Summer Strike is a heart-warming drama that beautifully portrays emotions and captures a realistic approach to how one might feel about life. This drama follows multiple characters on their journey of self-discovery and happiness, but we’re first introduced to the lovely female lead Lee Yeoreum (Kim Seolhyun). Unsatisfied with her life in the city, she seeks comfort in a small town. There, she finds peace within herself, makes friends, and finds love along the way.

Yeoreum’s character was enjoyable. Her gentleness and sincerity were felt in every episode, with every character she encountered, which was nice. The male lead is An Daebeom (Im Siwan), a shy introvert with unresolved childhood trauma. Daebeom and Yeoreum’s relationship was executed nicely, for the most part, because I enjoy slow-paced dramas. I was satisfied with their ending, although a part of me still feels like something was lacking. They have no kiss scenes or anything obviously romantic like a declaration of love, but even without this you can feel how much they care for each other, and that is why I watched until the end.

The side couple Kim Bom (Shin Eunsoo) and Heo Jaehoon (Bang Jaemin) made up for what the main couple lacked. Jaehoon was such a bright light in Bom’s life and exactly what she needed. I wasn’t always happy with the way she treated him but Bom suffered so much, I literally couldn’t stay mad at her. Jaehoon was so expressive with his feelings and cared for Bom despite her complexity. Even with his own issues and eventual growing jealousy, his focus was always on her.

I think this drama would’ve been even better with 14 or 16 episodes instead of 12. I would’ve loved to see more of the relationship between the main leads and less of characters I didn’t care about, like Jo Jiyoung. I would have also liked at least a few scenes from the perspective of Bom’s brother Kim Hanuel (Shin Ki-Joon). Hanuel went through the same family struggles as Bom so I think it would’ve been super interesting to see more of him, but that one might just be me! Also, whatever happened to Yeoreum’s brother? We never heard from him again, which didn’t really matter in regards to the main story, but I thought he would’ve popped up once more.

The found family trope isn’t necessarily a favorite of mine but I grew to love and appreciate it way more because of Summer Strike. It wasn’t perfect but the message it carries leaves a lasting impression, one I won’t forget. The music was pretty, and the actors and actresses did their job wonderfully. I can see myself rewatching again if I ever need comfort. I’ll miss it!