This drama had SO MUCH potential but unfortunately so many things just went south and lead to major disappointments. The plot was very unique, or at least the focus on the 1930s era was. I've yet to see a korean drama that was set at that time, and I just WISHED they had stuck w/ that because it was, start to finish, flawless. It was perfect and it would've easily stood on its own. The present-day storyline was so forced and awkward even tho it started out alright but later on I found myself really done w/ it. It almost felt like the writer thought that the 30s plot was too heavy and serious so he/she threw in that twist to make it sorta lighter. It was awkward and every time they talked about their past life nonchalantly I cringed a little.Everything from the comeradery to romance to just plain random actions all made so much more sense in their "past life" and the character development, tho was portrayed in little scenes, was phenomenal, and goes off to prove how much effort was put in writing. But the "present" was so bland and the romance between the leads and how their feelings developed made no sense. There was just something wrong with the pasing. And maybe if equal parts were given to both eras with focus on their main purpose of writing the novel and remembering their past life would've been better. Instead of adding fillers and a lot of meaningless plot twist dwelling in the "present" and repeating flashbacks.Speaking of the leads; the female lead was nothing special at all. They tried to fill her present-time character's background w/ all of these events and traumas but it just falls flat a couple of episodes later. Even in the "past" I wasn't that impressed w/ her performance but it was decent. It wasn't the acting as much as it was just a character I didn't like. But yet again it was well developed and understandable.Unlike many, I actually liked the buzz haircut on the male lead, something fresh and new. His "past" character was phenomenal and he performed so well along side the other two. He also did really well in the "present" I just blame the writing.The second lead did wonderful. He was the same all throughout, and not in a bad way. Some how it felt like he was the main character and I enjoyed his scenes so much. He brought in a very natural humor to the story and kept things exciting whenever it got dull. Despite the obvious gaps in the writing quality b/w the two worlds, the transitions were so smooth and top notch. And the sets and cinematography were wonderful. It also had one of the best kissing scenes out there.Despite all what I've said, I really liked this drama. I made an account specifically just to write this review cuz I was just that touched with it. I could almost swear that the 1930s was first written on it's own, it was so good. Do I recommend this? Highly! It was very refreshing and new. The experience was like no other and I just desperately want a remake even tho it's impossible. I will definitely rewatch this in the future. Maybe lower expectations will help me enjoy it more.