46
177
8
1
1
1
6
1
6
6
2
7
1
1
1
1
1
1
5
5
7
This Never-Ending Summer tested my patience
Subjective Enjoyment Rating: 7.75
Objective Rating: 8.0-8.5
I can see why so many people love “Never-Ending Summer”, especially when you are a romance lover. Romance is the main focus in this drama from start to finish. Unfortunately, I think the execution and writing could have been better. The last episode raised my rating from 7.5 to 7.75. I lost my focus and was bored for about 50% of the drama. When it’s good, it’s really good. When it’s repetitive, it’s really repetitive.
Plot/Pacing
Rich man/Poor woman is not a unique plot. The family drama is not a unique plot. The business part, well, it’s the weakest plot of the drama. But luckily, the main romance is solid and the chemistry of the leads is great. I actually really like the first few episodes of the drama when the leads first started getting to know each other. And I understand and empathize with the tough choices FL has to make, and she’s only 18 years old. I just wish the writing is better so it doesn’t feel so repetitive. I commented on my Friends Feeds that the first 11 episodes feel so draggy and are the slowest 11 episodes I felt in recent months. I was hoping the storyline would go back to the present-day timeline soon, but I had to wait for a very long time. I was looking forward to the angst of the break up, because you know it’s going to happen when you have a rich boy and a poor girl. I waited and waited and almost gave up. Finally the breakup happened and we’re back to 2026. I was stuck in that never-ending summer for a very, very long time. I am interested in the main romance again, but the investigation and business plots bore me. “Never-Ending Summer” really feels never-ending and it tests my patience. Additionally, the parents are annoying. There are illogical plot holes here and there (not enough to dock big points from the rating, but enough to be noticeable and for me to roll my eyes).
Main Romance
I actually like both the leads as characters. I like that they are both flawed and hurt. I actually prefer ML to be more of a playboy or fake red-flag, but he’s very green from start to finish. I like their dynamics, their chemistry and their interaction. But as I said earlier, the repetitive back-and-forth with lying and not lying, taking advantage of someone, avoidance, forgiveness, etc…. It was just too much for me to fall in love with the main romance. I love the breakup scene. It was beautiful, emotional and well-acted. Many criticize ML for forgiving FL in a heartbeat. I don’t fault him for that as he’s always been like that since he’s a teenager. It’s apparent that he’s never stopped loving her and his meanness towards her is really nothing serious. I do agree I wish there’s a little more push-and-pull, and I wanted FL to work a little harder to earn the forgiveness. “Never-Ending Summer” does reward romance lovers, like myself, who stuck around till the end. Once they got together again, it was sweet, fluffy and rewarding. The last episode is worth my extra 0.25 rating. It pleases my hopeless romantic heart. Did I mention we have an amazing drunken confession scene full of emotions and amazing kisses?
Secondary Romance
Well, this couple is disappointing. They could have been so much fun, but not enough time is given to develop their storylines. In high school, they acted as props for the main leads. When they finally have some screen time about their problems, I am not invested in them enough to care.
Acting
I do like the acting of Bao Shang En and Daniel Zhou. Bao Shang En made me love her and also wanted to strangle her. I’ve been a fan of Daniel since I first saw him in “A Moment but Forever”. The two of them gave us youthful energy, and also maturity as professionals, and giddiness when in love. The younger supporting cast did fine, though not amazing. I was especially surprised to see Ke Chun here, as I’ve had many late night dates with him watching YouTube verticals. Seeing him here as a loan shark/hooligan was fun and he did a great job. I’ve seen Fu Wei Lun in so many supporting roles and I felt he’s underutilized here as ML’s best friend.
Production
First of all, I love the OST. There are many beautiful songs, and they complement the show and scenes very well. Having said that, songs are played way too often. There are times when I couldn’t hear the actors’ conversation when the background music was played loudly. The music is great, just the usage could be better. Bao Shang En and Daniel Zhou look great visually. Bao Shang En has such an amazing wardrobe. I love her high school casual wear (and thank goodness she’s not in uniform all the time). And as a professional, she looks absolutely stunning. Did you notice she keeps on wearing off-shoulder tops?
Do I recommend this drama? Mm… I don’t know. I think either you love the romance and the couple, or you hate the repetitive back-and-forth. It's only 29 episodes, so it’s not too long if you are looking for a rewarding romance. But if romance is not your cup of tea, don’t bother.
Drama Completed: 7/14/2026 Review #703
Objective Rating: 8.0-8.5
I can see why so many people love “Never-Ending Summer”, especially when you are a romance lover. Romance is the main focus in this drama from start to finish. Unfortunately, I think the execution and writing could have been better. The last episode raised my rating from 7.5 to 7.75. I lost my focus and was bored for about 50% of the drama. When it’s good, it’s really good. When it’s repetitive, it’s really repetitive.
Plot/Pacing
Rich man/Poor woman is not a unique plot. The family drama is not a unique plot. The business part, well, it’s the weakest plot of the drama. But luckily, the main romance is solid and the chemistry of the leads is great. I actually really like the first few episodes of the drama when the leads first started getting to know each other. And I understand and empathize with the tough choices FL has to make, and she’s only 18 years old. I just wish the writing is better so it doesn’t feel so repetitive. I commented on my Friends Feeds that the first 11 episodes feel so draggy and are the slowest 11 episodes I felt in recent months. I was hoping the storyline would go back to the present-day timeline soon, but I had to wait for a very long time. I was looking forward to the angst of the break up, because you know it’s going to happen when you have a rich boy and a poor girl. I waited and waited and almost gave up. Finally the breakup happened and we’re back to 2026. I was stuck in that never-ending summer for a very, very long time. I am interested in the main romance again, but the investigation and business plots bore me. “Never-Ending Summer” really feels never-ending and it tests my patience. Additionally, the parents are annoying. There are illogical plot holes here and there (not enough to dock big points from the rating, but enough to be noticeable and for me to roll my eyes).
Main Romance
I actually like both the leads as characters. I like that they are both flawed and hurt. I actually prefer ML to be more of a playboy or fake red-flag, but he’s very green from start to finish. I like their dynamics, their chemistry and their interaction. But as I said earlier, the repetitive back-and-forth with lying and not lying, taking advantage of someone, avoidance, forgiveness, etc…. It was just too much for me to fall in love with the main romance. I love the breakup scene. It was beautiful, emotional and well-acted. Many criticize ML for forgiving FL in a heartbeat. I don’t fault him for that as he’s always been like that since he’s a teenager. It’s apparent that he’s never stopped loving her and his meanness towards her is really nothing serious. I do agree I wish there’s a little more push-and-pull, and I wanted FL to work a little harder to earn the forgiveness. “Never-Ending Summer” does reward romance lovers, like myself, who stuck around till the end. Once they got together again, it was sweet, fluffy and rewarding. The last episode is worth my extra 0.25 rating. It pleases my hopeless romantic heart. Did I mention we have an amazing drunken confession scene full of emotions and amazing kisses?
Secondary Romance
Well, this couple is disappointing. They could have been so much fun, but not enough time is given to develop their storylines. In high school, they acted as props for the main leads. When they finally have some screen time about their problems, I am not invested in them enough to care.
Acting
I do like the acting of Bao Shang En and Daniel Zhou. Bao Shang En made me love her and also wanted to strangle her. I’ve been a fan of Daniel since I first saw him in “A Moment but Forever”. The two of them gave us youthful energy, and also maturity as professionals, and giddiness when in love. The younger supporting cast did fine, though not amazing. I was especially surprised to see Ke Chun here, as I’ve had many late night dates with him watching YouTube verticals. Seeing him here as a loan shark/hooligan was fun and he did a great job. I’ve seen Fu Wei Lun in so many supporting roles and I felt he’s underutilized here as ML’s best friend.
Production
First of all, I love the OST. There are many beautiful songs, and they complement the show and scenes very well. Having said that, songs are played way too often. There are times when I couldn’t hear the actors’ conversation when the background music was played loudly. The music is great, just the usage could be better. Bao Shang En and Daniel Zhou look great visually. Bao Shang En has such an amazing wardrobe. I love her high school casual wear (and thank goodness she’s not in uniform all the time). And as a professional, she looks absolutely stunning. Did you notice she keeps on wearing off-shoulder tops?
Do I recommend this drama? Mm… I don’t know. I think either you love the romance and the couple, or you hate the repetitive back-and-forth. It's only 29 episodes, so it’s not too long if you are looking for a rewarding romance. But if romance is not your cup of tea, don’t bother.
Drama Completed: 7/14/2026 Review #703
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