that....go to the abandoned factory where KYJ has murdered her husband, in fact they both drive there, all the way there for a 5 minute meeting, of course SJW is totally unprotected, naturally, shows all her cards ie the video, instead of going to the police, to a totally unhinged psychotic murderer, and then want to "give her a chance"??? OMG maybe this is an AI script....however I still think the acting is great, and I'm planning to watch ep 16, it can't get much worse.

Korea seems to be a strange paradox of ultra chaste and conservative on the surface, with an underground covert world where there is prostitution, drugs and crime. So although some of the sex culture these guys come across is depicted as OTT and distasteful it seems to exist on some level in SK as well. Although SSK and SDY appear interested, curious and polite it is clear they are often feeling awkward and disconnected. Having said that, it's not only Koreans that would be somewhat shocked at seeing prostitutes in a window, a live sex show, or meeting polyamorous couples etc etc. I think the average person in whatever country does not come across this stuff on a daily basis, I personally found the sex act thing pretty unappealing and gratuitous, more athletic than erotic. I found myself FF ing most of the show, and then dropping it. I"m also not convinced that most of Holland and Germany is quite as out there as this show would depict. No doubt this culture exists but I think it's somewhat misrepresented. Would Koreans think this is an accurate depiction of the way Dutch and Germans live?? Holland is to be commended for its very forward thinking legislation eg legalising prostitution, gay marriage and so forth. It has an amazing social welfare system. I think in that respect SK could take heed. I imagine this extreme view of the sex culture in Germany and Holland is good for ratings, but I could foresee KNets being pretty turned off, and lauding their own somewhat hypocritical system even more.

I think this drama is cute etc. well acted. Only thing I don't understand is why the leads are acting like awkward, chaste people out of a convent, regarding their relationship, when they are in their 30's, and fully experienced, professional doctors. I realise NHN is not very experienced in relationships etc. but their silly self-conscious 8 year old behaviour is irritating to me I also wish the brother would JUST get a job and stop being such a bludger, I know this is done for comedy, like the mother's behaviour, but it's just repetitive and stupid. Otherwise it's an ok drama.

This is an incredibly over the top makjang drama, full of ridiculous plot holes, a bit circular and repetitive etc etc. but I think it's great, super dramatic, fantastic acting by everyone. Jang Nara is really amazing, and the way So Yi Hyun is portraying KYJ as so diabolically evil, viewers are getting seriously upset. Just a testament to her acting skills. I seem to be the only one enjoying it, I must admit only to FFing the intense weeping scenes, but otherwise I'm looking forward to see how the writers wrap it up.

Interestingly this review mentions comedy, and humour a lot!! Bipolar, murder, rape, betrayal...and so forth...not sure where the laughs are???

Soooooo good to see normal people in a Kdrama. I sometimes wonder if they really exist in SK, there seem to be such insanely high standards to live up to in every respect. It was great to see two people struggling with real, gritty issues - money, happiness, sex life, trust, relationships. I thought it was funny, clever, a bit surreal. I love these actors, brilliant uninhibited and brave performances. So great to see a relaxed portrayal of gay relationships, having a joint, infidelity. From my POV the infidelity in most of these relationships was understandable, loved the couple with the toupees.
I loved every minute of it. I think the ending is open ended and totally plausible.