I will be honest; I was not grabbed by the first couple of episodes, but as the drama progressed, I enjoyed it more and more.
The subject matter is not an easy topic to work into a drama in which it's also the main focus. One would expect it to become overly sentimental, depressing, or down right unwatchable for 16 episodes.
However, it was nothing like that. Yes, there were very sad moments, but also giggles, warmth, hope and a message.
It did occasionally get a little too sentimental for me personally, but overall I found the subject dealt with in a way that made me ponder and not feel smothered in grief or misery.
Many messages can be taken from this series. A biggie for me, is that people often cover up their depression or misery.
It made me think that people struggle, to varying degrees, some every day of their lives. It can take one day of an accumulation of those struggles, during which, just one more bad word, experience of bullying, disrespect or unkindness, could potentially push them to the point of no return.
Suicide was not romanticized nor sugar coated; those judging it as wicked or cowardly, were confronted on those views. It did attempt to show that life is precious, actions have consequences and reaching out to people, or asking for help, can make a difference.
Some of the stories were better than others and several really touched me.
I liked the inclusion of the Crisis Management Team's stories; how the mystery between Park Sang-hoon and Koo Ryeon was introduced and then ran in the background, culminating in the final episodes.
The acting was pretty good overall and, as always, Lee Soo-hyuk's mannerisms, 'eye acting' and overall presence, were it for me.
Rowoon acted his character well; the young, naive and idealistic temp new addition to the team (I did get irritated with how he never took notice of instructions though).
Yun Ji-on was great, giving the right balance of a bit odd with kind of vulnerable/alone and I found his character the most fascinating and intriguing.
Kim Hee-seon was mostly good too, but at times I found her a bit stiff, like her whole body, as though she wasn't relaxed in the role.
I LOVE actress Kim Hae-sook and her character, the Jade Emperor; I'd not seen her in a role like that before.
I thought the latter eps were the best and would encourage anyone struggling with it early on, to persevere ~ I'm glad I did.