Hmm, I don't even know how to start because I wanna be accurate and fairly objective but ahh, I just enjoyed this show haha. So, I guess that's the disclaimer that this may be very biased haha.

This show was NOT on my radar at all until I happened to stumble upon it while looking at Prime. It featured Shin Mina so I figured why not and I'm glad I made that choice. I think it is an underrated gem of a show.

It may start off a bit slow to some but the humor is witty and the chemistry between the cast is lovely. This was the first time I've ever seen fostering featured in a drama; usually it's just orphanages. I liked that it showed some of the complex family dynamics and how even being an "angel" with pure intentions can hurt others or even oneself. I absolutely LOVE the female relationships and dynamics. They have open and honest communication as well as act like women who would/could be in that stage of their lives. They aren't still in an awkward self discovery phrase or ashamed of what they want or need. It's just realistic supportive relationships. Characters also make mistakes or hurtful choices but it's not treated as grave sins, it's just stuff that can happen.

I liked the relationship between the main couple. I thought it was gonna be alot more bickering and enemies to more but it actually balanced that move well. Once they got to know each other, it's easy to understand why they would fall for each other. It's still funny to me that the male lead was like "the only feelings that could happen between us are dislike or disgust; I know too much about you to fall for you" only to be hit by the thunderbolt as soon as she showed she's actually quite a considerate person. I also like how they complement each other. They can both be petty and they can challenge each other but in the end, they got each other's back.

The second lead couple was even more enemies to lovers. I think they are proof of the benefit of casting the right actors for roles because they are just objectively likable. She's cute, he's dorky, and together they're adorkable. It's just the fact, objectively, that the guy isn't the best guy might give some folks pause. He acts impulsively and emotionally. He doesn't often apologize for his actions. He's a work in progress and yet he got everything he wanted.

While I didn't mind the 12 episode run, I did also feel like I wanted more. I wanted more comeuppence for those who manipulated people's lives, more information of Ji Uk's life after returning to Hae Young's side, more about Hae Young's business. I don't know if the wittiness and charm could have lasted 2-4 more episodes but I could see why folks would've liked that. I liked the full circle feel of the conclusion for Hae Young and Ji Uk.

I looked forward to this each week and I'm sad that it's over. I think it also has rewatch potential because who can pick up on some things you may not have noticed during the initial watch.

I would give No Gain No Love a 10/10 in the rom-com genre. The writing is sharp, the storyline is tight, the directing deft but subtle, and the editing well executed. The writer really makes you feel invested in the characters.

Shin Min-Ah did a fantastic acting job, but I was really impressed with Kim Young Dae. Given the 12 year real-life age gap and experience level, he really held his own around Shin Min-Ah. Their chemistry was amazing, and they delivered their bantering/bickering lines perfectly. One really felt invested in their enemies-to-lovers love story and their journey together.

I liked the second leads well enough. Some took issue with the 2ML after he went all 'game of thrones' towards his younger half-brother, but I'm not too fussed. I didn't find their love storyline as interesting, although there was good chemistry, and a cute enemies-to-lovers arc.

Generally, the side characters were also amazing. Shin Min-Ah's character has two foster sisters (one being the 2FL), and their discussions/debates on love, and how they support one another during the trials and ups/down of life were very touching.

Perhaps one of the best examples of the clever writing is that the show is FULL of the typical rom-com tropes, but handled in such a witty way that it is entertaining, fun, and refreshing rather than stale.

I only found out about it because of all the Love Next Door haters kept comparing it No Gain No Love, and although I think the haters were somewhat misguided in their critique of LND, they were spot on in their appraisal of NGNL.

The first episode is a lot of set up, but it hits its stride fairly quickly, and addictive by episode 3. I too wish there were more episodes, but I'd rather have that attitude than roll my eyes wondering when this drama would end.

Frankly, even though it has ended, I'm just re-watching it because it hits the emotional notes so well that I don't get tired of it (or Kim Young Dae).

A fantastic romcom with incredible repeat value!
I wish it was 14 episodes so we got a proper closure to many arcs that felt a little lacking towards the end.

When the show delivered the rom and the com it was absolute riot. I laughed and swooned all along. That doesn’t mean the show lacked depth. When it hit the emotional parts it really tugged your heart, be it the relationship between the sisters or the mom or Ji Ukie need to be wanted and useful, the show made us feel for every character.

Son Hae Young is easily one of my favorite female leads this year. And Shin Min Ah brought her to life. I only wish they had styled her better.
Kim Young Dae played a soft role here as someone longing for family and needing a sense of belonging. His performance might not be explosive but I felt he fit this character very well.
Their romance was beautiful to watch. From frenemies to family to lovers they moved along so beautifully. I was totally convinced that these two belonged with each other.

A special shout out to Han Ji-hyun for delivering a powerful performance as a traumatized young woman. I have always loved her and look forward to her future projects.

One of those rare dramas which had me rewatching the episodes as I waited for the next week. It was so much fun and I will dearly miss this show.

If I have to complain it would be the lack of OTP scenes in episode 12. I wanted more of them, more of their growth and more of Ji Ukie’s new hairdo.

If you are in a mood for a solid romcom with interesting characters go check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

Only kdramas will make you cry about love and family while trying to sell you, among many things, jellies, Subway, "banaespresso", and a BMW.

Writer Kim Hye-young really locked the story in - I can't think of a single moment that feels wasted. Even the murder subplot felt like a meaningful, necessary step in the story's exploration of what it takes to build a family. I'm really grateful that the writer showed how abusers are a danger to those around their victims, and how this isolates the victim further. Writer is clearly fond of men, given how kindly she writes all her serial cheaters + the awful Fork-gyu, but the story never loses sight of the sisters, who are it's beating heart. Brilliant work from all 3 actresses here.

This is probably the funniest show of the year, it's sooo unserious 😂 2024 has been a limp year for kdramas, but NGNL reminded me why I got into them via romcoms in the first place - for their breezy, self-indulgent stories that were always so sincere. This one has been fun!