I finished this show a month back, and decided I need to talk about it as I just haven't been able to put it out of my mind. For various reasons this has become one of the shows I absolutely loved. Now, no show is perfect if you look at it too closely, but some of them came close enough for me, this is one of them.

This is a story of daydreaming about the what ifs and maybes and then miraculously being able to live those out. But it is true when they say be careful what you wish for. Cha Joo Hyuk (Ji Sung) gets a chance at changing the course of his life and after a couple of cautious attempts, manages to do so successfully. The first couple of episodes give you a glimpse of the ordinary and taxing married life that make you feel sorry for the couple, even wonder why they fell in love, or if they should just part their ways, precisely the thoughts that Joo Hyuk keeps having. So it would make sense to put an end to their misery if given the chance. And when he is given one, he takes it. He now has everything and lives a life he'd always imagined having, a perfect life. And this here, people, is where our real story begins.

The character growths in this show are one of the best I've seen. Be it our meek manchild Joo Hyuk, who's definitely not your typical crafted perfection lead, or our tempered, foul mouthed Woo Jin (Han Ji Min) who isn't afraid to go after what she wants in life. The show takes us on a journey of self-realizations, makes us pause and think. There are various elements that don't make sense or are left a little unattended, but in all honesty, they were out of my focus within moments. If I talk more about this, I'd be giving spoilers which I will refrain from since I want you to watch it without any prejudices.

I don't think I can say anything new or more about Ji Sung that probably hasn't already been said many times. At this point in time it's just about the kind of projects he picks, since no one ever has to worry about whether he'd be able to act it out. But to mention the one thing that stood out for me in this show was how lovely his portrayal of Joo Hyuk was. Joo Hyuk frankly isn't the stereotypical male lead we're used to seeing in dramas. He's a nice person, but that doesn't mean nice people don't make mistakes or can be nice all the time even. This person here was real, just as all the characters in this show. They could be people around you in your life even. Which made watching this show an all the more immersive experience.

Han Ji Min is on a roll right now, at least for me, as I keep falling in love with every show of her I watch. She didn't disappoint for a second in this one either. It's an absolute delight watching her on screen as she becomes this new person for every story she acts in. This show was no different, as Ji Min owned every shade of Woo Jin entirely. I should also talk about the chemistry between her and Ji Sung - it was so mellow and subtle, yet so gravitational. And real. So real.

I cannot stress on this fact enough that this story felt so real. It was what most humans dream about. To be able to change the course of their lives, to be able to make different decisions if they could. But also showing the other side of it, the consequences. As you progress into the show you see yourself understanding the characters bit by bit, understanding where they come from, what stems their actions, what's the root of their pain. It was beautiful watching it all come together. Each and every person who's a part of this story is such a remarkably developed character, and we're shown every side to them. The good, the bad, the ugly. There is no sugar coating.

The reason I couldn't give it a perfect ten though, is the fact that though there are certain decisions that probably would be better off taken differently in our lives, but that's not a blanket rule. It's important to note that the takeaway from this story isn't to continue living your life as it is, but it is to compassionate and see things for as they are. It is easy to lose the sight of things as life progresses, we forget why we are doing what we are doing, we forget to take responsibility for our shortcomings, we tend to take things for granted. This show tells you to be conscious about yourself and your loved ones. To listen. To notice. To appreciate. To understand. I would have loved this beauty a little more if they could have addressed this as well. To show that it takes wisdom to be able to understand the difference between what is acceptable and what is not. A couple who's lost themselves in the chaos of life and have forgotten what it's like to be loved, and a couple who are in a mentally or physically abusive marriage are two different scenarios, and shouldn't be confused with each other.

Nevertheless, this is a gem, and will remain in my mind and heart for a long, long time. Thank you for reading this excessively lengthy review but I felt like I need to explain why this show is so beautiful and needs to seen. Please do watch it, and go on a little journey of realizations and epiphanies.

P.S: The OST 'No Longer Mine' sung by Roy Kim, is hands down one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard, in any language. Do give it a listen even if you decide not to watch the show, which you must, it's a genuine recommendation from me.