I would love to say that this version is very on par with the Taiwanese and Japanese versions, which were both equally well done for different reasons. Each version sheds a little more light into the characters and I love each one for different reasons (except for the Korean version, but we're not talking about that right now). While I can certainly enjoy it as a drama, there are things about this version that made it really hard for me to connect to it. Unfortunately, Kiss Me decided on some major structural changes to the story that I'm really not pleased with. This adaptation is definitely the most loose with the story in comparison to the others, but there are certain things that happen in their lives sooner in this version than in the other versions that are a major detriment to the story. Most of this is around TenTen's decision to become a doctor and how they go about that journey. It's radically different from the source material, and unfortunately I think it really messes with the potential story of any potential season 2. Season 2 is consistently my favorite part of their story, as I enjoy this story so much more because you get to see their lives and how they go through the challenges of their marriage. That is a much more interesting story for me, and the structural changes that they've made to their respective careers are going to have a major impact on how they can even tell the story of their marriage. Almost to the point that I don't even think they will do it. Which really drops this version's value in my eyes. But what really hurt it the most for me is what another review by babysmurf highlighted really well: why their relationship even exists. Both of them actually need each other to be the best versions of themselves. For Irie, she straight up gives him a reason for living and getting up each morning to go to work and do what he does. This version doesn't even touch the depression that he goes through when he legit can't figure out what to do with his life and the strain of the expectations his family has on him. Kotoko can give him that clarity of direction and sees him as the best version of himself to give him that guidance. Furthermore, she gives him that connection with others to make him a more empathetic person. Most criticize the story because Irie is too cold, but if he's not cold then you don't really see the changes that Kotoko has made to him and his character. Here he's just a guy that's in love with a girl, but is really really bad at showing it and understanding his feelings. Dude, if that's the case she really should have ended up with King, because he has a hell of a lot more going for him. For Kotoko, his honest belief that she can do better than she expects of herself makes her a better person and gives her the direction in life that she has. This version touched on this, but not incredibly well. Admittedly this is something that neither the TW or the J versions did very well either, but this version was horrible. He sets that bar high for her, and she has the determination to reach every goal he sets for her. He is proud of her, but this version didn't show that in the slightest and that was a super bummer for me. Now the good: I really have to look at this outside of the other versions and kinda outside the source material to understand enjoying it. When I do, it's really a great story. Very much your standard drama, with a few additions (a decent side couple for one) that make it a fun story. I thought the story (as a standalone and without a potential Season 2) was really well thought out and I think some of the changes they made make it a lot easier for people to enjoy these characters. He's cold, but not too cold. Man does he have a melted golden center of goo for Taliw in this version. I adored that they were "fated from childhood" to be together. I thought that was a really great addition to the story. Taliw isn't the brightest in the room, but clearly more average and has a great group of friends around her. King is fantastic. I think the decision to make him a cuter looking character has a lot to do with this. As the macho friend who loves her and fawns over her it can be hard to believe in his love and it comes off as very comical and artificial. But King is a great character by being much more cute and average, and his wide eyes of happiness any time Taliw shows her happiness toward him definitely sell that even more. I also loved the bond that Taliw and the little brother had in this version. It's a refreshing change to the strong disdain he has of her in the other versions. It was kinda fun to see him also rooting for Taliw, even though it meant the brother bonding scenes weren't as strong where Irie would make a discovery about why he loves Kotoko through his chats with his brother. The OST was great. I loved most of the songs and am happy to add them to my OST Playlist. Mike and Aom were great, have great chemistry, and I look forward to seeing them in Full House. The rest of the cast was also pretty strong, with King being the most notable strong point. I enjoyed this side couple a lot over the traditional version of this side couple. P'Dan was awesome and I really want to see him in other things now. Rewatch value: Nope. Much of what I love about this story is totally gone from this version, so while it is cute I don't really want to turn around and watch it again to see if I can catch the things that I might have missed or rewatch those moments of discovery. Them realizing they can be more than what they are through each other is really my favorite part. Since that's not present I don't feel the need to watch this version over again. The only thing that could make it better I would have to see in Season 2. But again, even though it's been announced the story changes they made make me think that I'm probably going to be even more angry with that version of Season 2 than I am with the changes they made to Season 1. And that they probably shouldn't have one.