Let me start off by saying, I watched it long after the release and so many of the thoughts regarding this show were unknown to me. Before reading the other reviews, I thought it was a great love story between two opposites that find meaning in their work and stand firm in their beliefs. Then I read the reviews and my mind still hasn't changed.
I will admit it isn't the greatest piece of art mankind has ever created and the hype was a bit much, but it definitely deserved to blow up the way it did.

Enlisting in the army is a big deal in Korea so it is a wonder why such a unique storyline was not made earlier. Second, we love a good parallel. The dynamic of the characters were great and really went beyond the romance to showcase the meaning of fighting for your country and the weight of a life. Many of us dream of becoming doctors and as we casually recite the oath, I don't think the weight of those words can be comprehended without the experience the character went through. Aside from the romance, you can take away so much more as the show has so many underlying themes and messages.

It was also just an overall good execution of romance and comedy. The bromance was great. There was no twisting love trapezoid and the story never truly strayed off track. The cheesy English jokes and clever pick up lines may have made others cringe but it brought out the personality and the relationship of the character so much more and made them feel real. People say that without this cast, the show wouldn't have been as successful and frankly, I agree (though not for the same reason). I don't think it was just the pretty face that made the show. The actors were good and executed the characters well. If you watch the bts, you will see that they truly understood what it meant to walk in their character's shoes. I couldn't imagine anyone else playing the respective roles. The acting and medical-related scenes were a little iffy and sometimes just complete nonsense but you can't expect them to be well versed in a field that requires years of study.

The ost was something else. Each track, combined with the perfect scenes, made the story so much more engaging. The emotions really came out. I usually only like one or two but the entire OST for this show rocked. If you heard one of the songs, you would automatically think of the show and that's a good thing.

I know the hype really ruined this show for many but if you just watch it with no real expectation or prerequisite then it is not as bad a watch as others will tell you. I say, give it a go, and if you don't like it then no harm, and if you do then great. As genres exist, not everyone is expected to like it. Try the tea and if you don't like it then try another flavor. If you find tea is just not your thing...then drink something else...?