Gaksital has made me cry so many times throughout the show. Not only that, just when you think what's going to happen next, the writers pull something out of the bag to surprise you. The more outstanding characters include Rie (La La), played by Han Chae Ah, and Shunji, played by Park Ki Woong, mostly for the inner struggles they face throughout the show between love and loyalty. They are villains in the show, but the writing keeps pulling us back from completely demonizing them by reminding us of their humanity. I do wish Mok Dan were written as a more dynamic character. Also, since the actress is a relative newbie, she might be forgiven for a less compelling portrayal of a not-so-compelling character. Joo Won does such an excellent job with a character that is well written, but could have easily been very one-dimensional if portrayed by a less committed actor. The noir genre and the dressing of the period lends some benefits, in the form of those snazzy suits and cool fedoras Joo Won and Park Ki Woong get to wear every episode.