I see so many positive reviews about this drama, and I wonder if there’s something seriously wrong with me...

Unfortunately, I consider this drama below average. A weak, predictable story, a poor copy of countless other Korean productions.

Seriously! I’ve seen so many similar productions that I completely lost interest.

In fact, I watched it based on a recommendation from a friend whose opinion I value a lot. She even told me the plot had a vibe similar to *First Love Hatsukoi* (2022), a Japanese drama that, ultimately, doesn’t resemble this one at all.

Teen love, rivalry between classmates leading to a later romantic development—it doesn’t go much beyond a repetitive theme for me. Without a solid story behind it or a well-structured cast, it’s not even worth trying.

It’s the same thing over and over again—a waste of time.

The only part that I partially enjoyed in these 12 episodes was the period when we followed the young cast or the younger versions of the adults.

Of course, I can’t ignore the total lack of resemblance between the younger and older versions of the characters. Whether in physical appearance, mannerisms, emotional expression, or—worst of all—the famous "chemistry," there was absolutely no common ground between them.

Ju Ji Hoon is a very talented and versatile actor, but this character was laughable. The beautiful, brave, and resilient version of young Seok Ji Won died that rainy day, crying for his beloved while sitting on the stairs on a dark night. What remained for Ju Ji Hoon 18 years later (I believe that’s how long the wait was) was a bland, insecure adult trapped by his father’s expectations and a ridiculous romantic doubt that could have been resolved with a vacation trip or an honest, face-to-face conversation. The impression I got was that instead of maturing as a man, he regressed into a weak, indecisive adult teenager.

As for the ill-fated relationship, with its long years of waiting, I can only think of it as masochism, a lack of better options, or simply having nothing better to do in life.

Jung Yu Mi, as the adult Yun Ji Won, was a poor choice. I won’t even bother commenting on her portrayal of the character’s adult version. Just think about the last episode and her wedding dress choice, with a ridiculously inappropriate veil, and you’ll get an idea of how much value her wardrobe or "persona" received throughout the show.

As for the supporting cast, I’ll abstain from commenting as well, except to highlight the worst character of all—the clown, Kong Mun Su. What a laughable role the young actor agreed to take on. I wonder if a character could be more unnecessary to a plot than this one was.

And in the end, sweet as honey, for the umpteenth time, everything works out—every grudge is forgiven, and villains and heroes leave the poorly staged set hand in hand, crying or smiling, happy as can be. Mission accomplished!

A bed of roses...

I must confess, this wonderful world depicted in the latest Korean rom-coms actually gives me chills...

I didn’t like it, and I don’t recommend it.