This is a classic example of an average drama redeemed by a great cast. SWDBS had serious plot issues: whole plotlines were improperly developed, stunted or abandoned sans resolution; many main characters were seriously two dimensional; the humor was (literally) crappy at times; and there were too many unnecessary storylines/characters unnecessarily taking up screen time that could have been better utilized fleshing out the main characters and their motivations. I'll confess I skipped whole sections even in my first run through and didn't feel like I'm missing anything.

BUT..... (and this is where the drama rocked) the charismatic cast, ESPECIALLY HYUNSIK (more on him later) took what they had and RAN with it, leaving me giggling, squealing and marathon-ing the episodes (along with multiple replays of probably every scene with Hyung Sik/ CEO Ahn)....

Min-Min and Bong-Bong made me feel like kawaii hearts were flying off my screen every time they came on despite one of my pet peeves in a romantic pairing: one partner being noticeably more invested in the relationship than the other. Though Bong Soon makes up for it somewhat in the penultimate episodes, I was left with the feeling that the romantic balance was off. Which was especially sad because the losing half was my main reason for sitting through this drama.

Which brings us to this drama's STRONG point as far as I'm concerned: A heart-melting, squeal-inducing, cuddle-worthy PARK HYUNG-SIK as the strongly individualistic and swooningly vulnerable Ahn Min Hyuk. I've had a soft spot for him since his Heirs days (he and Woo Bin redeemed that otherwise cringe-worthy drama for me) and his performance here has made me want to try Hwarang, which I'd dropped after the initial 10 minutes. If he continues like this Hyungsik could end second only to Ji Chang Wook in my heart's (giant) kdrama soft corner. He still has a long way to go before he even comes close to JCW's triple crown (Healer-K2-Suspicious Partner) splendor, but I'm cautiously looking forward to his next project.

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