I really don't know what to feel about Secret Garden. It is one of those iconic old dramas that you feel an obligation to watch if you want to understand the references and enjoy the wonderful soundtrack. For me, 16 episodes would have done nicely and overall made the story seem less dragging.

From a comedic standpoint I did find this drama funny, but most times it was awkwardly silly if anything. I also did find that both leads had good chemistry together and they certainly carried this drama. Hyun Bin plays your stereotypical rude, rick guy that has kind of an idiotic flair, that makes him obnoxious yet funny at the same time. Ha Ji Won also plays the stereotypical stoic “strong female lead” that is actually physically strong, because that was the only way they knew how to portray strong women back then.

Plot-wise, there isn't much going on that makes this drama stand out from other romantic comedies aside from the body swap trope, which only served to prolong the push and pull between the leads without actually making for a compelling love story. Other than the fantasy aspect, it has exactly the same clichés and the same over-the-top situations as in other Korean romantic comedies.