To me, this was one of those dramas I'd like to watch while sipping on a cup of hot cocoa late at night, all cuddled up in bed. There were no evil Moms, nor were there any rich, chaebol ahjussis taking over the whole plot, making it a very light and fluffy drama. Although, there were misunderstandings ( what drama doesn't have those? ) It didn't feel that aggravating to watch. At the beginning, i wasn't that enthusiastic to start this drama, but it left me quite surprised that i barely found it draggy. It was really entertaining.

One thing that caught my attention was Seo Joon's acting in certain scenes, which i thought he did a wonderful job with. On the other hand, Hwang Jung Eum, and Siwon. Usually in dramas when they try to act funny, it just doesn't work, but here, i think these two did amazing, because i actually found myself laughing at them occasionally.

All in all, if you're looking for a drama that's light to watch, has those funny side characters that make you laugh with them, and a pleasant atmosphere, this would be it!

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This is a drama that I began a while back, but then dropped. So, if you've found the first few episodes to be slow, maybe like me, if you keep watching, you just might begin to connect with it.

Park Dong Hoon is a righteous man who doesnt seem to care about materialistic things, nor does he care about competing with others. He lives a diligent life, at least by the standards of others. But, hes not happy. Often, he expresses how he doesnt know how to live and how hes forcing himself to go to work, and forcing himself to live. He puts on an act that everything is fine, and doesnt confront his problems by conveying what he truly wants. As for the female leade; In many dramas I've watched before where the main character is poor, they are usually portrayed as a bright person who can act cheerfully regardless of their circumstances. Ji-an is an example of someone who is unable to do that, and it's important to have that kind of representation because not all people are able to put on a happy face when the world has beaten them down. And that shouldn't be seen as wrong or pessimistic.
To be a good actress, you dont have to be the best at acting melodramatic. At crying loudly. At screaming and acting over-emotionally. Sometimes, it's the roles where you have to convey your emotions with the least lines that end up captivating the viewers. This was true for both the main characters. The fact that they were both reserved and quiet made it more noticeable and impactful when the slightest change occurred in their facial expressions. I was both eager to know what they were thinking, and also able to connect with them on a profound level.

At first, I wondered what kind of relationship the main pair would have. Exactly what kind of events would bring the two of them together, and create such a strong bond? The more I watched, the more understanding I had of this relationship.

"Once you know someone, there comes a point where you dont care what they do. I know you."

This phrase sums up their relationship, basically. They come from completely different backgrounds, yet they feel as though they understand each other more than anyone.

The relationships in this drama were very realistic. The conversations felt real; awkward silences, outbursts between siblings, heartfelt exchanges. The lease realistic thing, although it was the basis for the story, was Ji-an eavesdropping on Donghoon. It made me question the relationship between the two leads, and how negatively those actions could impact this relationship. On the other hand, this was an integral part of the story, because through these moments, Ji-an began to change for the better. In a way, she was doing what she does best; listening. She listened in on other people's lives to soothe her own loneliness. So, I cant completely hate her for it.
The bond between the three siblings was my favorite bond apart from Ji-an and Donghoon. The way they get so worked up when something happened to Donghoon; how they cry with him, and walk home with him, and sit with him. I loved that aspect so much. Nothing beats family.

Broken things can be mended. "This life is ruined. How many times do I have to be reborn for things to go right?" That kind of thinking is broken in itself. When this life veers off track, it's our job to put it back and turn things around, so we dont end up wishing our lives away. The end ties everything together well because Donghoon finally decides he wants to be happy. This life is not ruined. There's hope.
"Being humiliated? People talking about your life being ruined? Those are nothing. I can be happy. I wont let this ruin my life. I'm going to be happy. I'll be happy. " - Donghoon

Coming into a drama with two main leads, many people ask whether there's going to be a romance between them. No, there is none. Their relationship was more than that. And while I still found myself hoping for more, I am completely happy with the way their relationship unfolded. I still found myself happy to see the profound, meaningful interactions between them.

Overall, this is one of those dramas that have a wholesome set of characters. I loved hearing about all their stories, and was delighted to witness the events that occured in this neighbourhood.
I wish there were more scenes of everybody walking home together.
I'm gonna miss the soccer team who are always on standby; whether it's to beat someone up, or attend a funeral.. and play soccer. If there were a season two, I'd definitely watch it; even if just to see how the characters are doing with their new lives. It didnt feel like a story that ends once the curtains are drawn; but like the characters will continue to live their lives in search of what they're looking for, if that makes any sense to you. Hopefully that's how this drama makes you feel too. I know I'm going to keep thinking about it for a long time.

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Story: the plot was incredible. To lots of other viewers, it was impractical, and i can't disagree. However, in the end, when we really think about it, it's unimaginably realistic. It showed us that such kinds of inhumane people really do exist. It just doesn't cross our minds. We got a glimpse of the world of those who are powerful and only think of climbing to the top, while trampling on the weak and disposing of anyone who is no longer useful to them, and those who are victimized by the ones with power.
What i really thoroughly enjoyed about this story, is that there weren't many scenes that had me spacing out, waiting for them to move on to the next scene. Almost each and every moment was interesting, i was delighted by the plot as a whole, rather than just waiting for certain events to pop up.

Acting: There wasn't one character that disappointed me. Although one definitely stood out. As many others agree, Nam Gung Min who portrayed the character of Nam Gyu Man deserves a standing ovation for his remarkable portrayal of such a character. He exhibited each and every emotion so well. Even i, who barely pays attention to acting dramatics, was astounded.

Overall: This drama is melodramatic, it is not a comedy. For people who love melodramas, i'd strongly recommend this. And, if you're not into melodramas, but would like something that will tug at your heartstrings, give this a watch. You won't regret it. And you may end up learning a thing or two from it.

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