SEOUL, Jan. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – In a new trend that underscores South Korea’s innovative storytelling, television dramas and webtoons are increasingly exploring themes of rebirth and regression, resonating deeply with audiences both domestically and internationally.
One of the standout examples of this trend is the Tving original series “Lee Jae, I’m Dying Soon”. This narrative follows the protagonist Lee Jae, portrayed by Seo In-Guk, who, after committing suicide, faces a unique punishment.
The character is tasked by Death (played by Park So-Dam) to inhabit the bodies of twelve different people, each facing imminent death. If Lee Jae can avert the impending death in each body, he is allowed to live out the remainder of that person’s life.
The series has been particularly popular for its fast-paced storytelling and its exploration of life’s second chances.
“Lee Jae, I’m Dying Soon” has not only captivated domestic audiences but also made significant inroads internationally. Released through Amazon Prime Video, the series quickly entered the top 10 in 43 countries within a week, illustrating the global appeal of its unique premise.
“Lee Jae, I’m Dying Soon,” the Tving original series (left) and “Marry My Husband,” the upcoming South Korean television series (Image from Tving and tvN)
Another notable entry in this genre is the recently concluded MBN drama “Perfect Marriage Revenge,” based on a web novel. The story revolves around Han Yi-Ju, played by Jung Yoo-Min, who, upon learning her husband married her while loving her sister, wishes for revenge at the moment of her death.
Miraculously, she finds herself reborn at a time before her marriage, and opts for a contract marriage with Seo Do-guk (played by Sung Hoon), the man her sister loved, to exact her revenge.
Following suit, tvN is set to air “Marry My Husband,” a drama centered around the character Kang Ji-Won, played by Park Min-young. Ji-won is murdered after witnessing her husband’s affair with her best friend, but is reborn ten years earlier and begins her second life.
Previously a passive character, she now decides to radically change her life’s trajectory, seeking vengeance and rewriting her fate.
the Tving original series “Lee Jae, I’m Dying Soon” (Image from Tving)
These dramas are part of a larger narrative trend in South Korean entertainment, initially popularized by webtoons and web novels. This genre, characterized by protagonists reliving their lives to correct past mistakes or achieve unfulfilled goals, caters to a universal desire for second chances.
It particularly resonates with younger audiences who identify with the ‘I’ve ruined this life’ sentiment, a reflection of societal pressures and personal hardships.
The trend initially gained momentum in webtoons and web novels, becoming a dominant genre. As these popular stories were adapted into television dramas, the genre’s influence expanded, capturing a wider audience with its blend of fantasy and reality.
However, the landscape of webtoons is also undergoing a significant shift. A recent example is the Naver Webtoon “Unemployed Baek Soon,” which takes a different approach. It chronicles the life of Baek Soon, a 26-year-old who, after quitting her job following a confession from her boss, leads a directionless life.
The webtoon humorously depicts her daily struggles, such as contemplating buying chicken with a dwindling bank account or dealing with unexpected household occurrences. Baek Soon’s character represents a departure from the typical growth narratives, instead embracing a life of simplicity and relatability.
Other webtoons like “Maru is a Puppy” and “Strange Cat” add a fantasy element to everyday life scenarios, moving away from traditional regressive narratives. “Maru is a Puppy” narrates the adventures of a puppy named Maru who transforms into a five-year-old child, while “Strange Cat” humorously depicts a cat that grows to human size.
These stories offer ‘spicy humor,’ a blend of real-life situations with fantastical elements, marking a distinct shift from the regressive narratives that dominated the webtoon scene for years.
“Marry My Husband,” the upcoming South Korean television series (Image from tvN)
This evolving trend in webtoons suggests a growing appetite for stories that find humor and satisfaction in the mundane and the everyday. As noted by Hong Nan-ji, a professor at Chungkang College of Cultural Industries, readers are gravitating towards narratives that offer relatability and empathy, even without grand resolutions to life’s challenges.
The shift indicates a desire for content that mirrors the complexities of real life, finding humor and solace in the ordinary.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
