Hooked on… Korean TV
In the never ending search for entertaining evening tv viewing, I have discovered South Korean television drama series.
Park Eun-Bin as Attorney Woo
The first K-drama blips on my what to watch radar came from a show called Extraordinary Attorney Woo, originally broadcast in 2022. The series is about an autistic lawyer who excels in her profession but is a bit awkward and strange in social situations. I thought it was charming.
Never mind that the plots of each segment are somewhat out there in terms of credibility and that they all have happy endings. The characters are so sweet and good natured and yes, believable. The acting is really good, the actors are so very attractive. And women are portrayed in roles of power, always a plus in my estimation.
I watched the entire season, 16 episodes in total, and loved it.
Three years earlier, in 2019, the series Crash Landing on You aired in South Korea and was a huge hit. My American sister, aware that I was a K-drama fan, gave me the heads up that this show was available on Netflix now.
Make it stand out
These two have serious chemistry in Crash Landing
The plot involves a wealthy businesswoman who inadvertently paraglides into North Korea during a sudden windstorm.
The actor, Son Ye-jin, who plays the heroine, Yoon Se-ri, is utterly delightful. Her character could have been seen as selfish and superficial but these pitfalls are avoided and instead we see her strength and empathy.
Equally engaging (and super handsome) is Hyun Bin as the North Korean soldier with whom Se-ri falls in love. In the latter episodes he definitely shows his emotional side, but he also seems to be some kind of martial arts expert, slaying the bad guys with ease.
Besides these two leads there are a host of minor characters and sub-plots, some of which are amusing while others are just distracting. I did enjoy seeing the North Korean villagers and lower-ranked military men portrayed in a gentle, affectionate manner.
Crash Landing is also 16 episodes, each one over an hour long, so hours of viewing enjoyment await those who have not yet tried Korean tv. Be prepared to get hooked!
