I got into K-dramas recently, just in the last year or two, and every time I watch one there is always that drama that plays within the drama (a la Business Proposal) that makes fun of dramas like this. All the tropes are there, but the way they magnificently lean into some and break others is masterful. This is definitely a typically structured melodrama, but the earnestness in which it was created shines through, making this one of my all time favorites.

As for rewatch value, I started this drama as 10 episodes had dropped, and in anticipation of the last two, watched and rewatched this for a week.

Cons:
1 - In my opinion, the costuming/fashion choices do not lend to this drama. I don't know whether they had to make this on a budget, or they didn't have many sponsors, but it doesn't strike me as elegant styling. Perhaps there was a reasoning for it, but I found the ML suits to be Ill-fitting or not made from the best materials, they did nothing for his figure. I compare it to Park Yeon-jin's outfits in The Glory. When you look up most dramas, there are blog dedicated to their styling, there isn't much for this drama.

2 - It can sometimes be just a tad cringey. Specially the male lead. But I forgive it, because I find him also to be terribly endearing throughout the drama.

Pros:

1 - Pacing - Because it's only 12 episodes, this flies past. And unlike other dramas, the obstacles shift throughout episodes. There is no handwringing about the same things throughout the story. I really enjoyed that.

2 - Chemistry - the two main leads do an amazing job of carrying the entire show, especially the female lead. She is so outstanding in her performance. She is sincere and funny. Her range is incredible. And the male lead doesn't AT ALL try to skate by on his looks. He doesn't mind looking foolish at times, using his whole face to act (I love Lee Soo Hyuk, and maybe the directors force him to do so, but he always just has a "model face" on.)

3 - Supporting characters - I love almost all of them (except for her father but I shan't spoil it) they were brilliant and almost everyone got their just desserts.

4 - Trope breaking

Damsel in distress - this is my favorite broken trope. She is in distress in the first episode (which is most people's least favorite) but that last act shows her thorough shift. She carries herself so well throughout the rest of drama and it is around her that people gravitate. She is the general and conductor for the revenge, and knows what is happening most of the time.

Amnesia - Not in the "oh I lost my memory" but in the "you've shown me a million times who you are, but I'll conveniently forget every time you give me new information." There is NONE of this. The two leads make the decision early on to completely trust each other. And they absolutely do. It's delicious and SO satisfying to watch as they deftly handle everyone that tries to manipulate them

Terrible in-laws - this is another great broken trope, and the sister-in-law especially (especially in contrast to the ex-SIL). (Just as an aside, her face during the scene at the department store gave me major j-hope vibes, and she was my favorite from then on)

5 - Proper ending - This one is my absolute favorite in terms of endings. It is so simple and perfectly packaged Probably because the story is rather straight-forward but when things get complicated in fantasy-style drams (like The King Eternal Monarch) or difficult relationships (like CLOY), the writers feel their endings cannot be simple. I don't think those two have happy endings at all, they are so depressing to me, but this one was perfect.

I hope everyone watches this drama giving it a bit of grace because clearly they weren't expecting it to do well, but this a sneaky good drama and I wish they had more of a budget to play with. But perhaps we wouldn't have gotten my favorite new actress as a leading lady out of it!