Crash Landing On You
North Meets South
♥ Aired: Dec. 12, 2019- Feb. 16, 2020
♥# of Episodes: 16
♥Where to Watch: Netflix
♥Genre: Romantic Drama
♥Starring: Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin
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The Characters
Hyun Bin as Ri Jung Hyuk
Ri Jung Hyuk dreamed of being a famous pianist when he was young. So his brother, Moo Hyuk chose a career in the military to follow in their father’s footsteps. But when Moo Hyuk is killed in an “accident”, Jung Hyuk gives up his dream and becomes a military officer. He is quiet and a bit aloof.
The men under his command respect him but keep their distance. The women in the soldiers’ village flirt and vie for his attention. His life feels lonely and disappointing, until he runs into a South Korean woman while on patrol.
Son Ye Jin as Yoon Se Ri
Yoon Se Ri grew up as the illegitimate daughter of a rich businessman. Her stepmom raised her along with her 2 stepbrothers. None of them have ever had any affection for her or treated her like she belongs. Because of this, she has spent her life trying to be successful and prove that she is a worthy person. She creates her own company called Se Ri’s Choice that sells fashion and beauty products. Even though her life has lacked love and suppport, she has lived pampered and spoiled. After a paragliding accient, she wakes up in a tree in North Korea. The land and people are rough and far removed from so many of the luxuries she is accustomed to.
But in the company of the North Korean captain and his troops, she learns about love and acceptance. And she begins to gain a new perspective on what’s really important in life.
The chemistry between this couple is no joke. And as they get to know each other, they discover that fate may have played a major hand in bringing them together. But how do they build a future where it will be impossible for them to contact each other once Se Ri returns home? Can they overcome cultural differences and a divided homeland to find happiness?
Kim Jung Hyun as Goo Seung Jun
Goo Seung Jun is our con man with a conscience. Seung Jun cheated Se Ri’s brother out of a large sum of money and tried to marry Se Ri to take her portion of the family money. When he is caught, Seung Jun hires someone to help him relocate and hide in North Vietnam. In the beginning he is rude and selfish. But as he starts to learn about love and friendship, he becomes quite sweet. This is one of those characters designed to break all of our hearts.
Seo Ji Hye as Seo Dan
Dan is the unfortunate second lead. The families have arranged for her to marry Jung Hyuk. But it isn’t all a random arrangement. Dan has had a crush on Jung Hyuk since they attending the same school when they were younger.
But Jung Hyuk never noticed her and isn’t even aware they have a past. Dan knows she is in trouble as soon as she sees Jung Hyuk with Se Ri. She does everything that she can to keep them apart and force Jung Hyuk to follow through with their wedding.
Secondary Characters
North Korean Soldiers
Because North Korea’s conscription is so long, it is natural that men serving together would become family. This group of guys is so fun. They find out that Jung Hyuk is helping Se Ri to get back home, and jump in to offer help and support. At first, they don’t know what to do with a modern South Korean woman who is strong-willed and independent. But as they all get to know each other, they become protective brothers to her. Their different friendships are so cute. Each one has their own special relationship with her.
Women in the North Korean Village
These women all live in the village used for military families. That means they are all married to the men who are serving. Which doesn’t keep them from flirting with Jung Hyuk! When he announces that Se Ri is his fiancee they are all shocked At first they hate her for being their competition. But she wins them over with beauty and style advice. Eventually they accept her as part of their community. This also brings them closer to each other.
Things I Liked
♥ North Korean Insights
The scenes that took place in North Korea were fascinating. It’s so interesting to get an idea of what life is like there. I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to live in a place like that, so I really enjoyed getting a small peek into it.
♥ Cast Chemistry
The whole cast is phenomenal. The chemistry between the leads was so sweet to watch. But the supporting characters are also amazing. It’s a large cast, and I feel that we get to know a little bit about each character individually, which I loved.
♥ Beautiful Scenery
Visually, this drama is stunning. From the small villages of North Korea to the beautiful lake side of Switzerland, it is all a gorgeous backdrop for the story.
Things I Didn’t Like
♥ Seung Jung/Dan Ending
I think most fans agree that Seung Jung’s death was heartbreaking. They could have easily found a way to let him settle in North Korea with Dan. He fought so hard to straighten out his life and become a good man. I would have like to see him rewarded for that.
♥ Se Ri’s Family
In my opinion, Se Ri’s family were the only weak link in the characters. They were villians, but not even close to being bad enough to compete with Cheol Kang. They just kind of fell flat for me.
♥Unrealistic Event
I know that Dramaland is not real life. And I don’t mind suspending my belief for the fun of the story. But there are definitely some far fetched scenarios. From paragliding through the middle of a tornado to tiptoeing back through the DMZ.
The Ending
Overall, I felt like the ending was strong. Obviously, with the exception of Seung Jun. After all the talk about fate and destiny, they resisted the urge to wave some magic wand and give them a happy life, just like any other couple. The ending has a bittersweet feel. They do get a happy ending, but it has it’s own unique twist, just like them as a couple.
It is a little sad to think that Se Ri will never see any of the wonderful friends she made during her time in North Korea. But when I think of our happy couple, walking the shores of the lake in Switzerland once a year, all is right in my heart.
Should I Watch
I really loved this drama. It has a great cast with amazing chemisty. So much so that fans have had a hard time moving on now that it is finished. This drama is strong all around. There is plenty of romance, some political conspiracy, and lots of comical moments that lighten the mood and give depth to the characters. The cinematography provides some beautiful scenery, from North Korea and Switzerland. I guess it does ask you to suspend your disbelief from time to time, but the charm of the story makes it worthwhile. Definitely give this one a try. I think you’ll be happy you did. I give Crash Landing On You a 10 out of 10 ramen.
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