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Note: this is an incomplete review as the series is still running.

Admittedly I almost checked out of this show after the first couple of episodes. Between the flashbacks and some painfully slow character development, you'd be forgiven if you lost interest early on. But if you manage to get past some of the more forgettable background-setting you'll be rewarded with a much better story that lies beneath a very superficial beginning.

I think a lot of K-drama series that originate with Netflix are hurt by the typical 12-16 episode series order. The first few episodes of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" are focused on the events that bring Sam-dal back to her home on Jeju. It's a catalyst that gets the story into its primary setting, but it's not the main focus of the overall arc. The relationships between Sam-dal, Yong-pil, and her family and friends is where the real heart of the story is. A half an episode focused on the abuse of power scandal would have been enough to propel the story where it needed to be.

Once you get to the root of the story, though, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" begins to shine. The multi-layered relationships are very smartly woven together and facets revealed at a good pace. The comedy provided by the haenyeos and the sisters (particularly the relationship between the older sister and her ex-husband) are evenly balanced with the tragedy that underlies the main story arc. By the end of "The story of the two Mi-jas", the series is hitting all the right emotional notes.

Upcoming episodes will return us to the abuse of power story, but I hope it doesn't linger too long there. The real heart of "Welcome to Samdal-ri" is, like all good K-dramas, in the relationships of its characters. Revenge stories have their place, but this series is so much bigger than a revenge story.

Have been a Ji Chang-wook fan since I saw him in "Do You Believe in Magic?" so definitely had to watch it. Also seemed to be a little reminiscent of Cha Cha Cha the first couple of episodes (successful female moves back home to JuJu island from the city (Seoul) and runs into the local boy who never left. That drama was the 2nd one I ever watched and got me hooked on k-drama so got a good feeling about this one. True, was a little slow in the beginning, as others have suggested, but it is a sweet love story - soul mates that are destined from the beginning. I took off a few stars for the final because the one thing I don't care for is when loves get back together after being separated for so long and then they have to/or chose to be separated again for one reason or another - can't the ones that love each other just be together?

This one didn't made it into my list as i don't follow much kdrama headlines or review articles but man oh man i got hooked after the 2nd episode. God this one will go down in history of the best KDrama Production,Acting and Visuals. Its a must watch for those who loved Reply 1988 and Twenty One Twenty Five.

I haven't seen other show of any of the cast members but these actors and actresses are very well fitted in their respective roles. Thanks for producing a high quality show like this. Looking forward to the next weeks delight.

For me i think my December and start of a New year will be great because of this show & fingers crossed for a great run and finale in January.

Not disappoint at all! And the chemistry is chemistrying. Overall satisfied 🔥💯

Fighting fighting fighting fighting fighting

I just want to know why they breakup and who broke the relationship first cause it's too hilarious 😂 i also hope they will grow on each other again.

By the way, 😀 sang-do shi, nothing but i hope you not get hurt and become the third-wheel in this drama just that it look like someone have a crush.

Eun-jo 😌 really hope she get the ending she deserves and that is in hell. Well, i don't think that her photography (?) filming (?) or whatever they called will turn out lucky enough with that attitude she has.

I think that this drama (rom-com), beyond the two main actors who are amazing and versatile actors, as well as the secondary characters, and the love story, has a depth far beyond what you see, and it touches on the point - how unbearably easily celebrities can fall and be destroyed because Whim, jealousy and rumors of others (actors, singers, models, etc.), without even giving them the opportunity to explain themselves or defend themselves, the first step is to cancel contracts with them, which is really sad. Another point is to show the huge difference between city life (Seoul) and village life, in the big city everything is disconnected, workers are based, jealous competition and achievements at the expense of others, in the village there is warmth, caring "one for all and all for one" (it is true that sometimes it is suffocating , because everyone knows everything about everyone, but that's how it is to live in a small village and that's what's beautiful about it. Another point is the soul-searching we do after something happens to us that shocks us (recalculating the course of our lives) I hope the drama will continue to be deep in the plot ( again beyond what we see) and achieve high ratings. Aim for both drama and actors Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hye Sun totally deserve it.