Kathryn_51

No triangle with the main leads.

Very thoughtful post.

I haven't re-watched every single episode, but it's clear to me that the two lead characters are close in age. In 2010, Haeng-seon was a new member of the Korea Woman's Handball team - so around age 22/23. And then, out of the blue - a niece that she didn't even know about arrived and her mother died - all in the same day! Meanwhile, Chi-yeol was studying for his teacher certificate - so, age 22/23 - and on the day of his father's memorial service he is eating there at the same time as the above events. Twleve years later - they are both in their early-to mid '30s.

Some MDL viewers are more likely to look at the age of the age of the actor/actress, but they are in a minority of actual viewers who never bother to visit MDL or look up these details. The story/script is clear - they are close in age and suffered traumatic events within the same week.

But I DO wish that stylists didn't style her (and her best friend) in vintage clothes from the ought decade. 😐😐😐 I find it hard to believe the crochet and flowery blouses are available in any clothing store in Korea, except perhaps the thriftiest of thrift stores (do they exist in Korea?)

I always look forward to the "fake date" trope (shades of "My Private Life") and this one delivered. I binged all day - and disagree on small little point - ML doesn't "hate" women - he distrusts them. I liked his character more than the FL. But overall, it was still charming and enjoyable.

Haha, I just wrote a review (one of my few) and I also used the word "charming". Not my absolute favorite, but still very enjoyable and easy on the angst/melodrama.

If you really don't like romance or comedy, then no - you shouldn't watch. For those of us who like romcoms, it is one of the best because the writing and characters are excellent.

There are some serious elements to the plot as well but the overall arc is the road to romance. And there are many very funny/amusing moments.

If you continue to watch, you will learn how difficult her life became and the sacrifices she made at a young age. And you will also see her charming and loving side. That is. . . .if you continue to watch.

After first 2 episodes, many predicted that Ji was the metal ball guy. So. . .I guess that continuing some sort of trope is possible/probable but . . . .how trite can a K-drama get???

Based on my calculations (but I need to re-watch a couple of episodes to confirm), Nam Heang Seon and Choi Chi Yeol are about the same age. NHS was part of the National Handball Team and CCY was studying for his teacher's exam. And they each lost their Mom/Dad at the same time (2010). The FL character is NOT significantly older than the ML.

Thanks for your answer. I've begun to re-watch and it's interesting the small things one sees now that are possibly meaningful now that we are up to Ep. 8. Are they valid clues?? Or, red herrings? Time will tell.

If there were no scheming, manipulative moms in this series, there would be no show! You need to have antagonists in order showcase the Good Guys.

Meanwhile, I have a question - do we know how many years ago did the "incident" with the girl student occur? At one point, I thought it was ten years but then thought I heard (read) it was three years ago. i'm re-watching from the beginning and trying to put together a timeline.

Haha, I was trying to choose between:
"dismayed" (dispirited, aghast, dejected, upset, disillusioned)
OR
"disgusted" (revulsion or strong disapproval)

Somewhere in between the two if there is a better word. 😁😁

Meanwhile, I'm really enjoying Crash Course. 🥰

I was disgusted when AoS ended because Part 2 was so awful, but Crash Course has renewed my interest for k-dramas when the plot, character development and cast members all come together to create something this charming and refreshing.

This has been my thought from the beginning - it is almost classic K-drama trope.

My favorite genre is rom-com So, although AoS was promoted as fantasy, the trailers were very comical w/hints of romance. But if JSM hadn't been the FL, I probably would have ignored it.

Loved the one-on-one fight scene between Park Jin and Naksu and actually that scene was a masterpiece of direction and CGI - I don't think Hong Sisters did anything more than write: "Epic Fight Scene". Plus, most of the credit for "Naksu"'s fight scene goes to the stunt double - she's amazing. She doubled for both JSM and GYJ (and actually portrayed the soul-shifter that tried to kill JBY). Here's her video - lots of behind the scenes of her work.

https://www.instagram.com/stories/highlights/17919730982376940/

Thanks for the positive note. I visit AoS Part 2 on MDL every few days, but frankly Part 2 was such a let-down for me that I find it difficult to say anything positive. Fantasy isn't my preferred genre (I started originally because of JSM) however they really did construct a new world with it's own rules, hairstyles, costumes, etc - and the CGI and cinematography were jaw-dropping. Although Part 1 had some issues with consistency, Part 2 plot had very little to do with the 'young mages" and their world of Daeho.

Meanwhile, I'm looking forward to new projects by some of the cast members - something I have never done before. 😊

"This has always been a misconception about personality of Naksu/Yeong."

I disagree that there has "always" been a misconception. In Part 1, viewers became acquainted with Naksu/Mu-deok - a woman "burning in the fire of revenge" (your words) WHO CHANGED over 20 episodes due to the love of Jang Uk and all of her friends. She. Already. Changed. In Episodes 19 and 20, she was already caring and adorable and she had always been intelligent enough to handle situations.

THAT was the story for Part 1 -and people here on MDL were furious at the idea of the amnesia plot and prayed that she would regain her memories quickly in Part 2
Viewers wanted to see that woman return and it was a big let down when that didn't happen.

Before Part 2 was released, many (most?) AoS fans one MDL were looking forward to seeing Naksu return to her fierce assassin mode - dealing with Jin Mu together with Jang Uk - and absolutely No Later Than Part 2 Episode 3 or 4.

I would have liked to see the feisty, cunning, INTELLIGENT Naksu/Mu-deok who achieved her goals with brains, spunk and strategic planning.

Major fail. Which explains why the ratings/viewership for Part 2 are lower than Part 1.

thanks everyone for confirming that I didn't miss anything!

Did we ever hear what happened to "stalker girl"?? At one point, someone mentioned they hadn't seen her recently (?), but I don't recall hearing (reading subs, lol) anything further.

Don't be embarrassed - it is probably THE favorite romance "trope" in human stories and lore. Jane Austen: "Pride and Predjudice". William Shakespeare: "Much Ado About Nothing". My absolute favorite and I. Am. Not. Ashamed. 🥰