This is exactly what I thought! He loved the idea of being part of a family, although to grandma they had the best relationship of all. It hurt him to think that Grandma only wanted him to call if he was poor or lonely, which is what he felt when he went away to college. And when I thought about when Dal-mi and HJP were students in school, they didn't even like each other, they had no interest for various reasons. I absolutely loved HJP!
I like your review even though I rated this much higher. Honestly I mainly rated it high only because of KSH and his relationship with Mrs. Choi (grandmother). If it had been anyone else playing HJP I likely wouldn't have loved this drama. I was not a fan of Suzy at all. I am really hoping there will be a 2nd season although I realize it isn't likely, with KSH and the sister. I didn't know about all the factors relating to KSH's appearances being cut or working around his 2D1N schedule. Interesting. I had only read that KSH wanted more appearances, and maybe that's why, because the director was cutting instead. KSH's tearful, emotional scenes were the ABSOLUTE BEST; I cried my eyes out. I was so happy that had the ML in Hometown Cha Cha Cha. I look forward to seeing more of him (still waiting for The Childe to not be a rental on VIKI.
What a great review, thank you for your notes and perspective. This truly was a masterpiece and I loved every minute (altho I did have to cover my eyes during some fight scenes). I was needing a meaningful drama with some depth, and I was not disappointed. I did not want the drama to end.
I cannot start anything new yet, because I just want to sit with this one for a bit.
It wasn't perfect but there was still so much that I liked about it; i.e. Kim Seon Ho and the character of Han Ji Pyeog with Mrs. Choi, the best relationship of all.
I only finished watching this because of Park Seo Joon. His character here was similar to his character in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. However the FL in Secretary Kim, Park Min Young, had so much more chemistry with him, and the WHOLE series was excellent; it's one of my top 10 dramas. I also would not re-watch this, and it has actually kind turned me away from RomCom's for a while.
I understand why Ji Pyeong and Dal Mi did not end up as the couple. But watching him become infatuated with her and his vulnerability come into play made everyone want them to be together. I agree they wouldn't have worked long term. She respected him and liked him but she felt no chemistry. I felt towards the end that he really just wanted to feel a part of a family, which he had with Mrs. Choi; THAT was the best relationship in my opinion. I absolutely loved the acting of KSH in this drama, I thought his portrayal of Ji Pyeong was perfect!
I watched Jang Ki Yong in My Roommate Is A Gumiho before this came out and he rocked that role. Lots of expressions…
I think his "lack of expression" was mirrored from SHK's lack of expression. I still think his acting was better than hers. You could tell when he was feeling in love and vulnerable; I thought hers were forced and/or faked. The drama went in the direction that the directors/producers wanted it to.
Those narrations at the end (an beginning) ? of the episodes was actually one of the BEST things about the drama; I liked the endings of the episodes for that very reason. I'd like to go back and re-watch and write those sentences down in my journal, just so I read at my own pace. They were just so lovingly poetic.
@kobeno1 Another great review! I LOVED this drama, and was hoping that Lee Do Hyun would win some awards. He was OUTSTANDING! I sobbed in so many scenes with he and his mother. I had recently lost my mom after living with me for 3 months, under hospice care. So I was also grieving the loss of my Mom which is why I cried so hard. But I know so well that crying is good for the soul.
Hello. I'm a little late to the Kdrama party, but I just wanted to say that I agree with much of what you wrote. One of my favorite parts were the narrations by both Eun-ho and Dan-i in between episodes. I liked them so much I am thinking of writing them down myself to re-read. I really enjoyed watching their true love for each other unfold. Eun-ho was perfect and I loved him!
Thank you! I know this is a controversial series for some. I found it endearing.
@kobeno1 Yes I agree about Iko growing up and changing; that would be impossible to avoid. Wako is intelligent enough to let him go, again.
I have Hidden Love on my list; after I watch it I will read your review (did you review it?). There's no love like a first love. I have not seen anything about Our Beloved Summer, I'll look it up. I'm currently watching Romance is a Bonus Book. My first drama with Lee Jong Suk; he is good in this. It is so surprising how any age gap matters so much in South Korea.
My list of dramas to watch is so long, I may never get back to American shows!
Thank you! I know this is a controversial series for some. I found it endearing.
I know many people had concerns. I did not, and also found it endearing. I had empathy for both of them. Although I cannot imagine a relationship with a 15 yr old, I can understand how it happened with Wako and Iko. I am 65 and I think you have to have real life experiences before judging. Or perhaps opinions are based on at what stage of life one is in.
I tend to see the glass half full, and so I feel as though Iko did in fact come back to where Wako was living, and if there wasn't a relationship, they at least had a friendship and a lifelong bond. In the end they were both happy and that's what is important. What were your thoughts on the ending?
Thank you for sharing and writing your review.
I cannot start anything new yet, because I just want to sit with this one for a bit.
I have Hidden Love on my list; after I watch it I will read your review (did you review it?). There's no love like a first love. I have not seen anything about Our Beloved Summer, I'll look it up. I'm currently watching Romance is a Bonus Book. My first drama with Lee Jong Suk; he is good in this. It is so surprising how any age gap matters so much in South Korea.
My list of dramas to watch is so long, I may never get back to American shows!
I tend to see the glass half full, and so I feel as though Iko did in fact come back to where Wako was living, and if there wasn't a relationship, they at least had a friendship and a lifelong bond. In the end they were both happy and that's what is important. What were your thoughts on the ending?