I first found out about this show from a TikTok video which was talking about how realistic some television shows were getting, and their love-hate relationships with such shows due to the fact that they want escapism but instead get confronted with the same struggles that they face in real life. One of the comments mentioned Nevertheless having this effect.
My curiosity was instantly piqued and I went on to Netflix to search it up. To my pleasant surprise, both the actors were very attractive and I saw that Song Kang was the male lead. I had a good impression of him from the last time I watched another Netflix show, called Sweet Home, where he portrayed the pessimistic and shut-in teenager Cha Hyun-soo. I was even more intrigued when I discovered that Song Kang would be playing the role of a flirtatious casanova in “Nevertheless”, a stark contrast to his previous role.
The storyline is simple, it tells the story of art university students as they discover themselves through their relationships. The main character Yu Na-Bi arguably goes through the most hardship as she leaves an emotionally abusive relationship, only to meet another seemingly emotionally unavailable man. Many subject matters that Korean dramas usually beat around the bush with are openly discussed in this drama. Some examples are no-strings-attached and lesbian relationships.
The actress playing the female lead is Han So-hee, and I was amazed by how much she resembled the original Webtoon character of Yu Na-Bi. Oh yes, the drama “Nevertheless,” originated from a Webtoon written by author JeongSeo, which is available on the platform LINE Webtoon! An endearing fact I recently discovered from an interview was that Han So-hee also read the webtoon, and was a huge fan of the story herself. It is no wonder why she is able to play the character so movingly and heartfeltly!
Apart from exploring the relationship between the main leads, the colourful side characters also have their own unique plots and human struggles. A pairing that is quickly becoming a fan favourite is Seo Ji-wan and Yoon Sol who are two best friends that struggle to make sense of their feelings for each other. Their interactions are sweet and adorable, and it is hardly surprising that more people are supporting their relationship (perhaps even more than the main couple).
In my opinion, this Korean drama is a refreshing perspective compared to its other counterparts. Despite focusing on more mature themes, the show does not feel crude or uncomfortable to watch at all. Instead, the intimate scenes between characters have a very tender and dreamy ambience to them. It might even make you “soft” and get this warm fuzzy feeling inside. Consider yourself warned. The heavenly original soundtrack also adds more magic to this show, with one of my favourite tracks being “Love Me Like That” contributed by Sam Kim.
If you are tired of Korean dramas taking 12 episodes only for the lead characters to shyly hold each other’s hands and are prepared to face emotional turmoil, you should definitely give Nevertheless a try.
This article was brought to you by Laura Jiang. When she’s not living vicariously through romcoms, you can find Laura scrolling TikTok or annoying stray cats.
