Heads up K-drama fanatics—the new hit series “Nevertheless” has been making its rounds online and this might just be your sign to check it out yourself. Led by the breakout actors Song Kang (Love Alarm) and Han So-hee (The World of the Married), people have been going crazy over the drama’s plot and relatable quality.
“Nevertheless” (알고있지만; lit. I Know, But Nevertheless) is a South Korean drama from JTBC based on a 40-episode webtoon of the same name. The story revolves around the art student Yu Nabi (Han So-hee) and the irresistible pull she feels towards her junior Park Jae-eon (Song Kang).
The people have found a new icon of the marupok phenomenon in Yu Nabi, as she tries and fails to reign in her feelings for Jae-eon. What will happen to this girl who just recently got out of a toxic relationship and this boy who only flirts around without committing?
All the social media buzz
Like a breath of fresh air, “Nevertheless” immediately sets itself apart from the usual young love romances that dominate the K-drama industry. The drama challenges Korean norms by revelling in its sensuality. Its views on modern contemporary romance is highlighted in its straightforward views on sex and relationships beyond the moments of kilig.
Of course, most of its hype is thanks to the picture-perfect couple who lead the show. As if the characters jumped out of the webtoon themselves, Han So-hee and Song Kang’s striking visuals leave the audience waiting to see their chemistry happen on screen.
On labels and red flags
In relation to its fresh take on modern romances, the public’s interest in “Nevertheless” rests on its relatability. Many young adults these days are not keen on going through the traditional kind of dating—instead exploring the intricacies of “some” (썸; Korean slang for “no label” relationships).
Viewers find real life represented through the female lead, who seems to be a magnet that attracts toxic men; and the male lead, who is dubbed by many as a walking red flag. In reality as well, people are often blinded by flirtatious charm to see the signs indicating a toxic relationship.
Team Jae-eon or not?
Above all this, what separates “Nevertheless” from other romantic K-dramas is the vague and unstable relationship between the leads. Will they get together in the end? Where is this love story going to go? It’s as if all of us are included in this “no label” relationship as well!
The impermanence of the endgame is leaving the public wanting for more. If you’re one of the people who has read the webtoon, you may also be wondering if the drama adaptation would follow the original end (no spoilers!). Especially since the series has been following it closely in its first episodes.
That’s something we’re all looking forward to!
“Nevertheless” airs every Saturday on JTBC, and is also on Netflix.
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