This drama could have been excellent but there are some problems.
The plot itself, at its core, I think it's good. I know many say it's predictable or whatever, but personally predictability doesn't really matter as long as it isn't too cliché and I really care about the characters to whom the plot is happening. And I'm dumb and uncultured so it wasn't that predictable to me anyway.
However two major flaws are its ending, and its frequent plot conveniences and plot holes. Although I can sort of ignore the latter because it overall still fits pretty well and the story is still engaging, the former on the other hand is a big issue for me. Putting aside the fact that it's very rushed, and to remain spoiler free, I'll just say it's disappointing. It's not horribly bad to the point it would make me feel like the whole story wasn't worth it. But it's lacking, underwhelming and feels extremely incomplete. And for such an emotional ride that is this drama, this is a huge downside.
On the good side, I loved every main characters and really appreciated Eugene as she is presented as a mature and intelligent woman but with her own flaws all throughout the story and that's rare enough to note. Sadly, she did not receive a proper development in my opinion and while it was promising, it ended up stagnating. Her ending, like the ending in general, is disappointing and bittersweet. I really liked that while both male leads seemed to sort of like her romantically - I'd argue especially Jae Hwan - it doesn't turn out all love triangly and stays very light and subtle. No romance actually happens and it's unclear whether feelings are reciprocated.
Jae Hwan and Jung Yeop are on their own good characters as well. Their relationship is an important part of the story. While I loved it, I think it somehow seemed a bit superficial because we don't really understand why they ended up being so close so fast (a common friendship writing mistake). Well, in the beginning it does make sense that they're growing to trust each other - but then in the middle of it, it lacked a bit more development to really make it feel organic. But this is detail. It's still good. Although, like the rest, their conclusion was underwhelming and bitter to say the least.
I cannot speak too much about other characters without major spoilers so I'll stop there. Overall you don't really have totally black or white characters and many of them are grey. Most are likeable and relatively interesting but not all of them are memorable.
Actors are doing a great job as always, regardless of the script quality. The OST I neither liked nor disliked, some pieces were nice and it blended mostly well with the action. But there technically wasn't much music that I can remember, or lyrics. This is good. I prefer it this way.
I already watched it twice so I would rewatch it again for the characters and their relationships. This is not a perfect drama in any way but I think it's unfair its rating is so low. I'd say if you like thrillers, non-romance dynamics, strong friendships and sad stories, give it a go.
However two major flaws are its ending, and its frequent plot conveniences and plot holes. Although I can sort of ignore the latter because it overall still fits pretty well and the story is still engaging, the former on the other hand is a big issue for me. Putting aside the fact that it's very rushed, and to remain spoiler free, I'll just say it's disappointing. It's not horribly bad to the point it would make me feel like the whole story wasn't worth it. But it's lacking, underwhelming and feels extremely incomplete. And for such an emotional ride that is this drama, this is a huge downside.
On the good side, I loved every main characters and really appreciated Eugene as she is presented as a mature and intelligent woman but with her own flaws all throughout the story and that's rare enough to note. Sadly, she did not receive a proper development in my opinion and while it was promising, it ended up stagnating. Her ending, like the ending in general, is disappointing and bittersweet. I really liked that while both male leads seemed to sort of like her romantically - I'd argue especially Jae Hwan - it doesn't turn out all love triangly and stays very light and subtle. No romance actually happens and it's unclear whether feelings are reciprocated.
Jae Hwan and Jung Yeop are on their own good characters as well. Their relationship is an important part of the story. While I loved it, I think it somehow seemed a bit superficial because we don't really understand why they ended up being so close so fast (a common friendship writing mistake). Well, in the beginning it does make sense that they're growing to trust each other - but then in the middle of it, it lacked a bit more development to really make it feel organic. But this is detail. It's still good. Although, like the rest, their conclusion was underwhelming and bitter to say the least.
I cannot speak too much about other characters without major spoilers so I'll stop there. Overall you don't really have totally black or white characters and many of them are grey. Most are likeable and relatively interesting but not all of them are memorable.
Actors are doing a great job as always, regardless of the script quality. The OST I neither liked nor disliked, some pieces were nice and it blended mostly well with the action. But there technically wasn't much music that I can remember, or lyrics. This is good. I prefer it this way.
I already watched it twice so I would rewatch it again for the characters and their relationships. This is not a perfect drama in any way but I think it's unfair its rating is so low. I'd say if you like thrillers, non-romance dynamics, strong friendships and sad stories, give it a go.
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