Spring is in the air, and with it comes the excitement and energy of new beginnings. It's a time of year when feelings and emotions tend to run high, and what better way to channel those emotions than by watching a captivating K-Drama like Nevertheless? Directed by Kim Garam and written by Jung Seo and Jung Won, Nevertheless tells the story of two art students, Park Jaeeon (played by Song Kang) and Yoo Nabi (Han Sohee), and their journey toward love and self-discovery. This series made waves all over the world, and for good reason. It offers a fresh take on the genre, with a storyline that explores the complexities of love, relationships, and self-discovery.

Park Jaeeon and Yoo Nabi's relationship is at the center of Nevertheless. While Park Jaeeon is comfortable with his casual relationship approach, Yoo Nabi is hesitant to enter a new, especially casual, relationship after her previous long-term relationship ended because of her ex’s infidelity. She is a strong, independent woman who is not willing to give up her principles and personal goals for a man. Despite her initial reluctance, she finds herself drawn to Park Jaeeon, and it does not take long until Yoo Nabi is tempted to begin a casual relationship with him. However, the question remains: how long will Yoo Nabi's relationship be able to be maintained, considering how different these two characters are?

As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Park Jaeeon is not the only man vying for Yoo Nabi's heart. Other handsome and charming men make their appearance, further complicating the already confusing relationship. In addition to Park Jaeeon, there are Yang Dohyeok (played by Chae Jonghyeop), the long-time friend who also shows an interest in Yoo Nabi, and Kim Eunhan (played by Lee Jeongha). With so many men vying for her attention, it is unclear who Yoo Nabi will ultimately choose and whether she will be able to maintain her independence and stay true to herself.

What sets Nevertheless apart from other Korean mainstream dramas is its casual and realistic approach to portraying everyday life. The characters are relatable, and their actions and emotions are portrayed realistically. For instance, the characters talk about mundane topics such as going to the toilet before leaving the house, contraception, or casual callouts for smoking breaks between their university courses. The drama also shows the awkward moments that come with drinking games and heated discussions about interpreting text messages from crushes.

The series also explores many themes that are relevant to modern relationships. It delves into questions about what relationships mean, the meaning of freedom and comfort, casual dating, and the importance of boundaries. The characters in the series are grappling with these problems and trying to figure out what they want from their relationships. Does changing for someone else compromise our sense of self? Is it worth it to compromise for love? These are the questions that the characters are trying to answer.

One of the most significant symbols in Nevertheless is the butterfly. Yes, a butterfly! As previously mentioned, Nabi, which is the name of the female lead, translates to butterfly in Korean. Park Jaeeon, the male lead, also has a deep love for butterflies. He has a butterfly tattoo on his neck, and he even has a pet butterfly. Butterflies symbolize freedom and development, and this theme foreshadows the development of the series. It speaks to the characters' journeys as they navigate their relationships and strive for personal growth. The butterfly is an excellent representation of the series’ exploration of these themes and the characters' quest for self-discovery.

The cinematography of Nevertheless is another factor that sets it apart. The camera is often on eye level, giving the feeling of being a part of Yoo Nabi's friend group. We witness people falling in and out of love and fights between friendships and relationships. Director Kim Garam did an amazing job keeping the unpredictable feeling of what comes next until the very end. The dialogues are realistic without too many cliches, but with a very sensitive touch when it comes to sensitive topics.

Nevertheless is a must-watch for anyone looking for a realistic and relatable K-Drama. The storyline, characters, and cinematography all come together to create a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. The drama raises thought-provoking questions about love and relationships that viewers will find themselves pondering long after the show ends. 

So, go ahead and give Nevertheless a watch and experience the thrill of a love story that is both beautiful and painful.

Edited by Deshalia Murray