This is one of the most well-made Kdramas out there. The production value, the plot, the acting, everything was A+. The style is sort of similar to shows like Prison Playbook or Dr. Romantic, in which a lot of different characters' stories are told and while there are central characters in the plot, they are not the major focus of the show but rather the conduits though which the story is told. There's a lot of social commentary in this, with attention to the importance of community, Korean ethical values, corruption, passion and empathy, and doing the right thing despite the difficulties. Lots of han, lots of jeong, lots of annoying villains. And by the end, you are supposed to feel this sense of camaraderie with the characters and cheer for their success and cry with their failures.
It's a really good show. The casting line-up are insanely talented and they all brought their best as usual. I think there was like a random kpop idol actor in the mix too and ...well, he was certainly an idol...they always stand out like sore thumbs, you know?! But overall everyone was good. And I really enjoyed this.
I can't say that it inspired any intense emotional investment in me that it would make it an all-time favorite though. It was a really good show. It was emotional at parts and by the end you really care about it all but there was also a sense of distance between the characters and viewers that never really slid away for me. There were parts when I was bored or too annoyed at the jerks but overall, this is a show definitely worth watching and a delight. Especially, it's good for watching with family...though maybe not small babies family, since I think there was a lot of cursing and it has a lot of business talk so kids will be sooooo bored. But like, adult child and adult siblings/parents...that would be a good watch.