Move to Heaven – Full Review

June 9, 2021

Move to Heaven - Unspoiled Review

Move to Heaven - Full Review

 

Welcome to Move to Heaven - Full Review.  An autistic boy and his ex-con uncle get to know each other while learning to listen to the wishes of people who are no longer with us.    If you haven't watched this drama yet, I recommend checking out my unspoiled review here.

Move to Heaven

Aired:  May 14, 2021

# of Episodes:  10

Where to Watch:  Netflix

Genre:  Family Drama

Starring: Lee Je Hoon and Tang Jun Sang

.

Move to Heaven - Unspoiled Review

The Story

 

Move to Heaven - Full Review

"Move to Heaven" tells the story of a young autistic boy, Geu Roo, and his uncle, Sang Gu, who run a business as "trauma cleaners".  Their job is to clear out the belongings of people who have died.  While cleaning, they look for clues as to what final wishes the person might have and try to carry out those wishes as best they can.  The drama also follows the story of Geu Roo's relationship with the uncle he had never met, until he is appointed as Geu Roo's "temporary" guardian following the sudden death of Geu Roo's father .

Move to Heaven - Unspoiled Review

The Leads

 

Move to Heaven - Full Review
Move to Heaven -Full Review

Lee Je Hoon as Cho Sang Gu

Cho Sang Gu is released from prison to find that the older brother who had abandoned him as a child died and left him guardianship of his autistic nephew.  Initially, Sang Gu is not at all interested in carrying out his brother's final wishes, until he finds out that guardianship also gives him ownership of the house and business.  Now all he needs to do is wait out the three month trial period and he can sell off his brother's assets, repay his debt, and move on with his life.  But first he has to convince Geu Roo and those around him that he is dedicated to and qualified for his role as guardian.  

Move to Heaven - Full Review

Cho Sang Gu has lived his life as a loner.  He channeled his anger into a "career" as an underground MMA fighter.  He is rude, arrogant, and selfish. but he has been shaped by the emotional scars and misunderstandings of his past.  As he gets to know his brother through the surroundings and people he left behind, Sang Gu begins to find healing and forgiveness.  Lee Je Hoon is such an incredible actor.  No two roles are ever the same and he is credible in all of them.  I loved seeing this prickly, rough side of him, and I felt the pain and burden that Sang Gu carried on his shoulders.  Sang Gu is messy and real, and we love him all the more for it.

Tang Jun Sang as  Han Geu Roo

Han Geu Roo is a 20 year old man with Aspergers syndrome.  Life hasn't been easy for him, but his father has always been there to root for and support him.  When his father suddenly dies, he is left alone with an uncle he has never met before and a business only he can run.  As he teaches Sang Gu the ropes of their company "Move to Heaven", he also learns how to cope with life now that his father is gone.  Luckily the lessons he learned from his father while he was alive continue to guide him through the most difficult situations.  And although his uncle is rough around the edges, Geu Roo begins to see other positive qualities that are hidden under the surface.  

Move to Heaven - Full Review

Due to his Aspergers, Han Geu Roo faces plenty of challenges in his life.  But he is not a character that the audience should find lacking or pitiful.  He handles every situation with a single-minded determination and a logical attitude that leaves no room for anything but success.  What I loved about Geu Roo's character is that, although it was difficult, he found ways to understand the thoughts and feelings of his clients.  From my limited experience, Tang Jun Sang did a remarkable job in this role, and played Geu Ru's character sincerely, without overplaying his struggles.

Move to Heaven - Full Review

Supporting Characters

 

Move to Heaven - Full Review
Move to Heaven - Full Review

Hong Seung Hee as Yoon Na Mu

Yoon Na Mu has been Geu Roo's next door neighbor and best friend for years.  She also secretly has a crush on him.  During Sang Gu's probationary period as guardian, she is asked to keep a close eye on the situation to make sure that Geu Roo is happy and safe.  She volunteers to work for Move to Heaven with Sang Gu and Geu Roo so she can watch over them more closely.

Jung Ae Yun as Madame Jeong

Madame Jeong is the "villain" of this drama.  She runs an illegal fighting ring and has been blackmailing Sang Gu to keep him fighting for her for years.  She is heartless and greedy.  Madame Jeong appears to have no conscience, even though her actions have caused Sang Gu to lose the student he loved like a brother and serve time in prison.  

Move to Heaven - Full Review

Things I Liked

 

♥ Social Commentary

"Move to Heaven" does a great job of bringing up important social issue without ever sounding preachy.  From homophobia to neglect of the elderly, and plenty in between, "Move to Heaven" gently reminds us that we all have scars and weaknesses. And in a society where self-righteous greed is prevelant, it never hurts to be kind.  It also reminds us that kindness doesn't have to end with life;  if we listen carefully, the dead can still speak.  

♥ Based on a True Story

Knowing that this series is based off of a non-fiction essay called “Ddeonan Hooe Namgyeojin Geotdeul” by Kim Shae-Byeol gives me a special joy.  This is not just some idealized story that sounds sweet on tv.  There is really a man who worked as a "trauma cleaner" and brought their stories into one place for others to enjoy and learn from.  What an amazing testimony of human kindness!

♥Interesting Sub-Plots

One of the strengths of this drama is the diverse sub-plots that venture into many different topics and genre.  While the main story is great on it's own, the lessons learned through the people they help are also valuable and interesting. Each story gives us food for thought and each character adds their own unique richness to the drama as a whole.

Move to Heaven - Full Review

Things I Didn't Like

 

Season 2?

This drama definitely opened the door for a season 2 in the final scenes, even though nothing has been confirmed by Netflix yet.  While no existing storylines left us hanging for an ending, introducing a new character in the last minutes was an interesting teaser.  Without a second season, this scene could just be a sign that life and work go on, but it left me curious enough to hope for a chance to see what happens next.  

 

Romance??

So, I admit this is another thing I complain about on the regular, but "Move to Heaven" teased us with not just one but two potential romances and even hinted at a love triangle!  All, while not following through on a single one.  I think I earned the right to whine a little.  IF there is a season 2, it seems like these relationships could make up the foundation for the sequel's main storylines.

Na Mu's Mom

I'm sure for the Aspergers community, Na Mu's mom represents a whole group of people who never try to understand or accept them as they are, but I found her very unlikeable.  While Na Mu had such a sincere relationship with Geu Roo, it was difficult to watch her mother devalue and criticize him.  I'm sure many people like her exist in real life, but it didn't make her character any less distasteful.

 

Move to Heaven - Full Review

The Ending

 

Because "Move to Heaven" finished each sub-plot as the series went along, there isn't a lot to break down for the ending.  For our leads, I think it was a happy ending.  Sang Gu is forced to fight for Madame Jeong again.  Geu Roo and Na Mu find out about it and get the police involved.  While the raid errupts into chaos, they sneak an injured Sang Gu out the back door.  Lawyer Oh meets with Sang Gu and tells him that he doesn't think Sang Gu is qualified to act as Geu Roo's guardian and the illegal fighting is just one example of why.  Defeated, Sang Gu turns to leave, but Lawyer Oh continues that his opinion isn't really that important.  Geu Roo wants Sang Gu to continue on in his role, so he will finish the paperwork to make it official.  The final scene shows Geu Ru in front of the Move to Heaven van when a young woman approaches him.  She says that she would like to hire them and the client is herself.  Geu Roo seems flustered and interested in her, but also confused.  And that's a wrap.  So our Move to Heaven team are still together, with Na Mu finally telling her parents that she intends to work with them full-time, and ready to take on their next job.

Move to Heaven - Full Review

Should I Watch

 

Move to Heaven - Unspoiled Review

"Move to Heaven is slow paced and emotional.  It tells the stories of those who can no longer speak for themselves in a way that is respectful and not overdone.  Due to the nature of their job as trauma cleaners, many of the stories are bittersweet.  This isn't a happy, light drama and it doesn't provide an intense or exciting storyline.  It's strength lies in the quiet unfolding of beautiful stories that will tug at your heart.  This show is much more episodic than the average kdrama, focusing on various sub-plots more than the main characters. This gave the drama as a whole a balanced variety of themes while still allowing us to get to know the leads through their reactions to each story. I have heard mixed reviews among the Aspergers community about the  accuracy of the main characters portrayal, so if you are looking at it as a way to learn more about this condition, this may not be the best source. If you are looking for a drama that has great writing, an amazing cast, and strong character development that will touch your heart, I definitely recommend "Move to Heaven".  I give "Move to Heaven" an 9 out of 10 ramen.

🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜

See other full reviews here:

Start Up 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: October 17  - December 6, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Netflix Genre: Romantic Drama Starring: Bae Suzy and Nam Joo HyukSandbox is a program designed to help start-up IT companies get their businesses of the ground.  Participants are chosen through a...

Empress Ki 2013 Full Review

Air Dates: October 28 - April 29, 2014 Episodes: 51 Where to Watch: Kocowa Genre: Historical Romance Starring: Ha Ji Won and Ji Chang WookDuring the Yuan dynasty, the Mongols ruled a large portion of Asia, including Goryeo (modern day Korea).  Empress Ki follows the...

More Than Friends 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: September 25 - November 28, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Viki Genre: Romantic Drama Starring: Ong Seong Wu and Shin Ye Eun The story of a young woman who has spent the last 10 years with a crush on the same guy.  Twice she has gotten up the nerve to...

Mom Has an Affair 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: May 4 - October 23, 2020 Episodes: 122 Where to Watch: Kocowa Genre: Family Melodrama Starring: Hyun Jyu Ni and Lee Jae HwangA single mom has spent her life struggling to make ends meet to provide for her family, while hoping to fulfill her dream of...

Record of Youth 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: September 7 - October 27, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Netflix Genre: Romantic Drama Starring: Park Bo Gum and Park So Dam  Enter the world of modelling and acting through the eyes of 2 young men who have spent their 20's waiting to catch their big...

Lie After Lie 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: September 4 - October 24, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Viki Genre: Romantic Melodrama Starring: Lee Yoo Ri and Yeon Jung Hoon  A young woman is wrongly imprisoned for the murder of her husband and gives up custody of her baby daughter to protect her. ...

Welcome2Life Full Review

Air Dates: August 5 - September 24, 2019 Episodes: 32 Where to Watch: Kocowa Genre: Romantic Fantasy Starring: Rain and Im Ji YeonLee Jae Sang is a prosecutor who has spent his career putting his own financial gain and winning record over people.  Even when it meant...

Do You Like Brahms 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: August 31 - October 20, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Viki Genre: Romantic Drama Starring: Park Eun Bin and Kim Min Jae"Do You Like Brahms" is about a group of students involved in an elite school of music at their university.   A struggling 4th year...

The King 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: April 17 - June 12, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Netflix Genre: Fantasy Romance Starring: Lee Min Ho and Kim Go EunLee Gon became the emperor of the Kingdom of Corea when his father was killed in front of him at the age of 8.  One night as the emperor...

Flower of Evil 2020 Full Review

Air Dates: July 29 - September 23, 2020 Episodes: 16 Where to Watch: Genre: Crime Thriller Starring: Lee Joon Gi and Moon Chae Won  Baek Hee Sung seems like the perfect husband and father.  But he hides a dark secret from his past.  His father, Do Min Seok was a cruel...

Related Posts

June 1, 2026

Start Up 2020 Full Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Spoiler-Free Review Series Details Air […]

June 1, 2026

Start Up 2020 Spoiler-Free Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Full Review Series Details Air […]

June 1, 2026

New Premieres and Fun Finales in May 2026

Move to Heaven – Full Review May 2026 Korean Drama Premieres My […]

May 28, 2026

Empress Ki 2013 Full Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Spoiler-Free Review Series Details Air […]

May 28, 2026

Empress Ki 2013 Spoiler-Free Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Full Review Series Details Air […]

May 28, 2026

More Than Friends 2020 Full Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Spoiler-Free Review Series Details Air […]

May 28, 2026

More Than Friends 2020 Spoiler-Free Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Full Review Series Details Air […]

May 28, 2026

Mom Has an Affair 2020 Full Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Spoiler-Free Review Series Details Air […]

May 28, 2026

Mom Has an Affair 2020 Spoiler-Free Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Full Review Series Details Air […]

May 28, 2026

Lonely Enough to Love 2020 Full Review

Move to Heaven – Full Review Read Spoiler-Free Review Series Details Air […]

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.