★★★★☆ (4/5) – A classic, but not for everyone.
The second couple (Oska and尹瑟) has potential, but their conflict relies on a miscommunication so absurd (she secretly got an abortion years ago and never told him why) that it feels jarringly out of place in a fantasy rom-com. secret garden kdrama
A rainy weekend when you want to scream at your screen one minute and cry the next. ★★★★☆ (4/5) – A classic, but not for everyone
The last few episodes go to surprisingly dark, melodramatic places (fate, memory loss, sacrifice). It’s over-the-top, but if you’ve invested in the characters, it works. The famous “candle scene” remains a gut-punch. What Doesn’t Work (The Flaws) 1. The Male Lead is Toxic (By Today’s Standards) Kim Joo-won is controlling, verbally abusive, classist, and borderline stalks Gil Ra-im in early episodes. He tells her she’s beneath him. He forces kisses on her. In 2010, this was “passionate.” In 2025, many viewers will find it uncomfortable. The show knows he’s flawed but often frames his obsession as romantic. The last few episodes go to surprisingly dark,