I loved the fencing matches and the rivalry between Hee-do and Yu-rim. It's classic but really well executed, I was really into the first part for this. The way Hee-do learn to be a more subtil fencer while keeping her enthusiasm and passion, it really hits the spot for me. Doing a sport or an activity because you find it fun first and foremost, to the point that you become obsessed with technique, tactics and little details you find satisfying to get into, really loved that. And of course the fact that they're not too immature about what they (Hee-do and Yu-rim) have in common. Sure Yu-rim has that contempt towards Hee-do and don't assume her online identity but when you look at that in the whole drama, it doesn't last long. It's not one of these drama where the slightest misunderstanding or a bad start can last forever to milk it through 16 episodes.
I was less into the second part, which (to me) starts after Hee-do and Yu-rim definitely become friends. Seung-hwan and Ji-woong are a bit too superficial for me and I just don't like Yi-jin. With that said, the ending is not bad for me. Yes, breaking up was totally their choice and, as I understand it, this is the story of a couple who wasn't ready to do concessions. Not a fan of Ji-woong, but he is exactly the opposite of Yi-jin in that aspect : ready to wait, to make efforts to see Yu-rim and stay as close as possible. Well, he has been rewarded, their relationship looks like it can last.
As for Yi-jin, I understand the family argument, but he doesn't seem to be what lead him to this choice, strangely enough. As he advanced in his career, we barely see him talk to his family and he doesn't even mention them anymore. Even when it becomes tougher with Hee-do. He just says that he wants to do his best at his job and follows that individualistic path. Well, no wonder it couldn't work. The return of his family looks like a little bonus, just so the viewers know it happened. I have a tough time believing he couldn't live with his family in a modest appartment when he became officialy a journalist and had to land a top job to make it happen. It feels like he was ready to live with his family only when he became a little rich again. Really not a fan of the character.
I was less into the second part, which (to me) starts after Hee-do and Yu-rim definitely become friends. Seung-hwan and Ji-woong are a bit too superficial for me and I just don't like Yi-jin. With that said, the ending is not bad for me. Yes, breaking up was totally their choice and, as I understand it, this is the story of a couple who wasn't ready to do concessions. Not a fan of Ji-woong, but he is exactly the opposite of Yi-jin in that aspect : ready to wait, to make efforts to see Yu-rim and stay as close as possible. Well, he has been rewarded, their relationship looks like it can last.
As for Yi-jin, I understand the family argument, but he doesn't seem to be what lead him to this choice, strangely enough. As he advanced in his career, we barely see him talk to his family and he doesn't even mention them anymore. Even when it becomes tougher with Hee-do. He just says that he wants to do his best at his job and follows that individualistic path. Well, no wonder it couldn't work. The return of his family looks like a little bonus, just so the viewers know it happened. I have a tough time believing he couldn't live with his family in a modest appartment when he became officialy a journalist and had to land a top job to make it happen. It feels like he was ready to live with his family only when he became a little rich again. Really not a fan of the character.