A rare GEM... One of the BEST dramas I've seen...

Brilliant acting from the main leads and supporting actors. I became an instant fan of Song Kang after watching this. Mr. Park, whom I've seen in a lot a of dramas before continues to amaze me. I loved how original the story was, it was simply a heart-warming and inspiring story which was beautifully portrayed on screen. Every character (even those with supporting roles and those you would initially get annoyed with) had a back story that was told clearly so you can understand where each one was coming from and why they behave that way. The family frictions and individual struggles were all very real and relatable. The character development of Chae-rok from start to finish was executed well, I literally witnessed how Chae-rok matured in all those 12 episodes and how that relationship with Granpa made an impact on his life and vice versa.

This drama would really make you want to reflect on life after watching it. The lessons in this drama about forgiveness, moving forward, discovering your passion, pursuing your dreams and rising above adversities were conveyed so well by the different characters in the drama. There was nothing overly-dramatic or far-fetched in this drama unlike in the others I've seen, yet this drama will surely tug your heartstrings. I wish more people would discover and watch this drama, as this is truly a gem, This is indeed one the best dramas I've seen so far, and believe me I've seen quite a lot (though I rarely write reviews, just had to write one for this drama as it was truly exceptional). Hoping this drama will get an award, as it will be well-deserved.

Lastly, make sure to have lots of tissues handy, you'll definitely need it. =)

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Amazing acting from cast, but concept, writing and storytelling was so-so

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Watched this drama because I loved Kim So Hyun in RWTMR and Song Kang in Navillera. As for this drama, great acting from the entire cast, but I must say the writing and directing were poorly executed, it was all over the place. What a waste of all the actors' talent here because of the bad script.

I found it so difficult to like Jojo's character, she was so immature and selfish, she literally broke SunHo. I get that she's protecting herself and perhaps even Sun Oh from getting hurt, but her actions and bad decisions were far more damaging for both of them and for HY too. She should've at least given Sun Oh a proper explanation for dumping him just like that, he doesn't deserve that kind of treatment from Jojo, no matter how exhausted and overwhelmed she may have been. Although the relationship may have started on a wrong foot, it doesn't change the fact that he was good to her and he loved her dearly. Four years have passed and you would expect that she has matured a bit, but her actions are still very immature. Not once did she even consider that getting into a relationship with HY would destroy the life long friendship those 2 guys shared. She owes Sun Oh the answers he needed, so he too can move on and have the closure he deserves, that is what he has been asking all along so he can understand and not be left in the dark for far too long about what happened to their relationhip, why can't she give that to him? She threw him away like garbage and later hooked up with his bestfriend, who wouldn't feel hurt and betrayed in a situation like that? It was so mean amd unfair of Jojo to deprive Sun Oh the answers he seeks, she also kept leading him on, she could have pushed him away when Sun Oh kissed her, she was giving him mixed signals, confusing Sun Oh even more. I honestly don't buy that there is no love left in her heart for Sun Oh or that she loves HY more than Sun Oh, her eyes and her actions say otherwise.

Why couldn't she be honest with herself (or to anyone) about what she truly feels? While I understand that she was traumatized as a child, that is not an excuse to go on breaking other people's hearts with intent. I couldn't stand how she kept so many secrets, so many lies, she dragged everyone into her misery. Her insecurities and dishonesty have hurt so many people along the process. If only she was true to herself, told the truth to Sun Oh, then it would have freed her. She didn't even give him a fighting chance, my heart broke into a million pieces at that scene from their graduation where she just walked past him and he cried silently, how can she be so cold and heartless? Also at the scene when Sun Oh asked her in the car "What about me?" Why can you not try with me?", that constant loop of Sun Oh's search for answers and Jojo not giving him one was just too painful to watch. It was so unfair and it made me so sad and mad. Their flashback at their last conversation (walking hand in hand in the garden) was so heartbreaking to watch again. Even then, during that talk, things were not cleared up. Sun Oh discovered the answers to his questions only from her drawings, not from Jojo directly. Although I have to give props to whoever chose the background music for that scene, it was perfect, the lyrics of that song "In My Little Mind" were the very words that needed to be said exactly at that moment, these lyrics were so powerful: "Maybe we could be a little bit more honest oh, with me with you, with us. Maybe we could go our ways and let it go... Woo uuh uuh. I know that you have given your all, just stayin' beside me, Woo uuh uuh. And this is all I'm thinking, my thoughts are broken inside my little mind".

I have nothing against HY, he's a great guy, I can accept their endgame as I can see that Jojo probably found HY to be a safe, quiet haven for her. Nevertheless, how can Jojo not be bothered at how tormented Sun Oh was, it took her so long to tie the loose ends, so many tears had to be shed before that chapter can be closed. What she did to Sun Oh just doesn't sit well with me.

I find that both guys do not deserve Jojo at all, they both deserve someone better. Glad that Sun Oh decided to go back to YJ, the girl who has been paiently understanding and waiting for him, YJ is way better compared to Jojo, she was selfless, was even willing to give up on her love just to see Sun Oh happy. Their last scene was what consoled my heart somewhat.

Tbh, I would have been more satisfied with an ending where Jojo dealt and overcame her demons alone and later finding true love without the need of an app to validate her true feelings. It would have been great if she didn't have to choose betwen those two great guys. Kim So Hyun nailed it in the head whe she mentioned in an interview that Jojo's character was so fickle-minded.

What irked me about the story the most is how people allowed an app to dictate their lives and override their emotions. What I also found idiotic was a complete stranger can easily ring another stranger's love alarm, it was shocking how GulMi can get hearts/alarms by dancing wildly in a bar, but Sun Oh, in all of those years of being together with YJ who showered him with love and affection found it impossible to ring her alarm? C'mon.. surely he would have been drawn or attracted to her somehow. Seriously, what does that "love" alarm measure or detect? Seems like PD only did that for dramatic effect but loopholes like these made the concept of the drama look stupid and inconsistent.

At any rate, Kim So Hyun, Jung Ga-ram and Song Kang's amazing portrayal of their roles is what kept me tuned in, their great acting made up for what was lacking in this drama's pacing and storytelling.

Moving on....

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A must-watch drama! Simply brilliant!

Will keep this short and sweet. This drama is simply amazing. from the acting, writing, directing, OST - every aspect was perfect. This thriller/drama won't bore you, it will keep you to the edge of your seat. An exhillirating ride for the viewers,

Lee Joon Gi, as always, delvered his very best here. His acting was top-notch. For me, he is really one of the most remarkable actors in the industry and deserves more accolades than what he is getting now. I think when it comes to portraying complex characters, no one can beat Lee Joon Gi - those eyes, the depth of his acting, his display of different kinds of emotions, wow! just wow! Moon Chae Won also was so amazing here. I haven't seen much of her dramas, but I got drawn to her after watching this.

All the actors, the director, writer and everyone in the production truly delivered in this drama.

I hope more people gets to see this excellent drama, I assure you it's worth watching. 10/10.

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