Castaway Diva (2023)

The story gets blurred in the middle

Before i'm complaining this drama, i would to say about the good aspect of this drama,
Good aspect:
1. They build base of this story so good, come from child abuse, childhood trauma from each father, but one still getting the positive mind meanwhile the other trying to swallow bitter reality. They empathize their feeling and helping each other. I fall in love with this drama because this background.

2. The positivity seo mok ha have, impossible one's have positive minds like mok ha, but they add reality to mok ha minds so it became possible about mok ha character, she know her dream is so unstable but she still want to try because the hardship of her 15 years will be nothing. Many people want her to stop imagine and pursuing her dream but ALWAYS male lead always being her supporter number one ^^

3. Mysterious Jung Ki Ho, after separated for 15 years, seo mok ha trying to find jung ki ho, a boy that encourage her to pursue her dream, also help her to set her free from her father. How the audience have to guess who ki ho is, with all the hint that seo mok ha get, it's so exciting ^^ I've waited each week just to know about who jung ki ho is.

That's it, that are 3 charming points for me

NOW, time for revealing lacking points + my complain.....

1. The chemistry of leads, actually i can't feel romance feeling in Jung ki ho and Seo mok ha, their feeling comes from empathy right? sharing same hurt feeling from their trauma, guilty, and comfort. But how they falling in love with each other I DO NOT feel that at all, suddenly Jung ki ho said he still loves her for 15 years and Seo mok ha feel same, ikr who is the crazy that still wait for ones if it's not love but HOW?? HOW THEY FALLING IN LOVE?? THEY FALLING IN LOVE BECAUSE THEIR ABUSIVE FATHER?? THEY FALLING IN LOVE BECAUSE THEY WILL RUNAWAY TOGETHER?? THEY FALLING IN LOVE BECAUSE MISSING EACH OTHER?? WHYYYY..... I can't feel at all, this is the most dissapointed part for me T_T

2. Screentime of the leads, scene ki ho and mok ha together to be lovey dovey couple OHMYGOD i can count it with my fingers T_T Indeed, this drama about how mok ha pursuing her dream BUT she have loveline with ki ho, i craving their lovey dovey scene, how they develop each other feeling from teenager's love to adult's love, they didn't explain this at all T_T

3. Love triangle with Woo Hak, i know it will be disgusting shit if brothers fight for a woman, but how woo hak falling love with mok ha, how he know his feeling is dangerous, and how he conclude his feeling is just like a flash, they explained woo hak's feeling in some scene :( i want it to be more little dramatic hahahaha it will be interesting though hahahahaha (ignore this point)

4. I don't know about this, but people made me realize, in the middle of the story, the story move to yoon ran joo, Seo mok ha just to get her dream via yoon ran joo, seo mok ha admire yoon ran joo is undeniable but how seo mok ha is depending to yoon ran joo is just not right, although i enjoyed yoon ran joo story too, but many people not satisfied about this point. the story get blurred about the lead character. Also seo mok ha had struggle about her debut, but she doesn't have struggle after that? climbing chart one by one is normal for rookie artist, i mean why her rival is just eun mo rae? i want more drama about her struggle after debut but nothing, she straight to the top.

Overall, i can conclude the story like this, these 12 episode were divided in 3 part, seo mok ha getting used from 15 years in desserted island to pursuing her dream, revealing Kang Bo Geol and his family identity also his problem with his father, Yoon ran joo achieve 20 million album selling, still the most disappointed part is lacking of lovey dovey part ki ho and mok ha :(

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A balanced mix of pleasant feel-good with sad life challenges and social grievances

"Castaway Diva" tells the story of a musically talented young girl with a very deep passion for a particular South Korean singer and her nationally acclaimed songs. “Castaway Diva” also tells the story of a lifelong childhood friendship.

The plot summary implies a survival challenge with the promising scenario 'lonely girl for 15 years on a desert island'. Survival challenge may be the topic, but as far as the protagonist´s years alone on the island is concerned, the KDrama spends only a comparably short time on that aspect. It is rather about the (lifelong) challenge of ´some´ to survive their family burden...

'15 years on a lonely island' (however - don´t be mistaken - not in the South Seas or anything like that...) is a nice, original hook that once again introduces us to an attractive side of South Korea (in you like, there is a see side note below). Those years on the island basically form the cleverly knitted background for a firm, characteristically differing profile of a young woman who is intelligent, but comparatively not as consistently socialized in South Korean society and its strong traditions as the rest of the population. Due to her youth, which was for 15 years free of parental upbringing, school instruction and social comparison, yet inevitably well-grounded in everyday survival in the great outdoors, the protagonist brings refreshing clarity, simplicity and directness back to the modern lives of those around her in South Korea 2023. With her almost at the same time naïve and outrageous freedom in thinking and acting, the FL conveys independence and self-reliance in the midst of a society dominated by class, hierarchies and patriarchal family structures. In the midst of modern South Korean society, she hasn´t lost her authentic, creative spirit along the tiring path of competitive education while growing up. She is not, like so many others, gagged by acquired decency, and certainly not disillusioned or frustrated. She impulsively acts on instinct and follows her heart. This has worked for her so far, e.g. surviving her time on the island (and largely overcoming her childhood experiences, too.)

Within this framework, the KDrama is embedding the issue of domestic violence. In fact, this unfortunately still quite widespread, extremely sad problem is dramaturgically tackled in a resolute, rather offensive manner. This topic in its frighteningly powerful might is actually the source of the story´s suspension that runs through all 16 episodes in a tirelessly consistent, incredibly sticky manner…

And the music... yes, the music... This always becomes a balm for the soul. Even if competition in the music business might interfere here and there, music as such inevitably brings heart and soul together. The music brings light into the darkness. For the story overall it becomes the source of life force and healing, too. (Regardless, whether I personally dearly like the songs or not.)

So actually, “Castaway Diva” has quite something to offer. A KDrama that (for a change) isn´t set within the world of the fashionable upper class, and doesn't target the usual RomCom style (however, doesn´t dare to do without it either... well.). Instead, “Castaway Diva” is facing common life with its socially problematic issues in a fairly grounded way and in the process tells a likeable, bright story.

In would recommend "Castaway Diva", if you do not want it to be that intense, yet nonetheless some (easy to digest) profoundness is desired, too. Despite the commotion, with this KDrama an overall positive radiation prevails, i.e. thanks to the consistently positive charisma and straightforward demeanor of Park Eun-bin (- as well as Lee Re as young FL.)

I consider the heartfelt development dynamic of the relationship between the two women - the fan and her star – to be quite felicitous. As is the affectionate patch work family vibe. And always inspiring, the cheerfully thrown in bits and pieces of wisdom that life in nature (as opposed to school education) has taught the FL...

Overall, a balanced mix of pleasant feel-good with sad life challenges and social grievances.










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SIDE NOTE:
--- Stranded on one of the 1,000 islands in the southwest of South Korea (and NOT somewhere in the South Seas...) ---

In the Yellow Sea in the southwest of the South Korean peninsula, there are well over 1,000 islands of different sizes. Many of them are downright mini and not even inhabited. It might happen that no one sets foot on one of them for decades.

In recent years, between some of the larger inhabited islands bridges have increasingly been built. Yet, many of them can still only be reached by water. On the islands you can find an ecosystem with virgin forests, wetlands and mudflats that has remained largely untouched by modern human life to this day. Accordingly, this region of 1,000 islands, which extends to over 3,000 km², is now listed as a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

Life between ebb and flow is determined by agriculture and fishing. Thus life is simple, slow, and for some people rather boring. Accordingly, the young are leaving... and the region is overaging.

However, the gifts of nature offer pure abundance. Fishing is often done with bare hands. Mussels and crabs can be collected from the mudflats. Mung beans, soybeans, sweet potatoes, rice, chili and sesame grow abundantly. There are also a variety of findings you can collect on the beaches. You might literally stumble upon small and large treasures. For several centuries, trade with the West took the route through the Yellow Sea. After heavy thunderstorms, many ships have capsized over time up to this day. This is why the maritime region has now been officially listed as a historical site. Deep sea diving for treasures from the Song and Won dynasties of the Chinese Empire, which have been well preserved in shipwrecks in the salty mudflats, has therefore become quite popular. (The FL in "Castaway Diva", however, is more interested in the very mundane, modern flotsam that keep washing up on shore after thunderstorms...)

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It's really all about the correct fit, which this did not have

Edit - I recently was listening to a podcast that talked about the current situation in South Koreas for actors. There seems to be diminishing amount of work available even for the best of actors. My review hit Park Eun Bin pretty hard in her portrayal of the FL. One question I kept asking was why would Park Eun Bin take on a role like Mok Ha? Well with the amount of work for South Korean actors decreasing, that answers my question. I hope with the popularity of Kdramas, there will be plenty of work available for these talented actors.

In watching this series, I can sum up my impression with one word...disconnect. Let's first talk about the disconnect with the lead role.

Probably like most other viewers, I watched this series for actor Park Eun Bin. Her stellar performances in The King's Affection and Extraordinary Attorney Woo brought me back for more. The expectations were high, maybe too high, as this performance did not deliver like her two previous series. Eun Bin is a gifted and talented character actress, and I'm not sure the role of Mok Ha needed what she brought to it. Maybe that is why I always felt at odds with Mok Ha when watching her storyline unfold. I never really felt there was a good fit between this talented actress and the character she was playing. However, the rest of the cast seemed to gel nicely with their characters. I especially enjoyed the actors who played young Ki Ho and young Mok Ha.

Next was the disconnect between my expectations of the series (based on the marketing) and the reality. It came across as a light-hearted, funny, musical-type of series. But from the very beginning, it had this dark side that carried the viewer through all kinds of torture with hellish family abuse, violence, attempted murder, suicide, business sabotage, and let's not forget trying to survive on a deserted island. I realize this adds layers and complexity to a storyline, but the execution of lighthearted contrasted with violence was a little too extreme for one story, and for me, made it unbelievable. I also had a hard time believing in Mok Ha's journey both on the island and once she was rescued. I know this is fiction, and anything can happen in fiction, but building a hut? How and where did those wood slats come from? The nails? The tools? I remember hearing an interview of Tom Hanks and Robert Zemekis when the 2000 movie Castaway came out in theaters. They spoke how they constantly debated on how far they would let Hank's deserted island character show the utter reality of surviving. If they showed complete reality, it would drive the viewer away as it would be too depressing to watch. I realize that same thing applied to this series, but it seemed they went a little too far as sometimes it just seemed everyday was a great day on the island.

Mok Ha's transition back into civilization was another disconnect. First of all, trauma is her middle name. She has an abusive father, runs away, is chased into the sea by this abusive father, washes ashore, sees her dead father in the waves, and has to survive by herself for 15 years. Yet, with all of this trauma, when she does come back to civilization, she immediately dons her fan-girling hat, blows up balloons, cheers for her favorite idol as the most balanced and stable human being on the planet. It just is way too unbelievable. I also have to say that I find this somewhat offensive. If a person actually went through what Mok Ha went through, there would be years of therapy to work through the trauma and re-enter life. The way the writers completely ignored this is great disservice to abuse and trauma victims. Not only was it ignored, but when Mok Ha is rescued, all the focus goes to the selfish, self-serving celebrity hitting her alcoholic bottom lamenting her lost career, and how Mok Ha takes care of her! This is what I least liked about the series.

My advice to someone thinking about watching this series is to treat it like a fairytale. There is a hero, heroine, villain, and the stuff that happens to them is a bit on the "magical" side, but it's done to get them to that happily-ever after.

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A story about a young woman who dreamt of becoming a diva.

The idea of the story itself is very unique in my opinion. Though there are some illogical point (regarding her survival in the deserted island), but the whole visual is super great. And the story is not merely highlighting the romance between the main leads couple. But it showed us friendship, hope, resilience, and persistence.

The actors and actresses really did a great job in portraying their character. Park Eun Bin with her quirk, Chae Jong Hyeop with his talking eyes, Cha Hak Yeon with his wit, and Kim Hyo Jin with her clumsiness. I really enjoyed their acting here. So did the supporter character. Everyone was equally doing their best to portray their character.

Though the focus of the series itself is not romance, but I can feel a great chemistry between the ML and FL. They portrayed pure love. And it feels so sweet and sincere.

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Plucky, down on her luck girl makes good.

The premise is so wildly implausible that it seems like there is no way they could make it work, but Castaway Diva is a very pleasant surprise. It is every bit a showcase for Park Eun Bin and she pretty much knocks it out of the park--and this right after her star turn in the remarkable Extraordinary Attorney Woo. (Kudos to her management team!) The supporting cast is quite good too--especially Kim Hyo Jin as mentor Yoo Ran Joo. The plot has some pretty glaring holes, but just go along for the ride. It's worth it. Good, not great, but definitely worth a watch for fans of "plucky, down on her luck girl makes good" kind of dramas.

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"You were my ice cooler box."

A really great slice of life that could've done without the mystery side of things. The overall story hooks you and has you hooked throughout. I was at the edge of my seat every episode watching Mok-Ha's journey from island to stadium. There are a few downs towards the end, but it picks up in the last 2 episodes for a really perfect ending.

The one thing I really enjoyed in this drama were all of the relationships between all of the characters. The friendship between Mok-Ha and Ran-Joo was my favorite and I couldn't get enough of it. I was honestly looking forward to their scenes more than I was the romance. Their blossoming friendship of fan to mentor is really beautiful and I loved the character development it gives Ran-Joo. The romance and overall mystery of who Ki-Ho is was worth it, but wish it could've been resolved a little earlier to get more scenes of the two of them. There are a lot of little details that you can miss with them if you don't pay attention and it really adds to their relationship. Ki-Ho keeps all of his promises.

The music is really great and just helps add to the already amazing story. A feel good drama that has you emotionally invested until the last minute.

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"what kind of crazy woman would worry for a man for 15 years without any feelings"

"what kind of crazy woman would worry for a man for 15 years without any feelings" mok-ha (ep 11)

"What kind of lunatic searches 15 years for someone he's uninterested in" ki-ho (ep 8)

ki ho and mokha invented love.

just step on me! that'd be easier!!!!

ALSO,

"One person is lying to protect his children while the other is lying to punish them. Then, which one do you think is the real father?"
THE PROSECUTOR IS THE MVP HERE!
Kiho had learnt early that the system can't protect him or his loved ones. His father being a cop and yet being abusive towards him must have stalled the faith he should've had on the justice system. So, his family being protected by the same system was so heart warming.

Mr Lee is the father that stepped up and I love that for the brothers and the mom too. I'm glad she found a good and loving man after what she went through with the ex cop Jung. they are just a cute Lil family and i love it for them.

Ranjoo's entire arc felt a bit lukewarm to me. maybe it's cuz throughout the entire drama she could never make her mind about one thing. She was jumping on and off of every decision and something about it just felt off. I get her being in the dark and bit having people around her to help her through but did she really need that long to figure out why her career was going down the drain. I felt like that show wanted president Lee and her to have an equal footing ? I'm not sure but at felt like a tug of war between both the characters which was frustrating to some extent. both of them seemed to have a past and yet just no communication. Ranjoo is supposed to be a women who has been in the industry ( that too on top) for a while so her not being able to put two and two together was also disappointing. it's not her fault for being decieved by people close to her but at the end of the day, she seemed like a character with a weak backbone ( not that there is anything wrong with that) and too kind of a heart ( she is the cutest might i add) . I think I just expected more from her character but maybe that was also the point too, just because someone's been in their industry for a long time and has experienced the turning of the wheels of time aren't all necessarily the wisest and sharpest. I still love her through all her ups and downs and I'm sure since she has received her cooler , soon enough she'll find her drone too. maybe she already has. she is talented when it comes to music and producing is something she is passionate about. I'm sure she'll shine going forward no matter which direction she takes.

President Lee was not my favourite character. he was okay in some scenes, bearable in others and downright infuriating in a handful. he maybe the better person to run the company but i just don't like the way his character was written.
I'm so glad they didn't make Ranjoo and president Lee get together romantically. please no. Ranjoo is better off alone ( she is too good for him anyway)

the way the show shone light on abuse and how in the past, people just didn't have any way out is sad but true nonetheless. Ex cop Jung never saw his own fault till the moment he took his last breathe and died a pathetic death with no one by his side and that was the most justified ending that stupid excuse of a man could ever receive.

The one complaint I do have is that they really stretched the mok ha and woo hak plotline.
I mean, did my cutie pie Woo hak really had to fall for mok ha? why could'nt they just be good friends. Woo hak seeing mok ha as someone who also didn't have much connection with her past and become good friends and later family through the common connection of kiho would've been better in my opinion. Woo hak could've found out everything while being a friend who wanted to support his new island stranded friend would've also worked out. I just don't see why the brothers has to fall in love with the same person and while he never made a move when he realised kiho and mok-ha's past connection I just don't see why he had to go ahead and fall in love with her.
I really hope going forward kdrama directors would go easy on the love triangles cuz those are just so unnecessary and I feel like there are enough dramas with those arcs.
and even if I can let the falling in love with mok ha arc subside they really stretched it to the end. It would've been better if they actually showed him moving on quickly once he would out ( let's be real, he didn't spend that much time oblivious anyway) so him backing off and actually showing that those feelings were fleeting would've been better. also, he is so cute with those glasses!!! and I love how clingy and loving he is with his family and his older brother side coming out with kiho!!! woo hak really is the best brother to ever brother.
WOO HAK BEST BOY!

Kiho, my sweet chocochips dizzled on an Oreo cake. I love you. you did everything right and you're the most amazing person out there and I hope you get a lifetime of happiness with your family and friends and mok ha by your side. I love you .

anyways, Mok-ha, our main lead, our Island princess, the president of Ranjoo's fanclub and kiho and the Lee family protector, she is honestly a ball of sunshine and that's only way I can explain her. she is so beautifully written, no wonder Kiho fell in love with her ( cuz same bro)
she shines so brightly and i honestly felt like she taught me so much in just a few episodes. After being stranded in an island for 15 years and entering society must have been so scary, especially with how much the world has changed but our brave girl never faltered! she kept her head high and learnt from her misfortunes and mistakes. she is wise beyond her years and she is superstar material. I'm sure she'll be an amazing superstar. I also like how they showed how agism is so prevalent in the entertainment industry and how after a certain age it's so difficult to make career moves and I'm so proud of mokha for persevering and achieving her dreams.

also there confessions sharing the same words, ughhh!!! the way i yelped!!! they are too cute!!! mok ha and kiho best couple ever!!! and their kiss scene in ep 11 when mokha runs towards him an she takes her in his arms and ansnxhxgsbxgxbzhsnsbxhjzznxbxnnshsajaznxbzbbb

yeah, I'm fine.
overall, an amazing show! I'd definitely watch it again!!!

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Beautiful and heartwarming

Happy endings are the best endings, and this was one of them. I have so many things to say about this beautiful Kdrama. From the first episode, I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the music.

All characters were well-written, and the support roles are included. The actors did so well bringing their characters to life, and the two actors portraying the young version of Mokha and Kiho are such good actors.

Mokha and Kiho were so cute together, always supporting each other ♥.

Kiho: "What kind of lunatic searches 15 years for someone he's uninterested in”

Mohka: "What kind of crazy woman would worry for a man for 15 years without any feelings”.

Their love is so beautiful♥

Kiho is such a walking green flag. He waited 15 years for Mohka, even prepared everything for her, and always supported her. I'm not going to lie, I'd have loved some more romance just to feed my hunger for it lol, but this was perfect anyway. It was about her journey, and her desire to become a singer.

Kiho and Chaeho, my two walking green flags. Ki Ho with his puppy eyes and beautiful smile, and Chaeho with his bright personality. I'm glad this didn't turn into a love triangle although my poor Woohak/Chaeho suffered a little.

The main topic of the drama is domestic abuse, and let me tell you the father is so scary and annoying. He remained a coward and selfish until the end, even using his own death to hurt and harm those closest to him. I'm glad he couldn't keep hurting them. At least this family had the happy ending they deserved.

The OST is just soooo beautiful that I couldn’t stop listening to it (and I think I will listen to it for a long time). Park Eunbin’s voice is like honey. Her singing was a blessing to my ears. It's so amazing when a non-professional singer sings so well. She really is a great singer and a great actress.♥

Side note: The only thing that bothers me about the story is the time she was on the island. I think 15 years is too much, and she was in good health? her skin, hair, and everything was healthy. How is that even possible? that makes no sense lol. Despite this, I really loved this show.

I like the ending, it was also so balanced. Not rushed or too draggy, Just perfect and beautiful. I cried so much while watching this, and they even played 'Someday' at the end of the last episode only to make me cry even more. I'm going to miss this drama so much ?

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PEB and fellow actors make it through despite a contrived screenplay

First, I would like to apologize if I will hurt the feelings of some Park Eun-bin's fans. Basically, I am a PEB's fan too, but a kind of weird fan who allows himself to be critical about the productions where she leads in. Second, as concerns "Castaway Diva", I want to say from the start that my criticisms are not concerning the acting but the screenplay. PEB is sincere and expressive in her acting as expected, and the other actors are sincere too, but the screenplay is contrived and does not provide a sound basis for an outstanding performance. The spectator hardly knows what is the main direction, the main issue this series is aimed to, so many things are mixed up.
Apparently the main message the series intends to convey is that one must always stay focused and optimistic in order to attain one's goals. The message is right but does one really need all this overcomplicated and overemotional story to express such a straightforward idea? In order to deliver a positive message there is no need for big effects like being stranded on a deserted island, pursuing an idol career, or facing a psychopath. Positive thinking can also be transmitted by a drama about problems of ordinary people in ordinary life.
The series has also the ambition of addressing domestic violence. It is a very important societal issue and it is worth bringing it to the large audience. But does one need all this musical and romantic packaging to deal with this issue, is the improbable story of Seo Mokha a proper ground for that? Or does the caricaturally bad character as that of the pathological father provide the necessary sobriety and authenticity? I don't think so.
Another potentially interesting aspect of the series is the re-integration of a person who has been isolated for a long time. The struggle of such a person to regain a place in the society may be a very good story line. But the story has to sound true and not made-up. Is pursuing the ambition to become a pop star actually convincing? Is falling from a ferry and having been stranded on an deserted island compelling? Is an ex-fan and fallen-idol relationship appealing? For young people following today's pop culture, maybe. For me, from the elder generation, it is not.
In fact, in my opinion, the screenplay of "Diva" is not following a consistent scheme but simply pulls on all possible strings, including a story of a come-back of an idol, family pathologies, singing of the star actress, romance, in order to get the strongest emotional impact possible and to attract the widest audience possible. The series is overloaded with melodramatic situations, the weakest part being the love triangle, the hidden identities and the revengeful father. Nevertheless, PEB and her fellow actors were able to transform this mere entertainment product into a touching and audience gathering show.
I willingly admit that among the nowadays films and series, where the most popular are thrillers, horrors, violent crime or war stories, heartwarming and positive series like "Diva" are truly needed. However, I think that PEB, at this stage of her career, desserves better scripts or simply another type of scripts. She said in an interview that she would like to try different genres of films. I hope that her next production will not be a romantic comedy, but rather a psychological drama. I would like something more subtle, contemplative, introspective, even melancholic, without any excessive melodramatic effects.

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Enchanting Echoes: A Love Letter to Park Eun-Bin's Voice in 'Castaway Diva

I have fallen deeply in love with Park Eun-Bin's voice in "Castaway Diva." The series, while not necessarily emphasizing romance prominently, has left an indelible mark on me, and I truly believe that no amount of kissing scenes can surpass the sheer brilliance of her voice. Throughout the entire series, I found myself experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions—crying, feeling sad, and getting excited in equal measure.

If there were a voting system in place, I would wholeheartedly cast my vote for "Castaway Diva" as a top K-drama for 2023. Park Eun-Bin's performance, coupled with the overall emotional depth of the series, has truly resonated with me. It's not just about the romantic elements; rather, it's the raw and authentic portrayal of emotions that has left a lasting impact.

Sharing my sentiments about the series and Park Eun-Bin's exceptional voice is something I am eager to do. Even without a formal voting system, expressing our appreciation for such outstanding performances is essential. Whether through social media or online forums, discussing and recommending "Castaway Diva" can potentially connect me with like-minded viewers who share a similar passion for quality storytelling and remarkable acting.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse "Castaway Diva" as a top K-drama for 2023, and I encourage others to explore this captivating series, not just for its romantic aspects but for the rich emotional tapestry it weaves, brought to life by the incredible talent of Park Eun-Bin.

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WHat a story.

Perfect story to tell and perfect cast to act. Love their chemistry. A always, the FL is the best to portray any character she was in. Love her in the series "Hello my Twenties". she is just amazing. Nothing bad to stay. A must-watch series.

This series makes me smile in every episode. Love the way the writers shows that even in a bad situation, you can do it as long as you want it and supported by your loved ones. Love also the way the manage to show the love and concern of the ML. He is truly a green flag. knows how to show his love. love his smile..

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Regret watching this

Pros:
- soundtrack
- the strong love between the Kang parents and sons
- the strong love between the Kang brothers
- the kids escaping abuse
- the endearing and comedic moments with Woo-Hak
- 90% of the dialogue is foreshadowing, not just filler
- metaphors with the island
- extremely caring and selfless characters
- interesting concept for the plot

Cons
- the love triangle
- infinite plot holes:
- doesn't make sense that Ki-Ho's attempts to run away fail for months. not that expensive to buy a ticket and hide on a ferry to get away
- doesn't make sense why Ki-Ho and Mok-Ha didn't just hide on the boat
- they try to play it off that abuse was seen as more acceptable, but doesn't make any sense to have a guy beating a kid senseless in public, then chasing daughter like maniac, and no one does anything
- should have explained how the dad got on a boat that already left
- made no sense how she could have washed ashore some random remote island when they're so close to populated areas
- made no sense how all that trash ended up on the island, yet no boats or Ki-Ho could find her for 15 years
- can definitely still recognize people after only 15 years, especially your own sons
- the Kangs endangering Mok-Ha and Woo-Hak by not telling them there's a psychopath
- Bo-Geol is supposed to love Mok-Ha, yet literally causes his brother to fall in love with her
- doesn't make sense for Bo-Geol to pine over Mok-Ha for 15 years and then cruelly hide his identity, "protecting her" puts her in way more danger, if she resented him that would be an understandable excuse, but she clearly doesn't. no matter how good his intentions, he acts undeniably cruel
- Bo-Geol being adamant on concealing their identities and preventing Mok-Ha from getting famous, then out of nowhere changing his mind, stairway reveal was the worst scene in the show
- the childhood lovers trope feels out of place here, shouldn't romanticize two kids trying to escape abuse
- Mok-Ha's mannerisms feel out of place, no hate for autism, but living in isolation doesn't make you act autistic

For me, the cons outweighed the pros, so I regret watching this. I can even forgive some aspects, but overall I just can NOT recommend it. What would have made it good:
- cut any romantic feelings until the present day, don't romanticize kids running away from abuse
- cut the love triangle, make either Kiho's or WooHak's feelings platonic
- cut the secrets
- cut the amnesia trope
- add an episode towards the beginning showing her time on the island
- add an episode with her readapting to society to create more comedic moments
- fix at least some of the plot holes mentioned above

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