Korea's May uprising was a violent and conflicted historic time that is hard to tackle down for both it's importance within history, but also for the losses and misfortunes it caused as well.

The fact that here they included a romantic plot right in the middle of such events makes it even more sorrowful and bittersweet. It's not surprising that we were expecting to suffer all through the drama based on such real life events that followed, and specially if they were going to make us feel empathetic towards the characters.

HeeTae was hard not to love from the start, hardworking and pacifist to a certain point but brave and through to his own believes, ready to sacrifice himself for those he loved and cherished. A broken and lost boy who grew up to be a man facing numerous responsibilities and hardships. A college student who dreamed of performing on stage with his mom's guitar, a guy who returned to his hometown to fulfill a promise and that ended up falling in love at first sight in that fatidic month of May.

A month of revolution. A month of misunderstandings, of youth and pain.

How can we not fall in love with his lovable and selfless character? How can we not suffer with him through his personal journey here? His devotion and passion, and his rightful persona was bright like a light in the darkness ahead and a beacon of hope for most there. Without realizing he indeed helped change the lives of many in there, being for the better or the worse.

MyungHee the strong and stubborn young woman that by helping her best friend out, met her soulmate in a small café. The girl who seemed like a pushover but who had big dreams to study abroad when accepted in college with a scholarship. Hardworking and fearless for her convictions, with a strong sense of justice and duty for her work as a nurse. A big sister, a lost daughter, a girl who just wanted to be useful. Devoted to those whom she carried in her heart. It was almost poetic the way she led her path to the unfortunate circumstances it took in the end, tainted in crimson and white. Nevertheless, she made her choice of what she already feared it would happen. That fear that reigned through those uncertain days in the month of May.

Their choices led to their fate.

Albeit not the one many would like to see, it was predictable in a way.
This story wouldn't have the typical happy ending most always yearn for.
Despite the sadness, it's realistic. Given what happened back then, this worked.

Because they represent the departed and those left behind.
The losses people suffered, and the sorrow they carry in their hearts.
It's symbolic too in that sense, mainly the final speech at the end.
Those left behind and brokenhearted, were left living a half life.
Empty shells mourning for the souls of their loved ones who died in May.

I also really liked the character of SooChan, he was a kindhearted man who loved MyungHee earnestly and although not reciprocated, he never forced his love. Rather he cared for her and his own sister, he was a family oriented man, but also a kind soul who wasn't afraid to jump to the frontline to stop injustices. Although he considered himself to be a coward, at some point given his status and affiliations that helped him out when his world crashed down in those bloody days. He showed his willpower, and strength by giving and helping the survivors alongside his sister and with the help of their father. Although a struggling family in the story because of the predicaments that tangled them with HeeTae's family, the 3 of them united at the end only proved how the rich can in fact give back to the poor in times of need. It could almost be seen as a criticism nowadays.

Because one single act of kindness, creates an endless ripple.

SooRyeon often infuriated me and other times annoyed me, but over all there was a character development in her. A newfound strength that she only gained by learning from her own mistakes, and to what they caused to all of those around her. She was passionate for justice and the rights of the people, and she fought for her own beliefs. Even thought coming from a wealthy family, she joined the crowd to rise the voice of people to be heard. Her carelessness created havoc among the plot and a handful of characters that were affected by her impulsive decisions. However, she had a fire in her that wouldn't be put down.

HeeTae's father was the face of the many monsters in there, although not the one entirely behind all of those operations. We can say he represents blind evil, greed and hypocrisy well enough. Controlling his older son like a puppet, or having him on a short leash like a dog while ignoring the younger was the view of a cold parent working for a side he considered to be right. Evoking rights, even if it meant using torture and killing people. Quite hypocrite of him to be aiding to the killing spree of countless people, ordering executions in a light way as if it were nothing but pawns in his chess game, but when it came to see one of his sons hurt by one of his reckless decisions suddenly it mattered. The only flaw here is that his ending isn't satisfying enough. More than being abandoned by his "family", he deserved to know the lenght of suffering he caused to many people.

It's a ride filled with angst, but also an awakening of what happened back then.
Every country has it's own history of revolutions here and there, some even more violent, it's always different.
And yet the feelings are the same. In the end, when there's conflicts, there is losses. There is blood. There is pain.
This was no different, it only had a few moments of romance so we could root for their happy ending or fleeting moments.

The acting was on point. DoHyun always amazes me with his grace when it comes to express emotions in his roles.
I enjoyed seeing everyone in their roles, and I am happy to see SangYi for the first time on a main role, Hope to see more of him.
The OST is sad and warm. Ideal to listen with a cup of tea, on those lonely days.
My favorite song is definitely Starry Night by RyeoWook. His soothing voice appeases whoever listens.

Do not expect a light romance history within these 12 episodes. It's love in the middle of an uprising.
Also it has personal conflicts in between and a couple of misunderstandings, and it's all in the month of May.
It's an ephemeral love story between two young souls who tried their best to make it work despite the course of events.