I loved this drama so much! Definitely one of my fav of the last years. Unforgettable characters, both main and secondary ones! I wish it had 16 episodes... they could have easily filled them with the murder mistery, ssireum arch and the love and friendship relationships! Gonna rewatch it soon! And Jang Dong-Yoon deserves a huge award for his acting btw!

A loving drama. Acting was remarkable, Specially Jang Dong-yoon. I believed him as Baek-du and loved him. I had my eyes on Lee Joo-myung since 25,21 and she was great here. I could watch them bickering and talking all day.
Murder mystery was a little underdeveloped which I didn't care much cause I was happy it didn't take much screen time.
The thing that made it a little different than other kdramas was the reality. It even showed in actors bodies. A wrestler's body looked like how it should.
Overall I can say I had precious moments watching this great drama.

Often we talk about writer or director being at odds in regards to the vision of the drama,but this drama told a well organized and structured story. The plot had a low key note to it that it was almost like we were witnessing real life characters in a small community. Of course, rich characterisation would mean nothing if the actors' aren't able to bring out the charm of the characters and this drama had a pool of talent who could convey so much with little to no dialogue. Special shout out to Jang Dong Yoon for portraying a memorable ML. Also, this drama gets additional points for making the audience interested and invested in a drama about an unknown sport like ssireum.

My ratings: Feel good story. Highly recommended and if you are a fan of Jang Dong Yoon, this is a must watch. 9/10.

This drama is like comfort food. The ingredients are simple, but with excellent quality. The chef is experienced and knows what works. The one unusual ingredient (ssireum) blends nicely with the rest. Most importantly, everything is prepared with love and care. A future classic and favorite rewatch!

Truly a gem of a show. Jang Dong Yoon gives a completely embodied performance of Kim Baek Du, a character who goes through life completely in his body and heart forward with no artifice or facade of how he thinks one should be. Baek Du is like a Peter Gabriel lyric: "I come to you defenses down with a trust of child." That simple, yet difficult way of being, is something we often long for, and when you encounter it, it hits you right in the heart.

Similarly, the drama drops you in a small seaside community with ssireum at the center and shows you these people without gloss, sheen or fancy filter, and it is glorious. Go for a visit, stay awhile and enjoy your time there.

A gentle drama with lots of heart, "Like Flowers in Sand" is an unforgettable hidden gem. With interesting villagers, childhood-to-adult friendships, a long-lasting crush turning romantic, a murder mystery, and a peek into the sport of wrestling; the many threads of this drama are woven in a slow, enjoyable pace that is so satisfying. The leads are authentically presented, led by the ever-talented Jang Dong Yoon as Baek-Du. Sports provide a medium for the "thrill of victory and the sting of defeat," yet, it is the relationships that are the heart of the drama. This uplifting drama is gratifying--highly recommended.

Everyone is loving this and that's so encouraging. I'm starting episode 2. It seems like a very artsy production- cuts from one story to next. I'm assuming that's because it's the first episode. The reason I binge is to make sure I will live through the final. Meaning happy ending, happy couple. Seeing from comments that this couple had a more complicated ending. Beanies- is it still a great watch for me???I have seen so much love for this show. Thanks

It’s not a perfect drama, but I will give it a 10. I doubt I’ll love a drama more than I loved this one in 2024.

A sweet story about learning to grow up without forgetting the child you have inside, learning that childhood friendships can last forever and that being a good person and kind is the best way to anyone’s heart.

Baek Du will rise to be one of the best ML in dramaland for me. And he was human and highly believable because of how good Jang Dong Yoon is.

This drama is about feelings. Yes, there is a crime around but for once, it’s ok it’s there.

Other Beanies have so eloquently reviewed this drama! All I can say is Jang Dong Yoon = Kim Baek Du.

The murder mystery moved very slowly but I just enjoyed all the relationships in the drama. Everything felt authentic.

A beautiful masterpiece and my current #1 favorite drama. Everyone so completely disappeared into their roles, including the supporting roles of residents, that it felt like watching life unfold as real people went about their lives in a real town where ssireum is the lifeblood. The cast is fantastic, as is the group of friends who connect (and reconnect) as adults. The sea itself is also an ever-present character, with waves creating a wash of background sound in many scenes, echoed by the rustling of leaves further inland. The cinematography is gorgeous, creating a sense of expansiveness and space - you can sense how the coastline, scenery, and town stretches out past the frame, and that life is happening even where the camera doesn't have time to show us. The child actors were so good, and so in sync with their adult counterparts, that they look and FEEL like the younger versions of our grownup leads, giving us insight into their adult choices through their young eyes. Jang Dong-yeon's performance was magnificent. He became his character, right down to his walk, mannerisms, and gaze. Baek-du is not completely naive, but his complete sincerity and genuineness made him seem that way to others. His lack of guile sometimes gives him clear insight to see through people, but can also keep him from recognizing guile in others. Watching his character, sportsmanship, and skill shine through his ssireum matches was a joy, as was seeing him realize that it is not selfish for him to use his skill to seize wins from his opponents. In a drama full of moments I loved, one of my favorite things was that from the very moment Baek-du saw and recognized Du-sik, even as she protested her identity, she unconsciously dropped her Seoul accent and slipped back into satoori to argue with Baek-du. His ability to see through her facade brought back the Du-sik he had known. In many ways, this was a drama about (late) blooming and renewal: renewing your strength to follow your dreams, renewing the bonds of friendship (and tentatively beginning a new romance), and renewing trust by getting to the root of an old tragedy. And what a lovely, lovely ending - one of the most triumphantly perfect final episodes I've ever seen. I cried happy tears. I LOVE THIS DRAMA!!! Highly recommend!!!