I'm quite new in MDL but has watched The Heirs about 4 times now probably and since a lot aren't satisfied I decided to give an honest review from someone who genuinely likes this drama. This is gonna be long!!

So first off, the story. I do agree that a lot of cliches are packed in here but the presentation was good IMO. This was aired in 2013 when themes like these are the trend, so there's that. I gave it a 9.5 because if you put critical thinking aside and watch it as it is, you might absorb the life lessons they want to convey better. The story is the main reason I find myself coming back, quite ironic since apparently a lot of people here don't like it TT. The drama tackles about serious societal issues ie family problems, bullying, social classes/norms, mental health issues (which is quite brave since this was 2013 and it's 2021 now, I think mental health issues are still not taken seriously in SK)...all wrapped up in colorful candy wrappers presented as your typical teenage romance drama. There are some inconsistencies and loose ends but they're not too bothersome for me. Some actions of characters might be unreasonable and overly dramatic too, ie Eun Sang, but for me, as they're playing 18 year olds...it's quite realistic. A lot of our actions as teens are often brushed off by adults as a "phase" simply because they can't and won't understand. The Heirs honestly helped me a lot with my own perception of the world when I was in my teens so that's probably why this drama left a mark in my heart. (I still cry about Kim Tan and Kim Won's arc, also Kim Tan and Young Do's, and Hyo Shin.)

Second, the cast. Admit or not, this type of role is Lee Min Ho's forte. Most of them are quite obviously past 18 but weirdly enough, I like it that way. They have experience in acting (probably not much for some) and that's why most characters affect me especially Kim Tan, Young Do, Rachel and Hyo Shin. I think Young Do's character wouldn't be much appreciated if it weren't for Woo Bin's superb acting. Of course, the actors who portrayed their parents and bro did amazing! As for the leads' chemistry, it's not as profound to me but it's there.

Third, the OST. I guess because I'm familiar with Kpop, some grammatically incorrect English phrases being thrown about in Korean songs don't throw me off anymore. I'm just here to appreciate the vocals, and they delivered! I especially love Lee Hong Ki's "I'm Saying", his vocals are insane!

Lastly, its rewatch value for me is obviously 10/10!! The issues are ever timely, I just have to set myself in the mood to watch 18 year-olds' romance played by actors in their early to mid-twenties lol. I recently watched this again with my 62 year-old aunt who watched this for the first time, and my heart warmed everytime she said "That's true, it happens..." or "It's funny but it's actually sad when you think about it..." so it didn't surprise me when she also said "Let's watch this again, ok?"