A Netflix series starring Woo Do Hwan, Lee You Mi, and Oh Jung Se, Mr. Plankton, is unexpectedly good. Since it was first announced, I really wanted to add it to my watchlist because Woo Do Hwan is one of my favorite actors, as is Oh Jung Se. So I believed the story would be good.
What surprised me, though, is that this drama is a mixed genre. It combines drama, slice of life, and mostly romance with an extra touch of dark comedy. Usually, this kind of drama is risky, but I really liked it. I love how the writer takes us on an unpredictable journey that ends up being melodramatic.
The story begins with Hae Jo (Woo Do Hwan), who wants to find his real father after being diagnosed with a terminal illness. He has only about three months to live—if I remember correctly (I finished this drama last month, so I might have forgotten some details). At the hospital where he learns about his condition, he discovers that his ex-girlfriend, Jo Jae Mi (Lee You Mi), who he is still in love with, has early menopause, meaning she can’t have children. However, she dreams of starting a family.
Both Hae Jo and Jae Mi grew up with pain and without family love, which affects what they do and want now. Hae Jo grew up without direction, like a plankton drifting in the ocean. He was happy until the age of 8, but then he was separated from his real father. However, Hae Jo has a natural charm that draws people to him.
Jae Mi is about to marry her boyfriend, Eo Heung (Oh Jung Se), the heir to the Eo family. As a successor, Eo Heung is expected to have a son after marriage. But Jae Mi keeps her condition a secret and still plans to marry him because she longs to be part of his big family.
On the wedding day, Jae Mi disappears with Hae Jo. He takes her along on his journey to find his real father. The wedding is canceled, and Eo Heung is locked at home by his mother. But Eo Heung refuses to sit idly by—he runs away from home to find his missing bride. Along the way, a lot happens between Hae Jo and Jae Mi on their journey, and Eo Heung gets caught up in it as well.
I loved the journey. I binge-watched the entire series and thoroughly enjoyed it. The ending between Jae Mi and Hae Jo is so satisfying, and their romance is heartwarming. Eo Heung’s story, which connects to Hae Jo and Jae Mi, is also very well done. I think Eo Heung grew up under strict family rules, which made him question his identity and what he truly wants in life.
There’s a lot to learn from this drama. The comedy is not overdone, and I loved it. It’s the perfect definition of “laughing through the pain”—being grateful and happy for what you have despite life’s struggles.
Watch on Netflix
Pictures: hancinema / netflix