Nevertheless,

Nevertheless is a captivating 2021 South Korean television series from jTBC based on the 2018 Naver webtoon "I Know But" by Jung Seo. The engrossing romantic drama, directed by Kim Ga-Ram, showcases the complicated emotions of young love and the uncertainties that accompany it in the city of Seoul.

The plot revolves around the relationship between Park Jae-eon and Yoo Na-bi, two art college students who cross paths in a sculpture class. Their story is not your typical whirlwind romance but a candid portrayal of relationships, experiences, fears, and realities unique to South Korea's vibrant youth. It reflects on contemporary dating culture, serving as a mirror to real-life situations and making it relatable to viewers, especially the young audience.

The charming Han So-Hee portrays Yoo Na-bi, a passionate and talented art student who deeply believes in the power of love, despite her past love traumas. Her nuanced performance beautifully encapsulates the struggles of a young woman navigating her way through adulthood and relationships, unwilling to give her heart fully, afraid of being hurt yet fears remaining alone. There's a subtlety in her portrayal that makes Na-bi relatable and real, resulting in viewers rooting for her and empathizing with her struggles.

Song Kang convincingly plays the role of Park Jae-eon, the seemingly perfect male protagonist with mesmerizing looks and unrivaled charisma but hides a complex and intricate personality underneath. His character plays with unpredictability, illustrating the complexity of human feelings and emotions, making viewers ponder whether he is genuinely interested or simply treating it all as a game. His palpable chemistry with Han So-Hee adds another layer to their already intriguing relationship dynamic in the show.

Nevertheless, it is set against the backdrop of a prestigious art college in Seoul, which provides a creative and visually appealing setup for the storyline. The beautifully designed art pieces, elaborate set designs, and compelling cinematography are a treat to the eyes. It enriches the narrative and is integral to the storyline, encapsulating the life of art college students realistically.

The excellently curated soundtrack featuring various K-pop artists beautifully complements the unfolding narrative. From melancholic tunes that deepen the intensity of dramatic moments to whimsical melodies that capture the euphoria of fresh love, the music strikes a chord and greatly elevates the storytelling.

Nevertheless finds balance in its narrative by offering glimpses into the lives of the supporting characters, thereby preventing the storyline from becoming too heavily focused on the main couple. These characters contribute to the high and lows in the narrative, painting a diverse picture of love and friendship in contemporary times.

Emphasizing more on 'showing' rather than 'telling,' Nevertheless walks you through a spectrum of emotions associated with adult relationships that are not just limited to romance, but also the complexity of human connections. It touches upon aspects of betrayal, friendship, lust, independency, and coping up with past traumas. The dialogues are well-thought-out, sometimes philosophical, offering viewers food for thought.

The authenticity of the characters, the mesmerizing on-screen chemistry between the leads, and the storyline's sophisticated handling make Nevertheless a compelling watch that goes beyond its romantic drama tag. It showcases the numerous shades of relationships and the varying degrees at which people perceive love and commitment.

Nevertheless is a series that prompts one to reflect upon one's perceptions of love, relationships, and the complexities that surround them. It is a portrayal of the trials and tribulations one experiences while looking for love in the modern world's chaos. It prompts you to question, empathize, and learn through the experiences of its characters. Despite its seemingly light premise, it seizes your attention with its deeply rooted narrative that resonates with everyone who has ever been in or yearned for love. It's a roller coaster ride, sometimes beautiful, sometimes painful, but never dull, much like real life. In a world where love stories have become predictable, this one dares to be different and leaves you pondering long after it ends.