!! Contains VERY minor Spoilers !!==

This is a show I went in to fully expecting the melodrama and pain. I honestly did not read that much about it and was just kind of expecting something akin to “Just Between Lovers.” I was pleasantly surprised to find that, despite the darker story elements and the nature of the plot, it really wasn’t all that melodramatic or painful. It was intense and emotional, for sure. But nothing too “makjang” or over-the-top. I loved the character of Nak Won and how she went against the stereotype of what her character would typically be in this sort of story (ie full of blame, self-pity, and anger). Instead, she was warm-hearted and strong despite having to deal with some serious PTSD. Her love and support of Na Moo truly warmed my heart…she never blamed him for what his father did and the scene of her younger self getting out of the car and giving him a hug, telling him he had to keep on living...gave me goosebumps.

Na Moo himself was a heartwarming character—steadfast and loyal. He was so, so sweet. But something about him (I don’t know if this is a flaw in the writing or simply elements of his actor, Jang Ki Yong) just never had me that engaged with his character. There was virtually no chemistry between him and Nak Won, except with their younger counter-parts who were A-MA-ZING. And I think because of this, I couldn’t really get that into later parts of this drama. Even though the pace of the story was fine, it felt like it lagged and I just wanted it to be over, which is a shame given the initial fervor I went into it with. I still think this is a lovely and entertaining drama. I just wish I had loved it more in the end.