Nevertheless,

Nevertheless, (알고있지만,) is a hyper-realistic contemporary romantic drama set against the bohemian, tactile backdrop of a university sculpture department. The narrative follows Yoo Na-bi, a talented young artist who has grown skeptical of romance following a manipulative, stifling relationship with her first love and former art tutor. Determined to focus entirely on her artistic development and remain emotionally guarded, her resolve is shattered when she meets Park Jae-eon, a captivating peer who thrives on non-committal flirtation and emotional ambiguity.

As their lives intertwine, the series explores the precarious boundary between physical intimacy and emotional vulnerability. Rather than relying on traditional romance tropes of idealized chivalry, the drama dives into modern "situationships," casual physical arrangements, and the unspoken power dynamics of youth romance. Alongside Na-bi and Jae-eon’s push-and-pull affair, the series follows an ensemble of art students navigating their own complex intimacies, career uncertainties, and evolving sexualities.

Throughout its run, the story builds towards the culmination of their undergraduate exhibition projects. Na-bi is forced to confront whether genuine emotional metamorphosis is possible for someone who resists attachment, or whether self-preservation demands walking away from the consuming flame of attraction.

The core thesis of Nevertheless, is encapsulated in its Korean title ("I Know, But..."): the human condition often impels individuals to pursue desire and emotional vulnerability despite full cognitive awareness of the inherent risks, potential pain, and destructive red flags. The series deconstructs romantic idealism, arguing that growth in youth does not come from sterilized, risk-averse choices, but from willingly engaging with messy, passionate, and imperfect experiences. It suggests that love is not necessarily about guaranteed safety or happily-ever-afters, but an active, conscious choice to remain open to intimacy even when heartbreak is a probable outcome.

The Romantic Growth Reading (The Optimistic View): Argues that Jae-eon underwent genuine emotional maturation, learning to abandon his manipulative games after experiencing the terror of losing Na-bi. Their reunion represents mutual transformation, where two flawed individuals choose mature commitment over defensive posturing.

Premiering in 2021, Nevertheless, challenged the long-standing "Cinderella trope" and pristine rom-com formula, introducing nuanced explorations of situationships, non-exclusive casual sex, and toxic relational patterns common among Generation Z.

The Sol-Jiwan storyline was widely celebrated both in Korea and internationally for its organic, sensitive portrayal of lesbian romance in mainstream television, spawning substantial fan communities and critical acclaim. While its late-night single-broadcast schedule yielded modest domestic Nielsen ratings (averaging 1–2%), it became a massive international hit on Netflix across Asia, the Americas, and Europe, ranking consistently in top 10 lists.

The drama's enduring international footprint led to an official Japanese adaptation, Nevertheless: The Shapes of Love, produced for Netflix in 2024.

Audiences and critics praised the exceptional electric chemistry between Han So-hee and Song Kang, the cinematic indie-film aesthetic, atmospheric lighting, and an evocative indie-pop soundtrack featuring artists like Sam Kim, RIO, and Night Off. The refreshingly realistic and respectful depiction of the Yoon Sol and Seo Ji-wan queer romance also received widespread acclaim.

Conversely, criticism centered on frustration with the repetitive push-and-pull pacing during the middle episodes and a polarizing debate regarding the divergence from the webtoon ending. Purists argued the drama softened Jae-eon’s toxicity, while defenders felt the adaptation gave the characters more three-dimensional humanity.

Overall, it is regarded as a landmark aesthetic drama that redefined mature youth romance on South Korean television, shifting industry conventions toward more honest, flawed character studies.