Just Between Lovers (2017–2018) User Reviews

Stunning and Poignant

[fake_moviestar · 9/10 · 16 May 2020]

Just Between Lovers is a story of love, life, and tragedy. Shot like a big budget Hollywood Indie film, the cinematography is gorgeous, and the soundtrack keeps the viewer on their toes, one minute cute and quaint, the other minute full of echoing, melancholy strings. The tone is consistently morose, with small flashes of happiness that is a sad but accurate reflection of life.

Jun-Ho is an absolute tour-de-force in this - his performance is absolutely stunning and award worthy. Jin-Ah Won is also fantastic as our leading lady, and the supporting cast are noteworthy but not overpowering. Overall this is a wonderfully told story of two young people struggling to live despite a tragedy, and finding love along the way.

The Will To Move Forward After Disaster

[AppleEye2U · 8/10 · 20 May 2019]

This melodrama has good reviews, but I kept postponing it at my To See List, because I can't stand seeing tears and fears after my working hours. Now I'm glad I did it. Just Between Lovers is heavy stuff, but also a touching story about a tragic event, its devastating impact on everybody involved, and the will to move forward.

Summary

The drama begins with the quarreling teenager Ha Moon Soo. Her mother wants her to babysit her younger sister. Moon Soo has other plans for the day, she likes to meet her boyfriend at the local shopping mall. Moon Soo decides to bring her sister along, leaving her at the escalators, speeding towards her date meanwhile observed, and secretly admired by another schoolboy, the 15 year old Lee Gang Doo. Suddenly, the whole shopping mall collapses due to a construction failure, taking the life of 48 people, including Ha Moon Soo's sister and boyfriend. Moon Soo and Gang Doo both survive the catastrophe, but their life and dreams are shattered. She is living with guilt towards her parents who aren't able to cope with their grief. Moon Soo's mother is a drunk, her father abandons them. Gang Doo spends his days as a lone wolf, fighting through physical and emotional pain, struggling to support his sister and pay back a hefty debt. Ten years later they meet again as they both work for the same company led by the off spring of the managers who were once responsible for the disastrous shopping mall. Everybody wants to atone for the past by planning a better construction this time at the accident site. Will they be able to move forward and embrace the future?

The Good

This drama is unique, unlike any other k-drama I've seen. The male lead isn't the usual rich, nasty tempered, or cold man. He is very intense, a tragic anti hero, disturbed by heavy melancholy. The female lead isn't the typical poor, bubbly girl. She's a total introvert. Perhaps she was once a sassy teenager, now she's a Plain Jane suffering from parentification. It's wonderful to see how damaged people manage to develop feelings, let alone romantic feelings for each other. The romance and human relationships are so beautiful in this drama. Every character is well written, not good, not bad, with uncertainties and flaws. The story is based on a real disaster in 1995 when the Sampoong Departmental Store in Seoul collapsed, killing 501 people, but the focus is on the aftermath, and the will to move on.

The Bad

Some storylines minimize the huge impact of the first episodes, making it less realistic. The story arc of Moon Soo's parents is very depressing, if not dull. They don't show any character development. Gang Doo encounters every problem possible, this was really too much for me to behold, but his mental illness, a Post Traumatic Syndrome, is downsized like he has the flew, simply cured by a cuddle from Moon Soo.

Verdict

All in all this drama is superb and a MUST SEE. The casting is perfect, the chemistry on point. Kudos for Lee Jun Ho's screen appeal. I fell for his character, not only as a romantic interest, but also as a lonely boy who takes life lessons from an old medicine woman played by veteran actress Na Moon Hee. I loved their interaction. All actors did a good job. They gave the story an authentic feel. The beautiful cinematography and soundtrack added to the look and feel of a high budget movie. So if you're ready for some heartfelt sorrow besides intense romance, this is for you.

One More Korean Gem

[rookiewookie · 9/10 · 18 September 2021]

It's a story of Pain paving the way to Love & Life.

Plot is Beautiful, screenplay is flawless, Heart-Felt Acting.

Last two episodes is where viewers might not be able to hold back tears.

The -1 is bcz i feel a little pace could have been added to the screenplay thus by making the hour long episodes to 45 min or less.

All in All i am happy to see a happy ending.

Underdog Drama and A Must-See!

[Audr3y · 10/10 · 3 December 2021]

This drama starring Won JinAh and Lee JunHo of 2PM was just added to Netflix and it is powerful in its tragic storyline but also as a great character study of the broken characters these outstanding actors play that needed counseling but never received it, instead they are both plagued by sadness, anger, guilt and emotional pain from the tragedy. When they meet it's under sad circumstances and I really appreciate the writing and outstanding performances by all the cast! #MUSTSEE!

Lovely, sweet, so glad I watched!!

[ccline-51714 · 10/10 · 16 August 2021]

I had a lot of tears but highly recommend. These actors had great sex appeal together and hope they team up again.

Amazing drama!

[evapenazova · 10/10 · 11 December 2021]

This series was simply amazing. Pure perfection. I was stunned in particular by acting performance of Junho as Lee Gang Doo, but other actors also did a good job. The story revolves around past tragedy and the consequences it had on all people involved. It is both sad, romantic, hopefull, tearful and it keeps you on your toes especially right towards the end. I have seen it on Netflix where it is called Rain or Shine, but I personally think that the title Just between Lovers depicts the story better, because the shared burden of tragical past between the main leads is substantial for the narrative. The drama also has one amazing soundtrack which I literally listen to every day now, one of the songs True Love is performed by Junho himself. For me this series has a healing power (similarly to It´s Okay to not be Okay) as it addresses the topic of overcoming one´s painful past through love and teaches us a lesson about the preciousness of life itself. I highly recommend this drama!

Best drama based on a real life tragedy

[phd_travel · 10/10 · 9 February 2022]

This is sensitively written drama which explores the effects of a mall collapse on the survivors and their families with their emotional and physical scars. It is loosely based on the real life collapse so the stories ring true because of small details. The effect on their lives is incredibly poignant and movingly told without too much overacting or hysterics. The story can almost seem too sad at times but the kindness of the people who care for our hero is so much more touching for that. Lee Junho does a convincing job as the survivor who has a spunky attitude but is damaged. Nam Da Reum excellently plays his younger self. Won Jin Ah is good as the one who blocked it out and is quite cheerful. But the supporting characters are interesting and involving too. Especially like the versatile Yoon Se Ah as a bar owner with a heart of gold. I like her relationship with the bad CEO. The sort of villains aren't one dimensional at all and Kang Ha Na is a believable secondary lead with a realistic relationship with architect played by Lee Ki Woo. This series will grip you till the end.

In a class of it's own!

[alexandra-42857 · 10/10 · 28 June 2020]

I have been such a huge fan of K and C-dramas, I watch nothing else these days. I didn't think a Korean drama could get any better until this series which really should have remained being called Rain or Shine. The reviews in Viki clinched it for me, they were off the charts about this series. All the characters, storyline, script, cinematography, sountrack and sublime acting puts this in a class of it's own. Its real and honest, not light and fluffy but it's still so heart wrenching and melting at the same time. It's my first time seeing Junho act and oh my goodness he is incredible!! He portrays such a self assuredness at the same time being so humble and selfless and you become so mesmerised by not only his authentic portrayal but all the characters of this story. I completely forgot it wasn't actually real! I don't like sad stories as a rule but this was so worth it and I got the ending I was hoping for although it was a little abrupt. This drama and many of the moments will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 9/10 · 31 January 2018]

Not much can be said about this drama, that started simple and quite among the other big ones, and actually managed to pull of a great story, keep the interest high till the very ending and actually increased the emotional level pretty neatly. The performances were good as well, and the chemistry between the two main ones really good, though the focus was more on the tragedy rather the romance for most of it. At some point, however, it did got a bit tiring, though it picked up quickly after, almost turning Uncontrolably fond on me.

Imbalanced Romance Between the Heroic Kang Doo and the Immature Cowardly Moon Soo

[spasek · 6/10 · 15 December 2021]

Kang Doo and Granny end up being the only two truly noble and likeable characters in this entire series with Ma Ri and Jung Yoo Jin being right behind them. The show would have been so much stronger and better if even Moon Soo had even half the character of Kang doo. In the end, we realize that she doesn't even remotely deserve him.

Kang Doo and Moon Soo are survivors of a horrific accident; a newly built shopping mall that collapses on them when they were teenagers. As the story unfolds, we find that Kang Doo is about as noble and heroic as a person can be. Yes, he's got a temper, and for a while, he feels pathetic and unworthy. But not only does he rebound, he is always looking after people; looking after those he cares about; and even beyond that, he's always THERE for them. That's the mark of a truly noble person. Jun Ho Lee should've won every single acting award out there for giving us a harrowing and complex depiction of a Kang Doo who is always in pain, always struggling, always fighting, and always doing right by people. He mirrors the famous quote of Rocky Balboa of, "Life ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." Does Kang Doo stumble and make poor decisions? Yes, but he always quickly sees that there is a better way. He's a man who's continuously tormented.

Moon Soo, unfortunately, is someone who finds it safer and easier to just stay within her little bubble world. One could argue that Kang Doo has had a much harder road in life, and yet Moon Soo lacks the courage and even the conviction to fight and be there for those who need it. Actress Jin Ah Won is almost a complete opposite from Jun Ho Lee. In fact, she's easily the weakest actor of the ensemble. Her expressions are often stoic and bland. She looks like a 15-year-old and she gives us a Moon Soo who acts like it too. It's nearly laughable the times that Kang Doo tries to hug her, and she recoils like an 8-year-old child who's had a spider dropped down her shirt! It shows her level of immaturity.

What really angered me was when Moon Soo finds out about Kang Doo's health condition. At this point, she's not even talking to him at all. She's ignoring him. He goes to her house to tell her about his problem. Without even opening the door, he faints. She then gets angry with him for not telling him! How exactly does THAT work?!? I was like, "Are you kidding me?! You were ignoring him and you blame HIM for that?!" That was my last straw with Moon Soo. From then on, I had no heart or sympathy for such a cold, cowardly character who is unable to see past her own pain. Throughout the series, Kang Doo is always there for her. And throughout the series, Moon Soo constantly comes up short because she can't be there for him when he needs help, and invariably and conveniently ignores and forgets all that Kang Doo has been through. She completely dismisses it and even his condition when she hasn't the guts to deal with it.

I've been watching K-dramas for nearly 5 years now. I've seen so many good ones and a few bad ones. However, I can't remember one where I've found the leading lady so unappealing.

I can't even sympathize with Moon Soo when she tearfully asks her friend, "Why does Kang Doo have to go through this? Hasn't he been through enough? Why is this happening to us?" Funny questions from a person who can't even be with him when needed, and by someone who's blatantly ignored him. How can there even be an "us" when you refuse to be a participant or even show up!

The characters of Granny and Kang Doo keep this series afloat. By the last episode, I nearly decided to forget the whole thing as I was so fed up with Moon Soo. I wouldn't wish a "Moon Soo" on anyone. She's about as supportive as a piece of used tissue.

Kang Doo and Granny make this series a "10" for me. Moon Soo makes it about a "3" or "4". Not to mention that actress Jin Ah Won is about the worst kisser I've ever seen! Kissing her must be like kissing a dead fish. No heart. No feeling. It says a lot about Won's comfort level and her ability to even act out a simple scene like that.

While the story is an intriguing one, this definitely isn't a series I'd watch again. It deserved a much better actress than Jin Ah Won; someone seasoned and professional enough to really give us a likeable and intriguing character with a complexity to match Jun Ho Lee's performance. The imbalance really hurt this series. I certainly won't look to watch anything else by Jin Ah Won. She sticks out like a sore thumb in this series against far better performances by nearly everyone else who all overshadowed her.

Kang Doo's sister is almost as bad. Not even a hug or word of support for a brother who's dying. Was it the writer's intention to give us such cold, unfeeling women in this show? If so, he succeeded! He gave us two mothers who aren't even worthy of the title.

Kang Doo is a hero in every sense of the word for always doing right by others; for always looking out and caring for others. The true shame is how no one was able to do the same for him.

The series also ends way too conveniently with a "magical" and unlikely ending. The writer didn't have the guts to go down the road less traveled and realize that Moon Soo might have actually learned the most about herself and appreciated Kang Doo had he not survived. The ending was a real cop-out which undermined much of the premise of the series.

100 reasons why you shouldn't miss out on this show

[ninchenbienchen · 9/10 · 25 November 2020]

...there truly are, but I can't possibly name all of them in one review so let's try to keep it short lol.

This show has some typical (k-)drama elements in it (the connection of the protagonists from their childhood, the seemingly bad boy and the overly good girl, a love triangle - or almost a love quartet?!) and only few surprises along the way.

But what makes this show more than worth it to watch is the plot, specifically the protagonists' past and the way they learn to cope with it years after a fateful event. Sounds kind of sad and bittersweet, right? Well, this show definitely is. But it's realistic and still not overly dramatic, mainly because of the main characters itself. There's no need to worry that this show is going to be all grey and dark all the time. There are funny moments as well. In short: the ups and downs of life.

And this show hits you hard when it comes to life lessons and life quotes, no matter how happy or sad they may be. I truly felt understood and could relate so much even though my life is nothing like the protagonists'.

Some of the side stories revolving around the supporting characters (mainly CEO Seo, the Cheongyu director/brother of Yoo Jin and Moon Soo's parents) were a little boring or annoying, probably because their stories didn't catch me and/or the characters annoyed me. Lee Gang Doo also pissed me off for two episodes, but softened my heart again with every following episode. Anyways, that's why I didn't give a ten.

Still, this show fought its way into my heart - especially in the last third of the series - where it will have a special place forever.

Conclusion: A bittersweet, realistic, romantic drama which will catch you with its emotions and might make its way into your heart in spite of a few annoying/uninteresting supporting characters.

Started So Strong...

[ashobay · 6/10 · 4 February 2022]

I debated whether to watch this series given the tragedy-focused theme but decided to give it a try. I was very glad I did-at least at first. It started so strong and I was impressed by the first few episodes as they introduced primary characters and constructed sub-plots. High production quality overall.

However I had trouble getting past the lead male character. He was gruff and abrasive, and I think trying to go for the bad boy image (as much as he could with colored, permed hair) but to me just came off as more of a jerk. Yes he had a good heart, but personality matters too. I bailed during Episode 5 as I could no longer take the female lead, inexplicably smitten, following him around like a lost puppy. Perhaps he eventually grows into a nicer person, but I don't have the patience to find out.

I got bored.

[lmerana · 3/10 · 16 April 2018]

Too many unnecessary characters and flashbacks. Junho was good but the female lead has stoic reactions. I felt bored in everything including the story and skipped a lot of parts. There's hardly a romantic feel between the leads.

Weak Final Episode But a Fine Series Otherwise.

[AJ_McAninch · 8/10 · 4 December 2021]

I really admire both the leads in this touching love story. It's well written all the way to the final episode, but I thought that one was needlessly emotionally manipulative when these two strong, loving characters should have been strong through to the end. But it does finally reconcile itself after time wasted. Recommended.

Not your average kdrama- far superior

[jmccullough-69109 · 10/10 · 20 June 2020]

Besides the amazing cast, the thing that I really loved about this drama is that it wasn't all hearts and flowers and sunsets. Not everyone gets a happy ending. It was dark and gritty and real. As someone else mentioned, the cinematography was superb. It really lent to the storyline and produced a drama that was both heartbreaking and hopeful. A story of survival and dispare with characters that are just trying to endure the crushing weight of their pasts.

The lead actors were amazing. Both are very honest in their portrayal of their characters. The supporting cast were exactly the same. Whilst this is a drama shrouded in meloncholy, it is, without a shadow of doubt, my absolute favourite. And I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Lovely mature romance

[AJ_McAninch · 8/10 · 8 September 2019]

I gave the series a high rating because of the historical story handled so well, and the leads, whose love story is so poignant, but the sub-plots left me cold, and I wish the FL had been more passionate with Jun Ho's character. No woman being loved by that wonderful man is going to just stand there when he kisses her. I think instead the director and actors created a beautiful, mature romance, but there was no passion, which I found strange. Perhaps they just weren't that into each other. But I do love Jin Ah in every other scene with him and co-stars. And what a lovely voice she has. Jun Ha-I don't usually indulge in superlatives, but this actor is so incredibly gifted, not a misstep anywhere, totally immersed in his heartbroken yet strong character. Something he's doing is beyond acting classes and instead is born within the actor. He's a singer, so some of his gift may be part of the singer's skill in interpreting. I don't know; I do know that I couldn't take my eyes off him. This was Jun Ha's series from the beginning, and in him we get to enjoy one of the finest actors in SK, which is the highest praise.

A masterpiece!

[Professional_Loser679 · 10/10 · 10 July 2020]

This series isn't overly bubbly or unnecessarily dramatic, unlike other k-dramas, instead it focuses on the effect tragedy has on different people. It seems quite realistic, as each character has their own struggle, much like real life. It is beautifully shot, with the colours in each scene being brought out in each frame. The plot is slow paced but fulfilling and heartfelt. Also, the soundtrack is amazing! I only wish I could watch it again for the first time- it truly is a masterpiece.

Most real representation of pain...

[eli-stuttgart · 8/10 · 21 February 2021]

A great rendition of pain, trauma, fear of loss, low self-esteem, hatred that leads to aggression, and feelings of guilt. So many feelings were represented here, not only negative but also positive ones like appreciation, acceptance, compassion, acceptance of help.

I liked the beginning a little less in retrospect, because the main character was portrayed as a jealous sister from the start, and there is no remorse to feel about the death of the little one. Immediately putting such thoughts to someone is then difficult to get rid of and a picture was given with the attempt to go on living. The image was only reinforced with her actions that showed no guilt.

Of course there was another intention in this, namely, the jealousy of the mother's caring, then the blind love as a little girl. However, this could be reproduced in a different way.

For the first time, the main characters have visually joined one another so well. Both of them had mastered the reproduction of the feelings extraordinarily. The optimism that actually served as a lifebuoy for her pain of amnesia. On the other hand, a victim who followed the details in his head and suppressed them by all means. Paradox, isn't it? The pent-up pain was carried out realistically and pervasively that it caused one to suffer himself. His sinister eyes that screamed for help, but he kept silent because he didn't know anything else.

To be honest, a roller coaster of feelings, because the good was accompanied by the bad at every turn.

I wanted the supporting actors to portray feelings like that as well, because they seemed bland to me. The loneliness of the business woman who has lost her big love and the tiredness of responsibility was not completely managed.

The same with the slightly different kind of victim of the disaster. Another insight, because the other side is mercilessly accused, but nobody cares what is going on or whether it was really his fault. This can lead to so many and here it was suicide through feelings of guilt, in retrospect the poor association with the family. However, this kind of pain was not got through because changing personality more often that is not change usually leads to dishonesty of character.

Also, as seen at the beginning, the architect had to give more effort to conquer his new infatuation, although he had the chance. At one point, there was no more interest, his personality had drastically struggled from positive to negative. Unclear to me.

Now for the love of the main characters. Mature love fits this art of couples, because they had both experienced so much at a young age. Individuals that lacked other values, the uncontrolled passion would give more color. Luckily the ending was a good one, otherwise it would be frustrating.

Worth watching

[Pleistoross · 10/10 · 5 April 2021]

I enjoy it a lot and I recommend to anyone who is looking for a solid story with healing trauma development 👌

Simply Marvelous!

[morebon · 10/10 · 8 October 2019]

This was truly an emotionally compelling drama: exceptional narrative! Wonderful performance by Lee Jun-ho and Won Jin-ah Their character relationship interaction was so dynamic and extremely tender. Cheers to the writers, cast and crew. Brilliant drama!

Not bad but way too slow

[scottydog60 · 5/10 · 8 August 2020]

Good leads, overall good casting and acting, lovely cinematography, very good soundtrack... But.... Enough story for about 4 episodes, stretched over 16.

This series is Better than Uncontrollably Fond Because He Valued her More

[elizabeta-75468 · 10/10 · 10 December 2018]

Not for the faint of heart or manic depressives. There was a scene that ripped my heart. So much love and tenderness, then the heart ache.

FINALLY!

[pjkblue-35926 · 9/10 · 18 February 2022]

Yes, finally Korean writers gave a happy ending after all the push-pull romantic tension throughout the series.

I thought they kill him off and we'd have a "three years later" deal but at least they gave a decent wrap up. Mostly K-Dramas miss the sentimental ending big time, but at least I didn't feel cheated.

An incomparable drama

[annisaaahmad · 10/10 · 3 July 2020]

This is seriously the best drama that I've watched so far. They write a perfect storyline, slow but emotional. Their chemistry is very simple. Not much kiss or cliche words, just hugs and understanding each other. I can't watch anything as good as just between lovers.

Living through and beyond tragedy

[leahcubed · 9/10 · 5 June 2022]

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2017/2018 South Korean romantic drama with 16, 70 minute episodes. Also known as "Rain or Shine or "Just Lovers".

A horrible disaster leaves physical and emotional scars on Lee Kang-doo (Lee Jun-ho) and Ha Moon-soo (Won Jin-ah). They have both grown up and are living lives heavily damaged by the episode they continue to relive in their nightmares and day time flash backs (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Moon-soo builds architectural models and has an uncanny ability to spot dangerous flaws in the design. Kang-doo takes odd jobs and often works in the seediest part of society. They were together during the collapse but never maintained contact so they are unaware, in the beginning, of their shared past. Still they find themselves drawn toward each other. Can two people, so damaged by their past, find healing in their love for each other?

I really liked this drama. I was not aware it was based on an actual incident of a mall collapse but with the depth and attention to detail it makes sense they had something to draw on. It is a heavy drama, with romance sprinkled through, so if you are in the mood for something light hearted or with focus on the romance, this is not it. This is very much a slice of life of people who survive any major disaster or who lose love ones due to such tragedy.

Spoiler alert ** Moon soo is the typical teenager in the beginning, who resents the attention her younger sister gets as a child model/actor and doesn't want to be bothered by watching her. When her younger sister lends her phone so Moon soo can contact her boyfriend, you get a glimpse of how their relationship might have been like in the future. Although Moon soo is injured, her sister is killed in the incident and she blames herself for not being right with her sister (even though, in the end, she says to her mother did you want me to die with her which shows she realized her sister would still have died even if she had been right with her). Everyone handles the grief differently and through the interaction with the main characters and their later interviews with some of the victim's families, the complexity of grieving is shown. Moon Soo's mother becomes an alcoholic spending her days trying to bury her grief in alcohol. As a result, like most alcoholics, her maturity has never grown beyond the time of the tragedy. Moon soo's mom blames everyone herself for having her daughter act/model, Moon soo for not keeping her sister closer, her husband for withdrawing, and the people resonsible for the project. Moon soo tries her best to be understanding and take care of her mom even through her destructive behavior. Moon soo had a head injury and doesn't remember, at first, many of the specific details of the accident. She blames herself for not being with her sister and often feels like her mother wished she had died in her sister's place. She even says this toward the end of the series. Her guilt over her sister's death and feeling that she also caused her boyfriend's death in suggesting they meet at the mall, makes her feel she does not deserve love or happiness. Early in the series her focus is on supporting her mom, running the bath house, and building architectural models. Her models are so detailed that she can spot flaws in the design that could lead to safety issues. Through her work she is invited to work on the new construction project going on the site of the mall collapse. The passion she has for her work, and beauty bot in and out, attract the CEO of the architectural company who mentiors her but also is drawn to her as a similar soul.

Kang doo is a typical althetic teen-ager who is hanging at the mall while waiting for his father to get off work so they can go do something together. He is enamored by Moon soo whens he puts on lipstick in a shop window not realizing that, while she has a mirror effect, he is seeing her from the other side. He dreams of being a national soccer player. His dreams coming crashing down when the mall collapses and his legs are injured horribly. He, Mon soo and her boyfriend are all trapped close together as they were in the same portion of the mall at the time of collapse. Kang doo sings to Mon soo to keep her calm and comforts Mon soo's boyfriend who was fatally injured. When the opportunity presents Kang doo encourages Moon soo to crawl toward rescue first an action which will later add to Mon soo's burden of guilt.

This was near perfect for what it was - a heavy drama - but I did feel that Mon soo was rather cruel to Kang doo in the last few episodes. I did not find it credible that she would not have gone to him when he was calling to her and said he was sick. It showed her delaying and, even though I know she was tied up in grief over the events around the collapse, and punishing herself for all the things she felt guilty of, to leave someone who calls out for you outside, in the cold, until after they collapsed seemed very hard hearted. It was a departure from what I had come to know and believe of her character.

The situation between Mon soo's mom and dad never changed. It did not make sense to me that they would hold onto their relationship for so long and then it was divorcing that made them both decide to get better. The relationship between the bad director and Kang doo's "adopted" big sister also did not make a lot of sense. They obviously were in love despite the fact that he was married. She was someone who made him better. In the end, it seemed they would be together but I didn't feel like his character growth was enough to make him a good match for her. I liked the romance between Moon soo's friend who did webtoons and her assistant and wish they had played it out a bit more. All in all though these things were minor flaws in an otherwise great story.

Not sure I would watch it again just because I get dragged down mood wise fairly easily and this is a very heavy topic. I recommend it though for those that like dramas and are interested in a lens on past events or slice of life.