Before I begin, I just want to say that I did enjoy this show. I laughed out loud at some parts and let my jaw hang open in shock at others.

Now, to the important stuff.

I am a Media Arts major and therefore study things like toxic masculinity in film. The traditional hand grabbing and passionate kissing without consent are unfortunately common themes in film and Kdramas. Still, if you are used to watching some of the more modern stuff that's turned away from some of these things, this one will churn your feminist blood.

During the time this show was produced, bad boys were all the rage and it was a norm to see a man shove a girl up against a wall on screen in a dominant way. Toxic masculinity is all about presenting men in such an aggressive or powerful way that we unfortunately expect—resulting in harm to men themselves as well as women.

I'll try not to bore you. Basically what I am describing to you is the harm that's presented in Secret Garden. Once again, things are changing as we become more aware of this toxicity, but it is true nonetheless that this show is full of tropes that should make you uncomfortable. You should not agree with the things the main male character does in his relationships with not only the girl he likes, but also with some others.

There is a part in the show (without spoiling anything) where a man kisses a woman suddenly and she smacks him, saying, "I didn't give you permission!" I laughed out loud because consent is so important and completely forgotten throughout the entire show.

If you have ever been in such a toxic relationship, this show could be harmful to you as the relationship is hardly uplifting aside from small moments and the last few episodes. It takes a "hate to love" relationship to a ridiculous level, despite the growth the characters still go through. At the end of the day, it is still presenting a toxic relationship as a positive and happy one.

But okay, yes. I did enjoy this show to some extent. It was fun and even sweet at times, but I wish someone had told me beforehand how toxic it was. I definitely wouldn't recommend it to most people—despite its wide cinematic influence in Korea. The show itself is not toxic I don't believe, but when there are such things presented, it can be toxic to somebody.

I hope this is helpful! My rewatch value is my entertainment value. I am also grateful to all the work that was put into the making of this drama so we could watch and learn from it. Because I definitely learned some things!

Cheers!