‘Still Shining’ (2026) Netflix Series Review - Cuddly, Cozy, and Tender

I was not a very bright student. My mind always wandered off to high-octane imaginary scenarios or video games whenever I opened my science or mathematics textbooks. I would spend hours doodling or idly moving my hands or legs while keeping my eyes firmly fixed on dull pages.

I mention this because when I saw Mo Eun-a (Kim Min-ju) moving her legs distractedly and then using her feet to retrieve her sandal, I immediately felt seen. I was mentally rushed back to those warm, sunny days when I was forced to study instead of being allowed to play with my friends. In other words, I found Eun-a relatable.

But the relatability stops there because, unlike her, I didn't have a cute, smart person sitting next to me during my study sessions. Eun-a finds her first love in Yeon Tae-seo (Jin Young). I, on the other hand, sat alone at my study table.

What you must know about Tae-seo is that he's academically excellent. Want to see perfect scores? Just open his report card. He reminds you of that one classmate you had in school who always topped every exam, leading everyone to say things like, "You can achieve anything in life" and "No goal is beyond your grasp."

Eun-a, too, dispenses such compliments for Tae-seo, and he does adorable things like making sure she is warm before taking her to the Hangang River. What a cute couple!

Then again, Still Shining is overloaded with cuteness. The first two episodes mainly try to be cuddly, cozy, and tender. The kissing scene in Episode 2 is one of the sweetest things you will see this year. The only reaction one is capable of giving while watching the first two episodes is "Aww."

This "aww," however, can begin to feel monotonous. The sugary tone is so dominant that it swallows the sadness inherent in Tae-seo's grief and Eun-a's familial complications. The heaviness is neutered.

Still, I want to see how Eun-a's concept of love will be challenged. She criticizes a woman (Kim Ji-hyun) for two-timing her father, and the woman replies that both men were aware of each other, that she didn't deceive anyone. The character basically tries to make Eun-a understand that love is complicated.

I would like to see how Still Shining uses this point to shape Eun-a and Tae-seo's arc. And I would appreciate a lesser dose of sugar.

Final Score- [5/10]
Reviewed by - Vikas Yadav
Follow @vikasonorous on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times