Uncontrollably Fond (also known as Lightly, Ardently) is a romance melodrama about a popular star (Kim Woo Bin) and a documentary producer (Suzy) who knew each other as teenagers, but were separated.  The two are reunited many years later after secrets from their past begin to surface and the star is given only months to live.
Well, count me as completely surprised at just how much I loved Uncontrollably Fond! Of course, I was hoping I would enjoy it, but I entered in a bit cautiously. I love the writer of the drama, but I’ve always been more neutral towards the leads.
But it turned out to be just my style of melodrama. I enjoyed all of the characters and was genuinely interested in their individual stories and how they related to the bigger picture. All of the supporting characters are important, and they helped create a rich, in depth world.
The drama has a wonderful soundtrack that really set the mood for the drama and easily stirred up my emotions. The cinematography is really great too with so many absolutely gorgeous scenes throughout the drama.

We have Kim Woo Bin as leading man Shin Joon Young. I’ve never disliked Kim Woo Bin, but I’ve just not cared much for him. I’ve never been drawn to his characters and usually found them more on the obnoxious side. Once we get passed that brash personality, Joon Young had this softness to him that is both sad and childlike. Kim Woo Bin delivered so much depth and emotion in his portrayal of Joon Young. I could really feel his pain over the tremendous guilt he was experiencing as well as his passion for Eul. He really moved me on so many occasions.
Suzy plays our documentary producer No Eul. I’ve also been sort of neutral towards Suzy in the past, but mostly I’ve found her pleasant enough. And I thought she fit the character of No Eul very well. No Eul has a bad reputation because she will do anything for money because she is poor and wants a good life for her brother.
And I ended up really enjoying Kim Woo Bin and Suzy as a couple. They each have a strong presence that really made their bickering quite fun. With one obstacle after another coming between them, they share plenty of intense scenes that really draws you into their relationship. Then there are these subtle moments where they soften and you can really see the sweet chemistry with this couple. Their love story is a roller coaster of emotions, but I never doubted their love for each other.

I didn’t personally have any issues with the drama, but I thought I would give a little heads up for anyone considering watching it. It is definitely a melodrama. Don’t be fooled by the early episodes that have a somewhat lighter tone to balance things out. Things become progressively more angsty and melodramatic as the drama progresses. Also, Joon Young and Eul have a very tumultuous relationship. If you’re looking for a sweeping romance with lots of lovey dovey moments, Uncontrollably Fond is not that kind of drama. One horrible event after another seems to constantly get in their paths and prevent any chance of a real relationship. The couple doesn’t get a lot of time to really be together.
With everything finally set right, Joon Young was able to enjoy his final days with the love of his life, Eul. She took care of him, they played, they laughed, and they just got to finally be together. It was both joyful and sad to watch them finally get to be a couple. And how fitting that he took his final breath resting his head upon her shoulder.

All in all, Uncontrollably Fond was an amazing ride! The characters were so rich and full all the way from the main characters down to the supporting ones. The intricate web of lies that connected everyone made for a tension filled story that left me always wanting me more. I enjoyed each and every relationship and was never bored for one second of the drama. Joon Young’s passion for Eul was complicated and didn’t always produce the sweetest results, but I never doubted his love for her and that dedication was at the center of a remarkable tale of love and redemption.