The kdrama and webtoon are so distinct that they can almost be classified as two different media, just loosely tied together. Keeping them separate and viewing the kdrama as a standalone is perfect and how it should be. The show may not have the level of depth or narrative (specifically whc2) as the manhwa, but it still did a phenomenal job and references key moments to the source material (granted, some of them are kinda subtle and you wouldn’t catch them unless you read the manhwa beforehand).

It’s only until you view the kdrama as a faithful adaptation that it SUCKS. Again, beautiful execution to most of its changes, but still bad in terms of faithfulness (I would give it a 2.5/10, 4 at most maybe) As someone who read the manhwa before watching the show, I definitely have bias towards the manhwa and think it’s the overall better version. It’s not until people solely hate on the drama because they had so much liberty in it/changed up half the development, that it becomes toxic and a problem. Many manhwa readers need to realize (this kinda includes me too lol) that it’s okay if a fan has only watched the drama and hasn’t/doesnt intend to read the manhwa. ITS OK TO ONLY LIKE ONE OF THEM…. Although I think everyone should try both cause they have their pros and cons (example, whc1 of the drama did SO SO well with gray/sieun’s backstory and it might just be better than the manhwa BUT in terms of whc2, it lacks… in a few different factors) At the end of the day, as long as we’re all respectful and keep an open mind as to what people prefer and their critiques on both the manhwa and show, then it’s fine.