Within the first 30 minutes of watching the premiere, I thought this show was going to be a train wreck. In fact, until about episode 13, I was unsure of where the writers were trying to go with the script. But by the time the series wrapped, I realized how much I actually enjoyed this show. In fact it had potential to be a great drama, if it weren't for a few, critical writing and directorial choices. I found myself thinking, "if they had just focused on this instead of this," or "if they had just cut these scenes and developed this storyline more," or "if they didn't make this scene so predictable." Like, TWO FIGHTS, bffr, bsffr! Gosh, I'm saddened thinking about how great this story could have been.

Indulge in this idea for a second. If you watch this series with a suspension of disbelief - which is required for 100% of kdramas because the thought process, decision making, and story arcs lack critical thinking in most stories - this series makes a lot of sense. This isn't a drama about love and rivalry, in a roundabout way, it's about friendship and how those you rely on and confide in are integral to your own self-growth and value system. It's the reason behind a lot of the decisions made. "If XX had just been honest, would Y have happened? If Z was more confident in their talent where would they be? Honestly, it's a refreshing take to an idol drama."

The main problem, as noted in other reviews, is that they wasted time on the wrong storyline. If they had focused on Luice, SoRin, and SiWoo overcoming their individual challenges instead of that trite, overused love triangle, it would have been a wonderful drama. Like that little rivalry should have been a B or C story, not the driving narrative for over half the drama.

HOWEVER, I will say that the actors did what they had to do with the materials they had. I came for Kang Min Ah, but remained seated because of the lovely dynamics between her, Chani, Hwiyoung, and Oh So Hyun, whom affectionately dubbed the Three Musketeers. Like that one scene between the four of them in episode 14 had me grinning from ear-to-ear, I just love seeing friends support each other and persevere. I also thoroughly enjoyed two SF9 members playing opposite each other
재미있었요!

The only thing that still pains me, and I have tried so hard to reach that level of nonsensical, is how Luice can be a renowned Korean pop artist, a global sensation with impeccable fluency in Korean, and never have lived there. Like, what do you mean this it's his first time in Korea???? How is a global sensation and NEVER HELD A CONCERT IN KOREA??????!!!!!!! Still can't wrap my head around it.

To wrap up this long review, I recommend this drama if you're looking for a lighthearted, slice-of-life drama that doesn't take itself too seriously and has a very attractive cast, this is the drama for you!