Sam

I must certainly praise the cinematography and style of this series—they were fantastic—and the themes it explored were so realistic that they made this drama unique.

Between Steps tells the story of Park Min Jae, a man who lost both his promising swimming career and his left leg to osteosarcoma. After hitting rock bottom, he discovers a new purpose in robotics. Four years of dedication pay off when he is admitted to the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Seoul National University. He hides his sensitive nature behind a carefree facade, but in reality, he is a simple guy who dreams of going on a date.

Im Yu Jin, who is on the verge of graduating from the Department of Clothing and Textiles, finds herself caught up in an incident that leads to her failing to get into graduate school. She subsequently becomes fascinated by robotics and enrolls in a master’s program in mechanical engineering.


This drama presents a story about two people who—unlike many characters in series—are not perfect; both have their own flaws, which makes the story feel realistic. They are two individuals searching for their own path and building their future. On one hand, there is Min-jae; to others, he might seem stubborn and cold, but they are unaware of his personal struggles. He is a young man who lost his dreams and is only just beginning to find a new direction—and despite missing a leg, he is a human being just like anyone else. Then there is Yu-jin; she might appear selfish and conceited, but like everyone else, she faces her own daily battles. She doesn’t want to disappoint her parents, nor does she want to be a burden. These details make the characters feel real—people we can easily identify with. This is what makes the drama so grounded; it avoids heavy-handed stereotypes or "perfect" characters—because, in reality, no one is perfect. That is what I find so compelling about *Between Steps*. While it may not be a "perfect" story, it doesn’t need to be in order to move us or allow us to relate to it. Its plotlines are incredibly realistic—reflecting things we see in our own world: people with disabilities facing discrimination and feeling inferior to others; hardworking students striving daily for a better future; the arguments and disagreements that inevitably arise in relationships; and the injustices we sometimes witness, feeling powerless to intervene. These are the lived realities of many people, and the series portrays them in a way that feels authentic and deeply moving. The relationship between the two protagonists is far from perfect—they have their arguments and moments of anger, which feels entirely natural. It is precisely in these moments that true affection shines through—the desire to be with someone despite everything, and the remorse one feels after lashing out at them. That is love. Love is also about fighting for your relationship and caring for someone, regardless of their flaws.


The cast brings their characters to life through strong performances, portraying them as real people who—flaws and all—love one another; that chemistry is palpable on screen.

My thanks to director Ahn Pan-seok (may he rest in peace) for helming this drama. It avoids the usual, well-worn tropes, choosing instead to tell its own unique story—and that is where its heart truly lies.

Between Steps may not have the most extraordinary plot, but a story doesn’t need to be perfect to touch the hearts of its audience. It doesn’t have to follow the crowd to stand out, nor does it need to cover familiar ground to be moving. A story should possess its own originality—and Between Steps finds that in its realistic narrative and its authentic portrayal of our own lives. That is where its essence resides.

THANKS FOR READING!