Rain or Shine: Best K-drama Series Review 2024
Table of Contents
Rain or Shine: Best K-drama Series Review 2024
Introduction
“Rain or Shine” is a Korean drama that was released in 2019. The TV series offers passionate viewers a magnificent experience of romance, heartwarming moments, sadness, and hope. It is a must-watch if you love a well-developed storyline and the feeling of being transported into another world.
Synopsis
The drama follows the lives of four intersecting characters; Lee Kang Doo (Lee Joon-Ho), Ha Moon Soo (Won Jin-Ah), Choi Seo Joon (Lee Ki-Woo), and Kang Doo’s younger brother, Lee Gang Jae (Yoon Se-Ah). Lee Kang Doo is a man who has grown up on the mean streets of a poor, working-class neighborhood. He experienced a tragic event that left him unable to walk, making him dependent and forcing him to give up on his former dreams.
Through an awkward coincidence with Ha Moon Soo (who is coincidentally looking for her brother), Kang Doo finds himself reunited with his first love, Moon Soo. The two had separated at a difficult time in their relationship, and they gradually inch closer romantically, despite Moon Soo’s fiancé, Choi Seo Joon, looming over the couple. The story culminates into an unforgettable, sad, yet hopeful ending.
Analysis
One of the main defining characteristics of “Rain or Shine” is its immersive storytelling. The plot flows naturally and coherently, despite having a complicated sequence of events. Each episode is meticulously designed to maintain the depth and flow of the story, so viewers find themselves effortlessly following through with each scene. The development of the characters is also impressive. We see the characters evolve as the story progresses. For instance, we see Kang Doo as a resilient fighter who never gives up, Moon Soo as a strong woman who is determined to succeed on her own and free from familial constraints. Each character is unique, and as viewers, you will find yourself relating to more than one of them.
The performance of the cast in Rain or Shine is awe-inspiring. Starting with Lee Joon-Ho’s portrayal of Lee Kang Doo, we are taken on an emotional journey of a man who experienced a tragic event that left him scarred. The actor not only nailed his role but also managed to inspire viewers with his performances. Similarly, Won Jin-Ah’s portrayal of Ha Moon Soo was out of this world. The actress managed to capture the determination and never-give-up attitude that her role required.
The cinematography in “Rain or Shine” is simply breathtaking. We see a seamless transition from one scene to the next, including the use of color tones that reflect the emotions of the characters. For instance, the film utilizes the weather (rain and shine) to reflect how the characters feel, adding another layer of emotional connection between viewers and the story. The natural setting of the drama is also beautifully captured, making viewers feel like they are part of the story.
Passionate Remarks
There is something that is special about Rain or Shine, and it’s hard to pin down. Despite the sad undertones of the plot, it also manages to be incredibly uplifting and positive. Throughout the episodes, you will experience moments of sadness and heartbreak, but these are always balanced with feel-good moments. The actors and actresses are incredibly skilled at captivating their audience and drawing viewers into their world.
The message of the drama is also compelling. The characters are relatable, and their experiences represent real-life events that happen regularly. The story is not just about love, but it is also a story of tragedy, friendship, and resilience. It shows that even in our darkest moments, it is possible to overcome hardships, have hope, and find happiness.
Rain or Shine | Trailer | Watch FREE
Watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06_B7Sg8Vd8
They’ve both been affected by terrible tragedies which ripped away their loved ones. Will they be able to suppress their pain and live their lives as normal? Possibly even… find love?
Starring: Lee Jun-ho, Won Jin-ah, Lee Ki-woo & Kang Han-na
Conclusion
Overall, “Rain or Shine” is a well-produced drama that has the ability to capture the hearts of its viewers. The subtle storytelling, impressive performances, and beautiful cinematography are just a few of its most endearing qualities. The series’ portrayal of love, loss, and the complexities of relationships is simply captivating.
If you’re looking for something interesting to watch, we definitely recommend checking out “Rain or Shine.” You won’t regret it.
Reviews by People
- Review 1: ★★★★★ Perfect Mix of Romance and Tragedy
“Rain or Shine” beautifully weaves together romance, tragedy, and resilience in a captivating storyline that will leave you hooked till the end. - Review 2: ★★★★☆ Emotional Rollercoaster Ride
A heartwarming drama that skillfully portrays the complexities of relationships, “Rain or Shine” will evoke a range of emotions and keep you engaged throughout. - Review 3: ★★★★★ Stellar Performances and Stunning Cinematography
The exceptional performances by the cast, coupled with breathtaking cinematography, make “Rain or Shine” a must-watch Korean drama that will leave a lasting impact. - Review 4: ★★★★☆ Gripping Character Development
Witness the evolution of characters like Lee Kang Doo and Ha Moon Soo amidst love and tragedy in “Rain or Shine,” offering a deeply engaging viewing experience. - Review 5: ★★★★★ Uplifting Message of Hope
Despite its poignant moments, “Rain or Shine” delivers a powerful message of resilience, friendship, and hope, making it a truly inspiring series that resonates with viewers. - Review 6: ★★★★☆ Subtle Storytelling Mastery
The seamless transition between heartwarming and heartbreaking moments in “Rain or Shine” showcases the brilliance of the writers in crafting a nuanced and impactful narrative. - Review 7: ★★★★★ Atmospheric Charm and Emotional Depth
Immerse yourself in the beautiful cinematography and emotional depth of “Rain or Shine,” a drama that masterfully captures the essence of love, loss, and human resilience. - Review 8: ★★★★☆ Realistic Portrayal of Life’s Challenges
“Rain or Shine” presents a realistic depiction of life’s challenges and triumphs, offering a compelling and relatable story that will resonate with audiences of all ages.
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More Reviews
I couldn’t wait to write this review, even though I haven’t finished the last episode yet. This drama completely toyed with my emotions and made the start of 2018 unforgettable!
It’s rare for a drama to make me feel frustrated, excited, and giddy all in one episode, but that’s exactly what this one did. That’s what a truly incredible drama should do—play with your feelings and make you question everything. The genre leans heavily into melodrama, so be prepared for heartbreak and plenty of tears. Yet, it’s also a realistic portrayal of two people’s unfortunate lives and their natural journey toward romantic love. Watching the main characters develop feelings for each other, with a shared connection to the past, made my heart melt. I’m a total sucker for on-screen chemistry, and wow, did the lead actors deliver!
Won Jin Ah has quickly become one of the most memorable young actresses for me. She conveyed her character’s emotions so professionally. This was my first time seeing Lee Jun Ho act, and he blew me away—not only as an amazing actor but as a talented singer, too. Speaking of music, the OST was incredibly sincere, with songs that perfectly amplified the emotional impact of every scene, including on me! I also loved how the drama gave us a glimpse into the lives and struggles of the supporting characters. Each of them had their own unique story, making this drama worth rewatching again and again.
One more thing—never drop a drama just because you’re unsure about how the ending will turn out. The natural progression of the plot, the characters, and their developing stories are what make this series worth every minute.
In the end, this drama reminds you to appreciate life and live it to the fullest every day. I have to give a huge shoutout to the creators for taking me on such an incredible, emotional rollercoaster!
Watching this show left me with a whirlwind of mixed feelings. Going in, I had no idea what I was in for—I hadn’t read the synopsis, skimmed any reviews, or even paid much attention to the screencaps floating around. So when I started to grasp what the drama was really about, it hit close to home for several reasons. At times, I craved more rawness and pain, and at others, the realism struck so hard that I had to hit pause and take a breather from my own thoughts.
But then, somewhere along the way, Just Between Lovers took a familiar K-Drama detour. It became overly melodramatic and sentimental. In an effort to create a tragic hero, the show heaped every conceivable problem onto his already burdened shoulders, and after a while, it started to stretch my suspension of disbelief. Physical health issues took precedence over mental ones. While I wouldn’t say the show romanticized mental illness, it certainly glossed over it. PTSD doesn’t just vanish like that.
Despite these shortcomings, one thing became crystal clear by the end: I genuinely enjoyed this show. I was more relieved than disappointed by the tropes it leaned into because they provided the much-needed escapism we seek in dramas. Even though the show tackled heavy themes, it never got bogged down in them. There was always a comedic moment, a heartwarming scene, or a swoon-worthy interaction between the leads to keep things balanced.
This drama has one of the best K-Drama romances I’ve seen. It was exactly the kind of relationship I fall for—a beautiful slow burn where two people grow both individually and together. They face obstacles, experience highs and lows, and emerge stronger, both as a couple and on their own. It was absolutely beautiful to watch. I’ve never been this eager for the leads to share intimate moments, and when it finally happened, it was so sweet and heartfelt that it was worth the wait.
The main leads were incredibly dear to me. Gang Doo was simply an angel—a type of person who seems too good to exist in this world, but it would be a relief if they did. Moon Soo, despite some questionable actions toward the end, was undeniably a sweetheart.
There were some side characters that lowkey annoyed me (think: the second male lead, the second female lead—though she had her moments—and the female lead’s parents) because they often played the victim even when others had it far worse. But on the flip side, I adored many other characters, especially those connected to Gang Doo—his grandmother, his Doona, his brother figure, and his team leader. As they say, good people are surrounded by good people.
As for the acting, I wouldn’t say it was exceptionally outstanding or that it completely blew me away. The leads’ inexperience and freshness were evident, but this actually worked in their favor. Their portrayal of the characters was so sincere and natural that it managed to captivate the audience and touch hearts.
One of the standout aspects of the show is the OST. I highly recommend watching a version where the songs are subbed while they play in the background. The lyrics are so deeply connected to the plot, and the timing is impeccable. Knowing what the songs are saying at a particular moment adds depth and insight to the story. It’s simply gorgeous.
Ultimately, Just Between Lovers is a show about healing, friendship, love, serenity, and brilliant dialogues. While it develops slowly and packs an emotional punch, it’s never boring. There are tears here and there, but they come with so much more hope and warmth.
I definitely recommend giving it a watch. Enjoy!
I can’t believe this show is already over. Just Between Lovers will forever be one of those dramas I’d do anything to experience again. I’ve shed so many tears, but I’m so grateful for all the emotions I felt while watching.
STORY
The story in this drama feels both realistic and unique. The cinematography was stunning, and I found myself mesmerized by the aesthetically pleasing scenes. Each character was deeply developed, with the creators paying meticulous attention to small details. It was amazing how the emotions of the characters were so palpable that you could easily empathize with them. There were no clear-cut “good” or “bad” characters—just people struggling with life and their fears, which left a profound impression on me. The connection between the main leads was undeniable, and their chemistry? Absolutely heart-wrenching and overwhelming in the best possible way.
ACTING/CAST
I’m honestly at a loss for words. The acting was phenomenal, and I’m incredibly proud of the entire cast for their outstanding performances. Lee Jun Ho, as Lee Kang Doo, portrayed a character I would protect at all costs. He suffered so much, and I’m still in awe of how Jun Ho brought him to life so realistically. He didn’t need to say anything—his eyes conveyed everything. Won Jin Ah was equally impressive. As a relatively new actress, she delivered a performance that was nothing short of incredible. The chemistry between them was vital to the story, and I loved how their relationship was woven into the narrative. I couldn’t have been more satisfied with their passionate performances.
MUSIC
I usually don’t pay much attention to the music in dramas, but this one hit so hard that the soundtrack felt louder than ever. The songs had a huge impact on the scenes and on my already fragile heart.
OVERALL
Honestly, I don’t have the right words to fully capture my thoughts about this drama. It was tragically sad, yet so real, and I’m completely amazed by it. The plot, the cast—everything was exceptional. As I mentioned earlier, the acting was incredible, and the characters added a unique depth to the story. Even though I suffered emotionally, I’d love to rewatch it when I get the chance.
I wanted to write this review while my feelings are still fresh! If you’re not up for an emotional journey, this might not be the drama for you. Just Between Lovers is a story about trauma, recovery, love, pain, and healing. It doesn’t rely on intricate plots or shocking twists, but instead, it draws you in with beautifully complicated relationships. Every week, I couldn’t wait to watch the lives of these characters unfold. It’s a different kind of escapism—the kind where you find beauty in an often painful and unfair world.
The story centers around the tragic collapse of a mall 10 years ago and the plans to build a new mall on the same site. At first, I thought the plot might become tedious, but the real focus is on the characters who were directly or indirectly affected by this tragedy.
Yes, it’s a great love story, but it’s also so much more than that. There are numerous interesting characters, each with their own struggles, romances, and personal battles. The characters are diverse in their circumstances—age, status, abilities—but they all deal with their own frustrations and self-realizations. The cast is practically perfect.
Lee Jun Ho and Won Jin Ah were amazing together. I was blown away by how real their pain, angst, and chemistry felt. They never crossed into melodrama, no matter how heavy the story became. Moon Soo’s cool, composed personality contrasts with Kang Doo’s dangerous charm, making them both frustrating and heartbreaking at times, yet incredibly endearing together.
Jun Ho was exceptionally good—his range was impressive. Whether he was tough, sensitive, smirking, crying, sickly, seductive, or just charismatic, he nailed every single emotion. This just proves that you can’t underestimate someone based on their past boyband status. I can’t wait to see him in more roles!
This is the kind of drama where it’s hard to single out any particular cast members because everyone was stellar. I could write pages about why each actor deserves praise, but I’ll just say that they were all realistic, sympathetic, and wonderfully imperfect. However, I have to mention one standout: Kim Kang Hyun as Sang Man. His humor, wisdom, and emotional insights often stole the show. While it might seem cliché to portray the slowest person as the wisest, he executed it so well that I couldn’t help but love Sang Man.
While the cast deserves a lot of credit, the writer and director also did an outstanding job. The entire story feels incredibly intimate. The impact of the mall collapse is deeply felt without tipping into melodrama. The visuals were haunting rather than gruesome, which made them even more impactful.
The writer avoids tying everything up too neatly or making the story overly bleak, which added to its realism. Even during slower moments, everything felt connected and necessary. At one point, a character kept repeating the same frustrating action, and just as I was about to lose patience, the reason was revealed, and it all made sense. The balance of emotions ensures that the story is never too sad or too happy for too long. If you love character-driven stories, you won’t be disappointed.
The question of whether I’d watch this drama again is tricky. It’s definitely good enough to rewatch, but you have to be in the right mood for this kind of story. Some of the suspense would be lost, knowing the characters’ decisions, which might make some episodes feel slower. Still, the cast is so phenomenal that I would enjoy revisiting these characters even with the knowledge of the outcome.
I also really enjoyed the soundtrack. It was mellow and moving, perfectly complementing the drama without being too distracting.
Overall, this is a must-see drama, but be prepared for some tears—or many tears if you’re a crybaby like me. With a story that involves so many different characters, the ending is extremely satisfying (which I was worried about), as it doesn’t leave anyone hanging or forgotten. I expected to feel depressed when it was over, but instead, I felt inspired to appreciate each day, even when life isn’t exactly what I want it to be. From start to finish, I was completely invested in Just Between Lovers, and I’m so glad I took a chance on it, even when I had no idea what to expect.
Just finished Rain or Shine (also known as Just Between Lovers), and overall, I found it to be an incredibly emotionally intense drama. I’m familiar with many of the actors from their subsequent work, and it’s clear that Director Kim Jin-Won played a crucial role in drawing out powerful performances from the cast. Writer Yoo Bo-Ra crafted a compelling script that provided the perfect foundation and motivation for both the director and actors.
This dynamic, while familiar, drove the drama in a unique way here. Lee Junho showcased his growth as an actor, elevating every scene with his skills and charisma. His portrayal in this drama was particularly impressive. Won Jin-A demonstrated a deeper emotional range than I’ve seen from her before, making me wonder if this could be her breakout role. Some fans argue that her cool demeanor contrasts too sharply with her romantic onscreen partners, but I felt it added to her character’s depth.
Lee Ki-Woo also revealed a more emotive side that suited him well and was a pleasure to watch. Kang Han-Na, known for playing the mean girl, displayed a softer side in this drama. While her portrayal of the mean girl was spot-on, I hope this role doesn’t typecast her, as it was tough to watch.
Special mentions go to Nam Da-Reum and Park Si-Eun for their stellar performances, and of course, to Na Moon-Hee, who always lights up the screen. Thank you to the entire cast for delivering such an enjoyable viewing experience! ❤️
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