It's not going to seem like it while reading this review, but I'm actually a big fan of this show! In fact, I think it's a very important series.
Although I was really into this drama, due to the very difficult subject matter, as well as the many despicable characteristics of many of the main AND support roles , I feel I have to admit I found it somewhat exhausting.
At one point, I went to check which episode I was watching, thinking (hoping?) I was nearing the series' conclusion, only to discover I was still early into Ep. 15! I had that PLUS five more episodes to go! I wouldn't judge anybody watching this series if they decided they needed to take some breaks. There's a lot of serious, heavy stuff with which to contend!
There was a relentless, revolving door of issues such as physical & mental abuse, greed, devastation, suicide, oppression, corruption, jealousy, fear, class prejudice, shame...all orbiting around the immense pressures of the current, Korean education system.
In parallel with the problems of the aforementioned education system, you see much of the same happening to the adults both at work & in their personal lives.
After reading what I just wrote, even I find it hard to believe that I enjoyed this series, but I really did! I was invested early into the story, into the characters, & it continued for the duration.
I guess there were enough instances of more positive things such as compassion, patience, reason, humor, perseverance, justice, redemption, forgiveness, kindness, etc. to keep all of the negative aspects from drop kicking me "This. Is. Spartacus"-style into the abyss of "Humans freaking SUCK!"
I think this is an important series. It confronts important issues, & it well deserves being seen.