Don't doubt my ability to rate dramas by looking at my rating for this one because I gave it all high numbers. This drama is seriously the best melodrama out there. And I'm quite the judgmental rater, just so you know. Alongside A Love To Kill and I'm Sorry, I Love You, this drama hits the top of my favorites list and for many reasons. I've wanted to do a review on this drama for along time but held out because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to put to words my feelings about Secret. I believe it's one of the most well-done Korean dramas you will come across. Complete with action, romance, tragedy and even a (VERY TINY) sprinkle of comedy, this drama is filled completely with a well-written plot, characters, multiple plot-twists and a ton of drama.. the kind that makes you cry so hard you think you want to stop watching but then you realize you HAVE TO CONTINUE IT. To be able to completely cover everything about this drama that made me happy.. or should I say sad, I'm going to need to cover every bit of it in full detail. I'll do my very best not to give spoilers and if I do there will be a warning sign above it. Read at your own risk. Music This drama is really emotional and it's hard to reach that level of emotions purely by acting. The drama OST really covers that. There are a few of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard in this drama. Not just songs along, but the background music blend in with the scene, the feeling and the character during the scene that's happening. The music and OST were chosen perfectly and fit every moment in an epic manner. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGKPzE0UwBQ Acting/plot/characters The emotional level of this drama is so high up there it's impossible for me to explain in words that humans will understand. Because of the story-line and characters' development, the acting really has to be good for this story to work. And let me just say, it was. The actors covered all the emotional levels that each character went through, pain, sadness, love, hatred, rage. The story-line follows a woman who takes the place of her lover for a crime she didn't commit and the man who lost his love due to a woman who was unrightfully put away. He practically falls for her while stalking her in hopes of making her life miserable. Now, while this plot is rather sick, it makes the story SOOOO good. The misunderstandings are dealt with quickly (unlike every other melodrama ever) which make it spectacular to enjoy. The main problem that follows the characters throughout this drama are the emotions the characters go through. It's practically a feast of emotions and it's so painful and sweet to see how each character deals with his/her feelings during the events that occur. SQUEAL MOMENTS Because it's a melo, I didn't expect to love this drama as much as I did. I was completely invested in every moment of it and cried, literally during every episode. However it wasn't bad crying where I was unhappy and irritated with the choices the characters made, but rather, so excited to see what would lead the main leads to each other. Our main couple, played by Ji Sung and Hwa JungEum, had so many scenes together which made me want to squeal with excitement and joy. There were also numerous moments in which I wanted to bang the screen of my computer until I saw cracks. But seeing how bad that would be, I kept my hands to myself like a good little girl. Is this a love-hate relationship drama? Um.. no. The term love-hate relationship usually applies to comedy dramas in which it takes over half of the drama for the characters to realize how they feel for each other. This drama sets their boundaries clear as crystal and right from the start. Because the story revolves around misunderstanding (the good type, I assure you), it is in a way a love-hate relationship because Ji Sung's characters falls for her WHILE THINKING he hates her, while trying (and succeeding) in making her life a living hell.. This is actually the most enjoyable part of their relationship (his hatred turning to love) and most of where my squeals came from. Why should I watch this, It looks sad and too dramatic. Secret is a drama for melodrama lovers, for sure, but you should also check it out if you aren't that into melos. It's good for so many reasons but it's hard to say what they are without giving spoilers. There are so many unexpected GOOD plot-twists in this drama and so many feels~ Whether you like or don't like melos, I'd give this drama a three-episode try and if you haven't changed your mind by then.. you're crazy ;) I'd go on but the only words I can think of are, I LOVE THIS DRAMA!! Give it a try and you'll see what I mean. All in all.. definitely a 10, for the script, acting, music, theme, lighting, directing. Totally worth your time!!