This was my second Kdrama - but the first I watched right through I(at 16x70 minute episodes its not too long!) I found the two leads likeable and believable and their growing relationship handled with a convincing blend of awkwardness and comedy. All the characters seemed very grounded (apart from the wicked mother-in-law) and there were no irritating over-acting stereotypes padding out the plot.
The script makes repeated and extensive use of flashbacks as the two lovers reflect on what has happened / what people have said, often referencing scenes from much earlier in the story, reflecting a very strong sense of structure. The premise is good - that's what hooked me to start watching - but the writer doesn't fully get to grips with it (eg the fact she would have turned 40 late in the story - he's 30 by then - is ignored even though their age difference is a big deal for everyone else). Supporting cast storylines - the spiky personal secretary/friend and the ex-husband especially - start of well (and have good actors inhabiting them) but then stall by about episode 8 - possibly because the ex-husband is becoming a surprisingly sympathetic character and the writer didn't want to genuinely challenge Park Bo Gum role as the love interest.
It's a fascinating insight into Korean culture. As noted by others, the romance, while beautifully shot, is passionless to the western viewer - they probably kiss 5 or 6 times but never with urgency or sexual desire. As its winter most of the time, the lovers are usually in sweaters, jackets and coats; given the photogenic nature of the two leads its striking that we never see any flesh other than neck, wrists and ankles. The power wielded by mothers (and the archetypal villainess mother-in-law) is disturbing, and the codified respect given to those 'above you' in business or society is dramatically displayed.
Song Hye Kyo is gorgeous - the age difference between her and Park's character is not very obvious - but as she is now 40 in real life, it will be interesting to see how her career continues and what Korean tv can offer her. I suspect she is capable of a lot more challenging work than what she will be scripted to do.
The script makes repeated and extensive use of flashbacks as the two lovers reflect on what has happened / what people have said, often referencing scenes from much earlier in the story, reflecting a very strong sense of structure. The premise is good - that's what hooked me to start watching - but the writer doesn't fully get to grips with it (eg the fact she would have turned 40 late in the story - he's 30 by then - is ignored even though their age difference is a big deal for everyone else). Supporting cast storylines - the spiky personal secretary/friend and the ex-husband especially - start of well (and have good actors inhabiting them) but then stall by about episode 8 - possibly because the ex-husband is becoming a surprisingly sympathetic character and the writer didn't want to genuinely challenge Park Bo Gum role as the love interest.
It's a fascinating insight into Korean culture. As noted by others, the romance, while beautifully shot, is passionless to the western viewer - they probably kiss 5 or 6 times but never with urgency or sexual desire. As its winter most of the time, the lovers are usually in sweaters, jackets and coats; given the photogenic nature of the two leads its striking that we never see any flesh other than neck, wrists and ankles. The power wielded by mothers (and the archetypal villainess mother-in-law) is disturbing, and the codified respect given to those 'above you' in business or society is dramatically displayed.
Song Hye Kyo is gorgeous - the age difference between her and Park's character is not very obvious - but as she is now 40 in real life, it will be interesting to see how her career continues and what Korean tv can offer her. I suspect she is capable of a lot more challenging work than what she will be scripted to do.