This show is a very interesting blend of genres and I think it mostly pulls it off. It balanced the tone fairly well so it never felt disjointed, and it transitions smoothly as the show goes along. It’s not a particularly outstanding drama, but it’s pretty solid.

The best part of this show are the main three characters and their respective actors. I think every one of them was perfect for their role. Jo Bo Ah is fantastic; her character is a rational (though very stressed) woman who is trying to get by but is also trying to do the best by her students. I appreciate that her choices feel realistic and she acts like a real adult. I really appreciated that her character didn’t string along Kwak Dong Yeon’s character but clearly stated her feelings and drew boundaries. Kwak Dong Yeon was frickin fantastic, playing a dark and twisted man who is also deeply scarred and searching for validation and affection. Yoo Seung Ho is his charming self. He truly has great charisma and I think he’s amazing in both serious and comedic scenes. The flashbacks to their younger selves are really great as well, and are sweet and heartbreaking. And goshdarnit, the main couple is so cute it’s ridiculous. They have great banter and chemistry. The rest of the cast is excellent too and I didn’t find any characters annoying or superfluous.

The show does feel more like a melodrama in the beginning and then shifts to a more romcom/school life show as it goes on. So I can understand that if you wished the show had stayed a little more dark and more of an interpersonal conflict centered show that you may be a bit disappointed. However, while I agree that would’ve been interesting, I still do like the direction that Bok Soo’s revenge took. Instead of being directed at a few specific people, it was turned into taking down the corrupt system that failed him in the past and is currently hurting other students. Was it kinda corny? Yep. Was it realistic? Not really. But I did appreciate the messages that the show delivered.

Overall I would recommend it if the premise sounds interesting to you. If you’re interested in only the melodrama or romcom/school life parts then other shows that focus more on either one of those would be probably better for you to watch. At the very least, the show may be worth checking out to see how awesome the main three actors are, and you can drop it if you end up not loving it.