Although I was originally planning on not watching this drama due to the mixed reviews and opinions, I decided to start it due to the curiosity of never seeing a Bae Suzy or Lee Jongsuk drama before.

Luckily, I was not disappointed and rather, completely immersed in the experience.

- Storyline -

This drama continuously puts you on the edge of your seat. Even with the slight cliche's within the storyline, you are still given this anxious and nervous emotion, praying that the injustices are fixed and the lead characters are lead to safety in each circumstance. The story is able to avoid any sort of plot-holes by establishing itself and the fantasy-aspects in the first two to four episodes, making it easy to understand and therefore, easier to enjoy. The blend of genres, such as fantasy, romcom and suspense are done in a satisfactory way that doesn't feel back-and-forth or messy, which is a difficult concept that other drama writers have struggled with. This is one of the very few storylines that have captivated me both in the first and second half of its series, never getting boring or falling flat as each episode continues.

- Characters (and Cast) -

Nam Hongjoo and Jung Jaechan have one of the healthiest builds of a relationship I have seen within a Korean drama. They are able to care and understand each other from the beginning, while incorporating slight bickering that help the two build a deeper relationship, and understand one-another. They are both characters that are written on equal-ground, do not take advantage of one-another, and even when disagreeing with each other, they do their best to understand and help each other in different circumstances, due to their built trust. Both Suzy and Jongsuk are able to compliment that simple chemistry and similar humour that aids these characters into both being loveable and relatable.

The supporting characters, as well as second lead Wootak, all have loveable natures that due to non of them being written perfectly or typically, they become relatable and therefore easy to understand as an audience.

Although there is the fantasy theme included through the story, due to the protagonists being able to see aspects of the future in their dreams, the characters are still written to feel like real humans, such as, the antagonist. Some antagonists written in other dramas can feel animated or, inhuman, but 'While You Were Sleeping' antagonist does not feel like that at all. The antagonist is written like a human would be, while evil and morally incorrect, acts and thinks as a human would.

- Conclusion -

'While You Were Sleeping' is a drama that perfectly balances themes of fantasy, suspense and romcom that engages and captivates the audience. The characters are written to represent real people, and although some conflicts and circumstances may be written to be over-the-top or romanticised, the story still has this underlining realism that aids the audience in building emotion for the story and the characters.

While You Were Sleeping is brilliant.

(P.S. this is my first written review)