Well... First of all this drama was made 3 years ago and an A class budget drama. So considering these, its already outstanding, specifically in melodrama genre.

Indeed the plot full of angst and villains who cause the angst. But, again, isnt it a what a melodrama should be?

So if our expectation is a romcom, this one indeed not the one. Its a melodrama in classic and maximum version ?

The plot was cliche, conflict and power struggle around rich families which we are all may have watched a lot before.

But still there are some points where SWK excelled :
- whenever MLFL get together, its very sweet and adorable. They are cute like teenagers who fall in love for the first time ?
- a series of unfortunate events indeed happen in reality too, thats why we still able to get lots of life lessons from enduring Yun Shen and Xu Jiu.

Even from villains, because SWK very clear with what their background and motives in doing evil deeds.

- the OST are very very beautiful, kdrama vibe

Actually all the snows, ost, and environment all feel like in kdrama, even the plot also like in kdrama (a few years ago trend).

- acting quality is no joke, CY really portray despair and sad feeling like no one else. Ppl said there is brokeness feeling in his acting that we rarely found anywhere else. XYZ also act very well here, their chemistry feel natural and sweet.

Conclusion :
So if you are melodrama lovers and appreciate + enjoy acting skill (love to immerse on feeling of the leads) more than plot, i would say SWK is perfect for you.

But if you expect romcom and also demand unique plot, then just watch the sweet moments between MLFL, surely you will still able to smile alot looking at them, its very rare adult romance can be as cute and adorable as their romance and certainly you will not want to miss it ?