Hands down the best beginning to a drama I've ever seen, but ended a little flat.

I decided to watch this drama as the leading couple was too powerful to pass up. I also saw the interesting mental health theme and thought it would be something akin to My Ahjussi and Hotel Del Luna. Obviously, I was really excited because I've been waiting for the next masterpiece that will challenge My Ahjussi and oh boy did the beginning deliver.

Story - 9/10
I just want to say that if this drama didn't begin the way it did, I would've given the story a 7.5/10 maybe 8/10. The first few episodes formed, what I believed, to be the strongest start of any Kdrama ever. The introduction of complex mental health issues and the enchanting presence of Ko Mun Yeong really captivated and hooked me; I was practically longing for each next episode. The early middle episodes (for lack of a better phrase) managed to maintain that momentum, and I truly believed that this level of quality would be maintained through to the end. However, it was the introduction of a particular story line that, like every other Kdrama, meant the two leads had an intertwined childhood and therefore they would have an ill-fated relationship. This, to me, kinda felt lazy?
For such a great start I felt that they had to introduce something that completely blindsides the average Kdrama user. My problem with it is that, with my favourite Kdramas, I don't think of them as a Korean Drama - rather I think of it as a piece of art. This sort of predictable and overused childhood trope makes this a typical drama.
My next problem with the last few episodes is the somewhat disappointing way the mental health issues were handled. I don't mean that they offended people, but rather the exploration of it wasn't deep enough. Sure, they took brief looks at issues like PTSD, but I don't think they explored the mental health issues behind the two leads enough. In the end, it seemed like the children's stories just explained and scratched the issues in uninteresting exposition. To me, there were too many situations where someone says something profound and suddenly the person listening realises what is wrong with their life.

Cast - 10/10
Not much to write about with cast. Kim Soo Hyun and Seo Ye Ji were amazing. Many scenes were honestly Oscar-worthy, and they both had immense screen presence (especially Seo Ye Ji). Kim Joo Hun was charming and I really look forward to him in Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol. Oh Jung Se was also amazing and he had some very impactful moments. He also had some very on-the-nose moments that were a bit too profound and enlightening that seemed like lazy writing more than anything. Overall an amazing performance from the cast and I'm sure many awards will be handed out for them.

Music - 10/10
Very story and tonally fitting music. Some of the songs really amplified the scenes itself. I feel as though the music gave the drama a certain tone that is really distinct from anything I have ever heard before. It's hard to put into words - it has a creepy vibe, but you always feel there is warmth close or somewhere, which really fits with this drama!

Conclusion - 9.5/10 Overall
I definitely recommend this drama. This drama has landed comfortably as one of my second favourite dramas, and a re-watch will be warranted sometime in the future! If you want a tear-jerker, there are some scenes that will make you cry - although I didn't cry myself. If you want to just admire the lead couple, then this drama is perfect for you. If you want to feel a little more enlightened about life, then this drama is perfect for you too!

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