I had really high hopes for this drama starting off with the tone it set very early on. It truly captured the feeling of the late 90s in Korea right from the start while doing an excellent job in tying it all together with real world events specifically the IMF Crisis. Despite the story basically spoiling the ending with the present day being the first thing that was introduced. The way the drama used the journal of Hee Do being read by her daughter in the present day as the way the plot is moved along. The story itself is the average coming of age story and first love with that unique 90s touch to it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and the dynamics of the entire cast which fit perfectly together. The friendships, the rivalry, and the way they were able to grow together was excellent, up until a specific point.

This drama fell into a complete rut towards the end the series around Episode 12 when the characters who have had set personalities and motivations became completely different, almost as if the writer forgot who they were or realized that they wanted a different ending so they made the switch. The most notable change in character was the male lead, Yi Jin. He became unnecessarily depressive, nihilistic, and self destructive making brash choices which made zero sense considering past episodes and how he felt. There were two motives for the male lead, to reunite his family and his love for Hee Do, the later was completely forgotten about, even flat out abandoned with his move to New York. Every single choice the he made was completely self destructive which drove a wedge between him and Hee Do. Hee Do's character wasn't damaged as badly as Yi Jin was but the change for her was a complete let off, her main personality was that she was up front and unafraid to say what she wanted and be who she wanted. But around that same time Yi Jin changed, she became timid and afraid to speak her mind.

It's like the drama corned itself into forcing the break up of the two leads with the present day being the first thing that was set in stone and had to force in reasons for the two to break up. Even during the break up it was clear that both leads loved each other still and yet still continued with the break up. Even more salt in the wounds, it is implied that Hee Do herself in 2009 and Hee Do in 2022 did not seem at all happy with her marriage to the unmentioned husband, even mentioning that the husband is away as well which caused her to break up with Yi Jin. All of this took the drama from a solid 9/10 for me all the way down to a 7/10.

Outside of Episodes 12-16, the cast did a fantastic job with their roles with Kim Tae-Ri doing a wonderful job as the female lead. I had never seen anything before with her, but her portrayal of Hee Do made me an instant fan of hers. This was my third drama I have watched with Nam Joo-hyuk being the male lead and outside of the writing done to his character toward the end, this definitely was the best acting he has done so far. I'm a huge WJSN fan so I may be biased when it comes to saying this but Bona was perfect with her portrayal of Yu Rim, the ability of her to switch from the cold rival of Hee Do to her best friend was great. The rest of the cast contributed greatly to the story allowing for great side stories which gave a great look into more unique issues that different teens face growing up.

The OST was perfect with the entire album being so enjoyable. Especially the opening themes and closing credits. Plus whoever did the design of the opening and closing credits deserves a raise. They are the greatest I have ever seen from any drama. The cinematography was extremely high quality and well done.

Overall, the drama felt disappointing on the finish and left me feeling rather empty. It's one of those dramas where I would warn before watching to somebody.