Korean dramas have always been famous for their emotional storytelling and character-driven plots, but “Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love” is one of those shows that doesn’t just treat romance like a dreamy thing but explores its real and complicated emotions. The title of this season itself says it all, “The Shapes of Love,” that is, different forms of love, which sometimes give peace and sometimes break the heart.

This drama is a mirror of those emotions that arise in the heart of every young generation at some point or the other, especially when there is confusion between love, desire, and self-respect.

Directed by – Kim Ga-ram

Genre – Romantic drama, Youth, Slice of life, Emotional romance.

Starring :

• Han So-hee as Yoo Na-bi
• Song Kang as Park Jae-eon
• Chae Jong-hyeop as Yang Do-hyeok
• Lee Yul-eum as Yoon Seol-ah

Release Date – 19 June 2021

Episodes – 10 (Expected)

Storyline A journey from naivety to self-discovery

In this new season, the story takes us back to the familiar world where the complicated relationship between Na-bi and Jae-eon was left behind earlier. But this time the narrative has matured more. The show explores that sometimes love is not just a feeling, it becomes a habit, which is difficult to leave whether it is toxic or incomplete.

Yo Na-bi is now stronger and more self-aware than before. Her character development is quite noticeable compared to the first season. She has learned to love herself along with love.  Jae-eon, whose commitment issues were clearly visible in the first season, has now gained some maturity in his character, but the conflict within him still does not leave his head. This time both characters return with a new perspective, but the feelings are the same old ones entangled between confusion, attractions and expectations.

Visuals and Direction: A Beautiful Canvas Where Every Frame Has an Emotion

The visual tone of “Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love” is quite aesthetic. Every scene has been shot beautifully. Color grading, soft lights, minimalist background everything creates a romantic yet melancholic feel. The camera work is slow and thoughtful which subtly captures the emotions between the characters.

Director Kim Ga-ram has treated every frame as if a canvas is being painted in which every color is a symbol of a different feeling. Soft rains, quiet walks, long silences all these elements become a part of the storytelling and have their own meaning. Dialogue delivery is also slow-paced, which gives time to absorb the emotions.

Character Growth – When Mistakes Are Learnt

The growth of both Na-bi and Jae-eon characters is clearly visible. Na-bi, who used to get emotional easily earlier, now reacts by understanding her emotions. Jae-eon, who used to be selfish and careless earlier, has now become introspective.  But the most real part of their growth is that they are not perfect, they still have flaws, but they have learned to understand them.

Drama also gives the message that sometimes we can understand someone’s value only by moving away from them. The distance between Nabi and Jae-eon makes them emotionally stronger. Both characters have learned from their mistakes, and those mistakes have made their love more mature.

Nevertheless: Emotional Layers

The biggest strength of the drama is its emotional honesty. Here, emotions are raw, decisions are flawed, and the characters seem real.  Na-bi’s struggle with her emotions, her questioning herself – whether she deserves love, is her decision right – all these things make her relatable.

Jae-eon’s dilemma is also real. His love seems genuine, but his past habits and fear of attachment hold him back. At times, the show touches on a point where we see how a person tries to change himself, but old habits come back. This struggle looks real on screen – neither overdramatic, nor filmy – just a realistic portrayal of modern relationships.

Love In the Modern Age – When Labels Become Important

The show touches upon another important aspect, the grey areas of modern relationships. Dating today is not limited to just one traditional marker. Sometimes people are emotionally disconnected even when they are in a relationship. Sometimes they’re “together but not official”, and sometimes it just becomes a comfort zone where people look for emotional support.

The relationship between them is a perfect example of this ambiguity. They are attracted to each other, are emotionally attached, but both fear commitment. This uncertainty is very relatable to the youth audience.  Drama does not say whether it is right or wrong; rather, it shows that love is not just a feeling, it is also a decision.

Why should you watch “Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love”?

If you want to watch a drama that explores love from an honest, mature and realistic perspective, then “Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love” is the perfect choice for you. This is not a fairytale romance. It is a reflection of those real feelings that every young adult feels at one time or another confusion, attraction, loneliness, and emotional dependency.

The show does not give you a forcibly happy ending, but it does give you a meaningful journey. You may not agree with the decisions of the characters, but it does seem important to understand their journey. The love between Na-Bi and Jae-eon is imperfect, but true. And maybe that is why this drama feels close to the heart….

FAQ

Where can I watch the Korean drama series Nevertheless?

‘Nevertheless’ is now streaming on Netflix.