A new funeral director has magical hands that will bring her clients back to life long enough to ask one final favor before they leave their loved ones.  If she can grant 21 wishes, she will fulfill her task and her hands will lose their magical ability.  When a young man who runs an errand company with his uncle accidentally finds out about her secret ability, she enlists his help in granting wishes.  Along the way, they will each find healing for their own personal loss and purpose for their futures.  

Lee Jun Young as Kim Tae Hee

Kim Tae Hee was a successful doctor before his little brother, Jun Ho, was killed in a tragic traffic accident.  After that, he decides to help his uncle run his errand business.  The stress-free environment of doing small daily jobs gives him time to heal and process his loss.  But when he meets Dong Joo and learns about what she is doing for people, he jumps in to help her.  And slowly he begins to remember how healing it can be to help others heal.  And as his feelings for Dong Joo grow, he begins to allow himself to be happy again and starts to dream of a future.

Kim Tae Hee begins this drama as someone who has lost the ability to feel anything at all.  His days go on with no emotion or desire.  But meeting Dong Joo changes all that.  Now he has to let go of his guilt and allow himself to live a full life, as his brother would have wanted him to.  I recently said that I was concerned Lee Jun Young was being boxed into playing the same idol character in all his dramas.  So I was thrilled to see him tackle a more complex, mature role.  While his acting is still developing, I can see his improvement and I hope he will continue to grow and challenge himself.  

Lee Kyu Han as Vincent

Vincent is Dong Joo’s uncle.  He is a priest who was raised by Dong Joo’s father, who is his brother-in-law.  He is the only one who knows about Dong Joo’s “homework” at the Funeral Home.  He keeps her secret and offers his support whenever Dong Joo needs it, whether that entails a strong shoulder to lean on or just a strong can of soju.

 ♥ SamSam

The uncles in this drama brought just the right amount of cute comic relief.  I never felt like it was too slapstick, but the scenes with them were always fun; especially when it was both of them together.  I also liked their relationships with Dong Joo and Tae Hee.  It felt like they truly wanted the best for them, which was a refreshing apporoach.  These two actors are both so talented and their partnership in this drama was very enjoyable.  

♥ Baek Dal Shik

Bael Dal Shik is an amazing character.  His relationship with Dong Joo was so natural and healthy.  He always listened to what she wanted and never pushed her against her will.  His patient approach to parenting was inspiring.  It was so sad that he had to be Dong Joo’s last case.  It really served no purpose, except to throw in a little last minute heartbreak.  But I certainly wouldn’t have been so upset if he wasn’t such a great character to begin with.  

Fire Story Tie-In

This drama had a really interesting tie-in between Dong Joo’s job at the Funeral Hall and the fire she and Tae Hee were both involved in when they were young (Or, in Dong Joo’s case, in the womb).  But the writers didn’t do enough to introduce the back story into the series as it went along.  Then they just threw it in as a rushed story at the end.  If it had been better paced and there had been a few more clues along the way, it would have made the story so much more meaningful.  

Wishes

There was a strange unevenness to the people that Dong Joo helped.  While some had very interesting stories and I felt like we got to know the characters well, others had very few scenes and short backstories.  It seemed like the writers just didn’t have enough material to tell all the stories that they chose.  Maybe showing fewer characters with more complete stories would have made the series stronger.  We didn’t even see some of the characters walk down the path, as they moved on to the afterlife.  Some consistancy in the way these wishes were told would have made more sense.  

The last couple episodes of this drama were a let down for me.  What started as such a nice, interesting story, turned into a tragic tale where the whole purpose is buried in a rush to finish.   Hae Ahn is exposed as the villain who broke several crimes to keep the truth of Jun Ho’s death hidden.  I really hate that they ruined this character, who was always so sweet and sincere.  Nothing is achieved by finding out that he is the brother of the actual killer, who has already died.  Dong Joo’s dad ends up being her last wisher, which is also sad and pointless.  But once she spends her final moments with him, she is freed of her magical power.  And in a sudden voice over, we later learn that all of the people Dong Joo helped were in a fire with her mom, while her mom was still pregnant with Dong Joo.  Thanks to their help, Dong Joo’s mom made it out long enough to give birth to Dong Joo before her death.  And young Tae Hee was also there, which explains the burn on his wrist.  That’s a lot to take in for the final 10 minutes, but there it is.  Chung Ha comes to say goodbye to Tae Hee before moving to the US.  Vincent gets an investor to help expand the company.  Dong Joo quits the work at the funeral hall, but finds she can’t stay away.  In the end, Dong Joo continues her job, but takes on a different role, while a new “student” gets her old special ability.  And Tae Hee goes back to being a doctor.  And their relationship is going strong! 

An elite group of mage study spells and powers together at the Jeongjingak Training School, as they protect the land from the evil of sorcery and the illegal use of the “alchemy of souls”.  Four young friends, each from one of the most influential families of the kingdom, lead the skilled mages in their fight against the forces of black magic.  But unknown to them, “soul shifters” are living among them in a secret society called the Unanimous Assembly, just waiting for the chance to seize power away from these brave protectors and usher in a world led by greed and abuse of power.  

Jung So Min as Mu Deok

Mu Deok was a blind orphan before Naksu sent her soul into Mu Deok’s body.   After the shift, Mu Deok is no longer blind, but her eyes bear the blue “bruising” that comes from soul shifting.  It is the blue in her eyes that tips Jang Uk to the fact that she carries the soul of the great assassin, Naksu.  Jang Uk swears his allegiance to her as his master, but in the presence of others, she is his servant, which creates some fun, comical moments.  Together, Jang Uk and Mu Deok train in the arts of magic, and both regain at least some of their strength together.  But evil lurks in those around them.  And Mu Deok’s true identity is discovered and used to end her life and threaten Jang Uk. Season One ends with her tragic death, breaking Jang Ok’s heart and spirit.  

Shin Seung Ho as Go Won

Go Won is the Crown Prince.  As the royal family, his relationship with the mages is complicated.  Go Won has been trained by Jin Mu in the magic arts, but he doesn’t know anything about the secret society of soul shifters Jin Mu has created.  After losing a duel against Jang Uk, the two begin a grudging friendship that neither wants to admit to.  Go Won falls in love with both Mu Deok and Bu Yeon, but neither return his feelings.  

 ♥ Romance Lines

I really like that this drama had so many potential romance lines. Obviously Jang Uk was always going to end up with Naksu in whatever form.  But it was fun that she had multiple “second leads” to interact with.  They also kept us guessing with some of the secondary characters, instead of the usual obvious pairings that often happen for non-leads.  The web of relationships in this series was just more complex and therefore more interesting, in my opinion.  

♥ Park Jin

Park Jin was such a fun character.  The comic elements that he brought to this drama were often understated but always well done.  His father-like relationship with Jang Uk was at once heartbreaking and touching, and his push and pull romance with Maidservant Kim was one of the best relationships of the series.  You never quite knew what his character would do next and his balance between the gruff school master and the mentor/father figure to his mages was well done. 

Inconsistent Seasons

The differences between the two seasons of this drama left many fans frustrated.  From the obviously things like number of episodes and lead female actress to the more subtle things like story arc, division of plot lines, and major themes, it all felt slightly uneven and imbalanced.  Season 2 lacked much of the humor, strong story development, and romantic chemistry that made the first season such a success.  This may be because they hadn’t finished writing Season Two when they began airing the first, but the series would have felt stronger if the seasons had been more equally paced.  

Naksu

Naksu’s presence as a fierce, tough assassin made her such a compelling lead character.  But Bu Yeon’s character never seems to get to the place where she possesses that kind of powerful role.  When all is said and done, the new Naksu feels like a mere “shadow” of her former self.  A newer actress like Go Youn Jung just doesn’t have the same commanding presence that a seasoned actress like Jung So Min has, which made it hard to see Naksu as a tie between the two of them. It just felt like in Bu Yeon, we never actually got the real Naksu back.  

Though fans had their doubts about this one, the Hong sisters delivered a happy ending for all of our main characters with only the villains dead.  Although there were a few fake deaths to scare us along the way.  Jang Uk is able to defeat the fire bird once and for all and kill all of the Unanimous Assembly, including Jin Mu and the King and Queen. But with the destruction of Jinyowon, the relics stored there have all been set free to create havoc in the world. Jumping forward a year, we find Jin and Maidservant Kim happily married and discovering they will be having a baby soon.  They spend their time babysitting the twin boys of Dang Gu and Cho Yeon, who are doing well, and just waiting to please Cho Yeon’s mom by having a girl to pass the family lineage to.  Won is King, now that his parents are both gone.  And Yul is in charge of finding new mage pupils for Jeongjingak, which is now accepting all students who are qualified, regardless of their family name.  Our leads are now living as a happily married couple who spend their time together hunting down the remaining relics from Jinyowon, with the perfect balance of light and shadow that made them destined from the start.

A young woman leaves behind the daily grind of city life to spend a year living off her savings in a small seaside town.  She quickly befriends a shy local librarian who teaches her how to live in the present and embrace the simpler things in life.  But a current string of vandalism brings back a painful time for the town residents, and most especially her new friend.  And when those petty crimes spin out of control, the effects will rock the lives of those who had hoped to leave the past behind.  

Yim Si Wan as An Dae Beom

Once a math progeny and genius, An Dae Beom left the pressure and stress behind to move home to Angok.  Now he works at the local library with the best friend of his sister, who died a tragic death.  He enjoys a simple life at a slow and relaxing pace.  But when a beautiful stranger wanders into the library one afternoon, he feels his heart flutter for the first time.  Having experienced many of the feelings of burnout that Yeo Reum is dealing with, he becomes a guide to her in her journey to embrace a more quiet, slower life style.  And he hopes she will open her heart to him in more personal ways as well.

An Dae Beom gave up academia after losing his temper with his teacher and mentor.  His anger stemmed more from his childhood trauma than his recent studies.  But it became apparent that he needed to find a way to heal the pain he had kept bottled inside.  Yim Si Wan was wonderful as the sensitive and shy librarian who is so earnest in his views and opinions.  He has a special talent for portraying honest vulnerability, and this character reflected that well.  

a.mond as Heo Jae Hoon

Heo Jae Hoon is a troubled high schooler who lives with his aunt, who is a teacher at his school.  He lived for awhile with his parents in Boston, but he couldn’t fit into American culture and begged to come home.  Jae Hoon has a crush on Bom and follows her everywhere.

 ♥ Kim Bom

I really enjoyed Kim Bom’s character.  I loved watching her friendship with Yeo Reum.  Listen to the two of them giggle together was priceless, and it was satisfying to see her finding some joy in her difficult life.  Her romance with Jae Hoon was sweet and fun to watch.  And her scenes with her grandmother were touching.  She had great energy with all the people she was close to.

♥ Bae Jun

I just can’t pass up the opportunity to gush about how much I love this little actor. Kim Jun is definitely an up and coming talent.  He has an ability to deliver very adult-like lines with perfect sincerity.  He played a similar character in “Hospital Playlist” and I love him then too.  He takes on the role of parent so naturally and it makes me smile every time he does it.  

Bae Jun’s Mother

Although it may not have been necessary to the storyline, single father’s are rare in Korea.  And it seems unlikely that a small town like Angok wouldn’t be full of talk about what happened to Bae Joon’s mother.  It just kind of felt like the elephant in the room and would have made more sense if they had at least made a passing comment about who or where she was.  Especially in light of the developing relationship between Ji Young and Sung Min toward the end of the series.

Mystery that Can’t be Solved

The whole mystery aspect of this series was a bit strange.  There was no mention of a darker side in any of the drama descriptions.  And once they finally brought the whole story out into the open, they solved it relatively quickly, with no chance for the audience to become invested in it.  There was absolutely no clue that the realtor and his cop son were the villains.  I would have liked it more if the mystery pieces were paced more consistantly through the whole show.  

“Summer Strike” has a simple, happy ending.  Dae Beom’s sister’s murder is solved and both Geon Ho and Dae Beom’s father are cleared of any charges.  Kwak Moo Chul, the helpful if slightly incompetant police officer is exposed as the actual killer.  And his father murdered Bom’s grandmother to help cover up his son’s crimes.  Jae Hoon comes back from the US and proposes to Bom.  She agrees to date him for the time being.  Ji Young is working in Seoul but she and Sung Min are at least exploring the idea of dating.  And Yeo Reum is staying in Angok and living with Bom and her brother.  In the final scene, the group take a walk on the beach.  Bom and Jae Hoon tease each other playfully while Yeo Reum and Dae Beom hold hands and take their time.  The voice over says that they have learned that this “is enough”.  

A finance manager for the Soonyang family is betrayed by one of the family members and ruthlessly murdered while on a business trip to Turkey.  But when the unlucky employee wakes up, he finds himself back in the year 1987.  And instead of his own body, he is now the youngest male relative of the great Soonyang Group.  Bent on revenge for his unfair death and betrayal, he uses his business knowledge and quick wit to earn a fortune and challenge the Soonyang heirs to their position.  But if his plan is going to succeed, he will have to win the trust and favor of his new grandfather, the patriarch and CEO of Soonyang.  

Lee Sung Min as Jin Yang Cheol

Jin Yang Cheol is the CEO of Soonyang Group.  He grew his business from nothing into one of the most rich and powerful companies in Korea.  Along the way he has done whatever was necessary to ensure the Group’s continued success, no matter how illegal.  But now, as his life is drawing to a close, he is burdened with the task of naming his successor.  He has always been a strong believer that his oldest son and grandson should be the ones to take over.  But when his youngest grandson suddenly shows natural business acumen and an all-or-nothing attitude similar to his own, he begins to rethink his decision.  Now he will pit all of them against each other to find out which of them has the strongest will to survive.  

Jin Yang Cheol is greedy and obsessed with money and success.  Nothing is more important to him that Soonyang Group; certainly not his own family.  He is wily and will not be easily won over.  He will call the shots right up until his final breath, and possibly even after.  Lee Sung Min was brilliant in this role.  He was entirely loathsome and shockingly cruel.  You could never underestimate the depths he would go to  to achieve his goals, and Lee Sung Min played the part perfectly.  I looked forward to hating him each time he appeared on the screen!

Yoon Je Moon as Jin Young Ki

Jin Young Ki is Yang Cheol’s oldest son.  He has spent his life preparing to take over the business.  But he has made plenty of mistakes along the way and his brother and sister are just waiting to catch him in an unforgivable situation.  He spends his time sucking up to his father and determined to become the next CEO of Soonyang Group.

 ♥ Financial History

I thought this drama did an interesting job of giving a lesson on the financial history of Korea in the 80’s and 90’s.  From IMF to 9/11, we see it all replayed, with some sports victories on the side.  I must admit that my knowledge of the Korean IMF crisis is limited to a handful of dramas that touched on the subject.  But this series shows what happened and it’s effects and outcomes on the country as a whole.  Seeing the whole story of that time in context gave me a clear perspective on how the events shaped modern Korean business practices.  

♥ Jin Yoon Ki

Do Joon’s father is the most interesting of all the Soonyang siblings because he is the only one with any depth or character development.  Unlike his siblings, who are all just terrible for the fun of it, Yoon Ki has a journey.  He is the only one brave enough to step out from under his grandfather’s umbrella, to pursue his own dreams.  But in a moment of weakness, he allows himself to be drawn back into the web of deceit.  Ha In’s reaction to his increasing family involvement make it clear that there is more going on than just family dinners.  And in the end, we see him trying to reclaim that independence he fought so hard for in the first place.  This trajectory makes his character seem relatable and interesting.  

Grandmother

So the grandmother’s two-faced sweetness was pretty sickening, and I get that.  But the fact that Do Joon sent her out of the country and no one ever gives her a second thought is just really sad.  She specifically says that she didn’t tell any of her kids anything because she couldn’t face them knowing what she did.  Yet those same kids never even try to get her to come back.  And who is actually running the house now that she is gone?  Is there really no one who misses her?

Time-Travel Rules

Every time travel drama is faced with the question of what changing the past will do to the present.  In this case, after Hyun Woo’s mom dies despite his best efforts, he concludes that what is meant to happen can’t be changed.  But that doesn’t seem to apply to everything.  Do Joon changes the course of people’s lives often with his knowledge of what’s about to happen.  For example, having his father invest in the movie “Titanic”.  It just felt inconsistant and it seemed like the writers randomly changed the rules whenever the story needed it.  And what are the consequences of certain changes like Do Joon’s mom dying of suicide instead of a heart attack?

“Reborn Rich” has a messy and rushed ending that is open for interpretation.  Was it a happy ending?  That really depends on who you ask.  Do Joon dies in a car accident, just as Hyun Woo remembered.  And  then Hyun Woo wakes up in the hospital after being in a coma.  It is unclear whether his memories of Do Joon are all just a dream or if he did live as Do Joon for 20 years.  But Min Young did save Hyun Woo from dying, and now the two of them team up to expose the family’s crimes.  In the end, all the Soonyang siblings are forced to hand over leadership of the company to a management team. We don’t see any of them doing time for their part in it all.  But we see Young Ki die alone in the hospital, much like his father.  And Sung Joon’s wife leaves him. Do Joon finds Se Hyeon and once again convinces him to be his partner, so Miracle Investments is alive and well.  And Min Young has finally let go of her overwhelming grief at losing Do Joon.  And when she accidentally bumps into Hyun Woo, we see a glimmer of recognition in her eyes.  He definitely reminds her of someone she knew and loved.  So there stil seems to be some hope that their destiny will bring them together again.  

A Joseon doctor who specializes in acupuncture accidentally time-travels to modern day Seoul.   At first he is overwhelmed with his new surroundings, but a beautiful surgeon and her father take him in and help him adjust to his new life.  Eager to learn all he can from the advanced techniques of modern medicine, he finds a job at a traditional medical facility in the city.  And as he begins to settle into his new life and build relationships with the people around him in the present, he wonders if he wouldn’t be happy staying here and never returning to the past he left behind.  But he is torn between his heart and his sense of responsibility.  

Kim Ah Joong  as Choi Yeon Kyung

Choi Yeon Kyung is a cardiothoracic surgical fellow.  She works tirelessly and goes clubbing when she needs to relieve her stress.  But one night after dancing her worries away, she meets an unusual man trying to perform medical procedures on a stranger in the street. And, as if by destiny, the man continues to show up in her life.  As she gets to know him, she realizes he is not as crazy as she had initially thought, but there is definitely something different about him.  When the two of them are thrust back into the Joseon period together, she has no choice but to believe he really is who he says he is.  And as their feelings for each other grow, they wonder how they will ever find a way to stay together.  

Choi Yeon Kyung began studying modern medicine as a way to rebel against her grandfather, who is a well-known acupuncturist.  But her anger at her grandfather stems from a misunderstanding about how her mother died.  Im’s appearance helps her finally mend their broken relationship.  I liked Kim Ah Joong in this role.  She is fierce and passionate and her enthusiasm and authority come through the screen well.  Her character’s straight-forward approach to life was well portrayed.

Yoon Joo Sang as Choi Chun Sool

 Choi Chun Sool is Yeon Kyung’s grandfather.  He is a famous acupuncturists who has a small clinic where he administers traditional medicine to those who can’t afford to go to a big hospital.  He and Yeon Kyung have been distant since she lost her parents.  Although he tries to make peace offerings to her, she usually ignores his efforts.  

 Dong Mak Gae

Seeing the young Moon Ga Young was a delight and Dong Mak Gae had a great backstory, so I was interested in her character.  After giving her so much potential, there is really no character development for Mak Gae.  I would have loved to see a storyline that focused on her and her struggle to practice medicine as a woman.  Especially when it could so obviously be mirrored by Yeon Kyung and her modern career.  I just wish she could have had more screentime to explore this role.  

Purpose of Time-Travel

Fantasy dramas don’t always feel the need to explain why a magical event happens, and I get that.  It is part of the mystery and appeal.  But I would have like more explanation about the magic tool set.  Did Heo Jun choose Im as the next time traveler, or did he at least know that was his fate?  Now that the front of the case is blank again, has Im lost the ability to return home forever.  Or is the case now intended for Mak Gae, who is there with him now?  A little more explanation would have been nice.

“Live up to Your Name” gives us the happy ending we all wanted, after a bit of nail biting.  Im decides to go back to his own time to help the people through the upcoming war.  Yeon Kyung’s father gets his surgery and is back to his old, healthy self.  And he and Yeon Kyung have finally made peace with each other about their past.  Jae Ha’s father, Director Ma also makes peace with Yeon Kyung’s father and asks if he can work in his clinic with him.  There is romance in the air for Jae Sook and Byung Ki, finally!  Back to our lead couple, Im and Mak Gae are together in a pavillion when an accident causes them to fall together.  Im happily wakes up to find himself back in Seoul.  And he immediately looks for Yeon Kyung, who is at a medical tent helping the homeless.  He hurries to her and the two have a sweet, if not overly emotional reunion.  The couple walk together and banter as if no time has passed.  And as a surprise bonus, in the final scene, we also find Mak Gae at the Eastern Medical Office as she bumps into Jae Ha in an examination room.  It seems like she may finally be able to live as a woman and a doctor.  And there may even be a spark of romance to go with it. This actually opens the door for a Season 2, but there is no talk of this series actually getting one. Which is too bad, because I would definitely watch it.  

A lawyer more known for his losses than his legal skills is framed as a notorious crime boss, Big Mouse, and sent to prison.  In the beginning, he is eager to prove his innocence and get released, but as time goes on, he realizes that convincing everyone that he is Big Mouse is his best shot at staying alive.  Secretly he continues to try to discover the true identity of the criminal mastermind, with the help of his family and friends on the outside.  This support team is led by his wife, who trusts him, even when all the evidence seems to work against him.  Danger lurks around every corner, as they try to expose the truth about Big Mouse and his circle of powerful supporters.  They will need to be extremely careful if they expect to stay one step ahead of the corruption at the root of this case.  

Im Yoon Ah as Go Mi Ho

Go Mi Ho is married to Chang Ho.  The two of them met when they were young and she worked as a nurse to help him get through Law School.  When her husband is first arrested, she immediately assumes his innocence and jumps right in to gather proof.  Even when all the evidence points to his guilt, she is straightforward in asking him if he really is Big Mouse. And when he assures her that he is not, she believes him without any doubt.  She takes a job working as a nurse at the prison so she can see Chang Ho and help him gather evidence.  But in the course of her duties as a nurse, she is exposed to toxic materials that will put her life at risk.  

Go Mi Ho is bright with a sharp edge of strength that makes her fearless in the face of danger.  Her faith in Chang Ho and devotion to him and their marriage is unshakeable, even when she is frustrated with him.  Even though most of the drama had them spending long periods of time apart, their great chemistry and strong personalities made them a great couple to watch.  Im Yoon Ah played this role so well.  She conveyed this character’s bold personality while still showing an honest warmth that gave the role depth.  It would have been easy to undervalue this role next to Park Chang Ho’s undeniable screen presence, but she brought a quiet confidence that made her character and their relationship irresistable.  

Yang Kyung Won as Gong Ji Hoon

Gong Ji Hoon is the President of a media company.  He and Choi Do Ha are battling to win the favor of Chairman Kang Sung Geun, and become the next leader of the secret society, NR Forum.  Ji Hoon’s success lies in his ability to predict which way the wind is blowing, and he is not afraid to change alliegances if it will work to his advantage.  This makes him a smart business man but an unreliable partner.  

 Rushed and Useless Deaths

This drama introduced us to lots of interesting characters, so it was a real disappointment that several of them died without any real fanfare.  It almost felt disrespectful to the characters themselves.  The first example of this is No Bak, Mr. Big Mouth himself.  After such a long mystery about who he really is, he gets out of prison and 15 minutes later he’s dead.  For a crime boss as successful as him to just randomly open a cupboard and find a bomb seems too easy and convenient.  I would add  Hye Jin and Kwang Hyun to this list.  And don’t even get me started on the sudden deaths of Do Ha and Mi Ho.  It was almost like the writers just didn’t know how to phase out the characters properly so they just said , “And now they are dead”. 

 Plot Holes

It is so frustrating to me that such a great drama could leave so many loose threads and dropped storylines.  Honestly I could fill a whole page with my unanswered questions.  But let me just hit on the low points.  Starting with the whole story about the Chairman’s son, who is a psychopath. Kwang Hyun takes the fall for him in order to get the money to save his mother.  But other than that, we have no story about him at all.  And why bother having him sue Do Ha for his father’s inheritance in the last episode if Do Ha was just going to die 10 minutes later.  It just seemed like this character was going to have some bearing on the story itself.  Also we never really find out what kinds of horrors were going on in the secret lab or what the missing paper is actually about.  And how exactly did Do Ha manage to become the Mayor of Seoul and a potential presidential candidate without anyone finding out he has been using a fake identity most of his life. All of this and more made me want to track down the writers and insist that they answer all my questions.

Most fans seem to agree that the ending of “Big Mouth” was incredibly rushed.  There really isn’t any happy ever after to this ending.  In fact, it all feels a little gloomy and depressing for our hopeful and upbeat lawyer.  Chang Ho’s legal battle against Do Ha is unsuccessful, since Do Ha kidnaps his wife and has her institutionalized.  Mi Ho faints after the verdict is announced.  We next see her in a hospital bed where she tells Chang Ho that she is tired.  She closes her eyes and, we can assume, dies peacefully.  Chang Ho gets the last laugh when he visits Do Ha at his swimming pool.  Chang Ho proudly announces that  Do Ha is swimming in the same poison water that has killed so many people, including Mi Ho.  As Chang Ho leaves the area, we see Do Ha collapse dead into the pool.  We see Chang Ho continuing to act as Big Mouse, but using his money and power to help those in need through legal services and financial donations.  The ending scene shows Chang Ho driving in a car with a bouquet of white flowers as we hear a voiceover of Mi Ho’s words to him, asking him to be a good Big Mouse.  As a photo of the couple blows in the breeze, Chang Ho drives off into the horizon.

Attorney Woo is a 27-year old lawyer with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).  After passing law school with outstanding grades and acing the bar exam, she was turned down at every law firm she applied to.  Until an old friend of her father’s reached out with an offer from Hanbada Law Firm.  In the beginning, the new environment is challenging. Working together with her teammates, she will face plenty of struggles, but she will also make them stronger, with her amazing photographic memory and ability to think outside of the usual perspective.  And as they grow and learn together, they will find friendship and maybe even love.  

Kang Tae Oh as Lee Joon Ho

Lee Joon Ho works in the Litigation Department of Hanbada Law Firm.  His job involves supporting the legal team as they investigate their cases and gather evidence and materials.  When a new attorney shows up in the office, he is immediately drawn to her unusual charm.  After bonding over a love of whales, the two become work buddies.  But Joon Ho is surprised to find that his feelings are deepening into something much stronger.  And he understands that this is something that can’t be taken lightly.  Young Woo’s inexperience in romantic relationships and her self-admitted naivete in dealing with people need to be carefully considers before he can take a relationship with her any further.  

Lee Joon Ho is one of the most eligible bachelors at Hanbada.  His list of admirers is long, including Choi Soo Yeon.  And with good reason.  Joon Ho is thoughtful, charming, and hard-working.  Oh, Kang Tae Oh!  I think few fans  could say they didn’t fall for him, at least a little, in this role. He was incredibly sweet and kind.  I was already a fan, but this sealed my fate!  I loved that from the very beginning, Joon Ho treated Young Woo with the same respect he would any other co-worker.  He was patient and indulgent while others were frustrated and bored.  The quiet chemistry between him and Park Eun Bin made for plenty of heart-fluttering moments that always felt genuine and full of real affection.  

Jeon Bae Soo as Woo Gwang Ho

Woo Gwang Ho is Young Woo’s father.  He was in law school and set to become a successful attorney, before his girlfriend and classmate, Tae Soo Mi, gets pregnant.  Soo Mi was more interested in a career than starting a family, so Gwang Ho raised Young Woo alone.  Though it has been a difficult and, often, lonely road, he is devoted to Young Woo and her happiness.

 Secondary Love Lines

There are plenty of open-ended storylines in this drama, most noticeably with the romances of all our supporting characters.  It may be that they are saving all of that for the already announced Season 2, coming in 2024.  But for now, I would have liked to see a bit more closure, even if it was only to tease what is to come.  These characters were all so fantastic that I just really care about how their relationships end up.  

 “Villain” Motivation

I understand that Han Seon Young doesn’t like Tae Soo Mi.  Maybe they just had a really strong rivalry back in law school.  But her intense hatred seems like more than just hard feelings.  I don’t feel like we ever get a clear picture as to why the two of them are sworn enemies.  I wondered if they were going to make it a love triangle between them and Gwang Ho.  There were plenty of hints that could be used to support that.  But instead, we are left with no real explanation as to where the bad blood started, or if it was at all justified.  

After announcing a second season, I am thankful that “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” didn’t leave us on a cliff hanger.  While certain stories lacked ful closure, at least we weren’t left with burning unanswered questions.  Most of this episode was spent on Young Woo’s younger brother’s trial.  In the end, he is able to testity and the case is dismissed.  Since Tae Soo Mi voluntarily steps down from her candidancy for Minister of Justice, Han Seon Young decides to keep Young Woo’s birth secret private.  In the midst of trial preparations, we get a very short scene where Joon Ho tells Young Woo she does make him happy and he doesn’t want to break up.  She agrees that they should get back together before quickly jumping out of the car and running off to do her business. It wasn’t the flashy declaration we may have expected, but it is totally Young Woo!  The gang gathers for a work party to celebrate their victory, and Myung Seok shows up with his ex-wife, so things seem to be going in the right direction for them.  In the final scene, Young Woo tells her dad that she has become a full time employee, before happily skipping off to work.  And for the first time, she navigates the revolving door with no problem.  Joon Ho is on the other side, and as we come full circle, Young Woo identifies a new emotion she is experiencing;  Accomplishment.  Cue the strings, until next season.  

A young man enlists in the military and unwittingly finds himself being appointed to the Deserter Pursuit (D.P.) team.  As the title indicates, this team is responsible for hunting down young men who have deserted their posts, and bringing them back to finish out their service.  The job comes with some obvious perks, such as being able to leave the barracks for days at a time and being able to grow your hair out to blend in better with civilians.  But it also brings him face to face with the corruption and violence that are prevalent in the system as a whole, and the tacit agreement of those in authority to look the other way and deny it exists.  As he searches for each soldier, he will get a chance to see into the man’s life and what circumstances drove him to make such a radical decision.  And as each case brings issues to light, he will begin to question his own role in perpetuating the abuse.  

Koo Kyo Hwan as Han Ho Yul

Han Ho Yul is sick in the hospital when Joon Ho goes on his first case, but he comes back to find himself partnered with the rookie.  He immediately takes Joon Ho under his wing.  Although Joon Ho isn’t sure who to trust in the beginning, Ho Yul eventually earns his trust and begins to break through Joon Ho’s cool exterior.  Because of his seniority, Ho Yul is not subjected to the same bullying as the newer soldiers, and he does his best to step in and protect Joon Ho any way he can.  The longer they work together, the closer they become, with Ho Yul once declaring that he is sure they must have been married in a past life!

Han Ho Yul is relaxed and easy going, but he is also committed to his work in the DP.  While he enjoys his time back in civilian life, he never ignores his duties to find the men they are sent to search for.  He really doesn’t give Joon Ho any choice but to be his friend, as he proves by showing up announced at Joon Ho’s mother’s house.  This kind of friend is the perfect partner for Joon Ho’s reserved, careful personality.  Koo Kyo Hwan is so likable in this role.  I loved his breezy approach to life and their job, and Koo Kyo Hwan portrayed it perfectly.  

Son Seok Koo as Im Ji Sup

Captain Im Ji Sup is brought in from another base to supervise Park Bum Goo and the whole Military Police Department.  As a new supervisor, he doesn’t know any of the men personally and is really only concerned with having the Department be successful.  He and Park Bum Goo are always competing and at odds with each other. 

 Ho Yul’s Backstory

Ho Yul is such a fun and interesting character, but I wished we had found out more about his backstory.  We know almost nothing about him or his life outside of the Deserter Pursuit Team.  I understand that this is a short series with limited epsiodes, but I feel like we know so much about Joon Ho.  It hardly seems fair.  It would help to know more about what shapes and motivates Ho Yul too.  

 What Happens Next?

Obviously this series is more about the pursuit than the catching, but I couldn’t help but wonder what happens next for the few soldiers who were caught.  Do they serve time in military prison?  Are they eventually dishonorably discharged?  The way they talked about it made it seem like they just went back to their original posts, but Desertion is a serious crime, so that seems unlikely.  I would like to have seen Joon Ho follow up with at least one case to give us an idea of where they are now.    

“D.P” is intense all the way until the extra scene after the credits.  The final case is Suk Bong, who we have watched get bullied through the whole season.  Coming full circle, Suk Bong, just like Joon Ho’s first case, ends up killing himself, this time in a violent stand-off with everyone watching.  Later we see Im Ji Sup packing his things to transfer to a new unit.  The new recruits gather outside with a new supervisor.  But standing alone in the back of the group is Joon Ho.  As everyone finishes their drill and runs off for some kind of party, Joon Ho stands alone.  As the screen fades to black, we see him run the other way, his footsteps echoing through the empty frame.  Has he finally become a deserter himself?  As credits role, we see him meeting with the sister of his first case, at the soldier’s memorial.  Tearfully, she asks why no one, Joon Ho included, ever tried to stop the bullying.  Joon Ho’s guit is obvious, but he has no answer.  After the credits, we hear soldiers talking about Suk Bong’s “suicide attempt”.  Suk Bong’s friend and comic clubmate, Luffy, comes in from duty.  As the other soldiers begin tormenting him and calling him names, he calmly draws his weapon and opens fire as the screen fades for the final time.  

The life of a Queen is never easy.  Queen Im Hwa Ryung is in charge of a whole passel of princes, including her own 5 sons and the son’s of the Royal Consorts.  Her own children have coasted through their childhood on the belief that their eldest son would become King and they would be left to live their lives as they please.  Their mischievous antics have been a constant headache for the Queen.  But when tragedy strikes the palace, the need for each of the Prince’s to take his role in the royal family seriously becomes imperative.  Now the Queen will have to tame this group of troublemakers into distinguished royal princes.  And as a royal competition heats up, rivals and enemies will come at them from all sides.  

Moon Sang Min as Grand Prince Sung Nam

As the second oldest son of the Queen, Sung Nam was the closest to the Crown Prince.  The Crown Prince’s untimely death was shocking and devastating for him.  But, once his grief lessens a bit, he knows he must be the one to take his place.  And while the competition for Crown Prince is important, Sung Nam is also adamant about helping his mother find out the true cause of his brother’s death and who is behind it.  The competion outside of the palace walls also brings him another unlikely supporter who seems fated to stand by his side.  But prejudice against him, a  birth secret, and a revenge years in the making may ruin his chance to become the next Crown Prince.  

Because Sung Nam was forced to grow up outside the palace walls, he is more emotionally guarded than his other brothers.  But the brothers are quick to point out to the Crown Princess that while he may seem prickly and hard to get to know from the outside, he is actually the most warmhearted of them all.  He is serious and quiet, but he has inherited his mother’s strong inner strength and fierce need for justice.  As a Crown Prince who has spent much of his life outside of the Palace, he brings a fresh perspective and a love of the people they rule that will make him an excellent King some day.  I enjoyed Moon Sang Min in this role.  This is my first time watching him in a drama, but I loved the warmth behind his cool exterior.  It felt very genuine and realistic.  

Choi Won Young as King Lee Ho

King Lee Ho is the reigning King.  He bears guilt for the way he became the King and the actions of his mother and his other supporters.  He is a caring father to all of his sons, although his busy life and lofty position don’t allow him to spend much time with any of them.  While he has had numerous consorts, he has remained supportive and trusting of the Queen.  

 Prince Stories

With all of those Princes, it would have been easy to lose track of who was who.  But as things went on, and especially around the time of the competition, they did a nice job of making each one unique in some way.  So I was disappointed when all but the Queen’s sons kind of disappear toward the end of the drama.  Especially for Bo Gum and Sim So, I felt like they got dropped for the palace intrigue and then showed up at the very end for a rushed conclusion.  It would have been nice to see them sprinkled through some of the other scenes in the last few episodes.  

 Court Lady Nam

Most of the villains in this drama are either dead or exiled somewhere away from the palace.  But I couldn’t help but wonder whatever happened to Court Lady Nam.  Maybe even more than some of the more obvious villains, she was personally responsible for carrying out most of the Queen Dowager’s evil deeds.  Was she held accountable for her actions in any way?  I can’t imagine that they let her stay in the palace after everything had come to light.  

“Under the Queen’s Umbrella” has plenty to wrap up in the end, and, although a bit rushed in places, I think they did a fine job.  The Rebellion is put down pretty much before it even starts, with the Chief State Counselor and Ik Hyeon being the only casualties.  The King finally decides to put the full truth behind his brother and son’s deaths into the history annals and let the people decide how he will be remembered. He sentences the Queen Dowager to confinement in her quarters, but she has other ideas.  Putting on her ceremonial clothes, she dies, presumable by taking the cuckoo pint given to her by the Queen, judging by the gift box placed prominently on her table.  With the truth finally revealed, Sung Nam brings home Lady Min and the Grand Heir.  And Lady Yoon is reinstated in the palace.  Consort Hwang and Ui Sung are living outside in the nearby village.  The Queen is keeping a close eye on him in case he tries to cause any more trouble.  But Consort Hwang is living in denial, still believing they are back in the palace, and refuses to let Ui Sung out of her sight long enough for him to be much of a problem.  Prince Bo Gum is living outside, but making frequent trips in to visit Sung Nam and his mother.  As for our troublemaking brothers, each is choosing his own path.   Mu Ahn marries his girlfriend and spends his time getting child-rearing advice from the remaining Consorts.  Gye Sung decides to travel the world and be true to himself for the first time in his life.  And Il Yung continues to invent and study science and astronomy. Sung Nam is devoted to Chung Ha and their unborn child.  He is slowly checking items off her bucket list and finally seems happy and relaxed.  And the Queen is still rushing around to keep the palace and all its residents in check!