JTBC did it again. When the Weather Is Fine is one of those dramas that doesn't get to be appreciated as much as they should be. Some viewers may find it a little too slow-paced, but that shouldn't be a problem. I cannot really say that this is the best drama out there, but I can confidently say you'll never find main lead characters (and even all the support roles) as wonderfully crafted as Mok Hae Won and Lim Eun Seop. It also includes personalities of all age groups, all being given just the right amount of attention they deserve. This, I really have to applaud. Characters are painfully honest, not exactly to each other as most of the plot's problem's are centered in keeping pain to themselves, but they have a strong sense of who they are. This also doesn't necessarily mean they don't allow space for growth, in fact, it's the opposite. The creators of this drama really went out there and decided to focus mostly on character growth without even trying to make them likable. That alone is honestly enough for me. A drama that respects its characters is a good drama.

What makes When the Weather Is Fine special to me is that it steers off from the usual tropes general k-dramas like to explore. Mok Hae Won, as a main lead, does not fall victim to the typical constraint of how mains should be kind and forgiving, or that the entire story revolves around them, or how their actions greatly affect the course of a story. In fact, Mok Hae Won is more often treated like a support, constantly being the last to discover painful truths whilst being self-centered in her own way. Lim Eun Seop is characterized, as a student, that isn't generally good at talking with people, finding more comfort in books instead of participating in mundane conversations. He was given the "loner" stereotype, but as an adult, he becomes an organizer of a book club and is always present at high school mini-reunions. What's even more amazing is that they didn't change the shy-type personality of Eun Seop at all, showing neglect to the more known and exploited negative effects of the stereotype. The drama doesn't get uncomfortably cheesy but it doesn't overlook romance either. It's not even restricted to the leads, either. About three or four love lines are splashed here and there, all of which are generally enjoyable in their own way.

On the darker side of the spectrum, this drama deals with domestic abuse, loss, isolation, suicide attempts, and crime. These topics are thrown into the bag without warning and is left there to unfold in its own way. The ambiance the drama generally sets is cold but is open to any warmth that might come in, just as how winter welcomes the arrival of spring. It is remarkable how the change in seasons is told in parallel to the change and transformation of its characters. Despite dealing with heavy topics, each episode does not fail to incorporate the feeling of lightness, all shown in the simplicity of living away from the busy streets of the city and finding happiness in the simpler things in life. We get to see how getting a little closer to nature brings us a little bit closer to ourselves, away from many distractions but allowing us more opportunities to deal with our inner turmoils.

When the Weather Is Fine is a wonderful story that deals with how one plucks up the courage to open up the things that have always been closed. Staying true to the unpredictability of life, it depicts the past as something you can't run away from, but something you can definitely overcome. It shows the murkiness of honesty and family, may they be blood-related or not. Overall, it's a vibrant presentation of healing, of how we, as humans, can only find the strength to move forward in our own pace, and always more so when the weather is fine.