Three best friends, who have known each other since their teen years,  get ready to face their 40’s together.  Through thick and thin, their friendship has stood the test of time.  But when news of a terminal illness shows up at a routine medical exam, their lives will be rocked to their core.  Now it will take everything they have to stay strong for each other in the face of their most difficult trial.  

Jeon Mi Do as Jeong Chan Young

Jeong Chan Young is an acting coach who lost her chance to become an actress after missing her first audition.  She is having an “emotional affair” with a man she dated when she was younger, even though he is now married.  She still hopes he will divorce his wife and marry her.  When a routine medical exam reveals that she has terminal cancer, she is forced to prepare herself and all those she loves for the end of her life.  As her friends and family gradually find out the truth about her condition, she is met with new challenges and struggles, as she is forced to look at the  blessings and regrets of her too-short life.  

Lee Moo Saeng as Kim Jin Seok 

Kim Jin Seok is in love with Jeong Chan Young.  They dated in their 20’s, but when Jin Seok went abroad to study, he met another woman and married her after she became pregnant.  But even with a wife and son, he has never been able to let go of his love for Chan Young.  So he and Chan Young go on dates and obviously love each other, although they have never crossed the line physically since his marriage.  Just when Jin Seok finally gets the courage to ask his wife for a divorce, he finds out about Chan Young’s cancer.  He begs her to marry him, but she continues to refuse in the face of her pending death.  

 ♥ Mi Jo’s Family

Mi Jo’s family was such a wonderful breath of fresh air in this drama.  Her parents’ loving relationship and their love and acceptance of both of their daughters was heartwarming.  And Mi Hyun was a great addition to this cast.  I loved the idea that rather than being jealous of her adopted sister, she was the one responsible for bringing her home in the first place.  Her obvious adoration of Mi Jo was always sweet to watch.

♥ Kim Seon Woo

I swear the character of Kim Seon Woo could not be more perfect.  Everything about this guy was just so endearing and crush-worthy.  He was the perfect match for all of Mi Jo’s well constructed walls.  And the fact that he was willing to stand up to his overbearing father to support both of the women that he loved was amazing.  I really loved him and any scene that included him.

Main Character

I know that every source will tell you that all three friends were leads in this drama.  But am I the only one who felt like the majority of the story was really told through Mi Jo’s eyes?  Not that I mind that;  Mi Jo was an interesting and complex character, but it seems like they should have just named her as the lead.  You would think that since Chan Young was the one dying, there would have been more scenes about her and her journey.  And poor Joo Hee really didn’t get nearly enough screen time or character development.  

No Marriage

I really wish that Chan Young would have married Jin Seok before she died.  Jin Seok submitted the paperwork for his divorce before he found out about Chan Young’s illness, so she can’t say he was only doing it out of pity.  And as the one who will have to live on without her, I felt like she should have left him with at least that much memory.  

“Thirty-Nine” ends on the sad note we have all been preparing for since the beginning of the series, but also with some hope.  Chan Young dies quietly, we can assume with Jin Seok at her side.  Everyone meets at the hospital to see her off, although Mi Jo can’t bring herself to watch the final moments before her body is cremated.  Moving ahead, we see that each friend is doing their best to fulfill the promise they made to Chan Young.  Mi Jo and Joo Hee are spending more time together. Both of their relationships are going well, and Mi Jo is still engaged. They visit Chan Young’s grave together and as they walk away, they talk about how much they miss her, but Chan Young would be happy to know they are living well without her.  

After years of planning, a young genius accountant takes a job as a team leader at the National Tax Service (NTS).  His goal is to find the powerful people who were responsible for his father’s mysterious death, and see them all pay for their crimes.  With his new team beside him, he slowly begins to uncover the true events of that terrible night.  But new answers will also yield new questions, and things are not exactly as he had previously thought.  

Go Ah Sung as Seo Hye Young

Seo Hye Young became an orphan as a child, when her parents killed themselves and her older sister because of a financial crisis.  Now she hopes to help those facing financial ruin themselves, while trying to keep the rich and powerful from taking advantage of those in need.  She is shocked when her new team leader is Hwang Dong Joo.  Right after his father’s accident, Hye Young gave Dong Joo a file with information that showed the suspicious circumstances of his death.  Now that he has come to the NTS and is trying to expose In Tae Joon and his wealthy backers, Hye Young is determined to be a part of his investigation.  

Seo Hye Young is determined and yet vulnerable.  Her past continues to impact her life in ways that often make her feel inferior.  But she had good people who were willing to step in during her time of need, to help her live her own life to the fullest.  And now she feels a responsibility to give back in her own way.  Go Ah Sung did a nice job in this role  Her character had a complex duality needed to show both strength and emotional vulnerability, and I thought she captured both well.  

Park Yong Woo as Oh Young

Oh Young is the manager of the infamous Department #5 of the NTS.  He was the one who saved Seo Hye Young from dying with her family, but the guilt of his role in their financial troubles has followed him all through his career.  Dong Joo helps to motivate Young to stop hiding in the painful past and try to be a part of a better, more honest, system.  

 ♥ Casual Romance

I felt like Dong Joo and Hye Young had a very sweet and mature romance in this drama.  While a love story is never a focus of this show, their interest and chemistry is never really in doubt.  And I loved that it was mutual from the very beginning.  Could I have watched more scenes of their relationship together?  Sure!  I won’t lie, I would have loved that.  But at the same time, I didn’t feel unsatisfied with their interactions or where they end up!  

♥ Im Si Won

So, I was already a fan of Im Si Won before this drama, but if I hadn’t been, this one would have easily sealed the deal.  He is charming and witty, while still being a total smart aleck.  And with all of that, he still found moments to show emotional depth and personality.  For me, this drama may have dragged a bit under all the intense complexities if not for Im Si Won’s subtle charisma and humor.  

 Confusing

This show definitely required my full attention.  Between the endless names of potential villains and the difficult financial concepts, it could get confusing.  I spent plenty of time trying to figure out if I had missed something, or if we just weren’t supposed to know yet.  It wasn’t enough to ruin the experience for me, but I think for some it was either frustrating or boring.  I think it was also because it was difficult to read subtitles will also reading rapid fire written introductions to characters.  

Availability

While I have heard that this show suffered from some faulty scheduling and delays, I didn’t have to worry about that since it was finished before I watched.  But, it is a show that lost a lot of international fans because it wasn’t available on the big streaming services.  As more dramas have diversified with smaller production companies and platforms, it has made it increasingly hard for international viewers to find certain series.  Of course, this isn’t the fault of the drama itself, but it does seem to negatively effect it’s popularity in the long run.

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“Tracer” ends with some good resolutions.  First, In Tae Joon’s crimes are broadcast for all to see when his conversation with Dong Joo is streamed on the internet.  Later he retreats to his office and kills himself.  Dong Joo is transfered to a new NTS office.  We see him pack up his desk and bid his co-workers a fond farewell.  A year later, Oh Young has gotten a promotion to the NTS Head Quarters and is in line to become the next Commissioner.  Hye Young makes a business trip to Dong Joo’s new office and it is obvious that she is hoping to run into him. As luck would have it, she does.  The two have a brief conversation outside with some minor flirting, before Hye Young makes Dong Joo promise to visit soon.  It seems like maybe enough time has finally passed for them to put their pasts behind them and move into a happier future;  maybe even together!

Cha Cha Woong’s grandfather was a gifted shaman who saw and talked to ghosts.  Watching how lonely and unappreciated his grandfather was, Cha Woong decides to take his own road in life.  But the gifts of a shaman come in handy in other ways.  Cha Woong becomes a famous magician and hires 3 ghosts to be his assistants.  Thanks to their invisible help, most of his tricks are possible.  But one day Cha Woong meets a police officer and is forced to confess his ability to communicate with ghosts.  The two become partners, using his gifts to help the local police department solve crimes and catch criminals.

Jin Ki Joo as Go Seul Hae

Go Seul Hae is a determined police officer whose dream is to be promoted to detective, like her late father, who died in the line of duty.  So when she meets a magician who can actually interview dead victims, she jumps at the chance to form a partnership.  But when she finds out that the grandfather of her new partner is the shaman she believes is responsible for her father’s death, she begins to have second thoughts about working with him.  When a current case is linked to the case Seul Hae’s father and Cha Woong’s grandfather were working on together, Seul Hae finds out that she may have been blaming the wrong person all this time, and that the true villain is closer to her than she would have ever believed.  

Go Seul Hae is tough and seemingly fearless, but her life is shadowed by the mystery of her father’s death.  She has been in love with Seo Hee Soo since she was young, but when she meets Cha Woong, her heart begins to waver  Jin Ki Joo is a charming actress and I thought she carried this role well.  The way she shined during her time on stage assisting Cha Woong was contagious and genuine.  She can easily convey her emotions through her facial expressions, which made her a perfect opposite to Park Hae Jin’s stoic seriousness.  

Go Gyu Pil as Ma Dong Cheol

Ma Dong Cheol is a former gangster who was killed by his boss.  He had planned to start a legitimate job and marry his girlfriend, but he is killed on his way to propose to her.  Now he goes on blind date with other ghosts, hoping to get married in the afterlife.  But it never works out, until he finally meets the ghost of his former girlfriend.  

Park Seo Yeon as Kang Ah Reum

Kang Ah Reum was a sickly young woman confined to a wheelchair before she died in a tragic fire.  Her time alone gave her the time to become an electronic and mechanical genius.  Now she uses her skills to create the magic for Cha Woong’s performances and spends her spare time playing video games.  As a ghost, she has none of the physical limitations she had in life.

 ♥ Ghosts

I loved this ghost trio, and I especially loved that they each got a full backstory with a satisfying conclusions.  And I really enjoyed seeing Ah Reum turn into Lulu.  They managed to keep the slapstick at a minimum will still giving me a few good giggles.  I liked that they focused on their more human sides, instead of making them spooky spirit types.   

♥ Balance of Genre

This drama did a really nice job of balancing a whole slew of genre, and they managed to move from one genre to another without seeming choppy or inconsistent.  I enjoyed the wide range and it kept the story engaging all the way through.  I have seen many dramas attempt these kinds of crossovers, but few have done it with the smooth transitions this one seemed to achieve.

Time Travel Scene

I get what they were trying to do with that time travel scene at the end where Cha Woong meets the Princess, but it just didn’t work for me.  It was too weird and out of context, and the idea that Cha Woong is saved because of Seul Hae gets buried in all the awkwardness of it. And speaking of time travel, it seems like there should have been more of the current characters, besides Choi Gum, around Cha Woong and Seul Hae in their past life.  Most particularly, I would have expected to see Hee Soo, as our second lead.  

Police Incompetance

There were several points that made me wonder how any of them actually became police officers.  But the most obvious point was when no one thought to look for Cha Woong in the town where he grew up, until they identified his car there.  Really?  Shouldn’t that have been the first place they would look?  There were blunders and oversights along the way, but this one seemed totally unbelievable.

“From Now On, Showtime” drifted a bit in my opinion trying to tie up every possible loose end, but at least it was a nice, if not slightly bittersweet, ending.  The bittersweet, of course, was saying goodbye to all our ghost friends, who are finally ready to move on.  But Cha Woong has hired a new set of assistants and is continuing on with his act.  5 years later, Cha Woong and Seul Hae are married and have a son.  The final scene shows the proud parents hosting a birthday party for their son and his friends.  But sitting across from the young group. Cha Woong and Seul Hae can’t help but notice striking similarities between these children and their old ghost friends.  Maybe what comes around really does go around.

After the tragic death of her father, Kang Ro Seo has worked hard, taking odd jobs to support herself and her scholarly brother, who spends all of his time with his nose in a book, but has no practical knowledge.  When Ro Seo was young, her father taught her how to make alcohol.  But with a strict prohibition in place, that skill has gone unused.  Out of desperation, she decides to get involved in the illegal selling of her alcohol to make ends meet.  Nam Young is an honest, hard-working young man who has become a royal investigator.  When he finds out that Ro Seo has been selling her wares illegally, he is torn between his sense of justice and his growing attachment to the fiesty woman.  

Lee Hye Ri as Kang Ro Seo

Kang Ro Seo has struggled to support her family since the sudden death of her father.  Turning to the greatest skill her father left her, Ro Seo decides to make and sell alcohol, even though it is illegal.  She also decides to take in a renter to pay off her brother’s debt.  But when that renter turns out to be the newest Royal Investigator, Ro Seo is forced to make a choice about how much she can trust him.  And when she finds out that she and Nam Young share a connection related to the death of her father, Ro Seo decides to take a chance and trust him.  Especially once her heart also becomes involved in the decision.  

Kang Ro So is brave and determined.  She is willing to do whatever it takes to support herself and her brother, even if it tears at her pride in private.  Even though she knows that making and selling alcohol is illegal, she doesn’t agree with the reasons why, which makes it easier for her to ignore them.  Lee Hye Ri plays this rough girl with a sassy edge well.  And I liked that she got a chance to show a more gentle and feminine side from time to time as well.  It was her performance as Kang Ro Seo that really carried this drama, and I enjoyed watching her.

Kang Min Ah as Han Yae Jin

Han Yae Jin is a noble’s daughter who also meets Pyo while he is in disguise.  But she falls for him at first sight and spends the rest of the drama trying to win his attentions from Ro Seo.  Eventually, she goes through official channels to become the crown princess.  She is honest and outspoken, and is the perfect partner for Pyo, even if it takes him awhille to figure that out.  

 ♥ Prohibition Theme

I enjoyed the unique twist that the prohibition gave this story.  And it did a nice job of showing how a political decision can affect the people outside of the palace in such profound ways.  While pretending that the law was made to benefit the people, by protecting their resources, prohibition was really just a way for the King to flex his authority.   I have seen a couple other dramas at least mention periods of prohibition, but I liked how they used it to create a powerful message and theme in this drama.  

♥ San Mok’s Amnesia

I liked how they allowed San Mok to have almost a duel character.  He started as the greedy, selfish thug out to make a buck at all costs, but when he ends up with amnesia, he becomes Ro Seo’s devoted supporter.  Suddenly his bristly attitude is replaced with a sweet kind of innocence.  And then, in the final moments we see him get his memory back and appear to go back to his original self.  It was a funny way to deal with his character and I liked the unique concept.  

 Kang Heo Soo

This show really dropped the ball with some of their side characters, and Kang Heo Soo is a perfect example of this. As Ro Seo’s brother, you would think he would be integral to the story, but instead we go through multiple episodes without seeing anything about him at all.  In truth, I often forgot his character even existed.  Heo Soo was trapped down in that mine for a pretty long time with no update on him or his story.   

Woon Shim

Woon Shim was a chaotic and unpredictable character that I didn’t understand at all.  It was never really clear whose side she was on.  While she said she loved Shim Heon, she helped Ro Seo take over his alcohol sales and never seemed to feel guilty about betraying him.  But then, in the end, she randomly kills herself after he is killed by Lee Shi Heum.  None of it made any sense.  Her character had the potential to be another powerful, independent woman, but they just didn’t give her any character strength for the audience to get behind.  And I selfishly would have liked a happy ending for her and Shim Heon.

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“Moonshine” ends with most of our characters getting what they deserve and things wrapping up quite nicely.  The exception, of course, is the tragic murder/suicide of Woon Shim and Shim Heon.  I would have liked to see a happy ending for them too, but it wasn’t to be.  Lee Shi Heum is executed for his many crimes.  The King is, not only alive, but seemingly on the mend.  He pardons Ro Seo and ends prohibition, so she is not only innocent but has a future career making “moonshine”.  And Pyo marries Yae Jin, and as promised, she seems to have won his heart after all.  A year later, Cheon Geum is living happily as a free woman and dating Chun Gae, who she bought a nobility title for.  Yae Jin is finally getting to see the world in the company of her handsome husband.  And Young and Ro Seo are still doing well together, although Young’s resistance to finding a new job doesn’t sit well with Ro Seo.  In the final scene, Young finally gives Ro Seo the ring he bought her long before and proposes.  Ro Seo pretends to consider turning him down, but in the end she accepts, of course!

A high school teacher’s quest to protect his son from bullies leads to a deadly virus gone wrong, when a student wanders into his lab and is bitten by a test rat.    As zombies overtake the school and surrounding areas, the military quarantines the community and watches from a distance, leaving students to fend for themselves.  As the situation unfolds, 2 groups of students band together to try and make it out alive.  But as they watch their numbers dwindle, it begins to feel like no one will survive the bloody massacre.

Yoon Chan Young as Lee Cheong San

Lee Cheong San walks to school with his childhood friend, the way he has since they were children.  But even though the whole school can see that he has always had a crush on her, On Jo has no idea.  So his day doesn’t get off to the best start when he finds out she has confessed to having feelings for someone else.  And things don’t get any better when a fun lunch in the cafeteria is interrupted by killer zombies.  Cheong San saves On Jo when it looks like she will be attacked, and the pair find their way back to their classroom to hide out with their remaining classmates.  After days of trauma, Cheong San is hunted down by a class bully who is now a “hambie”, and he sacrifices himself to save On Jo and the others.  

Lee Cheong San is the kind of protector who will jump into the fray to save those he cares about.  He is popular with his classmates and good natured.  He is adored by his mother, who named her chicken restaurant after him, much to his embarrassment.  I loved how innocently sincere he was in all his interactions, and I felt like Yoon Chan Young played it very well.  His actions were consistant with his character all the way through, and his interactions with On Jo were very sweet.  

Lomon as Lee Soo Hyeok

Lee Soo Hyeok spent his younger days hanging out with the school bullies, but since then he has made new friends and runs with a better crowd.  He is Cheong San’s right hand through out the crisis, and he is eager to jump in and do his part to help protect the group.  Soo Hyeok has a crush on Nam Ra and he helps her become one of the group.  He also offers great advice to Cheong Soo about love and relationships, even though he is still learning how to take his own advice.

 ♥ Bonding

Watching this group form and bond was fun.  Especially seeing Nam Ra slowly become one of them and get to experience real friendship.  The way they all work together and protect each other made this drama more than just a zombie slasher show.  The group dynamic was interesting and the stoyline built well over the course of the series.  

♥ Hambies

The idea of a half human half zombie was interesting and gave a unique touch to this drama.  Especially with Nam Ra, who had to constantly fight against the urge to hurt her new friends.  I was disappointed that there was no explanation about how this could have happened, but I have to assume that will be coming in the upcoming second season, and I would imagine the hambies will be important in trying to find some kind of cure down the road.  

Secondary Characters

Because of the group dynamics in this drama, we get so many interesting characters.  While each of the students got a small backstory, I would have loved to see a little more about each of them.  For the amount of screen time they got fighting zombies and working together, it would have been nice to know a little more about who they are and what has led them to this place.  It may have made the pace too slow for younger, more impatient audiences, but this is just my preference.  

On Jo’s Dad

The faith that On Jo had that her dad would surely come and save her was sweet, and I loved her unwavering trust in him.  But I wish we could have seen the two of them together a bit more before having him sacrifice himself for the group.  To watch him fight soldiers and zombies all for a measly 5 minutes with his daughter just didn’t feel right.  They built the story up so much for such a short reunion.

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“All Of Us Are Dead” ends on a hopeful note, with 6 of our young students making it out healthy and alive.  Unfortunately, our hero Cheong San is not among them, since he finally let Gwi Nam catch him while the others made a getaway.  But we know he will be back in some form for season 2.  Those who are still alive go back to what is the new normal, as best they can.  But On Jo still visits the ruins of the school regularly to pay tribute to the friends she lost.  One trip reveals a fire burning on the school rooftop.  Sure that it’s a signal from Nam Ra, On Jo talks So Hyeok into going to take a look.  When she meets him outside the school, the other 4 survivors are with him.  The group climbs the barricade and finds it is Nam Ra.  After a brief reunion, she tells them she isn’t the only hambie living there.  She runs off setting up a perfect scenario for what will be Season 2.  

Two women with the ability to see the future, have spent their  lives locked away to be used as a tool by a powerful hotel mogul and his family.  One day, Lee Seul Bi escapes their prison and runs away.  When she finds Go Myung Sung just outside her door, she is immediately drawn to him and clings to him for safety.  The two spend a day together before Seul Bi is captures and sent back home.  From that moment, Myung Sung is plagued with bad luck and is forced to create a new identity.  But Seul Bi has never forgotten him, and when she runs away again, 2 years after their first meeting, she goes looking for him.  And despite his hesitations, Myung Sung, who now goes by Gong Soo Kwang, doesn’t have the heart to turn her away.  Seul Bi’s greatest wish is to just live a normal life and Myung Sung agrees to help her.  But those who have relied on her powers to succeed in business won’t let go easily.  

Na In Woo as Go Myung Sung/ Gong Soo Kwang

Go Myung Sung just recieved a highly coveted position as an intern working for Geumhwa Hotel.  But while celebrating with his best friends, he runs into Seul Bi and helps her run away.  When they find Seul Bi and bring her back, Myung Sung is with her, and from that moment his life begins to fall apart.  He loses his internship, his mother is killed, and he barely escapes his own death with the help of a kind “stranger”.  He creates a new identity and tries to put his life back together while running the fish shop his mother had owned.  So 2 years later, when Seul Bi shows up again, Myung Sung is less than thrilled.  But no matter how much he tries, he can’t ignore his feelings for her or his desire to help her.  

Go Myung Sung is intelligent and hard working.  Even when he is treated like a harbinger of bad luck, he smiles and continues to treat those around him with kindness and generosity.  Myung Sung never realizes that Seul Bi’s mother is the woman who came to stay with his mother when he was just a young boy, even though that event sealed his destiny with Seul Bi.  Na In Woo played this character well enough, but unfortunately the role was rather flat, with nothing very unique or interesting about it.  I think more time interacting with Seul Bi might have given his character the depth he seemed to be missing.  

Yoon Ji Hye as Mi Soo

Mi Soo is Seul Bi’s mother.  She fell in love with Seon Sam Joong when she was young, but like Seul Bi, she has always wanted to live a normal life with the man she loves.  Even though she doesn’t think she will ever be able to have that, she hopes Seul Bi will find happiness with Myung Sung.  

 ♥ Jo Jang Kyung

I liked Jo Jang Kyung as the second female lead.  She was honest and straightforward about her feelings for Min Joon, but she never treated Seul Bi as competition.  And when her parents threaten to break off the engagement,  she leaves home.  Because for her it was never about a business arrangement.  She never sulks, and sets out to win Min Joon’s heart with positivity and sincerity.  

♥ Wang Yoon Ho

I always love a gangster with a heart of gold.  It was great how once Seul Bi helped Yoon Ho with his son, he was absolutely devoted to her.  He never wavered, even when his own life was at stake.  His bond with both Seul Bi and Myung Sung was sweet, and having him on their side really gave them the edge they needed.  And I was thankful that they didn’t try to use him for comic relief, which they like to do with gangster types.   

Secondary Characters

This drama was packed with so many characters, and yet I didn’t feel like any of them had a decent storyline of their own.  Even Min Joon, who is supposed to be part of the main cast had very little substance apart from pining for Seul Bi.  It felt like this drama tried to create too many characters with all the marketplace people, instead of focusing on a couple more detailed secondary stories.  I especially think they should have shown more of Min Joon and Jang Kyung’s story.  They had a nice chemistry, but we didn’t get to see their relationship develop at all.    

Curse Story

The whole curse story from this drama seemed randomly constructed and made up as they went along.  We never really hear how Seul Bi’s aunt managed to break her pendant and live an ordinary life.  How come Min Joon’s grandfather lived with the curse for years, but when his father took it from him, he ended up on his deathbed almost immediately?  Why did the curse skip Min Joon anyway?  And why did his cousin end up with it in the end?  It all felt slapped together with no cohesiveness.  

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“Jinxed at First” has one of the weirdest endings I have ever seen in a kdrama.  First we see Seul Bi’s mom take the curse from Sam Joong and die.  Sam Joong is left alone in the countryside somewhere.  From Mi Soo, the curse is passed to Dong Shik, who has joined his father in prison for trying to kill Seul Bi and Myung Sung.  Min Joon and Jang Kyung are doing well together and preparing a wedding date.  Seul Bi saves Myung Sung’s life, but then disappears.  Myung Sung and all Seul Bi’s friends spend their time searching for her.  They finally find her in some small town, but she has no memory of her previous life or any of her friends.  It takes some time, but Myung Sung finally convinces her that they knew each other and she should come home to try to regain her memories.  But Myung Sung realizes that Seul Bi has a lot of painful memories that may be best left forgotten.  So he suggests that they just marry now and start life over. And she agrees.  So they get married and have a baby, and their life seems full of joy.  5 years later, Seul Bi takes their son to the church Myung Sung likes to visit.  When Myung Sung arrives, their son tells him Seul Bi has been showing him the rocks that say “I love you”.  Myung  Sung looks at Seul Bi with a question in his eyes, and she smiles and nods her head gently.  It would seem that her memory has finally returned.  And with that, it appears that the couple will live happily ever after.  It’s a strange start to a marriage, and a weird way to end a love story, but all is well that ends well, I guess.

Hong Ji Ah comes from a long line of female exorcists who have handed the skill down through the generations.  She opens Daebak Realty where she removes vengeful ghosts before putting buildings on the market.  Oh In Beom has made a living conning people into believing their homes are haunted.  But when Ji Ah realizes he is actually a medium, she offers him a temporary job.  And as they work together, they discover a shared history that could have a profound impact on both of their lives.

Jung Yong Hwa as Oh In Beom

Oh In Beom is a conman who has mastered the art of deception.  His latest operation involves convincing people that their house is haunted and providing the “equipment” to get rid of the ghost.  But when his scheme overlaps with a real ghost case being handled by Hong Ji Ah, the two immediately collide.  And when he is accidentally possessed by the ghost and later the ghost’s memories, Ji Ah offers him a temporary contract to work with her as a medium.  As he works and spends time with Ji Ah, details of his uncle’s mysterious “suicide” begin to come to light and seem to somehow be connected to Ji Ah’s mother’s death.  Now he will help Ji Ah find out what really happened to her mother in the hopes of shedding some light onto his own past.  

Oh In Beom is charismatic and in control.  Though most would see his occupation as unethical, he justifies his action by only scamming those who he says “deserve” it and can afford it.  But when his job as a medium makes him live through the memories of the ghosts they encounter, he begins to see life from a new perspective.  I love Jung Yong Hwa and it’s fun to see how much he has matured as an actor since starring in “You’re Beautiful”.  I don’t know that this was his strongest role.  It was a bit understated, especially when compared to the intense character of Ji Ah, but he did a nice job with the role as it was written and I enjoyed seeing him in this more grown up style drama.  

Kang Hong Suk as Heo Ji Cheol

Heo Ji Cheol is Ji Ah’s honorary “aunt”.  She met Ji Ah’s mom, Mi Jin, when her mom helped send the ghost of Ji Cheol’s baby daughter away.  Before Mi Jin’s death, she asks Ji Cheol to take care of Ji Ah.  Now she serves as Daebak Realty’s office manager as well as Ji Ah’s maternal support.  She knows the truth about Mi Jin’s death, but has hidden it from Ji Ah because she doesn’t want to see Ji Ah hurt by it.  

 ♥ Villain “Demise”

It would have been easy to have Hak Sung arrested and thrown in prison, but this is a ghost drama after all.  There is something much more satisfying about him suffering for eternity for his crimes.  And in this case, even death was not final enough.  Sealing his spirit in a box tucked away for safe keeping seems like the perfect punishment for this ultimate villain.    

♥ Virgin Twist

It’s interesting that this drama presented the idea that In Beom must remain a virgin from the very beginning.  It laid a good basis for why their romance never went beyond some sweet flirting and unexplored feelings.  Sure, they could have found some random work-around, but I kind of liked how they left it.  While romantic chemistry wasn’t much of a factor, I really enjoyed the close friend vibe these two put off.  And I laughed out loud when the owner of the Blue Salt told In Beom to be honest about his feelings, so he went home and confessed his love to Hwa Jung, not Ji Ah.  

Blue Salt Owner

Who exactly was the Blue Salt Owner?  I would have liked a bit more insight into how they found her and where their relationship started.  Also, for an ability that is passed genetically, it would seem like a problem that she is living in the woods like a hermit with no heir in sight.  

Egg Ghost

The egg ghost story worked well as an explanation of what happened to Mi Jin.  But the case with the new victims and Do Hak Sung came and went without much real development, compared to the other cases.  For them to just kind of stumble onto an answer that had evaded exorcists through history and then just wing it and hope for the best felt underwhelming.  And while I loved the idea that Ji Ah was finally choosing her ability instead of it choosing her, I don’t think there was ever much question that she would get them back somehow.  

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“Sell Your Haunted House” has a nice ending that wraps up most of the storylines well.  Do Hak Sung dies but his ghost possesses In Beom.  Ji Ah traps them and performs the sealing ritual to bind Hak Sung’s ghost, so he will never harm anyone again.  But this ritual has a serious side effect.  Ji Ah has lost her ability to see or exorcise ghosts.  Ji Ah finally realizes she is the one who has been holding her mom’s ghost here.  Even without her abilities, In Beom helps her see her mom off safely.  Ji Ah decides to go away until she can find a way to get her skills back.  So Daebak Realty is temporarily closed down with an “on vacation” sign on the door. One year later, Ji Ah finally returns, and finds In Beom working in the records room.  Later we see a new client pulling up outside, as the team welcome him with their usual questions about the property in question.  And in the final scene, Ji Ah and In Beom are going to do a preliminary survey.  But their system has been refined with ear pieces and the other half of the team on standby outside, in case back up is needed.  Apparently business is alive and well again.  

Yumi is an aspiring writer who works at Daehan Noodles.  After suffering from a painful breakup, she has given up on love.  But inside of Yumi’s body reside a whole town of cells that represent each of her feelings and interests.  And their dream of seeing Yumi fall in love and get married will override all of her best intentions.  But the road to love is complicated and unpredictable, and Yumi will find herself having to make some very difficult decisions about who she loves and what she wants in life.  

Ahn Bo Hyun as Ku Woong

Ku Woong is a video game programmer who has started his own struggling company.  His friend, Chae Woo Ki, works with Yu Mi at Daehan Noodles, and sets the two up on a blind date.  While Yumi isn’t too sure about the awkward nerd, Woong immediately falls for her.  And eventually he charms his way into her heart in the guise of a cute frog.  But as Woong’s company struggles financially, he becomes more and more distant with Yu Mi because he doesn’t want her to see his failure.  There is also tension in their relationship because one of Woong’s business partners has feelings for him and is constantly trying to drive a wedge between the couple.  In the end, both of these elements lead to their break up.  When Yu Mi finally sees Woong again later, he has become a successful CEO of a new company.  He still has feelings for her, but Yu Mi is never interested in getting back together.  

Lee Yoo Bi as Ruby

Ruby works with Yu Mi in the Accounting Department at Daehan Noodles.  She is immature and irritatingly cute.  At first, Yu Mi is frustrated by Ruby’s competitive nature and endless flirting.  But as she gets to know her, she develops a soft spot for her silly antics.  Later in the series, Ruby meets and falls in love with Yu Mi’s web novel illustrator, Control Z.  

 ♥ Control Z

It was such a delight to see P.O in this drama.  First of all, because by the time I watched this, he was already away in the military.  But also because Control Z was a really fun character.  He was funny and unexpected in all the right ways.  And the fact that he ended up dating Ruby, of all people, was great.  I loved how in the beginning he seemed kind of heartless and rude, but as you get to know his character, you learn to appreciate his simple, straightforward personality.  

♥ Cell Concept

I  have to hand it to the webtoon writers for coming up with such an interesting concept.  The cells as their own characters, with stories and personalities to go with them, were very intersting.  Yes, there were points where I really just wanted to get back to the Yu Mi story, but that doesn’t take away from the unique and engaging concept this drama is formed around.  

Yu Mi

I know that this is Yu Mi’s story and we are supposed to want a happy ending for her above all, but there were times I really didn’t like her character very much.  I found myself feeling like both Woong and Babi deserved better.  Certainly her character has plenty of development throughout the series, and by the end it is easy to see that she has matured, so maybe if they did a third season I would have the opportunity to like her a bit more.  But for now, I can say I found some of her actions and attitudes frustrating and selfish.   

Ending

Okay, so I’m not even talking about the idea that a rom-com ends without her choosing either love interest, which I find ridiculous.  But why would the producers plan only 2 seasons of a webtoon that has 3 seasons, and doesn’t have any real closure for Yu Mi until the final season?  It makes no sense to me.  Due to it’s popularity, I certainly expect a third season will happen, but that doesn’t take away the fact that they chose to only plan 2 seasons in the beginning.  

There isn’t a whole lot to say about this ending.  Yu Mi’s two work friends both find love.  Ruby is still dating Control Z and in a surprise twist, we see Yi Da marry Ahn Dae Young, Yu Mi’s editor at Julie Literature.  Yu Mi’s writing career has taken off with her webnovel and sequel.  While both Woong and Babi are still in love with her, Yu Mi isn’t interested in dating either of them.  Woong is still making efforts to see her and Yu Mi agrees to get together for a meal later, but there is obviously no romance on her side.  Babi has transfered to the Singapore branch where he can lick his wounds in private and try to forget about her.  And the final scene shows Yu Mi getting a text from a new supervisor at Julie Literature who she met the night before but doesn’t remember.  Since we see Love finally make it back to the cell’s village, it seems like this new guy will be Yu Mi’s next boyfriend, although that is left open to interpretation.  At the time of writing, the production team has refused to commit to a third season until they can recover from the first two but they haven’t ruled it out all together.  I expect it will happen eventually.

On Jeju Island, a community of locals strive to survive in their small seaside town.  Whether they are approaching the final years of their lives or just embarking on the journey into adulthood, each of them works hard to support themselves while still finding time to offer love and friendship to friends and neighbors.  Through this intricate web of relationships, we learn about their life stories, the scars they bear, and the love they seek.  

♥ “Picture” of Depression

Seon Ah’s battle with depression was realistic and insightful.  I loved the visual effects they used to show the darkness that she felt.  It was important that they emphasized the idea that neither her desire to be well or her deep love for her son were enough to instantly cure her illness.  Shin Min Ah’s ability to show deep, raw emotions brought this role to life 

♥ Young Hee

I appreciated the normalcy  they brought to Young Hee’s character.  She wasn’t defined by her limitations, and she wasn’t  just a prop for Young Ok’s story.  She was her own person with her own ordinary struggles and dreams.  I was so curious about what her art would look like, and I was so happy that it was neither something childish and clumsy nor something picture perfect.  Instead it showed a fair representation of Young Hee’s feelings and perspectives on those around her, just as a true artist should.  

More Ki Joon and So Byul

Baek Seung Do is adorable and I loved the character of Ki Joon.  His crush on So Byul was so fun.  I really would have liked to see more of their romance.  So Byul’s playing hard to get was fun, but who could resist Ki Joon indefinitely?  It was obvious that he was wearing her down and I would have like to see at least a couple scenes of them as a couple.

Eun Hee and Ho Shik

It was pretty obvious that although Han Soo had fond memories of Eun Hee, he never really entertained the idea of leaving his family for her.  And because of that I didn’t ship them much.  But it was also obvious that Ho Shik still had strong feelings for her.  And she even admitted that he made her heart flutter.  Now that they are both financial stable adults, I wish Eun Hee would have given him another chance.  I think they could have had a very sweet relationship if she had just shown a bit of interest.  I kept hoping they would finally get there, but unfortunately it never happened.  

“Our Blues” ends the way many slice of life dramas do;  lots of happy endings with a few bittersweet moments and some dangling loose ends.  So let’s just run down our leads. Lee Dong Seok has time to say goodbye to Ok Dong before her heartbreaking death.  Seon Ah is working through her issues.  She is allowed to see Yeol for visits.  She has finally admitted that she has feelings for Dong Seok and he is spending time with her and Yeol on Jeju.  Young Ok has finally been accepted by the other divers.  Her relationship with her sister has become stronger and more consistent.  She no longer sees her as a burden to her own happiness.  And this freedom has allowed her to get more serious about her relationship with Jung Joon.  He still has a way to go before he will actually propose, but they seem to be on the road to happiness together.  And Eun Hee and Mi Ran have patched up their friendship.  Young Joo has the baby, and Ho Shik and In Kwon have made their peace as co-grandfathers.  Everyone including Han Soo, is on hand to help the crew compete for Sports Day with lots of fun and laughs.