Consistently excellent writing and acting
There aren't separate criteria for story and writing and this drama is where there isn't a very dramatic plot but the script quality is so much better and more consistent than most that it really deserves highlighting. So much do that it drive me to write a review. The ending works as well. While much credit must go the the original story it was based on, keeping it up through 16 episodes of drama shows very strong writing talent. This mostly covers realistic relationships rather than drama fantasy relationship dynamics.
The acting quality in the large cast ensemble is very very good and some support roles allowed talent to shine. Kang Gi Doong is an actor I'd seen in other dramas but hadn't realised how very versatile a range he has or how talented in comic scenes until this. All the main roles were excellently portrayed. The romantic leads all have tons of charisma and it was impossible not to fall for them.
It seems unfair not to mention Jo Han Chul, Kim Tae Woo, Kim Yoo Mi, and Kim Sun Young all of whom are excellent. One reason I love Korean dramas is the number of good real parts for actors over 40 even when the main roles and audience is a younger demographic. Society is multigenerational in a way UK and US tv rarely depicts.
It is wrenching to see the unintended impacts of some aspects of Korean workplace culture on those, most often women, who have taken career breaks. What a waste of talent and skills for society as well as so harmful for the individuals affected.
The publishing industry was displayed well - that was rather more romanticised but some harsh realities were depicted too.
There was a near miss non-consensual moment that I felt uncomfortable with. I'm not usually very keen on, "I know your feelings better than you do yourself" because it is usually a toxic and dangerous misreading but in this cosy watch and given the relationship concerned it was justifiable.
I will happily rewatch and be enchanted by this (including the sweet end credits text that changes each episode) again.
The acting quality in the large cast ensemble is very very good and some support roles allowed talent to shine. Kang Gi Doong is an actor I'd seen in other dramas but hadn't realised how very versatile a range he has or how talented in comic scenes until this. All the main roles were excellently portrayed. The romantic leads all have tons of charisma and it was impossible not to fall for them.
It seems unfair not to mention Jo Han Chul, Kim Tae Woo, Kim Yoo Mi, and Kim Sun Young all of whom are excellent. One reason I love Korean dramas is the number of good real parts for actors over 40 even when the main roles and audience is a younger demographic. Society is multigenerational in a way UK and US tv rarely depicts.
It is wrenching to see the unintended impacts of some aspects of Korean workplace culture on those, most often women, who have taken career breaks. What a waste of talent and skills for society as well as so harmful for the individuals affected.
The publishing industry was displayed well - that was rather more romanticised but some harsh realities were depicted too.
There was a near miss non-consensual moment that I felt uncomfortable with. I'm not usually very keen on, "I know your feelings better than you do yourself" because it is usually a toxic and dangerous misreading but in this cosy watch and given the relationship concerned it was justifiable.
I will happily rewatch and be enchanted by this (including the sweet end credits text that changes each episode) again.
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