Like Flowers in Sand

Critical reception for Like Flowers in Sand is largely positive, with critics praising its warm tone, strong character development, and unique focus on traditional Korean wrestling (ssireum). Outlets like Rolling Stone praised the series as a rare show where all elements—from its visceral sports sequences to its thriller subplots—work in harmony, backed by an exquisite script and atmospheric cinematography.

While some reviewers noted that the opening episodes start at a slow pace, commentators generally appreciated the show's lived-in detail, humor, and down-to-earth heart. The central dynamic and lead performances received notable praise for giving the sports drama emotional weight beyond its eye-catching premise.

On the other hand, the reception was not without dissent. A minority of critics, including OTTPlay, argued that the series attempted to blend too many genres at once—sports, romance, and crime mystery—leaving the narrative feeling unfocused and forgettable. Overall, however, most critics viewed the drama as a delightful and rewarding watch.