With a whole list of dramas you’ve lined up to watch, there just never seems to be enough time for all of them! Our new series “K-Drama Throwback” is here to satisfy your thirst one drama at a time with recommendations of great dramas you might have missed out on.
For the first article in the series, read on to find out about the heartbreaking drama entitled “49 Days.”
The Unique Plot
“49 Days” is a 2011 drama that starred Lee Yowon, Jung Ilwoo, Nam Gyuri, Jo Hyunjae, Bae Soobin, and Seo Jihye in a moving piece that discussed life, love, friendship, and everything in between. The story is centered around a happy-go-lucky girl named Shin Jihyun who unexpectedly falls into a coma after an accident that was caused by Song Yikyung, who was trying to commit suicide. Jihyun is then visited by an angel of death type character known as the “Scheduler,” who gives her a chance to escape death by gathering tears shed out of pure love by three people who are not her family. The only catch? She must complete it in just 49 days. To do that, Jihyun inhabits the body of Yikyung, where she can only do as she wishes when Yikyung is asleep. While Jihyun believes the mission will be easy to accomplish, we all know there is more than meets the eye in every K-drama.
Endearing Elements
Early on this drama, we find out that Jihyun had the illusion that she had a perfect life, but everything falls apart easily. As an onlooker, she is now faced with the reality that there might be no one to depend on to accomplish her mission. With her own motivation to continue living, Jihyun struggles with living in the body of a person who is contemplating dying. In each episode, the two protagonists are faced with problems in stark contrast with each other, ultimately making viewers question which paths Jihyun and Yikyung need to take.
This drama mimics the verity of what life is— a continuous circle of life and death. It openly tells you to learn to let go to be able to love again. Although not a surprise, “49 Days” was very cryptic in its ways. It gets you at moments you least expect. It somewhat speedily unravels mysteries, but it counters with dwelling on the emotions of the characters. You also soon realize how all the characters are tied up. At the same time, it surprises you with how different you expected things to turn out.
The drama also features a variety of characters and personalities which reflect certain realities in life. K-Drama lovers won’t be startled at some of the two-faced characters, but somehow it might not be easy to accept them, especially in this case. Throughout the series, you will also be faced with the decision to forgive characters as you try to understand their hearts— no matter how wicked they may seem.
Phenomenal Portrayal
The success of “49 Days” would not be without the combined efforts of writer So Hyun Kyung, director Jo Young Kwang, and its wonderful cast. While the writer carefully paid attention to theological references and intricately intertwined the characters’ fates, the director made sure to capture the emotions of the characters well enough for you to feel them too. The depiction of the character by each actor and actress is so remarkable that you somehow feel them growing as the drama goes on.
However, that’s not all there is to it. Styling also made sure to blend with the current situation to which each character was in. The color tone of the whole drama was one that would make you wonder how colorful or dull your life is. Indeed, they wanted to make sure you felt with the characters, and see things in their eyes, by giving subtle details.
Dealing with life and loss is one where everyone takes it differently. “49 Days,” although fictional, gives you a moment to look at how you are currently living, how you want to live, and how to develop a sense of understanding others. Loving, and being loved in return is a difficult feat, but one that proves the merit of your life.
Have you seen “49 Days”? Share your thoughts by tweeting to us @whatthekpop1 and let us know which classic K-Drama we should focus on next time in K-Drama Throwback!
beatrice has been a follower of the Korean industry since late 2009. From then on, she has cultivated an obsession over mostly boy groups/singers and dramas. Beatrice is a libra whose heart is full of singing, music, and photography.
Media: SBS