I have to admit that I thought this drama was just so-so after I first watched it. Was expecting more of the typical light-hearted romantic-comedy dramas with occassional splashes of comedic scenes thrown in, but was slightly disappointed by it falling short of my expectation. (Please read till the end of the review!) My initial reaction was that it the first few episodes was quite funny, but mid episodes got draggy and ending was alright. I thought it will be better with more funny scenes thrown in. I was wondering "Why does it get so high rating?" Despite that, the chemistry between Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik is undeniably blazing. I ended up search for BTS clips and got hooked in even more. A comment on Youtube about how the editing brings out the power of the Rain Kiss in Ep 8 and that triggered the realization on the main theme of the show -the Power of Perceptive.

What sets this drama apart is the way the scenes were presented to the viewers. Clippets of flashbacks were shown slowly bit by bit as the episode/drama progressed which is very different from the usual drama. This creates a different perception of the characters in the plot. When I watched it for the first time, I didn't really understand why the characters in the drama were so emotional in certain scenes and couldn't really fully emphatize with the characters or understand their actions. I felt that Yeon Su was too distance and cold, while Choi Ung was so cute in the show. The most memorable episode that left the biggest impression was Ep12 with all the cute moments. I also liked the occassional comedic scenes that were thrown in once a while throughout the drama. That was how I felt on the first watch. (Looking back now, this seems quite superficial as there's much more the drama has to offer!).

I decided to rewatch the drama again and boy was I surprised at howmy whole perception of the drama changed.
THIS IS WHERE THE MAGIC OF THE DRAMA BEGINS!
It's the first time where I rewatch a drama and had a different feeling towards the characters, plot and how good the drama is!
The magic of the drama unveil itself on the 2nd watch. With the background and context of the characters in mind after the first watch, the 2nd watch of the drama left me with a complete different feeling despite the fact that the scenes, characters and entire show is exactly the same! Thats the power of perception. After understanding the reasons and background of Yeon Su and Choi Ung, I could feel the strong emotional scenes come to live in my 2nd watch (which the audience will not fully understand on the first watch due to how the scenes were edited throughout the drama). I also came to appreciate the beautiful cinematic which I didn't notice in my first watch. It brings forth new perspectives.

The theme of Perception/Perceptive stood out the most to me in the drama.
Different characters have different perception towards Yeon Su and Choi Ung's relationship.

Firstly, our perception is shaped by how information is presented to us. The public thinks that Yeon Su and Choi Ung were enemies in school due to how the scenes where edited in the documentary. Similarly, Yeon Su's colleague thinks that they are enemies, and Mr Jang and Yeon Su has a thing going on. On the other hand, the PDs, Yeon Su and Choi Ung's friends think that something is going on between them.

Secondly, the difference in perception is not only affected by what is presented to us, but also subjective on the individual level. This is shown in the scene where Yeon Su went up the stage were presented in Yeon Su, Choi Ung and Ji Ung POV.

Lastly, on a even more micro level, our own perception may change depending on how we choose to look at the situation too.
Yeon Su's own view on her life changed when she changed her perspective that she's always alone and had no friend, to one where she noticed that her friends and colleagues were always supportive of her throughout her life.

The difference in perspective is not only applicable to the drama itself but also in real life as well. Just like how the audience and characters are affected by these difference in perceptive, viewers of "Our Beloved Summer" are affected by how the producers edited the drama and how the scenes are presented to us as well. This is apparent by how the flashbacks scenes and different POV of the various characters on the same scenes are presented. It's magical how the producer managed to replicate this change in perspective of the characters in the show to affect the audience watching "Our Beloved Summer" in real life as well! (At least that was the effect it had on me!).

I'm not sure whether this is intentional, but it also draws parallel to real life as well. Kim Da Mi and Choi Woo Sik were enemies in the movie "The Witch: Part 1. The Subversion" just like how Yeon Su and Choi Ung were portrayed as enemies in the documentary they were featured in their schooldays. But behind the scene, they were friends. Then they were reunited (Da Mi and Woo Sik in this drama and Yeon Su and Choi Ung in the documentary). Not sure whether this was done delibrately, but just like in the show where the behind the scene unedited clips of the documentary were the best bits, behind the scene of "Our Beloved Summer" were even better than what were shown in the drama. Just look at the BTS of the kiss scenes and extremely comfortable physical interaction between Da Mi and Woo Sik (in interviews too) !

This drama is like a sweet onion with so many layers waiting to be uncover. Just like in life; You got to slow down, take a step back, give it a chance and be open to changing your perspective to truely appreciate this drama completely - its plot, editing, cinematic, actors acting and chemistry. The show is much deeper than it seems. You'll be pleasantly surprised by what it will bring to the table!