I didn't think I'd love it!
I had my doubts going into this drama because I saw all the negative reviews prior to starting. I had just finished watching "My Name" where I saw Han Sohee for the first time and I was already a fan of Song Kang when I saw "Sweet Home" when it was released.
I started this drama because of the main leads and I'm so glad I did. I keep seeing the phrase "toxic relationship" thrown around, but I didn't see that at all and I think it's because people forget that they started as FWB. Yes, some of their action/words were hurtful, but it shows how complex human emotions are, and I think the drama portrays each aspect of that really well - the initial attraction, the uncertainty, the confusion, the frustration, the jealousy and remorse. Humans are sexual beings and this drama shows that no one is a saint. It is definitely for a mature audience and I can see why people would see their relationship as "toxic" so I braced myself for it but what I saw was raw and realistic emotions.
Han Sohee did a wonderful job as someone who finds herself between two emotions - raw physical attraction to someone and the resistance to give in because she knows she deserves to be treated better. I think Song Kang did an amazing job as well displaying his emotions and the transition of his character. You could really see his character development - starting with flirty confidence in the beginning and then to confusion and him not knowing how to express himself when he felt jealous. I think people forget that Jae Eon is a very complex character who is afraid of getting hurt, and doesn't know how to express himself. Some people are saying there is no character development but I think there are many subtle hints that show he was confused and also fighting with himself about his feelings for Nabi.
The side characters and storylines were also very entertaining and I really loved all the side characters. They make me miss my university days!
I would 100% recommend this drama if you are thinking about starting but are unsure because of the negative reviews. I would say that you do need some patience because it's filmed in a more artistic way with a lot of slow motion camera angles and closeups, while supported with an amazing soundtrack. The chemistry shared between the two leads will definitely give you butterflies (ha). Just go in and enjoy the ride - take in the the beautiful scenery, the attractive cast, and a ton of sexual tension and chemistry between the leads. Don't expect the typical bubbly K-drama romance and cliches from this one. Humans are not one-dimensional creatures - keep an open mind and I promise you'll enjoy this one a lot!!
I started this drama because of the main leads and I'm so glad I did. I keep seeing the phrase "toxic relationship" thrown around, but I didn't see that at all and I think it's because people forget that they started as FWB. Yes, some of their action/words were hurtful, but it shows how complex human emotions are, and I think the drama portrays each aspect of that really well - the initial attraction, the uncertainty, the confusion, the frustration, the jealousy and remorse. Humans are sexual beings and this drama shows that no one is a saint. It is definitely for a mature audience and I can see why people would see their relationship as "toxic" so I braced myself for it but what I saw was raw and realistic emotions.
Han Sohee did a wonderful job as someone who finds herself between two emotions - raw physical attraction to someone and the resistance to give in because she knows she deserves to be treated better. I think Song Kang did an amazing job as well displaying his emotions and the transition of his character. You could really see his character development - starting with flirty confidence in the beginning and then to confusion and him not knowing how to express himself when he felt jealous. I think people forget that Jae Eon is a very complex character who is afraid of getting hurt, and doesn't know how to express himself. Some people are saying there is no character development but I think there are many subtle hints that show he was confused and also fighting with himself about his feelings for Nabi.
The side characters and storylines were also very entertaining and I really loved all the side characters. They make me miss my university days!
I would 100% recommend this drama if you are thinking about starting but are unsure because of the negative reviews. I would say that you do need some patience because it's filmed in a more artistic way with a lot of slow motion camera angles and closeups, while supported with an amazing soundtrack. The chemistry shared between the two leads will definitely give you butterflies (ha). Just go in and enjoy the ride - take in the the beautiful scenery, the attractive cast, and a ton of sexual tension and chemistry between the leads. Don't expect the typical bubbly K-drama romance and cliches from this one. Humans are not one-dimensional creatures - keep an open mind and I promise you'll enjoy this one a lot!!
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