Peninsula (반도), the 2020 sequel to worldwide hit Train to Busan, is an adrenaline rush of an action film. But fans of the predecessor may want to set aside any expectations about this film. Peninsula is a very different movie, yet enjoyable enough in its own right.
The 2020 tvN series Tale of the Nine Tailed (구미호뎐/Tale of The Nine-Tailed Fox) is an overall enjoyable series with a charming cast. But it falls short of being the fantastical epic romance it seemed set out to be.
The two-hour long, four-episode MBC drama special You Drive Me Crazy (미치겠다, 너땜에!/I’m Crazy, For You!) shows you can tell an engaging romantic story in a short amount of time as long as you have good actors and focused writing.
The 2020 MBC drama series When I Was the Most Beautiful (내가 가장 예뻤을때) is a quintessential romantic melodrama that is powered by an excellent cast, a tightly-written intricate story and an emotional depth rarely seen on television dramas. It has unexpectedly become one of my favorite dramas of the year. And Lim Soo Hyang, Ji Soo and Ha Seok Jin deliver exceptional, must-watch/must-experience performances.
The 2020 OCN drama Search (써치) is a thrilling mystery that packs a lot into its ten episodes. The fast-paced story and great cast leaves you both satisfied and wanting much more.
The 2020 JTBC drama 18 Again (18 어게인) is an all-around fun and heartwarming series depicting relatable life lessons about family, friends, school and career. Though it loses a bit of steam towards the end, it is a wholly satisfying series that is powered by sincere performances and a positive overarching message.
OCN, long the home of genre-bending and bold storytelling, premiered crime thriller Voice (보이스 ) in 2017. But my review is for the second and third seasons of the series. (I”ll have to go back and watch that original season in the future.)
OCN’s 2019 series Strangers from Hell (타인은 지옥이다 / Hell is Other People) is a psychological thriller to end all psychological thrillers. Ten fast-paced episodes explore the often-tumultuous depths of people’s minds and often-frightening depths of today’s society. It serves as a reminder about not ignoring those reaching out for help and how there may always be something lurking beneath an innocuous surface.
The 2018-2019 drama series My Strange Hero (복수가 돌아왔다) appears to try and bring a new take to a familiar theme and setting. But being unable to commit to ideas it offers up results in a talented cast being given material that lacks cohesion and weight to really leave a lasting impression.
The 2018 film On Your Wedding Day (너의 결혼식) is a heartfelt, realistic coming of age story about the people and moments that help to shape your life.