The 4-episode K-drama, “Check Out the Event,” is Perfect for a Quick Binge Watch

By Jae-Ha Kim
KOCOWA
August 28, 2021

Every now and then, you don’t feel like investing a ton of time into starting a new K-drama. Yes, those 16-episode series are fine when you have hours to spare. But when your schedule is packed and you still want to watch something new, a K-drama like “Check Out the Event” hits the spot.

Just four episodes long (each running about 45 minutes), “Check Out the Event” is a show where you’ll enjoy all the angst you would get in a longer-form series, but in a tighter format. Though this series is just halfway through, the storyline so far has been taut. And it cuts to the chase without long, drawn-out side plots. When it comes to dealing with the second lead syndrome, the answer will be clear soon enough, rather than at the end of eight or 16 weeks.

In many ways, “Check Out the Event” reminds me of So Ji-Sub’s 2014 short series, “One Sunny Day,” which consisted of 10 episodes (each lasting just 14 minutes). Both K-dramas are set in Jeju Island, where the beautiful scenery is almost like a co-star.

Speaking of which, the two leads here are incredibly likeable. Bang Min-Ah portrays Song Yi, who can’t get over her boyfriend suddenly breaking up with her. Though he repeatedly tells her he’s not into her anymore, she refuses to believe it. There’s something to be said for confidence, but there’s also a point when a woman should believe the man’s words.

Without giving the plot away, viewers will also sympathesize with Do Kyum (played by Kwon Hwa-Woon), who broke up with her to protect her from a secret he is harboring.

Argh! I wish these characters would just confide in each other, but it is what it is.

Anyhow, here’s how KOCOWA describes this breezy K-drama:

Cheerful and lovable Song Yi, who is frank about her feelings, believed in her mother’s words that plants (unlike people) never betray you, and became a botanical garden curator. However, as her boyfriend Do Kyum (who was her everything) dumps her, she couldn’t live proudly anymore and becomes lethargic. Do Kyum is feisty and self-respecting and is a vocalist of an indie music band. As his crew gains reputation, he suddenly announces its disbandment and asks Song Yi for a breakup. As Song Yi continuously tries to win Do Kyum’s heart back, but keeps failing, she wins a ticket to Jeju Island and decides to take Do Kyum with her. Will this trip make any difference between the two?

Do you all know about Jeju? It’s to Korea what Hawaii is to the United States: a huge tourist destination, especially for honeymooners. So you already know what Song Yi is thinking, right? No, not marriage. (Not yet, anyhow!) But since it’s a couples’ trip, she convinces Do Kyum to pretend to still be dating her so they can enjoy a free vacation. But she’s also hoping that time away from the big city will give them a chance to iron things out and fall in love with each other again.

Of course, even though this is only four episodes long, there is room to introduce a second lead. A writer (played by An Woon-Yeon) is charmed by Song Yi and is curious about the true nature of her relationship with Do Kyum.

Will Do Kyum reveal why he broke up with Song Yi? Will Song Yi choose a man who likes her over an Ex who pretends that he doesn’t? Find out, on the next episode of “Check Out the Event.”