Geunyang Saranghaneun Sai

...there truly are, but I can't possibly name all of them in one review so let's try to keep it short lol.

This show has some typical (k-)drama elements in it (the connection of the protagonists from their childhood, the seemingly bad boy and the overly good girl, a love triangle - or almost a love quartet?!) and only few surprises along the way.

But what makes this show more than worth it to watch is the plot, specifically the protagonists' past and the way they learn to cope with it years after a fateful event. Sounds kind of sad and bittersweet, right? Well, this show definitely is. But it's realistic and still not overly dramatic, mainly because of the main characters itself. There's no need to worry that this show is going to be all grey and dark all the time. There are funny moments as well. In short: the ups and downs of life.

And this show hits you hard when it comes to life lessons and life quotes, no matter how happy or sad they may be. I truly felt understood and could relate so much even though my life is nothing like the protagonists'.

Some of the side stories revolving around the supporting characters (mainly CEO Seo, the Cheongyu director/brother of Yoo Jin and Moon Soo's parents) were a little boring or annoying, probably because their stories didn't catch me and/or the characters annoyed me. Lee Gang Doo also pissed me off for two episodes, but softened my heart again with every following episode. Anyways, that's why I didn't give a ten.

Still, this show fought its way into my heart - especially in the last third of the series - where it will have a special place forever.

Conclusion: A bittersweet, realistic, romantic drama which will catch you with its emotions and might make its way into your heart in spite of a few annoying/uninteresting supporting characters.

I gave the series a high rating because of the historical story handled so well, and the leads, whose love story is so poignant, but the sub-plots left me cold, and I wish the FL had been more passionate with Jun Ho's character. No woman being loved by that wonderful man is going to just stand there when he kisses her. I think instead the director and actors created a beautiful, mature romance, but there was no passion, which I found strange. Perhaps they just weren't that into each other. But I do love Jin Ah in every other scene with him and co-stars. And what a lovely voice she has. Jun Ha-I don't usually indulge in superlatives, but this actor is so incredibly gifted, not a misstep anywhere, totally immersed in his heartbroken yet strong character. Something he's doing is beyond acting classes and instead is born within the actor. He's a singer, so some of his gift may be part of the singer's skill in interpreting. I don't know; I do know that I couldn't take my eyes off him. This was Jun Ha's series from the beginning, and in him we get to enjoy one of the finest actors in SK, which is the highest praise.

Not much can be said about this drama, that started simple and quite among the other big ones, and actually managed to pull of a great story, keep the interest high till the very ending and actually increased the emotional level pretty neatly. The performances were good as well, and the chemistry between the two main ones really good, though the focus was more on the tragedy rather the romance for most of it. At some point, however, it did got a bit tiring, though it picked up quickly after, almost turning Uncontrolably fond on me.

This series was simply amazing. Pure perfection. I was stunned in particular by acting performance of Junho as Lee Gang Doo, but other actors also did a good job. The story revolves around past tragedy and the consequences it had on all people involved. It is both sad, romantic, hopefull, tearful and it keeps you on your toes especially right towards the end. I have seen it on Netflix where it is called Rain or Shine, but I personally think that the title Just between Lovers depicts the story better, because the shared burden of tragical past between the main leads is substantial for the narrative. The drama also has one amazing soundtrack which I literally listen to every day now, one of the songs True Love is performed by Junho himself. For me this series has a healing power (similarly to It´s Okay to not be Okay) as it addresses the topic of overcoming one´s painful past through love and teaches us a lesson about the preciousness of life itself. I highly recommend this drama!

I had a lot of tears but highly recommend. These actors had great sex appeal together and hope they team up again.