“Nevertheless” Review: A Love Story That Redefines Romance

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Welcome to the love labyrinth that is “Nevertheless,” where the heart rules, the brain drools, and you, dear reader, are in for a treat—or a trick, depending on how you look at romance.

Is it a sweet, fluttery thing that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy? Or is it an elaborate trap set by nature to keep the species going? Let’s find out!

Nevertheless” unpacks the messy, maddening, and downright magnetic world of Yu Na-bi (Han So-hee), a student who has seen enough drama in her love life to last a lifetime. Yet, she meets Park Jae-eon (Song Kang), a guy whose idea of a relationship is like a free trial—enjoy now, commitment later. He’s got more red flags than a bullfight, but guess who’s playing the matador?

The plot thickens faster than my grandma’s gravy.

Na-bi, with her heart on her sleeve and skepticism in her pocket, navigates the choppy waters of liking someone who is as elusive as a decent avocado at the supermarket. Every episode is a mini heartbreak wrapped in a beautiful cinematography package—yes, even their silences look good!

But what’s the real meat of the story?

It’s about the push and pull, the yes, no, maybe so of a relationship that’s not quite toxic but definitely not organic.

The show stirs up the age-old question: Can you keep things casual in love without ending up as emotional roadkill?

The show stirs up the age-old question: Can you keep things casual in love without ending up as emotional roadkill?

Now, let’s talk characters.

If there was an award for making poor life choices look appealing, Jae-eon would win hands down. He’s the bad boy your mom warned you about, but oh, does he make heartbreak look good.

Watch “Nevertheless” Trailer

Meanwhile, Na-bi is the poster girl for “I know I shouldn’t, but I probably will.” Together, they’re a disaster waiting to happen, but you just can’t look away because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a bit of drama?

As for the aesthetics, “Nevertheless” could double as a travel ad for Seoul.

The nightlife scenes? Gorgeous.

The cozy cafés where half the drama unfolds? Double espresso with a shot of tension, please. And the soundtrack—prepare to Shazam every song because your playlist will beg for it.

But here’s the kicker: despite its fairy-tale visuals, the show doesn’t shy away from the gritty realities of modern relationships.

It’s raw. It’s real.

And yes, it will make you question every text you’ve ever overanalyzed.

Jumping into “Nevertheless” as a non-Korean? Brace yourself for a unique peek into Korea’s dating culture, where the boundaries between ‘just friends’ and ‘something more’ are as unclear as a foggy day. This isn’t your average romance—think of it as a cultural deep dive.

With this series, you’ll encounter a flirty gray area that might leave even the most seasoned daters puzzled—and witness the clash between old-school and contemporary romantic ideals.

With this series, you’ll encounter a flirty gray area that might leave even the most seasoned daters puzzled—and witness the clash between old-school and contemporary romantic ideals.

Any faults with this K-dramaland romance? Sure.

The pacing might test your patience like a slow internet day. And if you like clear-cut endings, this might leave you more on edge than a cliffhanger season finale.

So, would I recommend “Nevertheless”? In a heartbeat—especially if you enjoy dissecting relationships more than a biology lab.

Watch it with a side of skepticism and a bucket of popcorn. Laugh at their mistakes, cry at their confessions, and maybe—just maybe—you’ll find yourself learning a thing or two about what love is or isn’t.

So, did “Nevertheless” change my view on romance? Did it make me more cynical, or is there still a hopeless romantic under all this sarcasm? Spill your thoughts, share your theories, and let’s break down this beautiful mess together in the comments below.

After all, what’s life without a little love and a lot of debate?

“Nevertheless” premiered on June 19, 2021. It was broadcast on JTBC, a South Korean cable television channel, and was also available for streaming internationally on Netflix.

Nevertheless OST: Nevertheless (sung by Night Off)