The first 5/6 episodes were really good and had a good pace to it- i was immediately binge watching it. But slowly to the middle they didn't simmer out the story in a well-balanced way and it was always a fluctuating spike of interesting scenes and boring scenes (mostly boring xp). Additionally, they also over-dramatised a lot of minute and insignificant scenes in an attempt to keep the story’s pace going- but it only further distanced the audience from the story as it seemed so unrealistic and reminds them that this is just a drama.

A lot of the characters lacked development and were just played it out in small stories here and there- not having a good dynamic as a whole cast together. Only Saeroyi’s character development was complete and consistent, Yi-Seo’s was almost there- though a tad bit forced. The main problem I have with the show is how archetypal all the characters were. Archetypal characters can be played out nicely when the layerings are done carefully- but because ALL of the characters were pretty archetypal and only Saeroyi’s story was the main focus, all other characters did not have a chance to shine and seemed rather flat and unnatural.

Another thing i would criticise is how the director lacked awareness of what each scene may bring to the table. The first few episodes established the love story between Saeroyi and Soo-ah SO WELL that it may mislead a lot of audiences to root for them. They had a much more natural chemistry as compared to the latter love story, albeit their efforts to make the audiences hate Soo-ah and favour Yi-Seo.

This was a good story and held its central values tight, it definitely had a core message that each audience can have takeaway points from- unlike most K-dramas. But it had too many elements they tried to implement and the romance was almost unnecessary, though it made the show a tad bit cuter. I would still recommend the show though my comment seems rather negative HAHA. But that’s because i really loved the show at the beginning, and the thrust of the story- i just felt like they didn’t play it out well in the middle and did not do the story justice. I would also like to compliment how unique the setting of the show was! It was such a treat for us oversea-audience!