Since the very first episode Backstreet Rookie has been quite the scandal, and after completing the drama I can agree with the fact that there were problems: romanticizing student/adult relationships, black cultural appropriation and the fact that the whole was tagged under 'family comedy-drama'. At first, like many, I took that first episode rather lightly, saying that since it's a webtoon adaptation the facts and events are very unrealistic and that I should not put too much thought into it. But the more I read discussions and opinions from others the more I realised that although it's all unrealistic it can have a bad impact or trigger some people, which made me further realise how unsensitive that first encounter between Saet-byul and Dae-hyun was. Although she started everything and kissed him it was still giving a wrong message to younger audiences who might confuse a fictional love story of 10 years into something romantic and to try in real life. Also, it was insensitive towards people who had similar bad and traumatic experiences. The second point is the best friend Dal-sik, whose character was just totally wrong for me. His presentation, behaviour, and style were just so offensive and are the biggest mistake the writer or PD team made in my opinion and the fact that until the very end, they didn't try to change or develop anything about him. Yeah, he was funny, but also cringey and disgusting.

From what I heard these kinds of dramas were popular in South Korea in the '90s but for audiences today, with all the talks about gender equality (do we want to talk about the father being beaten up religiously lol), cultural representation and misappropriation, a lot of things here were offensive and ignorant. Yes, SK is usually pretty insensitive in these cases, but honestly, if the writers and directors gave some points a little thought it would've saved them so many of those complaints and hate towards the actors.

Now let me mention why it was funny, despite all the issues I discussed above. It was silly, stupid, completely unrealistic and very colourful. Everything was a mess at times, but that's exactly what made it comic and at times relatable. Apart from all the bad stuff, it gives rom-com, and although kind of slow, it had all the elements and I don't regret watching it to be honest. I'm happy how so many people, me included, recognised the wrongs in the drama but still gave it a chance.

The OST was really good, and that's totally what I loved most out of all the drama. The acting was also good, it was a new kind of role for Ji Chang Wook, his character had problems but he did a decent job.

Those who want to watch it, do it with an open mind, knowing all the negative stuff about it, if you don't want to get triggered or disappointed.

I've seen better but it was okay nonetheless.