Love and Leashes was my first introduction to the Korean Entertainment Industry, but Nevertheless was my first taste at K-Dramas. And it’s fair to say this one drama left a lasting impression.

As a person, I have a habit of making sure anything I decide to read or watch, I dive in without any pre-conceived judgements. This can be a hard thing to do when we’re so easily surrounded by constant opinions through social media. However, it’s vital that we always curate our own views unbiased of what’s been heard because this allows you not miss out on things you otherwise may have enjoyed very much!!

Nevertheless, will always hold a special place in my heart being my first K-Drama and it’s slow paced unravelment of the plot helped me to focus on something other than the feelings of depression I was going through at the time. There truly isn’t a greater escape from your own mind than fiction.

Nevertheless was based on a webtoon of the same name, and stars Song Kang as Park Jae-eon, your typical easy to love hero, but not the commitment type; and Han So Hee as Yu Na-Bi, the sweet trying to find her correct path in life heroine. That’s right from just the main characters, if you’re a romance reader, you’ll feel a sense of deja-vu since this dynamic is one we see a lot!

There’s absolutley nothing wrong with seeing character dynamics like this again and again, because as readers and watchers, if you enjoy this trope it’s fun and thrilling to see it come to life in a different way again and again. In Nevertheless, it’s fuelled with angst and this longing for something that feels so far out of reach.

Na-Bi’s story begins with her breaking off from a toxic relationship. She settles to focus on her art work as she comes closer to the end of her school time, but she’s struggling in every aspect of her life. That is until she meets Jae-eon and his easy flirting ways makes her fall for him easily. But she’s wary and cautious, especially as those around her warn her he flirts a lot.

Yet Jae-eon like Na-Bi has his own story and you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover. He does do questionable things but overall he can’t help wanting to know more about Na-Bi and be around. So as fate has it their lives intertwine and they grow a lot closer, forming a friends with benefits situation in secret.

However as feelings always do they get the better of everyone. And so before long Na-Bi realises she wants more but Jae-eon doesn’t date. As they keep a distance, her childhood friend Do-Hyeok enters back into her life. He’s sweet, caring and has liked Na-Bi for years. He’s everything that she deserves but her heart lies somewhere else.

There’s a beautiful comparison of characters as Do-Hyeok enters her world, and we see how no matter how perfect someone can be it’s where your heart runs to that means more. Na-Bi is a little soft edged but life’s made her harden up a little. Most of Jae-eon’s actions do raise red flags and it’s good that she sets him in his place. So much so it’s reaches a moment where even he knows he’s lost her for good.

Of course, not to worry all things do end happy, and Na-Bi gets her ending, along with a satisfying conclusion and epilogue for the watchers.

Overall, I enjoyed the complexity of the show, the way it focused heavily on desire and love and relationships in various forms. We see LGBTQI+ rep and it’s done with sensitivity and care. The drama was well written with intriguing subplots, a little slower paced but that added to the angsty air of Nevertheless.

It’s a great watch and had me surprised at how well it was directed making you feel enveloped in every scene. Once of my favourite moments was a montage of Jae-eon and Na-Bi sleeping, it told you without words what was happening and how much time had passed. Clever cinematography! Plus the continuous theme of butterflies provided not only a clear link towards the main characters but tone for the show. I love metaphors and hidden messages like this so it made the show all the more interesting and enjoyable.

K-Dramas are truly on a different level and if you’re a romance reader, there is bound to be one drama that can get you hooked. So if you love angst, a questionable minor red-flagging but redeemable hero and a sweet, building her strength heroine. This is the one for you!

Available in Korean with English and multiple other language subtitles. Best experience watching in Korean with your primary language subtitles.