One thing that stood out about this drama is how realistic it feels—the pauses in conversations, the awkward silences, the transitions from day to night...the interactions between the characters mimic real life, unlike most dramas with carefully choreographed scripts.

'Tis a slow-burn drama set against the backdrop of ultra-competitive educational institutions in S.Korea. The "romance" in the title doesn't only refer to the romance between a man and a woman, but also to the wider concept of passion in the characters' lives. Their passion for teaching, literature, the education system...it's beautiful to watch.

It was refreshing to see the main leads not breaking up for the sake of protecting the other. Finally, a drama that does not have the breakup arc three-quarters through the drama! Love to see it. ❤️ Beyond its content, the drama also delivers aesthetically. From walking in the rain to hugging under the snowfall, every scene looks like a work of art.

This drama is catered to a more mature audience, and moves away from typical kdrama arcs and tropes. I enjoyed watching it slowly, one episode a day, taking my time to appreciate every episode before moving on to the next.