Disappointed. That’s the one word to summarize how I feel about this drama. Probably because I had high expectations about it. Not because the lead actors are Han So See and Song Kang, but because I found the story realistically intriguing, and I thought it wouldn’t be your typical romance drama. But I guess I was wrong.

WARNING: this is more of a rant than a review so if you’re upset like me, then read on. :p

Han So-Hee as Yoo Na-Bi and Song Kang as Park Jae-on

Nevertheless is a South Korean drama based on a webtoon of the same name.

The intoxicating charm of a flirtatious art school classmate pulls a reluctant love cynic into a friends-with-benefits relationship.
-Netflix synopsis

It had a good start.

In the beginning, I got hooked to this drama because of the unusual but realistic plot, overflowing chemistry, the visuals, music, cinematography. The story was almost too realistic that I got bothered at times because there were some scenes that I experienced myself in real life. The attraction, the tension build up, the attachment, confusion and disappointment and the red flags. I was amazed how the webtoon’s author was able to capture reality into each scene. That’s why even though the first episodes bothered me and triggered past memories, I kept watching because I was convinced that Nabi would overcome all of this. I was in toxic relationships before too and I know how hard it is to get out of that pattern, but I know from experience that it is possible to get out out of it. It was frustrating to watch Nabi go through disappointments but I was also excited for her to realize her worth and learn to love herself.

And then it got bad.

I guess I had high expectations because I thought this is the kind of drama that would show ladies what toxic relationships looks like and how to overcome them. I think the main reason why I’m disappointed is because I feel the drama lost the main point by how they did the last few episodes. (I read somewhere that by episode 7, they weren’t following the Webtoon anymore). Well, in the end Nabi got what she wanted anyway - a commitment, which I think is a bit shallow for a lesson. I’d give her credit though for walking away from a friends with benefits relationship. I think I wasn’t really that upset that she chose Jae-on, at least Jae-on changed for the better (but we’ll get to Jae-on later). I felt disappointed because in my opinion, Nabi had the least character development out of all the characters when I was rooting for her all throughout. When she said she wanted to go to Paris, I really hoped she would. I didn't really care if she’d choose Do Hyeok. It was actually better that she didn’t. She said it herself in one of the episodes that she’s better off to be alone first. But then she’s like that annoying friend who keeps on getting back with her toxic ex. I was hoping to see her truly discovering and enjoying her art. In the last episode, when Jae-on said she looked the happiest when she’s working on her pieces, I didn’t see that. To me, she just looked depressed and confused most of the time. She didn’t even know what she really wanted. Up to the last scene, she still showed a sign of hesitation when she saw Do Hyeok. The only time when I saw her inspired on her craft was when she first made her sculpture piece for the exhibition. When that piece broke into pieces, if not for Jae-on she wouldn’t have anything to present in the exhibition. It’s like she can’t function without relationship. I mean I get it, her character is like most of us. I’ve been there too. I just hoped that she didn’t stay that way.

Now going to Jae-on. It was good that he had character development but I think his development didn’t come out realistic. People who have a long history of this kind of behavior doesn’t change in a short time. I would have probably appreciated it if they separated for a while first, got to know themselves, worked on their craft, then get back together in the end. By the end of the drama, I felt like, that’s it? That’s the point of this drama? To be in a relationship and go out on dates?

There was one article I read before on Netlix Original Crash Landing on You where the director (I can’t remember if it’s the director or writer) said that they had more freedom in making the whole series because they weren’t tied up with viewer ratings. They followed the storyline regardless if the viewers would like how the drama is progressing or not. So I thought that would be the same for all Netflix shows. But then again, Nevertheless was still broadcasted by a cable network sooo yeah… (sigh) I mean, I love Song Kang. But I care about this story a lot too since I experienced the same situation first hand. For me, he’s still the main lead whether he gets the girl in the end or not.

THE GOOD PARTS:

Now this is what a healthy and mature relationship looks like.

I’ll be honest. I was rolling my eyes almost the entire time come episode 7, but thanks to these two and the other supporting casts, the drama had been bearable. It was good that we got to see more of Mr. Ahn and Min-young’s relationship at the latter part of the show because they kind of balanced the toxicity of the main story. We didn’t see them kiss or confess, but we know for sure that their feelings are sincere. They respect each other and had a good start, which is the polar opposite of what happened to Nabi and Jae-on. At the very least, the drama was still able to show what a healthy relationship and mature people look like.

Min-young seemed to be the one of the very few people giving the right advice to Nabi as most of her friends were going through confusing relationships of their own.

This scene stuck to me. I’m also an artist so I totally get what their professor is saying here.

My favorite quote from Nevertheless:

“It’s not just about finishing your piece. You have to inspire other people. Pieces that receive compliments and ones that attract attention are different.”

As I said, I liked this drama at first but I think it started going downhill by the seventh episode. The chemistry was undeniably overflowing and you can literally feel the sexual tension. Everything was almost perfect. All the actors did great, it’s just the latter part of the story that was off for me. And I feel bad because I thought this drama started beautiful but I felt like it lost its spark and potential towards the end.

The slow-mo’s, angles and close up shots added intensity to the chemistry. The impressive cinematography together with the heartwarming OST gives the viewers a beautiful visual storytelling experience.

My favorite character. Even though he didn’t end up with the girl he liked, I’m happy that he pursued his passion AND he knows what he wants.

But my heart broke in this scene. Do-hyeoki :(

Episode 9 is by far the most satisfying episode. This should have been the finale.

I didn’t really like Seol-ah but I felt proud of her in this episode. You go girl!

And of course here’s Nabi walking away from Jae-on. (it didn’t last long though 🙄)

Conclusion:

The story may have failed for me but we can all agree that Han So Hee and Song Kang gave us butterflies on-screen and off-screen. :)

UPDATE: I saw a Facebook post about k-drama pairings with no chemistry and Song Kang and Han So Hee was on the list. I mean, did we watch the same show??? The poster was probably blind lol.