Frustrating to watch

This is my first time reviewing a k-drama, and I felt like it was a necessity with this one. Bear with me as this will be lengthy - I have MANY thoughts regarding this drama..

'Nevertheless,' has an interesting start, however it really falls apart dramatically and suddenly. I must start by saying that I started watching this one on a whim, when only about 3 episodes were out. I thought the story was intriguing for a k-drama, and I liked the softness of Na-bi, the other characters, and the filming.

Because I started watching this when it aired, I had heard nothing of it beforehand, therefore I was unaware of the 'second male lead' (if you can even call him that). Do-Hyuk is very likeable as a second male lead/love interest, whilst I wanted Na-bi to remain single at the end (because f*ck Jae-Eon honestly - more on him later), I would have been content if she had chosen our second male lead. I have to say, the introduction of Do-Hyuk was strange and felt weirdly placed. Again, I had not heard anything about this drama prior to watching, so I had no clue there even was a second male lead/love interest. I felt like the drama should've been advertised better to include Do-Hyuk as an 'option', or he at least should've been introduced earlier in the series.

Na-bi herself is frustrating as well as the drama itself, there are times where she appears incredibly head-strong and confident in her decisions. It was refreshing to see her set boundaries for Jae-Eon and stick to them (for the most part), this is what made the ending of the drama feel so lacklustre and irritating. Na-bi had spent the earlier 2/3 of the series being confident in her choice of wanting a serious relationship with Jae-Eon or none at all, and, even in the final episode, she confirms that she knows he is going to hurt her and yet she will be with him regardless (I mean?? Wtf girl honestly??).

This series was ultimately saved by the wonderful background couples and friendships, relaxing soundtrack, and beautiful filming style. Again, Na-bi herself is likeable in the earlier episodes, it just grows more frustrating to watch her ignore Jae-Eon's red flags and borderline emotionally abusive behaviour. Even in the beginning, I felt like Na-bi and Jae-Eon's relationship was fairly representative of young people (and the chemistry between the two leads is undeniable). This series is a refreshing view on the types of relationships that young people will encounter, and for that I feel like I can't fault it. Even though the relationship between Na-bi and Jae-Eon is infuriating at times, there are so many young women who go back to men that treat them awfully and don't respect their boundaries.

The worst part of this series is easily Jae-Eon himself. Whilst, again, this type of relationship is unfortunately commonplace, he really is a prick. It is discomforting to see Na-bi state and imply many times that she wants a serious relationship, just for him to brush it off and continue to ignore her, treat her coldly randomly, and completely ignore the obviousness of what she wants. He does this all in favour of getting what he wants, someone to share his bed. Whilst Na-bi very clearly wants a serious relationship with him, Jae-Eon prefers to casually sleep with her and go off and meet other women (even talking to them in the presence of Na-bi). I think the show tries to bring this back when, in the final episode (spoiler alert - obviously), it is formally revealed that Jae-Eon had been interested in Na-bi since the first episode, where she goes to an exhibition with her ex-boyfriend. I understand what the writers were trying to do here - excuse his shitty behaviour by revealing "Oh, well! He had actual feelings for her all along!!" However Jae-Eon simply cannot be redeemed this way, and he needed more of a 'punishment' than the female lead simply not talking to him for a few days.

Overall, this drama was decent. It has vague re-watch value (it's quite nice because nothing crazy dramatic happens) and there are only 10 episodes, so it doesn't feel like a chore to watch at times. I would say that if you are watching for the first time and you are a young person - DO NOT ROMANTICISE JAE-EON. Everyone deserves a partner who will not invalidate their feelings, ignore their boundaries and sleep around without being 100% clear that it is what both parties are content with. However, the soundtrack was lovely and the background characters were truly delightful. (and again - THE CHEMISTRY!! truly wonderful to see).

7.5/10 rating, would've been higher had the female lead learnt from her relationships, or if the male lead had some time of comeuppance.

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