My expectations were set too high. Firstly, I've never watched the writers previous work but I knew she was well known and respected. I knew of Suzy and Joohyuk but again I was not that familiar with any of their previous projects. Actually, I saw Joohyuk in Cheese in the Trap, but he had a minor role. With that being said, I was aware of both of their popularity so thought 3 A-listers attached to this project, series will be top-notch. The first 6/7 episodes were just that but second half of the series things went downhill fast.

What I liked: Seeing them working together trying to get into sandbox and the different test they were given once in. Watching them work together in different projects plus sandbox environment as a whole was enjoyable. Dosan/jipyeong interactions in the beginning were really great and funny. The backstory was the highlight of the series- it's probably what left most people disappointed when they realized it meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. jipyeong/grandma relationship was really beautiful and heartfelt. The samsan tech boys loyalty to each other was admirable. Dosan parents (especially dad) had a big bark but were very supportive of him. I loved Dalmi go getter attitude, even when she felt defeated and embarrassed, she didn't wallow but got through it.

What I didn't like: They failed the ML big time. Dosan started off being an awkward, funny, shy type who was unsure of himself but still endearing. Towards the end he became an unappreciative opportunist, woe-is-me type who made it seem like he had an awful life when in reality he was the most fortunate out of everyone. The dragging of a love triangle when they could have focus on other subplot was probably the biggest mistake. They made the beloved SL suffer so much, you couldn't feel empathy for anyone else even if you wanted to. Dalmi of earlier episodes was nonexistent in the last few. Everything they showcase as selective, important/valuable or precious, became futile once it's at hand (case in point- samsan tech got a mentor who they became very disrespectful too, letters who dalmi cherished for 15 yrs which was the foundation/essence of the story became irrelevant when all was revealed).

There's so much more I could say, but alas I will end with- overall, the series was not what you expect from this writer. As it continued, it became sloppy and all creativity went out the window. The saving grace was HJP, he kept me watching when so many times I wanted to give up. I wouldn't say it's a complete failure bc the 1st half was really good and if you're a super fan of the suzy/njh where you don't care if plot lost it's way or it turned into typical cliché fluff, you will enjoy it.