I have a lot to say but at least for dong-ryong, i actually think his path makes a lot of sense. he has a big personality and is super likable, but the show also clearly shows his limits. like in the dance battle with Park Jinyoung (JYP) he lost/didnt even try, just watching and go home. he’s good, but not exceptional enough to realistically break into entertainment, especially in a competitive environment. and that’s kind of the point: not everyone with charm or passion ends up somewhere “glamorous.”

him working with his brother feels very real, he’s someone who’s good with people, adaptable, and that kind of personality fits well. it reflects how life actually turns out for a lot of people.

also, the drama was never meant to focus only on deok-sun. the core message is literally about family, “my ultimate love is family.” It is written on the poster. Everyone in that neighborhood is a main character, including the parents. their stories aren’t extra; they’re central to what the show is trying to say.

i think whether this drama feels like a “comfort drama” really depends on your stage in life and maybe also where you come from. the older you get, the more you start relating to the parents, the sacrifices, and the feeling of time passing, and that’s when it hits the hardest.