
Super impressed. I thought this was a good story until the end when it became a really great story, the side stories again elevated it to an amazing one. Strange because I hate side stories (some authors tack on way too much).
The ending reveal was done perfectly and usually hate when all the imp info is dumped in the end, it tanks the story but here it made actual sense. Haejin deciding to go through with the hibernation for the world/Yoon, perfection.
I thought Yoon and Haejin seemed really believably mature after the time jump. Their worries and fears felt natural as well.
The side couple was so good and again, I despise side couples because they derail the flow of the story so much but here, it was excellently executed. Never over stayed their welcome, felt believable and Dongyoon actually atoning and them getting together many years later is just chef’s kiss.
I wish the author had the gumption to pair up Yoon and Dimitri. I thought it would’ve fit really well but that’s taboo in BL so I understand too.

Love this to my very fucking core. I love how interesting the power dynamics are. The boxer holds all the power while seemingly having a really messed up life. The politician? Phew. He’s a mess, serving under a horrible corrupt boss and his career hinging on getting the building. But outwardly, he’s the one who should hold all the power. And him being the bottom??? Obsessed. Feral.

Really love this, when it’s good it’s so fucking painfully good. It handles so many themes extremely well, generational trauma against the backdrop of a strict conformist 60s Korea in particular was done so well. Each character had motivations and reasons for being the way they are due to their family and that tying back into family structures, patriarchy etc. That was the most impressive part of the story.
The story of Seungtae’s sisters and his brother, his mother. Shot a spear through my very heart. I could really go on but I’ll just say, it is startlingly clear portrayal of an Asian household.
My biggest critics are with everything surrounding Jinho, who I truly loved. He inspired something in me, I understand why so many were in love with him too. The villians of the story being so obsessed with bordered on the melodramatic. Especially the brother. I don’t love that he ends up with Inhwe.
Oh but Jinho, his transient nature, his zest for the today, his sheer magnetism. I always knew he would leave and the author is absolutely right that in the og timeline, if Sungtae left with him, they probably would not last but I can’t help but wish for a world where they could’ve been happy.
So fucking glad I did not read this and marinated it for ages. Or I would be in abject pain. My sympathies.