Was It Love?

Was It Love? is a captivating romantic-comedy drama series from JTBC that came into the limelight in 2020. It’s a story draped in emotion, love, struggle, and dreams, offering an engaging journey characterized by intricate relationships, life-changing decisions, and a woman's pursuit of her long-forgotten aspirations. The series creatively explores multiple perspectives on love and its influence on people's lives.

Set against the backdrop of Noh Ae-Jung's life, the show's protagonist, Was It Love? chained her life issues with an engaging narrative and vibrant screenplay that has garnered considerable praise and interest from viewers worldwide. Noh Ae-Jung, played by the brilliant Song Ji-Hyo, is a single mother who hasn't been in a relationship for 14 years. She works tirelessly as a producer in a movie company with the dream of producing her film one day. While Ae-Jung's life seems to be a never-ending cycle of work and home, everything takes an interesting turn when four men unexpectedly enter her life.

The first man on the list is Oh Dae-O, played by the talented Son Ho-Jun. He's a bestselling novelist under the pen name Cheon Ok-Man, and he's also Ae-Jung's first love. The second man is a charming actor named Ryu Jin, portrayed by Song Jong-Ho, whose on-screen persona starkly contrasts his real-life personality. Next in line is Koo Pa-Do, a frightening yet soft-hearted gangster, brought to life by Kim Min-Joon. The fourth man is a PE teacher named Oh Yeon-Woo, played by Koo Ja-Sung, who’s the youngest and the most cheerful among all.

The plot thickens when these four men, each with distinctive personalities, and their past connections with Noh Ae-Jung come full circle. The plot deftly handles amusement, excitement, and intrigue as viewers are left guessing who among the four gentlemen, if any, can readily encapsulate Ae-Jung’s long-lost sensation of love.

What sets Was It Love? apart are the meticulously devised characters and their development throughout the story. From Ae-Jung's strong-headed personality, bracing the trials of life with positivity and perseverance, to the complex personalities of the four men; each character vividly contributes to the narrative. Their intricacies beautifully complement each other, making the series richer and genuinely relatable.

The show also embraces the theme of love in all its forms and angles. From first-love that takes the shape of a life-altering lesson to matured love that unveils the harsh reality of life, the series deep dives into love's nuanced layers. The depiction of motherhood stands as an embodiment of unconditional love, embodied by Ae-Jung's bond with her daughter, Ha-Nee.

Moreover, it is not just about romantic love; it delves into the concept of self-love. It signifies the importance of loving oneself by pursuing dreams, regardless of the life phase one is in. Was It Love? beautifully highlights how Ae-Jung decides to chase her dreams as a film producer while managing her personal life's complexities.

The show's narrative style also deserves a mention, particularly for using the right blend of flashbacks to establish the background and characters' relationships. Simultaneously, these flashbacks are skillfully interwoven into the present, creating suspense and interest, keeping the suspense alive.

Balancing humor and emotions, Was It Love? offers plenty of laughs due to the charming eccentricities and unexpected entanglements that ensue when the four men enter Ae-Jung's life. The show also delves into the emotional depth of a single mother juggling work-life balance while dealing with her complicated love life.

From its thematic depth and intriguing plot twists to the complex characters and their growth, the music, the screenplay, and the performances, Was It Love? is a roller coaster of emotions. It’s a show that is not afraid to tackle the convoluted details of modern romance while pairing it with the compelling elements of drama and comedy. By doing so, it provides viewers with a warm, heartfelt sentiment that lasts long after the final episode.