Gyeolhongyeyak

I loved this drama but it was also very frustrating as someone who is not familiar with Korean culture. Lots of deep pauses and politeness and nobody really responded to questions put to them out of politeness/ respect. Imagine the difference if people just communicated directly. I'm not convinced the subtitles were 100% accurate either, which probably didn't help- some of the lines seemed callous but I wasn't sure if this is Korean humour to use insults to deflect their emotions or bad translation.

Despite the frustrations, got absolutely hooked and very attached to the characters especially the little girl, who deserves all the awards possible. In fact all the actors were brilliant and their roles were very genuine. Was expecting more from the ending, it kind of just finished.

I don't usually watch films that are very sad but this one was different . Make no mistake I cried almost every episode but it was also very heartwarming and so well acted with messages of such selfless love through adversity. The main actress was brilliant so much so that you forgot she was acting and her daughter was just adorable. Loved the character progression and glimpse into life in Korea. Very different to Hollywood programs/films and found myself thinking about it for weeks after watching. Truly touched my heart.

First you hate the lead male for being so inhumane. And then you pity him for the way he cares the lead female. This drama is a very sad love story. It tells us about how people try to enjoy life with their loved ones despite all the troubles in life .

A terminally ill patient desperate to provide a better life for her daughter enters into a contract marriage with her employer who later falls in love with her. This is the essence of the story. It has heartbreakingly beautiful romance and focuses on two things. One the mother's love for her child and secondly, the true meaning of love. There is nothing special about the marriage contract theme that you see in kdramas or other books. But this one is different. What stands out in this drama is the amazing cast. Even the little girl was really good at her acting. And the layers in the plot. Like it will provide you an actual reasons for entering into marriage contract. If in reality someone enters into a marriage contract this will actually be the scenario. You will get a vibe like that. It's a slow burn. However this show has it's own flaws. Like a predictable plot and sometimes you will feel that it's a bit of a drag. So I will suggest you if you are ready for a slow drama that is good you can go for this. Why fee sad? Because throughout the show you will get this vibe. The more the episode progress more you will connect with the charecters & more you will feel bad for them. I agree that there is nothing striking about the male lead's looks but you will fall in love with his acting. The personality of the character will stand out. Give this a try. This show won't disappoint you.

The summery of this one is deceptive as it tells the story of a poor girl marrying a rich guy.

In actuality this series focuses on the characters misery with lingering shots on each actor as they cry (not the sexy Hollywood cry with just tears, these are full blown wails with chest beating and voice getting choked in your throat cries) throw tantrums and lash out at each other with every ounce of venom they can muster.

The plot is pretty basic and story wise there isn't much beyond what's in the summery however each actor, even minor roles that were given nothing, make their part feel more like a real human than a character on screen.

This drama has the best child actors I've seen in any series Korean or otherwise in the role of Eun-Sung. She was amazing and should be included as a main role herself.

I can't recommend this one easily as it aims to break your heart and is the first korean drama I've seen with a devastatingly sad ending. More so because they got you to care about these characters each and every single one. Watch with a big pint of ice cream and a box of tissues on stand by!