THE SHORT VERDICT:

I wouldn’t say that Show is particularly inventive, but I liked this one a lot anyway.

Show is a healing story that includes romance, friendship, family, a search for identity and purpose, with beautiful Jeju Island as a backdrop, and a very pleasant OST to score it all.

Our cast is very solid, but the standout for me, was Shin Hye Sun, whom I felt delivered some particularly outstanding scenes.

A little tropey, yes, but Show’s boatload of heart more than makes up for it.

THE LONG VERDICT:

This was a drama that I was looking forward to, from the time Show’s first promos dropped.

Gorgeous Jeju Island as the backdrop for a healing story, headlined by two actors that I like and enjoy?

Yes, please, very much. 🤩

I even almost dragged my feet a little on starting this show, as I sometimes do, because I’m almost afraid that the drama in question won’t live up to my expectations.

That’s happened before, and I’ve been burned more than a few times, sniffle. 🥲

In this case, though, I’m happy to report that Show delivered a solid watch that I personally found consistent and satisfying.

OST ALBUM: FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE

Here’s the OST album, in case you’d like to listen to it while you read the review.

In general, I found the music in this show very pleasant and enjoyable; I feel like the  tracks really worked to bring out Show’s breezy flavor.

Personally, I enjoyed Track 1, Short Hair, for its buoyant vibe, and Track 2, Beautiful Day, for its delicate, gentle brand of wistfulness. I also really liked Track 7, Song of the Sea, for its more poignant feel.

Here’s Song of the Sea as well, in case you’d prefer to listen to that on repeat.

HOW I’M APPROACHING THIS REVIEW

First I’ll talk about how to manage your expectations going into this one, and what viewing lens would be most helpful.

After that, I talk about what I liked and liked less, covering both the more macro aspects of Show, after which I’ll dive into selected characters and relationships.

Of course, I also spend some time talking about my thoughts on the ending. I also include a spotlight on the penultimate stretch.

If you’re interested in my blow-by-blow reactions, &/or in all the various Patreon members’ comments during the course of our watch, you might like to check out my episode notes on Patreon here.

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS / THE VIEWING LENS

Here are a few things that I think would be helpful to keep in mind, to maximize your enjoyment of your watch:

1. Adjust your viewing lens to accommodate some OTT stuff

There’s some lens adjustment needed for the somewhat loud, boisterous tone of many of our characters.

I think that some measure of this is par for the course, especially when you have a story that takes place in some kind of small town setting, where people just have a tendency to talk louder.

2. Expect something familiar

If you’re like me and have watched your fair share of dramas, various parts of this story might give you a sense of déjà vu, the way they gave me a sense of déjà vu. 😅

Like:

The weather station setting, which reminds me of Forecasting Love and Weather;

The Jeju setting, and the focus on haenyeo, which reminds me of Our Blues;

The seaside, healing drama for a returning female lead, which reminds me of Hometown Cha Cha Cha.

In the beginning, at least, these various elements kinda-sorta gave me the sneaking feeling that I’d maybe watched a version of this drama before 😅 – but thinking of all it as a welcome familiarity, was helpful.

Adjusting your lens to expect something familiar instead of fresh, would be helpful.

Also, once I got properly settled in this drama world, I kinda forgot about the déjà vu thing.

3. Some suspension of disbelief is helpful

I’ll more about this very shortly, but Show basically isn’t always the most realistic creature.

This worked for me quite well, overall, but I thought I’d just mention upfront, that sometimes, a willingness to suspend disbelief, is helpful.

STUFF I LIKED

Show’s look and feel

Immediately, in the first few minutes of episode 1, I was struck by the easy-breezy music, and the gorgeous – GORGEOUS – Jeju scenery. 🤩

That pretty much sealed the deal for me; I couldn’t pass up watching this show, because it promised many opportunities for me to immerse myself in relaxing, happy music, and soak up the Jeju Pretty. 🥰

More importantly, this show’s balance between realistic and whimsy works very well for me.

Why would I be thinking of this, you ask?

It’s because, as I was considering Like Flowers in Sand for a slot on Patreon, I’d come across some comments from other viewers, that they preferred Like Flowers in Sand, for feeling more realistic, compared to Samdalri.

And I realized, that I actually don’t have a similar problem, of finding Samdalri too unrealistic.

Yes, I like my small-town life romanticized and pretty, because it feels like we’re appreciating the positives about small-town living.

There are downsides to everything, and we do get enough of a glimpse, that our characters’ lives aren’t all easy, to help me understand that small-town living isn’t all a bed of roses.

At the same time, I don’t need things to be gritty, just to remind me that small-town living is hard.

I like that Show chooses to highlight the beauty of Jeju, and the close-knit lives that our small-town folk share; it’s all very appealing to me.

And, I like that these characters manage to feel like real people to me, despite some of the more OTT facets of their characterization.

Generally, I like that most of these characters feel pretty lived-in, like these people have really lived on Jeju Island their whole lives, and we’re only just now coming in to get a glimpse of it.

I’m not sure how Show does it, but I really enjoyed this blend that Show manages, where it still has a touch of kdrama whimsy about it, and yet, it manages to convince me that these characters are real people with real feelings – even though they are also painted in slightly glossed up kdrama colors.

This might not work for some folks, sure, but.. for some reason, this hit the sweet spot for me. 🥰

The pacing of our story

I realize that one of the things that I really like about this drama, is that the story pacing feels organic.

What I mean is, sure, this is a non-gritty, glossed-up, feel-good version of Jeju Island, but it doesn’t feel like Show is following the typical drama rhythm of a 16-episoder that most dramas this length do.

Y’know, the meet-cute, followed by a confirmation of mutual feelings by episode 8, some kind of angst around episode 13 or so, before swooping in for the big finale.

Instead, we have what feels like an organic telling of a story, where Yong Pil and Sam Dal (Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun) take whatever time they need, to find their way back to each other.

I actually find it quite refreshing, because it doesn’t feel like Show is checking off boxes, or hurrying because it’s got somewhere to be.

I feel like I’m following these characters on a journey, and the time they need for all the healing necessary, will be the time that it takes. I like that a lot.

The little epilogues after each episode

I just wanted to say that I personally enjoyed the various epilogues that Show peppered through its run.

Typically, the epilogues would give us glimpses into the past, like scenes from when the group of friends had been in high school, for example.

I enjoyed these because, to my eyes, they helped to add color to the relationships in our drama world – particularly the relationship between Sam Dal and Yong Pil, over the years.

Show is engaging

I watched this show at the same time as The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract (review here!), and I found it very interesting, that while The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract is the prettier, more whimsical drama – which, on paper, would therefore be the one that would grab me more – it’s this show, with its loud, noisy, down-to-earth sort of sensibility, that grabbed me more, overall.

I do think that some of the relationship dynamics would turn some people off, like the way parents are shown to be quite brusque with their children, and the way families talk loudly and even shout  at each other, as a matter of routine.

However, I think that’s more of a cultural thing than anything else, and I can believe that this is how families are, particularly in a small-town sort of setting, which is what this is.

Because, even though people do say that Jeju is so developed now, that it doesn’t really count as being the boondocks, it isn’t a metropolis for sure, and I do think that it retains enough of that small town experience, to support this type of small-town culture.

Mainly, I really like these characters land as believably real to me, even though there is a clear measure of dramatization that goes into them.

I found myself sucked into the key relationships at play, and I really enjoyed how Show keeps fleshing out the context of these relationships, by giving us regular flashbacks to the early years, where we see our characters as children, or teenagers, or young adults.

I felt like I was growing to understand our characters more and more, with each new piece of context that Show supplies, and I liked that a lot.

STUFF THAT WAS OK

The writing

The writing was a mixed bag, for me, which is why it’s in this section.

Sometimes, I thought the writing was very solid, and then at other times, I felt rather underwhelmed by writing that felt.. well, the opposite of that. 😁😅

Here are some examples to illustrate what I mean.

[SPOILER ALERT]

When I thought the writing was pretty good

E5-6. One of the big events, this set of episodes, is Sam Dal going back to Seoul to confront Eun Ju, and I appreciate two things about this arc.

1, I like that we see Sang Do (Kang Young Seok) and Yong Pil banding together to help and support Sam Dal, even though it seems that they are both aware that they are kinda-sorta love rivals, at this point.

As in, Sang Do definitely is cautious of the fact that Yong Pil might still have feelings for Sam Dal, and I’m pretty sure Yong Pil is getting the idea that Sang Do has special feelings for Sam Dal.

And yet, they both put this aside, in order to help and support her, as she goes to Seoul to confront Eun Ju.

2, I appreciate that Show makes this confrontation to be more about Sam Dal relieving her conscience, rather than about her seeking justice from Eun Ju.

I mean, sure, I wouldn’t have minded, really, if Sam Dal had had a showdown with Eun Ju, and revealed Eun Ju’s theft and deceit in front of everyone, because Eun Ju’s proving to be quite unpleasant and nasty.

But, Sam Dal is clearly made of better stuff than I, because instead of doing that, she’s more interested to clarify whether Eun Ju had really been driven to attempt suicide, because of Sam Dal’s actions.

And, because that’s her key focus, I’m glad that Eun Ju (Jo Yoon Seo) does tell her the truth; that Sam Dal hadn’t actually driven her to attempt suicide.

Both of these plot points felt organic and heartfelt, to me, and I liked that.

When I thought the writing was just ok

E3-4. In terms of the scene where Yong Pil doesn’t ask Sam Dal about the allegations, part of my brain was all, you could’ve still asked her other questions, even if you believed she was innocent.

You could’ve asked if she was worried about her career; you could’ve asked if she was sleeping ok; but fine, I get that Show just wanted to be a bit dramatic about it – and also, give Sam Dal something to get upset about.

And, I find myself being very willing to look past this not-very-elegant writing, because of how wonderfully Shin Hye Sun taps into Sam Dal’s vulnerability.

E3-4. On the topic of Sam Dal’s scandal, it’s clearer, this pair of episodes, that Eun Ju’s a scheming unscrupulous nasty person, who now appears to be stealing Sam Dal’s portfolios, to pass off as her own.

At first, I’d thought that perhaps she’s mentally unwell, and that she’d actually been genuine about the suicidal thoughts, but.. Show doesn’t go there.

Instead, Show more or less makes her out to be a rather two dimensional nasty, entitled, insecure person, who would stoop to lying, to get what she feels she deserves.

For a look at characters who are dealing with mental health issues, I’d suggest Daily Dose of Sunshine (review here!) instead.

[END SPOILER]

Show’s sense of humor

Overall, I felt that Show’s sense of humor was on the ok side of things for me, in that, I don’t recall actually laughing out loud during my watch, and at the same time, I mostly didn’t find Show’s humor overtly objectionable.

Sometimes, though, Show leaned into what I’ll call “shouty humor,” and I didn’t like that so much.

Here’s an example of when this brand of humor really didn’t work for me.

[SPOILER ALERT]

An example of shouty humor that I didn’t like

E1-2. To be clear, I am in-principle very ok with the boisterous tone of many of our characters in this drama world.

The issue I have with Show, is how it makes Ji Chang Wook’s character Yong Pil act all crazy-shouty in a work situation.

The way he’s going at it, ready to bust the door down, all the while yelling at the top of his voice, is really beyond the boundaries of believability, for me.

I find it hard to believe that someone acting like this at work, on a regular basis, no less, hasn’t been fired yet. Or disciplined.

Instead, people bear with his antics while grumbling among themselves – his boss included! – and they all seem to really think he’s some kind of genius, which is why he’s got an invitation to join HQ.

C’mon now. Really? I find this verryyy hard to believe. 🙄

[END SPOILER]

I rolled with it because I liked other elements in this show, but I will say that I basically didn’t care for any time Show leaned into what I think of as shouty humor; it’s just not funny to me, I don’t know why?

I don’t know if it’s the comic timing of the actors involved, or the overall execution of the scene; it all looks try-hard to my eyes. But.. maybe that’s just me? 🤷🏻‍♀️

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARACTERS & RELATIONSHIPS

Shin Hye Sun as Sam Dal

I liked Sam Dal as a character, and I LOVED Shin Hye Sun’s portrayal of her.

Like I mentioned at the beginning of this review, I thought that Shin Hye Sun really blew it out of the water with certain scenes, and those often had to do with giving us insight into Sam Dal’s inner vulnerabilities.

Those moments legit gave me chills; I felt they were so well done. 🤩

Overall, even though the OTP loveline is a central arc in our story, I also feel that Sam Dal’s personal journey is just as important as the OTP loveline, as she finds her way back, not only to the community she’d left behind, but also, to herself. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. Even though Sam Dal hadn’t intended to abuse her power, and had assumed that her tone and words were within the reasonable scope of what a boss might say to her staff member, she’s now re-evaluating her actions, and thinking about whether she’d actually been abusive without realizing it.

I’d say that that’s good food for thought, not just for Sam Dal, but for us as viewers too. Points to Show, for nudging us towards a touch of self-reflection.

As for Sam Dal’s character, I appreciate that Show is giving us insight to her vulnerabilities, so that we can tell that the tough, who-cares persona that she adopts with her co-workers, isn’t quite the real her.

This is more of her using that tough persona to mask her insecurities and hurts, because people can’t make fun of her pain, if they don’t see it – at least, I think that’s the thinking behind it.

We see Sam Dal’s fragility and vulnerability even more clearly, when, as a result of Eun Ju’s accusation, she gets canceled, just like what we’ve seen happen to various celebrities, once their scandals come to light.

E3-4. I just love the way Shin Hye Sun taps into Sam Dal’s vulnerability.

From being all defensive and angry, Sam Dal’s defenses all come crumbling down in an instant, when Yong Pil asks if she’s ok, and it’s so raw in its silence laced with tears, that I find myself tearing up with her.

That’s so brilliantly played, by Shin Hye Sun, honestly. And I find it even more brilliant, because of how Sam Dal quite quickly turns on a dime, and goes back to being all sassy and bickery – just this time, we can see the tears sheening in her eyes.

So good, honestly. 🤩

E3-4. Another scene that I really wanted to mention, is the one where Sam Dal breaks down in tears in front of her friends, crying that she really is only back in Jeju for a short while; that she didn’t fail; that if they were really her friends, they would’ve asked her about her scandal.

The way Sam Dal sobs in this scene is so natural and affecting; I really feel like she’s reverting to her most innocent, childlike self, and crying from there, and pouring out all the hurt and thoughts and feelings that she’s been keeping bottled up.

Really well done, I thought.

E5-6. I do hate that everyone consistently jumps to the conclusion that it’s Sam Dal bullying Eun Ju and not the other way around, like when Sam Dal yells, “Yahhhh!” – and everyone comes running, because they think Sam Dal’s attacking Eun Ju.

I’m glad that Yong Pil’s there to grab her hand and lead her outta there, while fending off Cheon Chung Gi (who’s got this weird obsession with finding out who Yong Pil is, for someone who’s supposedly moved on).

The way Sam Dal breaks down sobbing, saying that it hadn’t been because of her, really shows us what she’s been struggling with, all this time.

It hadn’t been about the false accusations, although of course those sucked; it had been about wrestling with her conscience, and questioning every decision that she’d ever made, and questioning her judgment.

I can see how this would have made Sam Dal question everything about herself, and leave her very shaken.

And so, I’m glad that she’s now free from that thought, even though the processing of it, comes through these huge, heaving sobs, right there in the lobby.

Again, I’m glad that Yong Pil is there for her, and I think it does say something about their relationship, that she feels able to just lay her head on his shoulder, as she cries.

While I wouldn’t have minded at all, if Sam Dal had gone back in there to reveal that Eun Ju had stolen her portfolio, I feel that there’s a wisdom and grace in the restraint that she chooses instead.

It’s completely true, that Eun Ju’s lack of ability will be proven when she actually has to take those photos. The proof’s in the pudding, as they say.

And if Sam Dal plays this long game, and let the truth come out by itself, I feel like she will somehow come out of this looking like the more noble person, y’know?

[END SPOILER]

Ji Chang Wook as Yong Pil

I will talk more about Yong Pil in other sections, like the next one, but I just wanted to say that I did very much enjoy Ji Chang Wook in this role.

Given that his recent projects have been a bit hit or miss for me, this was a happy thing indeed, that I ended up liking this show so well, and his role in it. 🥰

Sam Dal and Yong Pil

Overall, I felt that Show does a really great job of setting up and fleshing out the connection between our OTP.

Once we start on our story, Show does a neat job of giving us a sense of the connection between them, from the time they were kids, to when they grew up and fell in love, and then to when they broke up (not a spoiler, since this is all part of our story’s premise).

More than that, I really love how Show handles the connection between Yong Pil and Sam Dal.

Show manages to give their interactions a great new-but-old-but-still-new sort of quality, which I feel is *chef’s kiss* perfect for where they are, in their connection with each other.

Watching Show evolve that connection, all while playing with tweaks to that new-but-old-but-still-new sort of quality, was a big highlight of my watch. 🤩

[SPOILER ALERT]

E1-2. It’s quite clear to see that Sam Dal and Yong Pil still mean something to each other, even though they’ve been broken up for some years now.

The way they come face to face with each other, because Yong Pil mistakes Sam Dal for a thief in her parent’s home, is the stuff of kdrama tropes, but the thing that gets me, and grounds it for me, is the genuine emotion that I feel, from both Yong Pil and Sam Dal.

There’s Sam Dal’s mortification and humiliation, threaded through with visible sadness, and there’s also Yong Pil’s shock, awkwardness and genuine concern; both of their reactions grab me and ground me, such that I am suddenly invested in these two people finding a way to be honest with each other.

E1-2. Of course, there’s also the scene where Yong Pil saves Sam Dal from falling into the water, but then falls in himself.

I’m relieved that Sam Dal’s got enough of her wits about her tipsy self, to jump in the water to rescue Yong Pil.

That feels like a great flip of the childhood flashback that we get in the epilogue, where it’s Yong Pil who saves Sam Dal from getting stung by bees, and is cheerful about it, even though he gets stung on the eye, in the process.

Aw. What an endearing little hero. 🥰

And how sweet is his general sentiment, that if even he runs away like the others, then what would become of Sam Dal?

That feels like the exact same sentiment that’s at work, with the scene in the recent present, where we seen Yong Pil going to attend the canceled exhibition, so that Sam Dal would have at least one visitor to her exhibition.

Aw. He very much cares. 🥲

E3-4. We still don’t know the specifics of why Yong Pil chose to break up with Sam Dal, when she’d clearly regretted breaking up with him, and wanted to get back together.

I’m sure we’ll get the full story soonish, but we have enough background to see why Sam Dal would feel awkward around Yong Pil, and not want to look bad in front of him.

After all, in her mind, he’s the one who’d dumped her, and she’d been the one crying and wailing and begging him to come out and see her.

I can see why she’d not want to see him, and when she does see him, I can see why she’d want to keep him unaware of the details of her scandal, as much as possible.

At the same time, it’s clear to see that Yong Pil still cares about Sam Dal, and I like the way Show is nudging Sam Dal towards seeing that, in spite of herself.

My favorite scene around that, is the one when, after not being asked by anyone about how she’s doing, Yong Pil turns around and asks if she’s ok, and Sam Dal remembers that this is what Yong Pil’s always asked, over the years; he always wanted to know if she was ok.

Aw. That’s the kind of everyday romance that I could sign up for, y’know?

The big swoony romantic stuff is nice, for sure, and who could say no to that, but – the everyday romance of always being concerned for your wellbeing, and caring enough to ask; that’s the kind of stuff that makes for long-lasting relationships, at the end of the day. 🥲

At the same time, I kind of dig the fact that once they get past the initial awkwardness of a moment, these two go right back to bickering and teasing, very much like how they’d used to be with each other, when they’d been just friends.

This makes me feel like if they get back together as a couple (which I’m sure is Show’s intended endgame), they could also be friends, over and on top of the romance, and that just sounds like a winning formula, to me.

Another thing that really stood out for me, is the fact that Yong Pil just knew, without having to ask, that Sam Dal hadn’t abused her power with her assistant, and that all the allegations were false.

E3-4. I’m glad that we do get to see that Yong Pil’s constancy over the years, of always being concerned for her wellbeing, isn’t lost on Sam Dal, and that it continues to linger in her mind, long after she’s said goodbye to Yong Pil for the night.

I do think that it’s moments like these that will add up, to help us want to root for a romantic reunion between Yong Pil and Sam Dal, because this is how we know that they’ve always been good for each other, and that they still care about and affect each other.

E3-4. I was actually rather amused at the seaweed fight, because it’s quite epic, and kinda makes me think that Show’s taking the idea of the kimchi slap, which is so iconic in makjang dramas, and amping it up, so that we get a full-fledged seaweed fight.

With all the slo-mo and different angles employed in this scene, I couldn’t help but wonder who spent a bunch of time choreographing this seaweed fight, and imagining the various combinations and angles that were needed, to get the exact desired result. 😁

By the end of the episode, the truth’s finally laid bare, with Yong Pil learning that Sam Dal’s boyfriend had cheated on her, and that’s how the scandal had come about, and that Sam Dal had felt humiliated about it all.

It’s a direct flip of the epilogue scene, in a way, because back then, Yong Pil learning that Sam Dal liked him too, had been the start of their relationship.

Before that, both of them had hemmed, hawed, and generally felt too awkward to do anything about those feelings.

Once Yong Pil learned about Sam Dal’s true feelings, through that note, though, everything had changed.

And I’m wondering, now that Yong Pil’s learned about, 1, Sam Dal’s true feelings about being humiliated at having a loser boyfriend, and about 2, the fact that Sam Dal’s no longer with said loser boyfriend, if this means that everything is, once again, poised to change between them.

E5-6. Show is effectively demonstrating that there is a deep connection between Sam Dal and Yong Pil, even from the early days, ie, not just from the time that they started dating.

Like, we get that scene where Sam Dal races to Yong Pil, after his mom dies, and when she sees him sobbing on his own, sitting on that rock, she starts bawling too, in a manner that would make anyone think that she’s the one who’s been personally hurt – when instead, it seems like she’s crying in solidarity, with Yong Pil.

That moment feels like quite a statement, I think, of the kind of bond that Yong Pil and Sam Dal share, above and beyond the bond that exists, within the friend group.

E5-6. There’s just a special something about the relationship between Sam Dal and Yong Pil, which we are starting to get a sense of, this pair of episodes.

One of the things that strikes me about their relationship, is that, even though Sam Dal feels self-conscious and embarrassed in front of Yong Pil, for having failed in her relationship, she still does talk to him and tell him things, albeit reluctantly.

And the awareness and care between them does feel like it’s flowing both ways, even when one – or both – of them is reluctant about it.

Yong Pil doesn’t seem to be actively thinking about a romantic reconciliation with Sam Dal, but at the same time, it’s clear that he really cares about her, and wants her to be well.

And yes, it’s quite obtuse of him not to realize, without having to be told, that she’s embarrassed in front of him, not in front of people in general, but I like that he tells her, with such conviction, that she’s the victim in this situation, and therefore doesn’t have anything to be embarrassed about.

Plus, he still demonstrates care for her now, in ways that are very similar to how he’d always used to care for her, in their earlier days.

Like the ointment from the pharmacy, left on her windowsill, which I thought was sweet of him to leave, and which I also thought was telling, that Sam Dal knew, without having to be told, that it had been left by Yong Pil.

E5-6. I like that Sam Dal decides, with Yong Pil’s help, that it’s important for her to now find herself again, rather than be defined by photography.

Again, I do like that they’re able to talk about such important things, even though they have this awkward romantic history between them.

And I get the point, that Yong Pil knows her better than just about anyone, with the way he’s able to find her, even after she disappears on her own, after confronting Eun Ju.

Basically, it’s easy for everyone and their grandmas, to see that there’s a special connection between Yong Pil and Sam Dal.

E7-8. I like that the connection between Yong Pil and Sam Dal feels very organic and believable.

The way they are around each other, makes me believe that they grew up together, and have spent a lot of time in each other’s company, and so, know each other really well, and have a synergistic kind of bond, even though they have an awkward romantic history behind them.

That awkward romantic history just doesn’t cancel out their synergy, and I like that we see that in how easily they talk with each other, even now.

That ease with each other, and the obvious care that they still have for each other, makes me want to root for them to get back together again.

And then there’s that moment when Yong Pil tells Sang Do, that it’s not that he couldn’t get over Sam Dal; it’s that he chose not to get over her, is just melty, poignant goodness.

Like, AUGH. Doesn’t this literally mean that he chose to continue loving her, in spite of their breakup?

How could one not flail at such quiet, matter-of-fact devotion? 🥹

And yet, when Sang Do confronts Yong Pil with the question, as well as his own confession, that he likes Sam Dal, Yong Pil tells Sang Do that he shouldn’t feel guilty for liking someone.

I feel like not many people can be that objective and gracious about things, particularly when they still have feelings for the person in question, and this moment made me like Yong Pil all the more. 🥲

Also, how about that moment, when we have that accidental fall in the rain, and Sam Dal falls on top of Yong Pil?

The way he decides, in that moment, to grab on to her, and just hold her to his chest, never mind that they are lying in the middle of the road, in the pouring rain, is quite swoony, honestly.

It makes me immediately think that he’s missed her a great deal, and this moment hits so close to when they’d been together, that he just can’t pass up the chance to recapture the closeness between them, if only for a moment.

And, the fact that Sam Dal doesn’t resist this, but instead, looks thoughtful, as she almost imperceptibly sinks a little deeper in his embrace, tells me that she wants to recapture the closeness between them as well – at least in this moment.

E9-10. This pair of episodes, there is just so much tamped down, raw emotion in the scenes between Yong Pil and Sam Dal.

In particular, I love that scene at the hospital, where Yong Pil asks Sam Dal, as she faces way from him, if she’s ok, and what we see, is Sam Dal working to control her emotions, as she tries not to cry, before she turns to face him.

I am so impressed by Shin Hye Sun, in this scene, seriously.

The little twitches and quivers in Sam Dal’s facial expressions, feel so raw and organic; I felt like I was peeking into Sam Dal’s very private emotions, in this moment. Really well done, I thought.

The tension between them, over whether Yong Pil should have told Sam Dal about Mi Ja’s heart condition, is very believable and understandable, I feel.

I can see why Sam Dal would be upset that Yong Pil didn’t tell her, and I can also see why Yong Pil felt that he owed it to Mi Ja, to honor her desire, to tell her children herself.

And while I don’t like what Yong Pil says, that it’s because Sam Dal hadn’t come home, that she didn’t know about Mi Ja’s heart condition, I appreciate that his tone isn’t harsh, as he says it.

Additionally, I appreciate that he later apologizes for it, sincerely.

I also appreciate that Sam Dal is self-aware enough to realize that it was unfair of her to blame Yong Pil, and say that he hadn’t done anything to stop Mi Ja from continuing to dive, despite her heart condition – AND, she reaches out to Yong Pil, intending to apologize.

This whole thing feels quite real to me, because these are feelings that I can understand them having, and I just like that despite them having this moment of tension, his tone was still gentle, and they both are quick to apologize. This feels healthy, y’know?

I’d kinda realized that Yong Pil had been keeping a special eye out for Mi Ja via the CCTV near the haenyeos’ diving spot, but with this additional context, that it had started because he’d failed to stop her from continuing to dive, and that he’d given up on his dream in order to stay in Jeju to watch over her, really makes it hit home all the harder.

Oof. Yong Pil really is a sweet, pure-hearted soul, and he’s really living out his stated mission, to work in weather forecasting, in order to protect the ones whom he loves. 🥲

It feels like it’s about time this truth came out, and I’m actually glad for Gyeong Tae drunkenly spilling the beans to Sam Dal, who in turn drunkenly confronts Yong Pil about it.

In principle, I don’t prefer drunken confessions, because I’d like my protagonists to be sober while they express their love, but in this case, I find myself in full support, because it’s clear that with this painful context framing their love story, neither of them is going to admit, in word or action, that they’re still in love with the other person.

It’s only now, that Sam Dal’s drunkenly letting her feelings show, that Yong Pil’s reciprocating by letting his feelings show too, and I find myself all for this drunken kiss.

E9-10. Even though Sam Dal does her best to avoid Yong Pil after the drunken kiss, I’m glad that they still end up going around Jeju together, scouting for photo locations for Sam Dal.

It’s great that Sam Dal finds gratification and joy, in helping those wedding couples with their photos, and it’s also great that Yong Pil is able to see that she genuinely is happy about it, even though she grumbles that she didn’t take any pictures for herself.

And finally, as we close out these episodes, Yong Pil confirms that they’d exchanged love confessions the night that Sam Dal had been drunk, and I just love how gentle and steady his gaze is, as he looks Sam Dal right in the eye.

He’s not hiding from it; instead, he’s facing it, unflinchingly, and I find it so very melty, truly. 🫠

And when she tries to avoid it by saying they should leave, he holds onto her, just like he’d done, the night she’d been drunk, and I can’t help holding my breath to see if we’ll get a sober confirmation kiss, this time. 🥲

E11-12. I’m glad that we get a step forward, with our OTP loveline, this pair of episodes.

While it has felt realistic that our OTP would be hesitant about their feelings up to this point, it also feels like it’s time to take a step forward, and I have to say, it gives me a good amount of gratification, to see Sam Dal and Yong Pil together, finally.

I love that Yong Pil thinks to take Sam Dal to take photographs of the lights, because it’s a special, rare event, and he understands, without needing to be told, that this is something worthy of Sam Dal’s skills.

At the same time, it turns into such a romantic setting for him to reconfirm their love, as he tells Sam Dal that the memories of their love are stronger than the reasons for their break-up.

The way he leans in to kiss her, all tender and gentle, while the lights brighten up the night sky, is so lovely. 🥰

I have to admit, though, that I kept wondering if she’d managed to take any photos at all, with all the romance going on, in the moment. 😁

Just seeing them walk hand in hand, with Yong Pil unable to wipe the happy smile off his face, and Sam Dal feeling all self-conscious and embarrassed about it all, makes me happy, truly. 🥰

It feels like these two have been sad for such a long time, and have yearned for each other for so long, that seeing them happy together, finally, is like raining water on parched desert sand. 🥲

Additionally, this happiness (even though we know there are other challenges brewing, let’s be happy for now 😅) feels hard-won, because they’ve had to work through a lot of emotional baggage to get here, and I’m internally pumping my fist, for progress.

One of the things that I love about this OTP, is that, at their core, their relationship more or less maintains the same honest, forthright tone, regardless of where they are with each other, romantically.

Whether they’re broken up or together, whether they’re feeling awkward around each other or not; when they talk, they basically revert to that “we’ve known each other for forever” sort of vibe. I like that a lot.

And to see that still in place now, even though Sam Dal’s feeling self-conscious about having kissed Yong Pil, just makes me happy, somehow. 🥰

[END SPOILER]

Kim Mi Kyung as Mi Ja

I love Kim Mi Kyung, and it’s just a treat, to have her on my screen again.

Right away, from episode 1, I just knew that she’d have me eating out of her hand before very long, even though her character is on the gruff side, from the get-go.

In fact, one of the highlights of my watch was getting to see Mi Ja’s inner heart, revealed in degrees, over the course of our story. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that Mom didn’t have the same unwavering belief in Sam Dal that we see in Yong Pil, but I take Mom’s point, that Sam Dal’s been away from home for the past 18 years, and it’s entirely possible that living in Seoul has changed her.

That’s very practical-minded of Mom, I feel.

As for Mom choosing not to ask Sam Dal about it, I think there are a couple of things that could be at play here.

1, I think that this is quite possibly the typical Asian way of handling things, coming into play.

Traditionally, I feel like in Asian households, parents don’t have the habit of talking through emotional things with their kids, and I’m guessing that Mom perhaps didn’t know what she could say, to Sam Dal.

I’m thinking that that’s why Mom was gruff and everyday about it, and behaving like nothing had happened, and then looked a little flustered, once she got into the room and was behind closed doors.

2, This could also be Mom’s way of showing Sam Dal that nothing’s changed between them, even though Sam Dal’s dealing with a scandal.

She’s still Mom’s child, and life’s going to keep on keeping on, as far as they’re concerned.

Whichever it is, I do very much appreciate that Mom’s fiercely on Sam Dal’s side, once she gets confirmation that Sam Dal is innocent, and that she doesn’t hesitate to tell her friends off, for assuming the worst of Sam Dal.

E11-12. As for Mi Ja’s reaction to Sam Dal’s relationship with Yong Pil, it seems to me, that the guilt that I’ve been feeling from her, around the whole situation around Sam Dal’s relationship with Yong Pil, is finally coming to a head.

It’s clear to see that it really burdens her heart, to see Sam Dal walk on eggshells around whether it’s ok to like Yong Pil.

(And, as a side note, I have to say, the way Shin Hye Sun plays that moment when Sam Dal asks Mi Ja if it’s ok for her to like Yong Pil, is so wonderfully played. It’s perfectly tentative, awkward and uncertain. 🥲)

It’s no wonder that Mi Ja seems to determine to do something about this, so that Sam Dal would be finally free to like Yong Pil, without worry.

[END SPOILER]

Yong Pil and Mi Ja

Basically, I really, really love having Ji Chang Wook and Kim Mi Kyung sharing the screen again. Him calling her “Omma” is so reminiscent of Healer calling her “Ahjumma,” back in the day, yes? 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. I do love that little scene where Yong Pil runs after Mom while she’s out jogging in her long johns, and kinda aegyo-nags-nudges her to put on something a little warmer.

I feel like his cheery, can’t-get-me-down manner soothes her mood, without him having to say anything too specific, and I find that tacit understanding quite precious. 🥰

[END SPOILER]

Yoo Oh Sung as Sang Tae

It’s been a few years since I last had Yoo Oh Sung on my screen (the last time was in 2019’s My Country: The New Age), and I just wanted to say upfront, that I really enjoy him as an actor.

I’ve never seen him in this space before; I seem to have seen him in more quietly intimidating roles.

I love how he brings Sang Tae to life; I can really believe that Sang Tae’s a gruff Jeju man who’s spent his entire life on the island, and who isn’t very good at expressing himself, particularly when it comes to difficult feelings.

On that note, I also wanted to say that I appreciated the way Show teases out Sang Tae’s characterization, and then draws it out to a point of growth, in a manner that feels believable. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E7-8. We see that Sang Tae’s practically hostile towards Mi Ja and her family, and I was very perplexed about why this might be the case.

In fact, I’d come into this episode having been slightly “spoiled” in the sense that I’d seen someone remark somewhere, that this pair of episodes, the parents start meddling in their children’s relationships.

And I just wanted to say that I didn’t exactly see this pair of episodes as the parents meddling, unless we’re talking about the flashbacks, where we see that Sang Tae had actually been the one to push Sam Dal to break up with Yong Pil.

On the surface, yes, it does look like meddling, if we’re talking about that, but also, the angst coming from Sang Tae feels so deep, that it kind of already indicates that there is a very deep, very painful reason for Sang Tae’s actions.

Like, why else would he be so unyielding and unmoved, in the face of his son’s obvious heartache and suffering?

The more instances we see, of Mi Ja and Sang Tae looking deeply uncomfortable at the possibility of Yong Pil and Sam Dal getting back together again, and the more we see Sang Tae showing hostility and rejection towards Mi Ja’s peace offerings, the more my instincts pinged with possibility, that there was something really big driving this.

And so, when Show does the reveal at the end of episode 8, where we see that Sang Tae had lost his wife while she’d dived with the incoming bracken rain, it all suddenly made sense, in a terrible, painful way.

I can already fill in the blanks here; that it had quite likely been Mi Ja’s call, to dive despite the incoming bracken rain, and that’s why Sang Tae’s blamed Mi Ja all these years, and that’s also why he just cannot accept the idea of Yong Pil and Sam Dal being together, no matter what.

And this is something that I can believe wouldn’t change for him, even if his son was in deep pain, and even if many years had passed since his wife’s death.

But now, as Sang Tae sees Jin Dal, Hae Dal and Geum Sul (Baek Hyun Joo) run out of the house towards the shore, full of worry and fear, he looks genuinely scared, and drops everything and runs after them.

This tells me that Sang Tae hasn’t been pushing away Mi Ja’s attempts to make peace because he hates her; it’s because he’s in too much pain, and he associates her with that pain.

[END SPOILER]

The story of the two Mi Ja’s [SPOILERS]

E9-10. We finally get the full story, this set of episodes, not just of the two Mi Ja’s, but also, of what had happened between Yong Pil and Sam Dal, when they broke up, and it’s all-around heart-pinching sadness. 💔

I’d been convinced that the reason Yong Pil’s mom, Bu Mi Ja, had been in the dangerous waters, was because of Sam Dal’s mom, Ko Mi Ja, but, despite knowing that in my gut, it was still really hard to watch the flashback.

The friendship they had was so beautiful, and it was so cute, that they’d bonded fangirling together over the singer Cho Yong Pil.

It was so sweet, that they grew so close, that they spent all their time together, whether diving or not, and even decided to co-parent their kids, which is how Yong Pil came to call Ko Mi Ja “Mom.”

All this made it all the more gutting, because we know that the reason Bu Mi Ja had even gone against her better judgment and stayed in the water despite weather warnings, was because she sympathized with Ko Mi Ja’s desperation to not displease her mother-in-law.

Ack. I can imagine how this must have haunted our surviving Mi Ja, all these years.

It’s not just that Sang Tae can’t forgive her; I’m sure that she can’t forgive herself either. 😭

With such a deep and painful wound that they share, I can see why this would literally haunt both Sang Tae and Mi Ja for the rest of their lives.

It’s hard to fault Sang Tae for holding a grudge against Mi Ja, because she’d caused him to lose his beloved wife, and had caused their family to be changed, forever.

And, when Show reveals that the old lady who suffers from Alzheimer’s, who keeps staring out at the ocean, is actually Bu Mi Ja’s mother, it feels all the more poignant.

I’m convinced that she’s looking out to sea, because she’s thinking of her daughter. 💔

I do wonder if Mi Ja pushing herself to keep diving, despite her heart diagnosis, is because she’s punishing herself, in a way?

I wonder if, deep down, she feels that it’s only right that the ocean take her, the way it had taken her best friend?

The three sisters

I just wanted to say that I found myself enjoying this sisterhood quite well, most likely because I hadn’t seen it coming.

From the premise, I hadn’t realized that the return to Jeju would be a sisterhood event, and I found it a positive addition to our story.

With Jin Dal and Hae Dal (Shin Dong Mi and Kang Mi Na) in our story, we get more stories to explore, which I thought added a nice amount of diversity and interest to our drama world.

I also enjoyed the glimpses of everyday, matter-of-fact sisterly closeness between these siblings, whether it involved nagging, scolding, or a whole lotta sympathy drinking. 😅

Shin Dong Mi as Jin Dal

I love Shin Dong Mi, and welcome her casting as Unni, Jin Dal.

Right away, I got Protective Elder Sis energy from her, even though all we see is her nagging at Sam Dal. 😁

A big part of Jin Dal’s story has to do with her connection with her ex-husband Dae Young, played by Yang Kyung Won, and I have to admit, I found this arc pretty enjoyable, right from when Show introduces it.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. Show appears to be introducing a potential reunion loveline between eldest sister Jin Dal, and her ex-husband Dae Young.

I mean, I already kinda love Dae Young, because he’s being played by Yang Kyung Won, and he’s being introduced as a rather vain, hapless, goofy sort of character.

I love the flashback, that he’d fallen for Jin Dal at first sight, because she’d subdued a rowdy passenger and been a complete badass about it.

Gotta love that he’s swooning over her because she’s a badass, rather than pursuing her because she was some dainty, pretty little thing that he could have as a trophy wife. I mean, I like him for that reason already. 😁

Clearly, Jin Dal’s not feeling any love lost between them, so I’m curious to see how this arc pans out.

E5-6. We’re getting a glimpse of the situation between Jin Dal and ex-husband Dae Young, and it seems to me that Dae Young never wanted the divorce, and thus, quite likely has never gotten over Jin Dal.

I am quite amused though, that we’re getting more and more confirmation that Dae Young’s really a weak “himbo,” so to speak, since he’s quite vain about his perceived coolness, but has very little confidence, and doesn’t seem to know much about anything – and is easily spooked, on top of it all.

I felt bad for him at the scene where he falls over because he’s spooked by the wriggling sea cucumbers on the platter, because of how everyone swarms around him, not to help him, but to take photos and videos of his humiliation.

Oof. People can be cruel.

I do love Yang Kyung Won’s knack for physical comedy though, and I feel like he’s perfectly cast as Dae Young.

That slo-mo shot of Dae Young’s shocked face, as he sees Jin Dal racing past his car, is quite priceless. 😁

E7-8. I am pretty on board with most of Dae Young’s broadly comedic moments, because Yang Kyung Won’s doing a great job of making Dae Young very clearly wistful for Jin Dal.

I’m drawn to that wistfulness, because it makes me believe that he genuinely misses her, and wants her back in his life.

That thing that he tells her, that he’s been happy to see her, and that’s why he’d back again, because he wanted to feel happy to see her, all over again, is so innocently, dorkily sweet.

I do like the idea of Jin Dal coming back into his life, and helping to make him a better man, so I’m kinda waiting with bated breath, to see if that’s the direction Show is planning to take.

E9-10. I’d had a feeling that Dae Young would find a way to stay in Jeju Island, and be nearer to Jin Dal, so I’m not surprised that he calls off the project with Namdal-ri in a huff, and then tells Secretary Ko that he’d like to move the project to Samdal-ri.

I must say, in all of his dorky cross-wiredness, I still found it quite sweet, that he would stand up for Jin Dal like that, in front of all the Namdal-ri people.

The fact that he emphasizes that it was Jin Dal who dumped him, is particularly sweet, because we’ve seen how vain he can be, and how precious his reputation is, to him.

This just means that Jin Dal’s even more precious to him, right? That’s quite touching. 🥲

Of course, it’s not long before Jin Dal and Dae Young come face to face, since he’s now decided he’d like to bring the theme park to Samdal-ri, and I’m actually kind of amused to see what happens with these two, next.

E11-12. I’d already felt a measure of affection for Dae Young prior to these episodes, but I must say, I grew even fonder of him, this pair of episodes.

There’s just something so plaintive and affectionately bashful about him, when it comes to Jin Dal; I find it all kinds of endearing, honestly.

The more we see of him, these episodes, the clearer it becomes, that he misses Jin Dal dearly, and is basically bereft, without her.

I find it poignantly charming, that he’s basically been holding it in, and trying to get by, while missing Jin Dal so much, since their divorce.

Kinda like how I’d feel, about a little child feeling really sad, but doing his brave best to hold it in and not cry. That’s what I mean, about Dae Young; there’s something childlike about him, that I find myself growing a soft spot for.

The thing that really gets my heart – and, it looks like, Jin Dal’s heart, too – is his real reason for wanting to build the theme park in Samdal-ri; so that Mi Ja won’t be able to dive anymore.

Aw. He wants to protect Mi Ja, by keeping her away from diving, which is dangerous to her health, and this is the only way he knows how. 🥲

It’s honestly quite heartening, to see Jin Dal slowly softening towards him, in spite of herself.

[END SPOILER]

Kang Mi Na as Hae Dal

Overall, I found Hae Dal’s arc enjoyable, though I preferred Show’s exploration of Hae Dal’s relationship with her daughter Ha Yul (Kim Do Eun), versus her loveline with Dolphin Dude, Ji Chan (Kim Min Chul).

Mostly, I felt like the whole thing around Dolphin Dude landed as quite try-hard, not just with his weird antics (sometimes), but also, the PSA-like quality of his dolphin ramblings.

The weirdness does let up after some time, though, so it all evens out to pretty ok, for me.

[SPOILER ALERT]

E9-10. This pair of episodes, I find myself feeling more positive about the potential loveline between Hae Dal and Ji Chan, the Dolphin Dude.

Mainly, he isn’t behaving in weirdly OTT ways now, and, not only that, he shows that he’s on the same page as Hae Dal, when it comes to opinions about career advancement and social status.

For the first time, Hae Dal actually seems to see him in a positive light, and this seems like a good start. I’m tentatively on board now.

E11-12. I have to confess that the scenes between Hae Ja and Dolphin Dude, Ji Chan, land for me as a bit of a weak link, in this show.

Sure, Ji Chan’s no longer acting like a total weirdo, which is helpful, and I did like that they connected for a bit, at the restaurant-bar, but the beats which Show is serving up, to nudge them closer together, feel a bit forced, to my eyes.

The whole scene where Hae Dal and Ha Yul cry together, is touching, yes, but the fact that this is positioned in order to show Ji Chan just what a beautiful soul Hae Dal is, feels unnatural and therefore forced, to my eyes.

In the end, I will not object to a loveline between these two people, because I get that they match quite well, in terms of their values, and that Ji Chan gets on well with Ha Yul.

It just all feels a little labored, to my eyes, is all. Especially since this arc is also being assigned the task of being a PSA to educate us about how dolphins don’t do well in captivity, to the point of it shortening their life expectancy.

I mean, yes, it’s good to learn something new, but this does not actually help to make this potential loveline feel any more natural or convincing, y’know? 😅

[END SPOILER]

Kang Young Seok as Sang Do

I just wanted to say that I really thought Sang Do was a really good guy, and it’s a pity that Show set him up to be the doomed second lead who’s really sweet and nice, but who’d never get his girl – because she’s basically fated to be with someone else.

I mean, that’s not really a spoiler at all, because you already know, signing up for this show, that Sam Dal will end up with Yong Pil, yes?

I did feel for Sang Do, and I did like him, as well as Kang Young Seok, who plays him. 🥲

[SPOILER ALERT]

E5-6. In episode 5, we get that context is around how Sang Do liked Sam Dal from the start – but had always been in the background, while Yong Pil had been the one to step forward to be in Sam Dal’s line of vision, like with the tying of Sam Dal’s shoelaces.

I can see that Show is setting up Sang Do to be the one who’s really sweet, but whose fatal flaw is not taking action, when he should’ve.

Totally reminds me of other shows where there were wild shipping wars, like with Reply 1988.

I will say, though, that I feel for Sang Do.

I find him very likable, so far, in all the various scenes that we’ve seen him in.

One thing that really stands out to me, is how, when Gyeong Tae (Lee Jae Won), Eun Woo (Bae Myung Jin) and Yong Pil end up at the police station for having it out with Schmuck Reporter, Sang Do comes running over with all of his morning earnings, in order to pay the settlement fee – no questions asked.

How sweetly loyal is he?

I feel this even more acutely, because we already know by this point, that he likes Sam Dal, and is hopeful of finally winning her heart, but is also keenly aware that Yong Pil doesn’t seem to be over her.

Yet, he doesn’t allow this to dampen his loyalty to his friends, and I find that super endearing.

Also, for someone who’s become very rich, and zooms about habitually in a supercar and has people drooling over him, he’s very humble and down-to-earth, and I really like that about him.

Plus, this pair of episodes, we do see Sang Do slowly but surely starting to inch closer to Sam Dal, in his own way.

I thought it was cute the way he teases her for a bit, while she urges him not to touch the “very expensive car” that’s actually his, and then happily takes her on a joyride, while she squeals with joy and excitement.

And I also thought it was sweet, the way he rushes to get an umbrella, when he realizes that it’s going to rain soon, and she’s out on the breakwater without any rain protection.

He’s obviously also starting to make some strategic decisions, like how he decides to bring just one umbrella instead of two, so that they’ll have to share, and therefore be in closer proximity.

But, it does feel like all of his efforts are falling on deaf ears, so to speak.

For the record, I’m of the opinion – based on what we’ve seen so far, anyway – that it’s not just a matter of Sang Do not acting on his feelings and letting Sam Dal know that he likes her.

More than that, it feels like there’s a deeper connection between Sam Dal and Yong Pil, even from the early days, ie, not just from the time that they started dating.

E9-10. I feel a little bad for Sang Do, because he’s trying hard to think of ways to connect with Sam Dal, and help her, but.. it’s honestly a lost cause.

We know – and he knows too, really – that Sam Dal’s heart has always been for Yong Pil.

[END SPOILER]

The friend group

I was pleasantly surprised to find that the friend group quickly became a highlight of my watch; I hadn’t even imagined that there would be a friend group, in our story. 😅

I like the history of the group, as well as the dynamic of the group; they’re like a bunch of faux siblings who grew up together, where the boys are all brothers, and Sam Dal’s the little sister that they all share, and fuss over, and get walked all over by her.

It somehow gives me Reply 1988 (review here!) found family vibes, and I found myself really enjoying this aspect of our story.

Adding to my perceived Reply 1988 vibes, are the prologues and epilogues, where we get flashbacks that provide history and context, not only of the relationship between Yong Pil and Sam Dal, but also the relationship among the friend group, and that look back to the past, with all the nostalgia, really adds to the Reply 1988 feel for me.

Of course, this show isn’t quite the same as Reply 1988, but Show’s giving me enough of a flavor, of one of my favorite things about Reply 1988, to make me count this as a personal highlight of my watch.

I love the idea that this bunch of friends have grown up together and know one another so well, and I also love all the scenes of them laughing together and hanging out together. 🥰

[SPOILER ALERT]

E3-4. The idea of them all (well, almost all) going to Seoul together, to seek their fortunes together, and then becoming one another’s sole support network in Seoul, is so sweetly poignant to me.

That epilogue scene of Eun Woo eating lonely instant ramyun on his birthday, after lying to his mom that he was eating Jeju mackerel, only to then be descended on by the rest of the gang, ready to cook him a birthday meal including seaweed soup and – yes! – the Jeju mackerel that he’d found too expensive to buy for himself, is just so, so precious. 🥹

I feel like this is THE moment that I found myself stanning this group of friends, for the long term.

Before this, I’d more or less looked at the group of friends as a really nice nostalgic thing, but that may or may not get a revival in the present, with Sam Dal’s return to Jeju Island.

With this flashback though, with the sight of them being so carefree and happy together, and being so supportive of one of their own, in their noisy, chaotic fashion, I find myself eager to see this closeness among them make a proper comeback, in the present. 🥲

Going back to one of the things that I notice about the friend group, I love how the boys have pretty much always treated Sam Dal like a precious little sister whom they need to protect and take care of, but who is such an unpredictable wild card, that they’re also a little bit scared of her, heh.

Again, at first, this hadn’t been very clear to me, but with the flashbacks of how the boys have always taken care of Sam Dal, particularly when she’d get very drunk, I started to see how far they’d go – instinctively, too! – to make sure that she was ok.

I love how they all reflexively rush to catch her, whenever she starts to fall over from being too drunk; it’s like they don’t care about their own well-being, and are more than willing to have her falling skull crush their hands, legs or other body parts  – as long as she doesn’t get hurt.

Aw. Isn’t that the most precious thing? 🥲

E5-6. This pair of episodes, the moment that really stands out to me, is when they’re celebrating their success at dealing with Schmuck Reporter (Kim Dae Gon), and Gyeong Tae apologizes to Sam Dal, for having said before, that he’d been glad that she’d failed and come back to Jeju.

So much credit to Lee Jae Won, who plays Gyeong Tae.

The way Gyeong Tae wells up with emotion, looking like he’s been so tortured from holding in his feelings that he’s legit about to burst, and the way he talks about being so proud of Sam Dal, that it offends him that she’s compared to losers like him, is so affecting, honestly.

You can just feel how deep he reaching into his soul, to get these words out, and, interspliced with all the flashbacks to all the things he’s done, admiring and supporting Sam Dal on her journey to success from afar, and it’s just very, very touching. 🥲

Aw. It’s scenes like this that make me really love this friend group, such that I don’t even mind the loud bickering that characterizes their group dynamic.

[END SPOILER]

Special shout-out:

Kim Do Eun as Ha Yul

It almost seems like an unwritten rule, that every warm drama world has to contain an precocious, outspoken kid who’s wise beyond their years, so it’s kind of a tired trope by now, BUT, I find that I do like our resident munchkin Ha Yul quite well.

I just wanted to say that she’s cute without being cutesy, and she doesn’t strike me as try-hard, when it comes to the mature-beyond-her-years schtick.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE THING WITH EUN JU [SPOILERS]

E12. We finally spend some time on the Eun Ju arc, and I have to confess, I’d been really curious to see how Eun Ju had been doing, after stealing Sam Dal’s ideas and clients.

Needless to say, I got a nice stab of gratification, to see her fail so hard at something which she’d claimed she was soooo qualified to do. Ha. I guess that goes to show that Sam Dal was very accurate in her assessment of Eun Ju’s abilities.

Of course, it’s infuriating to see Eun Ju upload that video of her mom beating Sam Dal, just to stir up public discontent about Sam Dal all over again, and honestly, I don’t even know why Chung Gi is still dating her, since he is clearly not exactly enjoying her true colors.

But I also felt a nice amount of satisfaction with this arc, since Eun Ju’s assistants quit on her, right when she’s about to embark on a shoot on Jeju Island, and we even see our Jeju community get all up in arms against Eun Ju, because Eun Ju’s dared to mess with their Sam Dal.

Even more gratifying than that, is the sight of Mi Ja tossing that vinegar on Eun Ju (and Chung Gi too), and being the fiercest mother hen that Jeju might have ever seen. Huzzah! 🤩🤩

YES. You tell her, Ahjumma. Sam Dal’s got a mom too. 🥲

THE most gratifying moment for me personally, though, is when Eun Ju, in her anger, calls out to bait Sam Dal, and Sam Dal walks back to Eun Ju, to talk to her.

It’s so great, not just because of what Sam Dal says, but how she says it, all calm and almost conspiratorially, like she’s giving Eun Ju advice to help her.

“Go ahead and post this too. . Film this and post it online too. What? You’re losing the work you got pretending to be the victim, so are you afraid I’ll take your jobs? I’m not a thief, so why would I steal from you? I have other ways to support myself.

How could you be so brazen and come here?”

“Is this your territory or something?”

“Yes, it is. I may have had no power in Seoul, but this is my turf. So you should watch out. If you play around here, you’ll regret it. Got that?”

My favorite thing about this, is Sam Dal’s attitude, like this is really not a big deal for her – while this is clearly Eun Ju’s obsession.

I LOVE THAT.

Sam Dal’s effectively risen above this whole thing, and the most badass thing you could do, in a situation like this, is cease to care – because you have other, more valuable things in your life that you’d prefer to focus on.

BAD. ASS. 🤩🤩🤩

And, I love that it’s because Sam Dal’s been reminded all over again, that she isn’t alone, but has a whole community of people behind her, backing her up. 🥰

I also love that when Yong Pil asks her if she’d want to return to Seoul, if Seoul wants her back, that her answer is no.

Not that I want her to necessarily give up her photography career.

I just love that Sam Dal’s new goal and focus, is to accomplish things as Sam Dal, the name which she’d used to feel embarrassed about, and had wished to leave behind.

Now, she’s not embarrassed anymore, and is happy in her own Jeju-born skin, and that is very, very gratifying to witness. 🥲

SPOTLIGHT ON THE PENULTIMATE STRETCH [SPOILERS]

E13-14. I’m pretty sure that folks’ mileages are going to vary on this one, but I personally found this a solid pair of episodes, particularly for the penultimate stretch, since penultimate stretches in kdramas are infamous for being angsty and tough to watch.

Mainly, I like the very thing that some other folks are hating, about this drama. 😅

Let me explain.

Just earlier today, I came across some viewers of this show, commenting that they hate the circling that Show’s been doing, around Sang Tae’s pain and his disapproval of Yong Pil’s relationship with Sam Dal.

Overall, the sense that I get is that these viewers are frustrated by the fact that Show has been circling this issue, but not bringing forth any actual solutions, for all the time that we’ve known about this problem.

In fact, I think some viewers dropped this show, for this reason.

So.. I might be the odd duck in the corner on this one, but I actually really appreciated how Show has treated this arc.

Mainly, I feel that any other treatment of Sang Tae’s pain, would have been unrealistic and unbelievable.

After all, Sang Tae’s been stuck in his pain for the past decade, and has been unable to move on, since his wife’s death.

To him, the pain appears to be as fresh as if his wife had past last week, and not ten years ago.

And so, to have him lashing out because of his pain, is very much in line with his character, I feel.

In my mind’s eye, he’s being very much like a wounded wild animal; there’s a lot of pain, and also, a good amount of fear, and the only way he knows how to react, is to lash out at whomever approaches him.

With him being in such a state of angry pain, it’s also not surprising that folks have avoided his wounds all these years, because it’s easy to think that this would only cause him more pain.

I really appreciate that what the people around Sang Tae have done, in this week’s episodes, is approach him with a mix of love, empathy and steely resolve.

They know that it will bring out old wounds, to talk about his wife’s death, but they approach anyway, and then make sure that their words and actions clearly come from a place of love, care and empathy – so that he can start to see that he’s not the only one hurting, and he’s not the only one who misses his wife.

The key word here, being “start” to see.

It’s not something that Sang Tae comes around to straight away, and I personally feel that it would be unrealistic for Sang Tae to have a change of heart, with just one well-place encounter.

It takes time for someone to arrive at a point where he’s ready to change his mind, especially if that someone has been in so much anger and pain over such a long period of time.

And, I appreciate the idea here, that Sang Tae’s heart is being nudged, bit by little bit, from each encounter with the various people who approach him, this pair of episodes.

I also appreciate that Show shines the spotlight on how it takes courage for all of the people who approach him; that it really isn’t easy for them too.

They know that they’re going to face Sang Tae’s anger and hurt, when they touch his wounds, no matter how gently, and they need to gird up their courage for that.

And then, when the encounter is over, they need to recover from it.

The thing that moves me, is that even after they come away, feeling like they’ve failed to make a difference in Sang Tae’s perspective and state of mind, they don’t allow that to stop them from trying again.

Altogether, I love the message that this gives us:

That love is the most important element, when approaching someone in pain;

That even if you need to stand up against an angry, violent person, approach from a standpoint of love – trust that they will know it instinctively, even if they don’t show it;

That even if you appear to have a failed interaction with someone who’s angry and hurt, be encouraged that you have likely helped to nudge their heart, a little bit – and many nudges accumulated together, may well move their heart in the right direction, over time;

That empathy and solidarity, and patience and forbearance, can go so much further, than self-righteousness and blame-shifting.

I also like that Mi Ja chooses to stop treating herself as a sinner, for the sake of her children, and that that colors that way she carries herself, with Sang Tae.

I feel like a very important shift occurred there, because, for the first time, she’s acknowledging that she isn’t a criminal, and that she has just as much of a right to grieve as the next person.

I love how this sets her free, and I feel like there’s a very important lesson embedded here; that we shouldn’t be prisoners of our guilt, but learn to set ourselves free from it, the way Mi Ja set herself free from her own guilt.

As for our OTP, I’m glad that Sam Dal comes to know of Yong Pil’s quiet loyalty and devotion for all the eight years that they were broken up, and I’m glad that she makes the decision to love him and hold onto him, henceforth.

It really takes two, and so, even though we’ve seen that Yong Pil’s determined to hold onto Sam Dal, regardless of Sang Tae’s objections, I feel that it’s just as important, that Sam Dal arrives at a similar place of determination, and we get that, this week.

It really is beautiful, how Yong Pil explains why he’d held onto his love for Sam Dal all this time, even though it was painful to do so; so that he wouldn’t forget about her, because, essentially, forgetting about her, would hurt more. 🥲

It’s too bad that their romantic couple’s camping trip gets gatecrashed like that by Sam Dal’s assistants, but the important thing is, Yong Pil and Sam Dal are firmly together again, and have no intention of letting go of each other, henceforth. 🥲

When Sang Tae finally comes around, at the end of episode 14, to my eyes, this turnaround feels earned and believable, and I found it gratifying to witness the moment that he’s able to finally give Yong Pil and Sam Dal his blessings, not with anger or reluctance, but joy and release.

Very lovely indeed. 🥰

Also – the epilogue informs us that Eun Ju’s ready to stir up some trouble for Sam Dal, and y’know, I would rather the final narrative conflict be about putting Eun Ju’s arc to rest, than Sang Tae’s disapproval, so Show’s on the right track, as far as I’m concerned. 😉

THOUGHTS ON THE ENDING [SPOILERS]

All in all, I found our finale reasonably feel-good and satisfying, even if Show does seem to go a little ham with the happy endings that it’s just throwing around.

It kinda-sorta reminds me of that iconic Oprah meme, where she goes, “You get a car, and you get a car, and you get a car..!” – except in this case, Show’s going, “You get a happy ending, and you get a happy ending, and you get a happy ending..!” 😅

I’ll talk more about those happy endings in a bit, but first, let’s talk about Eun Ju and her comeuppance.

It feels like Eun Ju’s been making trouble for Sam Dal for quite a while now, and so, I’d been looking forward to her getting what she deserved.

Honestly, I liked the idea that Eun Ju’s secret is discovered by our ragtag team that’s basically made up of people who care about Sam Dal, and that the whole reason they succeed at tracking down the evidence, and get Chung Gi’s confession, is because they all care – and have a ready network of people who also care.

That said, I also felt rather underwhelmed at how blink-and-you-miss-it Eun Ju’s just deserts turned out to be.

I mean, it felt like there ought to have been more on our screens, if only to balance out how long we’d been waiting for her to get caught in her lies.

But ok, I get that Show wants the overriding emotion to be something warm and uplifting, rather than a shade of gleeful shadenfreude. 😅

I liked the idea of Sam Dal having her own exhibition, using her own name, and celebrating her own people, just the way she wants to, and I also liked the idea of this being a community effort, where it’s really only with everyone’s efforts, that the exhibition becomes possible.

It’s a little cartoonish at times, like with the way the villagers send the reporters on a wild goose chase all day, but I’m willing to roll with it, for the community feels.

Likewise, I didn’t actually think the photos at Sam Dal’s exhibition were really that wonderful, but I’m willing to roll with it, for the community feels.

I think my personal favorite heartwarming, poignant moment in this finale, is the scene where Sang Tae goes over to see Mi Ja, and hands her the empty pot, along with his wife’s fangirl collection of Cho Yong Pil’s albums.

The conversation is amiable, awkward and sheepish, all at once, and I felt this was a beautiful, pitch perfect start to their newly mended relationship. 🥲

I thought Jin Dal’s reconciliation with Dae Young was quite cute.

I liked that scene where Dae Young tells Jin Dal so honestly, that he loves her and misses her; I thought that was sweet.

Additionally, I liked that moment when Dae Young asks Jin Dal, all tipsy, what she really feels, because all this time, she’s only done what she feels is right, without ever talking about how she really feels.

That really gets to the heart of the matter, I feel, and I like that Jin Dal does admit that she loves him and cares about him too.

It feels fitting that in the end, Dae Young gives up his position in the AS Group, in order to run AS Airlines – which is where Jin Dal ends up working too.

Importantly, they’re happy and together now, and it’s cute how Dae Young looks legit excited to run into her at work. 😁

Hae Dal becoming a haenyeo, not just to take care of Mom, but because she loves the water and wants to swim again, is a nice touch, and it’s also a nice touch that Dolphin Guy is so supportive.

Gyeong Tae’s immediate crush on Eun Bi and their eventual relationship was low-key cute, and I didn’t mind it at all, even though it wasn’t my favorite thing.

I did think that Show went a little overboard with Eun Woo’s success, and the reveal that Man Soo is actually a hidden Arab prince.

As for our OTP relationship, I’m not a huge fan of the time skip, but I see the value in giving Yong Pil the time and space to pursue his own dream, instead of building his life around Sam Dal.

That scene, where Sam Dal talks to him about allowing her to be someone who supports his dream, the way he’s always supported her dream, is tender, poignant and sweet, and I liked that a lot.

I’m also glad that we get to see them reunited again, after the two-year time skip, with Yong Pil joining the Seoul Weather Station, and therefore participating in the forecast discussions with as much passion as before – just that this time, he’s on the other side of the camera.

For the record, I still find it on the OTT-hammy side of things, but I do appreciate the callback.

Importantly, all our characters are content and happy as we leave them; whether they’re in Seoul or in Jeju, they’re surrounded by people whom they love, and who love them, and I get Show’s message loud and clear – that this truly is the most important thing. 🥰

THE FINAL VERDICT:

Warm and feel-good. Nicely enjoyable.

FINAL GRADE: B++

TRAILER:

MV:

PATREON UPDATE!

The next drama I’ll be covering on Patreon, in place of Welcome To Samdalri, is Doctor Slump [Korea]. I’ve taken an initial look at Doctor Slump and I’m happy to say that I’m liking it very well, right away.

You can check out my E1-2 notes on Doctor Slump on Patreon here.

Here’s an overview of what I’m covering on Patreon right now (Tier benefits are cumulative)!

Foundation Tier (US$1): Entertainment tidbits + the first set notes of all shows covered on Patreon (that’s 2 episodes for kdramas and 4 episodes for cdramas)

Early Access (US$5): +Knight Flower [Korea]

Early Access Plus (US$10): +Perfect Marriage Revenge [Korea]

VIP (US$15): +Marry My Husband [Korea]