“He’s broken and bruised but still has time to be in a relationship; That’s what youth is.”

- Ajumma Ae Ja

I truly enjoyed this drama. It made me nostalgic because it came out in 2009 and I was a kid. Regardless, I will keep this drama close to my heart because it reminds me of why I don’t watch the Kdramas that come out now (2015- present).

Everyone has their preferences, and I do too. And I prefer 2000s Kdramas. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe the the vast differences between Kdramas then and now.

Moving on, I’ve read many reviews of this drama, and some say U-Know couldn’t act, Ara and Uknow didn’t have chemistry, it was boring, blah blah blah. But I think the chemistry was great, because both leads genuinely acted as though they wanted the best for each other; as though they were the characters and not just acting. U-Know’s acting improved the more the show went on, and I particularly liked his look when he cut his hair and his style became a lot more refined. Another thing, some would probably say the first actor that was slated to portray Bong Kun was the better match. But I beg to differ. U-Know’s youthfulness and experience being on a “team” is what really brought the character Bong Kun to life. From immature and temperamental to carefree and responsible is something I’m not necessarily sure the other actor (Kim Rae Won) could have accomplished. I can only picture U-Know.

But my most favorite part in the drama is when both leads enter a singing contest and Hae-Bin’s performance wins over Bong-Kun’s suspiciously good/well-timed choreography and flawless showmanship.

But there are things I must note:

- Maxim is from UK (but he sounds like an American)?
- Second Male Lead is evil, and I’m glad he got what he deserved last episode (yet I sorta had a bleeding heart towards him because the actor who portrays him is so good at acting with his eyes) But all the manipulation and evilness all 16-episodes is something I couldn’t excuse. He also reaffirms to me why Lawyers can’t be trusted.
- Dong ho was so arrogant and insecure but he won me over in the last couple episodes
- I’m sad that the show got cancelled, and it couldn’t continue on for two more episodes. Because I loved the characters too much, and somehow I feel cheated. But the ending was good. I’m happy with it. I just wished to see a lot more in the last episode than I got. But what I got was absolutely okay and satisfying.
- I’m glad that the FL didn’t start off hating the ML. I think that’s what made me root for the couple. Very nice romance. Not forced, but real and natural like something in real life.
- AND I knew Ajumma Ae Ja looked familiar. Subconsciously I thought “She’s the grandma from that one critically acclaimed movie (Minari) who won an Academy Award.” Maybe it was her distinct voice or familiar face expressions.
- Yeon Yi was a cool female friend. Despite my hang ups about her when it came to her hostility towards Hae Bin, and when she’d let Dong Ho act so hostile towards Bong Kun, she had a really friendly nature.
- Someone else noted that the fashion was on par. It really was! I’m not sure whose outfits I liked more! But all the characters wore ‘em well. Kudos to the stylist(s).

Yet, most importantly, please give this drama a chance. If not for the plot, then be it for U-Know’s smile, or Ara’s hilarious off-key singing, Byeol-yi’s illustrations, Maxim’s attempt to communicate with others (a language barrier), Yeon yi’s food, actor Sang yoon’s expressive eyes, Hong Sang-min’s tough love (but silently rooting for the underdog), or maybe to be reminded that life is hard but you can’t give in to those around you who tell you you’re something you’re absolutely not. Also, never give up on what you love. If you must break from it temporarily, never get too comfortable. No Limit!