First time rating a drama on MDL because I'm full of emotion from the show and from the incident of KSH in real life.
Re-watching ep 16 and I appreciated the drama more. It is simple yet it is beautiful in its own way. The scene of the wedding photoshoot with every Gongjin character appears one by one (except Gamri) is beautiful, warm and full of happiness. Sikhye happiness is truly undetachable with all Gongjin ppl. At first impression they are the most nosy humans in the world but deep inside they care and love with purest intention. It is a fairy tale unlike in the real world where ppl's act are driven by a lot of motives and however long I think I can't figure out why they act that way.
I'm more of a rom-com type than slice-of-life type. I can't bring myself to watch Reply or Hospital playlists despite all the praises. I watched this for the actor but surprisedly like it.
I recall many good memories along watching the show. Almost no dramatic scenes except ep 15. As simple as the scenes are, quite a few of them like in ep 5, they solve math and play in the rain, in ep 10 the confession and in ep 16 when Hyejin says she stay because she loves and belongs to this place and Dusik hugs her, pushed my emotion so high I repeated those scene countless times I didn't even know why. In the beginning I couldn't quite feel Dusik and how he acted but after ep 15 with a good cry everything seemed to make sense, there are some things I can relate to myself as well.

I've found a few gem actors/actresses in this drama:
- The coffee shop owner Oh Joon Jae: I've never watched him before. Some ppl do not like ep 2 but i like it very much. I feel his story, the way he portrays the awkwardness and doubt about himself and in the end find hope again. He's the one who opens the door to Gongjin tales. And the real actor must be good-hearted and brave to be the first among Homecha team to secretly support KSH.
- Hwa jung and I jun: every scene between mother and son got me teary-eyed. She made me recall her role in Sweet home as a mother as well. Also the scene where she's hurt by her husband despite being the most loving and thoughtful wife broke my heart. The child actor is also a genius.
- The chinese restaurant owner Nam sook: she has weird look and annoying character but along the show we learn her hidden story, not only we sympathy but also grow to like her. Hwa jung and Nam sook both can't be called pretty yet I find two of them charming in their roles.
- Ji PD: I also find his appearance not attractive so it's a disadvantage compared to Hong ban jang but the actor has this cuteness and sincere about him. I like his face expression every time Dusik mocks him about something.

I have to admit some points many ppl criticize about this drama, they also bug me a lot: some cliches, too many unembarressing product placements, too cringy in ep 11-12 but between these there are beautiful scenes created by talented actors/actresses.
The OSTs are not incredible if it they stand on their own but they are put perfectly on the show, suit every scene they serve and shift harmoniously as the show progresses, from happy "Romantic Sunday" to blue and soulful "Wish" and other songs.

Lastly, a few words for my male lead. He has shortcomings, like all dramas he acted in have shortcomings. There are a few k-dramas i like much more than his dramas, but none of the actors from those dramas have ever made me feel like he made me in his scenes. When he acts, in his eye I see emotions, empathy and sadness. I've read plenty of his past interviews and the latest ARENA interview which he gives insight to Dusik character. I think if any of you are interested in the show, watch it first, then read his interview and second time, rewatch some eps that you liked, perhaps you will discover something that you missed the first time. With all my bias I rate the drama a 9.
No controversies could alter my impression as a devoted actor. If he's a good actor and a decent human being, that will make me super happy. But if he happens to be not so good a man, his actings that makes me believe such thing must on another level amaze me.