Do I think this show is perfect? No. But regardless, it is one of the first shows in a while that I have truly loved. So, here's my disorganized attempt to explain why.
The show starts out very strongly by introducing our female lead, Yeo Reum. I find the description here on MDL and viki inaccurate; Yeo Reum's life is not going well from the very start of the show. The first episode is a bit tough to watch, although not terribly so. I think a lot of people can relate to Yeo Reum's life, the feelings of repetitive nothingness going to work every day, being talked down to and disrespected, and not having the confidence to speak up for oneself. Seeing Yeo Reum's very relatable life and problems really made me sympathize with her and root for her, so it was a great relief when she decided to completely change her life and move to Angok. I think there's a relief the viewer experiences in seeing someone break free of the expectations that society puts on us and deciding to go "on strike" from life. I really loved how the whole theme of the show was essentially that societal expectations don't dictate what will truly make us happy or fulfilled.
I loved Yeo Reum's relationships that developed over the course of the show, both romantic and platonic. Her friendship with Bom was super heartwarming, and I loved the two of them acting like sisters and becoming their own little family. Yeo Reum was able to provide support, comfort, and joy into Bom's life, and in turn I think she was able to finally have a family that loved her the same way she loved them. Yeo Reum and Dae Beom's relationship was absolutely delightful to see unfold. It's a love story between two quiet, shy people, and they are so sweet together. I don't think I've ever squealed over seeing two characters texting each other for the first time, but I sure did when watching this show. I liked that Dae Beom also had his own issues to work out, and that he was able to do so over the course of the story. Both Yeo Reum and Dae Beom played important roles in each other's growth and healing.
While there are many heartwarming elements, it's not a universally happy show. There are some heavy issues that are dealt with, including Bom's alcoholic father, Dae Beom's traumatic past, among others. I can't say I love how characters acted in regards to some of these plot points, nor in how the writers resolved them. I wasn't a huge fan of the "graffiti" subplot (dunno what else to call it, especially without spoiling anything), but it served its own purpose in the story. Some people really didn't like episodes 10/11, but I surprisingly did, because it felt like the culmination of plot points that had been building throughout the show. I wouldn't call this show "realistic," but I liked how parts of it didn't give you the happy ending that you might have wanted. I also liked that characters' relationships were allowed to be messy, such as Jae Hoon and Bom's. They're young and immature, so of course it's not going to be flawless. You don't like all the characters in this show, but they had their good moments, and many of them were somewhat better by the end of the show. For example, Ji Young got on my nerves, but she had a character arc of sorts, and so I liked that.
I don't know if this show just happened to touch my heart in ways that are personal, and thus this show may not be objectively that amazing. But I loved it so very much.