“Like Flowers in Sand” (모래에도 꽃이 핀다)
A mystery thriller as much as it is a wrestling saga, Like Flowers in Sand is set in a small town where everyone is obsessed with ssireum, traditional Korean wrestling.
Tag: 2024
K.Will’s “No Sad Song For My Broken Heart” explores a one-sided gay relationship
It is easier for a cisgender man than a gay man to survive in a cutthroat society where the latter is unwelcome. This is true in just about any society, but especially so in South Korea where LGBTQ rights are still sorely lacking.
“Lovely Runner” (선재 업고 튀어)
Like “Under the Queen’s Umbrella,” “Lovely Runner” uses the 우산 to represent how our protagonists fight to protect themselves from countless obstacles — including a messy serial killer subplot that I found redundant and not particularly compelling.
“Queen of Tears” (눈물의 여왕)
It’s easy to create a happily ever after finale that makes viewers satisfied at that moment. But after they move onto the next K-drama, it’s forgotten. “Queen of Tears” has a bittersweet ending that will remain with viewers long after the credits have rolled. Honestly? I can still feel the poignancy of those final few moments, which encapsulated how beautiful even a complicated relationship can be — and also how lonely one can feel when it’s all over.
“Marry My Husband” (내 남편과 결혼해줘)
Though Ji-won’s physical transformation is showcased with each new outfit change and makeup application, it’s really her inner self that was liberated from the shackles of the pathetic life she thought was the best she could ever have.
“Welcome to Samdal-ri” (웰컴투 삼달리)
By Jae-Ha Kim Substack January 30, 2024 ☆☆☆☆ Jo Yong-pil (played by Ji Chang-wook) Cho Sam-dal (played by Shin Hye-sun) ↑Note: Korean names denote the surname followed by the given name. tags: include star rating ADD […]
IU’s Evocative “Love Wins All” Music Video (featuring V) is Thought-Provoking
It’s not easy for two well-known celebrities to immerse themselves in their roles so well that we don’t see them, but rather their characters. But watching IU’s music video for “Love Wins All,” I didn’t see pop stars IU and V, but rather a pair of anguished characters who were trying desperately to survive in this post-apocalyptic inferno.
“Gyeongseong Creature” (경성크리처)
The gore in this K-drama is intense and unrelenting — so much so that it ironically begins to lose impact. But amidst all the violence are well-developed stories of families, love and patriotism — and that’s what prevents this series from being just another horror show.
“BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star”
“BTS Monuments: Beyond the Star” isn’t always easy to watch. Very real issues are discussed, including severe depression that hints at suicidal ideation. But what comes through is that it’s the group’s hope, friendship, humor and love that binds them together.