[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Nevertheless" Episode 4

At the end of the previous episode, Na-bi and Jae-eon had sex. It was a romantic moment, if not for the inconvenient fact that by seeming mutual agreement Na-bi and Jae-eon aren't making their relationship public. The fourth episode explores the ramifications of this over the long term. Na-bi is genuinely happy in her friends with benefit style arrangement. But elsewhere, her social life seems to be nonexistent. The second male lead Do-hyeok is introduced as an old childhood friend who Na-bi sees while visiting her mother.

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The maternal visit itself is brief but rather illuminating. We find out both that Na-bi does not appear to have had a father figure growing up, and also that her mother enjoys sex. Now, there's nothing wrong with that. The issue here is that Na-bi feels neglected, and is easily flattered by positive attention. This explains a lot about why she's so amenable to Jae-eon's often cryptic displays of affection. Jae-eon is so warm and attentive that Na-bi's just happy to be noticed.

However, Jae-eon isn't always like that. An overheard conversation confirms what was implied with body language in the last episode. Other men on campus do not like Jae-eon. They tolerate him, mainly because he's pretty, but find his attitude overly superior and condescending. Jae-eon's peculiar brand of passive aggressive niceness does not endear him to fellow men, nor does his reputation as a womanizer do him any favors socially.

I rather liked this emphasis, as it's rare to see this noted in fiction. While everyone's heard of slut-shaming, man-whoring is not as well known, though it is indeed very real. Guys don't instantly respect anyone who's good at getting laid. We're perfectly capable of seeing such people as pigs. As usual, though, Jae-eon's charms allow Na-bi to go "Nevertheless" at his typically glaring flaws. The fact that the only person willing to confront Na-bi on the topic has no emotional credibility works in Jae-eon's favor even as Na-bi reluctantly recognizes the truth in the argument.

Two subplots are also given more prominent screentime. One features a hookup that turns to a friends without benefits arrangement, while the other hints at a secret relationship with a far more defendable reason than anything Na-bi and Jae-eon have been using. Both deal in the subject of the problems inherent in a secret relationship where the secrecy implies shame. Ultimately the social standards provoking that shame only work as an excuse for so long.

Review by William Schwartz

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"Nevertheless" is directed by Jang Ji-yeon, Kim Ga-ram, written by Jung Won, and features Han So-hee, Song Kang, Chae Jong-hyeop, Lee Yul-eum, Yang Hye-ji, Kim Min-gwi. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/06/19~Now airing, Sat 23:00 on jTBC.