He’s Not the Star, But He’s the Soul
I’ll probably come back later to refine this review, but after rewatching the show and changing my rating, I felt like anyone who’s a Lee Dong-wook fan and thinking of watching it because of him deserves to know this: he doesn’t have the most screen time.Just look at the poster—it’s a major giveaway. His character isn’t centered. You know how, in romance dramas, you can usually tell who the main love interest is based on poster placement? Same rule applies here. Ji-an is front and center, which signals that the story revolves around her. Lee Dong-wook’s character is off to the side, almost hovering protectively with a hand on her shoulder—so it’s safe to assume he’s more of a guide, a mentor. She’s following in his footsteps.
Beyond the poster analysis, if I had to sum up his character in one sentence, it would be: a thug who is a girl’s dad.
The first time I rated this, I gave it a 7.5. I honestly forgot why—but as I’m writing this, I’m remembering some things. I think a big part of it had to do with the level of explicit violence. I’m not a fan of gore, and this show definitely flirts with it. So, fair warning: if that’s something that bothers you too, just be prepared.
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Romance without over the top drama and with actual character growth
A comfort drama through and through. If you are looking for intelligent dialogs, developed characters with feel good moments and lots of cliche, this is it. It’s Romance at it’s finest. Not murder-mystery, not fantasy. Just Romance. And like all good Romance, it makes us imagine and dream about what is possible and learn new things while at the same time hearing a story we have heard countless times. There were so many scenes that are examples of emotional maturity and development that make us feel proud of the characters and wish a little bit more of that in our own lives without leaving the feeling that is too “cookie-cutter,” or text book right. The characters are not perfect but they show up because they want to and that feels genuine and possible. The cast has chemistry and the main actress has perfected her acting style, whatever she does, regardless of liking it or not, it is obviously a choice, intentional. And if I had one word to describe this kdrama this would be it: intentional. Beautiful photography, beautiful script, beautiful chemistry, beautiful soundtrack. A 10/10. And I would hug it if I could. Be aware, this could be boring for you. I does not mean it is not good. There are no surprises, it is predictable in a meeting an old friend kind of way. The most surprising thing is actually the lack of an over the top, unnecessary and torturous drama based on misunderstanding. If you like that, maybe this is not for you. We actually see various examples of healthy relationships. I will definitely watch it again on a rainy day with hot chocolate.Was this review helpful to you?
Slowburn with misunderstandings
This is a story about a ML lead who doesn’t care much about things slowly falling in love with someone who cares too much. He is very composed and he doesn’t loose his cool easily, he is very good at his job, very corporate. She doesn’t seem to have her professional life together but she cares deeply about her team, her community and for her work. She has a thing for him at first sight while he only noticed her because she is also the personality hire of the team. He is there because his company bought the lab and he took the task to make this acquisition successful, he is sniffing money from the lab he just is not sure how so he goes there to figure it out. Otherwise he could just fire everyone and be done with it. The Lab family doesn’t know anything, they just want to keep doing their research without major changes so they are very unwelcoming and defensive and that’s how all their misunderstandings start.Was this review helpful to you?
Thrilling, It made my heart race
It is just getting started but it successfully made my heart race. All it scenes, music, casting seem perfect for what it is. I loved the pacing. My only complain is about the side politics and the antagonists. I wasn’t given enough to care just yet so a few of their scenes I felt like skipping, either because it didn't matter for the plot of the episode or because it seemed obvious (in the case of the antagonist). The opposite stands for our main team, I loved how they were introduced and I can already see potential for character growth. I think the pace of the first two episodes was great and loved how it had its own arc, I felt satisfied by the end of the 2nd episode but eager to keep watching.Was this review helpful to you?
