One of the more unique stories. One that allows us into a whole new world than the usual one we're used to in K-Drama land. And in most aspects, it's excellent. The comedy is really great and well written. It blends with the more serious tones of the drama really well. It varies as wel from being situational, fish out of water humour, to be jokes told. The two leads and the soliders really made this drama what it was. Outside of the main story, this was the real heart of it all. But the main plots were really exciting and tension filed. The twists and turns allowed the story to play out without any questions in plausibilty. I dug how the story split into two half way through and gave us double to fun. Obviously the Cpt Ri and Se Ri together is wonderful and touching. But the relationship between Dan and Seung Jun is just as warm, albeit sad by the end. One aspect of the story that I didn't like too much was how Se Ri's suicidal attempt weren't really taken with any weight - obviously its sad and not totally blown off but I would've liked something more emotional. It's simply just a means to connect the two leads rather than to convey any message about self-hating.

The acting was really great. The actors really knocked it out of the park, capturing all the themes and story elements needed. Hyun Bin's strong but sweet character was the perfect hero of the story. Hyun Bin's chemistry with Son Ye Jin was off the charts, instantly striking. It's rare that two people are able to play off each other with such great effect. Son Ye Jin was really great in her female role too. Incredibly mart but naive about the smaller things, the lack of luxuries that the North Korean have. It fits into the comedy well though. Seo Ji Hye gave maybe the best performance of the drama though. Her character came off very tough and stubborn but there is a soft side to her character, a hidden sadness and willingess to be loved by someone. It's a very nuanced character and she knocks it out of the park, pardon my cliches.