Thunder, Rain, And A Love Caught In The Storm
This series really was something. I understand why many viewers say it lacks consistency. In my opinion, it feels like a slightly organized mess. There are strong elements, but they do not always work together smoothly. So let’s break it down.
{Pros}
First, the acting was genuinely good. The emotions felt real and were expressed well. The yearning, the begging, the desperation, all of it felt raw rather than forced. The actors carried the emotional weight of the story in a convincing way.
The cinematography was another strong point. The countryside scenes were warm, soft, and visually stunning. In contrast, the scenes set in Seoul felt darker and more suffocating, which matched the tone of the story. Both settings were beautiful in their own ways and helped reinforce the emotional atmosphere.
The chemistry between the leads was also solid. The tension was well done, and the kiss scenes were strong and believable. Visually, the series was very pleasing overall.
Some parts of the story were decent and had interesting ideas, but they could have been developed more carefully.
And that is mostly where the positives end.
{Cons}
This story had so much potential. Unfortunately, I began losing hope as early as episodes 1 and 2. That is always disappointing, especially for a BL with a premise that could have delivered something powerful.
The biggest missed opportunity, in my opinion, was the pacing of the relationship. The series had the potential for a strong enemies-to-lovers arc, possibly stretching the tension until at least episodes 5 to 7. Instead, the emotional and physical connection happened very quickly. The kiss and the mutual feelings felt rushed, especially considering the standards and hostility set in the first episode. Because of that, the yearning and slow emotional buildup, which are essential for this trope, were weakened.
The storytelling also feels inconsistent. In the first episode, we are given background information about the characters and their history, but later the narrative does not fully commit to that foundation. It leaves several confusing questions, how close were Seo Jeong Han and Lee Il Jo before everything happened? Were they on good terms? Did Seo Jeong Han have hidden feelings before everything began? What was their real dynamic in the past? The lack of clarity makes it difficult to fully understand their emotional connection.
Another issue is the surgery subplot. In the first 2 episodes, Lee Il Jo’s surgery seems serious and significant, but after a brief mention, it is almost forgotten. Considering it appeared to be a major procedure that would require recovery, the lack of follow-through feels unrealistic.
Overall, the series maintains a very depressing tone. There are barely any light or genuinely happy moments. The family dynamics are already toxic, driven by money and status instead of love, and this negativity carries into the central relationship. While darker stories can be powerful and meaningful, they need balance to avoid becoming repetitive. Unfortunately, this series becomes emotionally exhausting rather than engaging.
Seo Jeong Han spends much of the series chasing Lee Il Jo. I did appreciate that he was not emotionally detached or trying to be nonchalant, he begged, he embarrassed himself, and he showed vulnerability. That felt real. However, Lee Il Jo’s constant attempts to leave, combined with his emotionally distant behavior, became frustrating. At times, it genuinely felt like he did not care, even though it was clear he was also hurting. Eventually, it became tiring to watch the same cycle repeat.
The series mainly consists of sadness, chasing, and family drama. There is nothing wrong with that kind of plot, but it needs stronger execution and better pacing to remain compelling.
And I'm still wondering why they didn't just let the same actors play as their younger selves, I kept wondering who those 2 kids were, I thought it was some random side couple with no information (which at that point I wouldn't have been surprised if they did that)
{Final Thoughts}
I truly grieve the potential this story had. A slower burn and a stronger enemies-to-lovers development could have made a huge difference. Instead, the relationship progression felt rushed and uneven.
I would not strongly recommend it, but I would not call it terrible either. It has good acting, strong visuals, and emotional intensity, but it lacks consistency and narrative depth.
Overall rating: 7/10
And I am still waiting for the perfect enemies-to-lovers BL that checks all my boxes.
{Pros}
First, the acting was genuinely good. The emotions felt real and were expressed well. The yearning, the begging, the desperation, all of it felt raw rather than forced. The actors carried the emotional weight of the story in a convincing way.
The cinematography was another strong point. The countryside scenes were warm, soft, and visually stunning. In contrast, the scenes set in Seoul felt darker and more suffocating, which matched the tone of the story. Both settings were beautiful in their own ways and helped reinforce the emotional atmosphere.
The chemistry between the leads was also solid. The tension was well done, and the kiss scenes were strong and believable. Visually, the series was very pleasing overall.
Some parts of the story were decent and had interesting ideas, but they could have been developed more carefully.
And that is mostly where the positives end.
{Cons}
This story had so much potential. Unfortunately, I began losing hope as early as episodes 1 and 2. That is always disappointing, especially for a BL with a premise that could have delivered something powerful.
The biggest missed opportunity, in my opinion, was the pacing of the relationship. The series had the potential for a strong enemies-to-lovers arc, possibly stretching the tension until at least episodes 5 to 7. Instead, the emotional and physical connection happened very quickly. The kiss and the mutual feelings felt rushed, especially considering the standards and hostility set in the first episode. Because of that, the yearning and slow emotional buildup, which are essential for this trope, were weakened.
The storytelling also feels inconsistent. In the first episode, we are given background information about the characters and their history, but later the narrative does not fully commit to that foundation. It leaves several confusing questions, how close were Seo Jeong Han and Lee Il Jo before everything happened? Were they on good terms? Did Seo Jeong Han have hidden feelings before everything began? What was their real dynamic in the past? The lack of clarity makes it difficult to fully understand their emotional connection.
Another issue is the surgery subplot. In the first 2 episodes, Lee Il Jo’s surgery seems serious and significant, but after a brief mention, it is almost forgotten. Considering it appeared to be a major procedure that would require recovery, the lack of follow-through feels unrealistic.
Overall, the series maintains a very depressing tone. There are barely any light or genuinely happy moments. The family dynamics are already toxic, driven by money and status instead of love, and this negativity carries into the central relationship. While darker stories can be powerful and meaningful, they need balance to avoid becoming repetitive. Unfortunately, this series becomes emotionally exhausting rather than engaging.
Seo Jeong Han spends much of the series chasing Lee Il Jo. I did appreciate that he was not emotionally detached or trying to be nonchalant, he begged, he embarrassed himself, and he showed vulnerability. That felt real. However, Lee Il Jo’s constant attempts to leave, combined with his emotionally distant behavior, became frustrating. At times, it genuinely felt like he did not care, even though it was clear he was also hurting. Eventually, it became tiring to watch the same cycle repeat.
The series mainly consists of sadness, chasing, and family drama. There is nothing wrong with that kind of plot, but it needs stronger execution and better pacing to remain compelling.
And I'm still wondering why they didn't just let the same actors play as their younger selves, I kept wondering who those 2 kids were, I thought it was some random side couple with no information (which at that point I wouldn't have been surprised if they did that)
{Final Thoughts}
I truly grieve the potential this story had. A slower burn and a stronger enemies-to-lovers development could have made a huge difference. Instead, the relationship progression felt rushed and uneven.
I would not strongly recommend it, but I would not call it terrible either. It has good acting, strong visuals, and emotional intensity, but it lacks consistency and narrative depth.
Overall rating: 7/10
And I am still waiting for the perfect enemies-to-lovers BL that checks all my boxes.
Was this review helpful to you?
