A quiet subway driver is reunited with his first love after a 10 year separation.  They are both happy to have the chance to renew their young love and heal some of the scars caused by their difficult break-up. But as they spend time together, they find that many of the things that once drove them apart haven't really changed that much after all. Now they will have to make some important choices about what is really important to them and whether they can find a happy ending together this time around.

'Still Shining' is a romantic drama about healing and second chances. It is slow-paced and introspective. Even the dialogue is sparse and full of silent pauses that speak volumes. Park Jin Young is wonderful as the introverted subway conductor. The tone is realistic and honest, and manages to avoid too many romantic cliches. The characters are complex and they do a nice job of portraying the giddiness of first love and the burden of family scars and responsibilities.

But this drama is not for everyone. The pacing can feel frustratingly boring if you like a more lively drama. The characters and their misunderstandings can also be extremely maddening. For a drama about healing and growth, it can seem like these characters just keep making the same mistakes. But the cinematography is beautiful and the themes of love and healing are thought-provoking.  I give 'Still Shining' a 2 out of 5 ramen.

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