“Rugal” (루갈)
As with Choi Jin-Hyuk’s previous police procedural, “Tunnel,” there are some convoluted plot issues that drag down “Rugal.” Choi is handsome and charismatic, but he can only do so much with so-so dialogue.
Tag: Substack
“Move to Heaven” (무브 투 헤븐: 나는 유품정리사입니다)
“Move to Heaven” is a beautiful and at times brutal series that tells so many touching stories. One of the most important aspects was in how the series showed respect for the dead, even when the supposed loved ones of the deceased don’t seem to care.
“Taxi Driver” (모범택시)
“Taxi Driver” is a thrilling series in the vein of “The Equalizer,” “Profiler” and “The Pretender.” Rainbow Taxi Service driver by day and justice seeker by (mostly) night, Do-Gi and his team are funded by a philanthropist whose parents were murdered decades ago. The goal is to rehabilitate them, but what it all boils down to is revenge.
“Tomorrow, With You” (내일 그대와)
“Tomorrow, With You” has so many wonderful elements — especially the adorable chemistry between the two leads. But the frustrating part was watching just about everyone in the series keep integral secrets from each other in an attempt to change — and protect — their future.
“Minari”: Deconstructing the American Dream
Lee Isaac Chung is an astute filmmaker, who pays close attention to the smallest details. With “Minari,” he has created a universally relatable film, while inserting elements that are specifically Korean.
“The Uncanny Counter” (경이로운 소문)
Well written and terrifically acted, “The Uncanny Counter” is suspenseful and heartwarming. And in a rarity for Korean dramas, there is no second lead syndrome romance to mess with the plot.
“Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol” (도도솔솔라라솔)
“Do Do Sol Sol La La Sol” had a promising start that was spoiled by an ending that came out of nowhere.
“Flower of Evil” (악의 꽃)
The chemistry between Lee Joon-Gi and Moon Chae-Won is strong in “Flower of Evil.” Viewers never doubt their love for each other. One of the most telling signs of their relationship is that even during times when she isn’t sure who he really is, she never stops referring to him as 자기야 / jagiya, which literally means that he is hers.
“Misaeng” (미생)
What “Misaeng” does so very well is that it depicts how difficult life can be when everything is stacked against you, and you begin to believe that you don’t deserve more than the scraps people are willing to throw at you.
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (사이코지만)
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” is an unconventional love story that also focuses beautifully on mental health. It depicts how the aftermath of abuse and abandonment affects the psyche, but reaffirms that no one is a lost cause — and that seeking help is self love.