Kang Song’s Jae-eon and Han So-hee’s Na-bi take center stage in Netflix’s Nevertheless, which explores the lead couple’s raging desire to be together despite their inhibitions towards romantic relationships. They’re not the only pair in this messy Tango. But if I had to put my money down on which Nevertheless couple would end up together, it would be on Bit-na and Kyu-hyun.
We can all agree that we live for our Nevertheless’ supporting cast, or at least I do, who bring in the much-needed dimension and banchan (google this!) to our main meal.
As a couple which had a comfort-level chemistry that I could only dream of, I had one burning question on my mind – will Bit-na and Kyu-hyun finally end up together?
The Bit-Hyun couple seem to be destined for a slow-burn romance, but it will be romance nevertheless, and I have a feeling they will be a solid pair at the end of it.
But before I get into the ‘whys’ behind my conviction, it’s time to dive a little deeper:
In a standardized format of K-dramas where fans have to patiently wait for at least six episodes before the lead pair have their first kiss, Kang Song is the king of temptation springing you into action (some which is romantically conflicting) in the very first episode. In fact, you’ll see something similar in his other Netflix character, Hwang Sun-ho of the Love Alarm Series.
Now, while Netflix is not solely to be thanked for the deviation in K-drama’s conservative romance, it surely has helped writers (in Nevertheless’ case, writer Jung Won) to either have bolder narratives, or be more faithful to the original work they’re based on.
It’s no surprise to see that Jae-eon and Na-bi’s own exploration of intimacy is reflected in the supporting cast, notably the fan-favorite duo Oh Bit-na and Nam Kyu-hyun.
1. A little introduction to Bit-na and Kyu-hyun
Yes, a little context would help: Bit-na and Kyu-hyun are both fellow sculpture students at Hongseo University. They’re Na-bi’s chummy buddies and study at the same level as her.
If Bit-na’s get-up doesn’t already give it away, she’s modern punk personalized and is often the “mood maker” of the group. She goes off with the chill demeanor of being friends with all and ready to help – seen in the first episode itself, when she sets up Jae-eon with a group drinking date so that he could meet Na-bi “formally.”
The pseudo-tsundere Kyu-hyun that we know and love, comes across as quiet and straight-forward, with a dash of naivety sprinkled on the top. Even his silence takes up a calming presence within the group.
1.1 Bit-na and Kyu-hyun’s role in Nevertheless’ central theme
It’s interesting to take into play that Nevertheless’ Korean title is “I know, but” (or alternatively, “Although I know”) which leaves us with the impression that each character is trying to deal with a previous hurdle that has shaped them into the person they are.
Insights into Kyu-hyun are admittedly few, but in Episode 3, he does voice out how he thinks it’s meaningless to have casual relationships. Bit-na, whose hobby is to swipe left, right and all over on dating apps is not here to be put in a box. For two people with contrasting opinions, they gel together well. In fact, there are only a few scenes where you won’t see them hanging out with each other.
It will be fascinating to see both Bit-na and Kyu-hyun explore what the “I know, but” means to them, and – whether or not they’re ready to get past those previously determined requisites.
2. Will Bit-na and Kyu-kyun be end-game?
It’s all fun until you kiss and tell, and Bit-na is finding it out the harsh way. Her once platonic relationship with Kyu-kyun has been thrown into jeopardy when they both take matters into the bedroom.
In Episode 4, Bit-na wakes up to what she calls a “drunk mistake.” The same sentiment is not shared by Kyu-hyun who suggests taking their relationship forward. Bit-na flat-out refuses and Kyu-hyun, who seems disappointed, nevertheless, accepts her decision.
Despite all her ambitious right-swipes, it seems that Kyu-hyun has indeed made a place in Bit-na’s heart. It doesn’t take long before Bit-na starts getting jealous of the other women Kyu-hyun makes a hapless attempt of seeing.
If I had to predict, there will be a lot more of the cat-and-mouse chase between the two before the lovestruck fools confess their true feelings to each other.
Bit-na and Kyu-jyun have always seemed to go together like peanut butter and jelly, so I don’t doubt that they will eventually figure out this new stage in their relationship. And as they do, it will ensure us of more comedic interactions from the Bit-Hyun couple (Oh, can we have this ship name take off?) and perhaps, some happily after. Fingers crossed!
Fair warning: Many characters including Bit-na’s story arc are different from their webtoon counterparts. We wouldn’t count on it for any solid clues for the supporting cast in the drama.
3. About Nevertheless
Nevertheless is an ongoing South Korean television series starring Han So-hee and Song Kang. Based on a popular webtoon of the same name which was first published on Naver Webtoon, it tells the story of two people who are very attracted to each other but are cynical about love owing to their past relationships.\
It premiered on June 19, 2021, on JTBC and airs on Saturdays at 23:00 (KST). Each episode is released on Netflix in South Korea and internationally after its television broadcast.
It depicts a hyper realistic romance between a man who is annoyed with relationships but likes to flirt and a woman who wants to date but does not believe in love.
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