DryedMangoez Good Ol’ Reviews written after a television series has completed its premiere run.
There aren’t very many college-set youth dramas on Korean television. So it is refreshing to have a series like SBS’ Cheer Up (치얼업). A big bonus if it is a good series. Which it is! Cheer Up is a lighthearted drama about the members of a struggling university cheering squad. And though the series does have a few exciting scenes of cheer performances, its strongest moments are when it focuses on the relationships and bonds formed between the characters.
tvN’s Alchemy of Souls (환혼) is an irresistible package of fantasy, action, romance, humor and soapy drama. The prolific Hong sisters have crafted a story that allows you to be immersed in this rich, vibrant and fully-realized magical world. And Lee Jae Wook and Jung So Min’s magnetic chemistry helps lead a strong ensemble cast to bring that world to vivid life.
Revenge of Others (3인칭 복수 /Third Person Revenge) might be the strongest Disney Plus original Korean drama so far. The high school revenge/mystery thriller is a captivating ride, powered by some excellent performances from its talented young cast. Though its ending is a bit rushed, there is plenty to feel satisfied about across the series’ 12 episodes.
It’s easy to see why Semantic Error (시맨틱 에러) quickly captured the attention so many fans when it first aired earlier this year. The series, based on a BL novel by Jeosoori, is a charming and breezy romantic series. Stars Park Seo Ham and Park Jae Chan deliver endearing performances that effortlessly draw you into their familiar, though engaging love story.
Namgoong Min shows off his great versatility in the fun One Dollar Lawyer (천원짜리 변호사/One Thousand Won Lawyer). The 12-episode SBS series is a hilarious take on the crime and justice drama. And while there’s definitely a lot of unrealized potential in the premise, the series is an overall satisfying and enjoyable time.
The latest Disney+ original Korean drama Connect (커넥트) has a lot going for it. Jung Hae In is an endearing lead while Go Kyung Pyo delivers a chilling performance in what is supposed to be a unique sci-fi thriller. Though overall, the series is a quick six episode, 4+ hour watch, it lacks the kinetic energy of a feature film and the slower, more introspective depth of a longer series.
Seasons of Blossom (청춘 블라썸/Youth Blossom) is a thought-provoking and poignant series about life and all its joys and hardships. Seo Ji Hoon and So Ju Yeon’s captivating performances power this series that discusses difficult, but important topics that don’t normally get tackled on Korean television (whether traditional or streaming).
For me, Kamen Rider Revice was a tale of two sides. On one side, the main Sunday morning series which completely collapsed halfway through. On the other, the wonderful miniseries/web series that were exclusive to TTFC or Blu-ray releases. Much to my surprise, Kamen Rider Revice: Battle Familia was somewhere in between.
tvN’s Blind (블라인드) is one of the most legitimately exciting suspense thrillers I’ve watched. There have definitely been plenty of mystery suspense thrillers on Korean television. But Blind is one of the very few that is able to start running from the very beginning and never let up until the very last moments of the final episode. Blending together a fascinating character study, an intricate puzzle of clues and a well-paced narrative, Blind is an action and emotionally-packed roller coaster ride.
Weak Hero Class 1 (약한영웅) is a thrilling, yet sobering portrait of young students and the different struggles, difficulties and momentary joys they experience while growing up in a society that, too often, neglects and pushes them aside. It is strongest though as a character piece, telling the story of friendship and bonds that must survive under the weight of all that is happening around them.