From Black Mirror to Nope, Daniel Kaluuya is no stranger to starring in Black sci-fi stories. The Academy Award-winning actor stepped behind the camera for his directorial debut with The Kitchen (2023). After premiering at the BFI London Film Festival in October 2023, Netflix released the film for streaming on January 19. Kaluuya and co-director Kibwe Tavares bring viewers to a dystopian future where Londoners must find resilience amidst classism and forced displacement.

Into The Kitchen

The Kitchen imagines the potential fate of London’s lower class through a blend of modernity and futurism. The title refers to the name of the housing complex serving as the story’s main setting. The Kitchen is the last remaining public housing in this futuristic London facing demolition. Occupants of the estate face overpopulation, a lack of resources, and frequent physical aggression from police officers. The film’s uncanny reflection of reality and unique critique of society leave a strong impression on viewers.

The plot follows Izi, a single man working at a funeral home with hopes of soon moving out of The Kitchen. His self-centered nature is challenged when he meets a young boy named Benji, who is left to fend for himself after the death of his mother. Benji searches for guidance and community within the dangers of The Kitchen. The movie unexpectedly develops into an emotional exploration of morality as Izi must reconsider his priorities in life.

The Cast

The majority Black cast adds relatability for Black viewers. Even despite the extreme circumstances the residents face, there is still room for music, culture, and celebration. The Kitchen strongly showcases that Black people deserve major roles in sci-fi stories, and their identities do not have to be compromised.

Actor and rapper Kane Robinson, popularly known as Kano, delivers a memorable performance of character development through his role as Izi. The opening scene introduces him as he showers despite an announcement that water is scarce. The flashing alarms and desperate shouts from residents waiting outside are disregarded, and Izi’s individualistic mindset shows. His conversations with others throughout the film slowly unveil emotions suppressed by the weight of The Kitchen. 

Jedaiah Bannerman hits the ground running in his acting debut as Benji. Fueled by curiosity and searching for family after loss, his character adds a fresh perspective to the story. Benji experiences the conditions of The Kitchen for the first time alongside the audience. The fragile nature of Benji’s circumstances evokes attachment within viewers. His perspective also offers insight into the effects environment and role models can have on Black youth in desperate times.

Hope Ikpoku Jnr embodies resistance in the role of Staples. The young leader takes the initiative to direct acts of retaliation against the authorities and upper class. Staples shows a turbulent reaction to the conditions of The Kitchen. While Izi buries his emotions inside — turning to isolation and escape — Staples chooses to fight back in defense of the community. This is reflected in the tense interactions between the two and their respective influences on Benji. 

Though the film follows these three characters, every resident of The Kitchen supports the delivery of the story’s message.

The Fate of Black Futures

From the characters to the soundtrack, The Kitchen effectively presents a relatable Black sci-fi movie. The lack of unnatural slang and inaccurate representations of culture is refreshing; it is evident that the story was written from a place of understanding and experience. The context of the film also proudly challenges pre-existing stereotypes. 

While there is a slow start, the raw emotions and thought-provoking story are worth it, and it leaves room for more development and background into The Kitchen. Kaluuya and Tavares created a timeless conversation piece by using a Black speculative lens to spotlight real issues in underprivileged communities. The similarities between reality and their London dystopia force the audience to recognize the urgency for change. 

Want more on Black films? Check out this piece on existential Blackness in films and TV shows here!

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Hayao Miyazaki, a perennial figure in the animation world, has maintained a consistent artistic style and a penchant for fantasy storytelling since his debut in the late 1970s. Despite announcing his retirement after The Wind Rises in 2013, Miyazaki returned to the film industry by initiating the production of The Boy and the Heron in 2017, offering audiences another enchanting glimpse into his colorful world. The film, released globally on December 9, 2023, is a manifestation of Miyazaki’s enduring creativity, providing viewers with a sense of comfort through his unique animation style.

Miyazaki’s decision to create The Boy and the Heron before potentially departing from the film industry was motivated by a desire to leave behind a cinematic legacy. In 2017, Studio Ghibli producer Toshio Suzuki mentioned that Miyazaki wanted to show his grandson the lasting significance of this film as he moves on to the next chapter of life. Beyond its magical narrative, the film serves as an imaginative exploration of grief, joy, and the profound choices we encounter in life’s journey.

Growing Pains

The narrative of The Boy and the Heron unfolds amid a backdrop of death, with a moonlit Tokyo cityscape during World War II. The scene is marred by the flames of a burning hospital, the workplace of Mahito’s late mother. Following the loss of his mother in the hospital fire, Mahito’s life undergoes significant changes as his father and his deceased mother’s sister anticipate a baby. This series of events prompts Mahito’s move to the countryside, where he grapples with the challenges of adapting to a new environment and integrating into his unfamiliar school.

It is in this new setting that the central character encounters a heron, a half-human and half-bird hybrid claiming that Mahito’s mother is still alive. The heron propels Mahito into an alternate plane where new souls emerge and departed souls find solace.

Deviating from its original Japanese title does not diminish The Boy and the Heron‘s exploration of its fundamental philosophical question: How Do You Live? Miyazaki strives to capture the comprehensive essence of the perpetual, indifferent, and inevitable cycle between life and death.The characters in the film respond to this existential dilemma, showcasing diverse coping mechanisms in the face of their unavoidable mortality. The heron, embodying a disdain for death, behaves selfishly and antagonizes Mahito. Meanwhile, Mahito perceives the heron — and everyone navigating the complexities of life — as an individual in need of assistance.

The Magic of Animated Life 

The Boy and the Heron, at first glance, seems to tread familiar artistic territory, echoing the visual style of Miyazaki’s past creations. Yet, beneath this initial familiarity, the film swiftly reveals the distinct evolution of Miyazaki’s artistry, marking a departure from his established norms and setting the stage for a new cinematic experience.

In the film’s opening scene, Miyazaki’s portrayal of the burning hospital displays a new, kinetic quality that diverges from his previous work. The scene transforms into a nightmarish sequence, with the dark Tokyo night illuminated by dancing flames and contorted faces, reflecting the horror of bombings and Mahito’s fears. While reminiscent of Grave of the Fireflies, Miyazaki’s approach aligns more closely with the atomic bomb scene in Barefoot Gen, offering a bold and potent start to the film.

Even in fantastical scenes, Miyazaki’s art evolves, building on the foundations of Spirited Away and Ponyo in movement and wonder. The Boy and the Heron is rich in movement and kineticism, evident in Mahito’s character design and actions that draw inspiration from a previous Miyazaki protagonist: Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke.

Particularly notable are the tower scenes with the Parakeets, displaying vibrant energy and meticulous attention to background elements. Miyazaki consistently introduces striking set-pieces throughout the film, showcasing his dedication to pushing the boundaries of animation and avoiding stagnation in his distinguished career.

Metaphor through Music

Miyazaki’s longtime collaborator, Joe Hisaishi, once again delivers a one-of-a-kind score. Miyazaki recognizes the significance of granting his characters moments of solitude and incorporating quietness to allow for recovery or reflection. The instrumental solos during tranquil scenes are delightful and contribute effectively to creating a blissful or bittersweet atmosphere. 

Moreover, as Mahito delves further into the fantastical world of the heron, Hisaishi’s skillful orchestration builds a growing sense of urgency, precisely adjusting volume and power. Hisaishi expertly captures the emotions of calmness, sadness, or anxiety required to tell Mahito’s story, showcasing his exceptional talent and that of the orchestra he leads.

How Do You Live?

Miyazaki skillfully integrates references in the film, including the significant influence of Genzaburo Yoshino’s 1937 novel How Do You Live? on Mahito. Juggling self-references from the broader Studio Ghibli universe and drawing from his own life, Miyazaki intricately crafts a rich and textured world in The Boy and the Heron.

At the story’s climax, Mahito is forced to decide between crafting a new world in a fantasy realm or returning home to confront reality. The Boy and the Heron, then, poses several questions: How do you navigate grief? How do you continue living after experiencing the most profound loss? How do you traverse a world where others have moved on, and you feel stuck? How do you come to terms with the things beyond your control?

The film provides a crucial response: there’s no simple answer. Healing will occur, but it cannot be rushed. It happens in its own time, often unnoticed until you realize it has taken place. Once healing occurs, what remains is the love you’ve received, which you can now share with the world.

The Boy and the Heron requires patience, especially with its slow pace in the first hour. However, it ultimately offers emotionally impactful concluding scenes. Mahito, given the chance to govern a fantasy world, opts for the challenges of the real one — a representation of the grown-up understanding that we can’t avoid life’s difficulties. Miyazaki imparts a poignant message: embrace the real world, while using the animated realms as guides for navigating our lives.

Want to keep up with the latest Hollywood coverage? Read about the standout AAPI stars from the 81st Golden Globe Awards here!

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CONTENT WARNING: This article contains mentions of abuse, violence, self-harm, and suicide. It also contains spoilers for seasons 1 and 2 of Netflix’s D.P. 

Almost two years after its initial release, Netflix’s hit Korean original series D.P. is back for a second season, promising to carry on the harrowing, eye-opening narrative of its predecessor. Since the show’s premiere in August 2021, D.P. has captivated global audiences by pulling back the curtain on the dark side of the South Korean military. The series follows Ahn Jun-ho (Jung Hae-in), a conscripted soldier who serves as part of the deserter pursuit (D.P.) team responsible for capturing runaway soldiers. D.P. tells the stories of Jun-ho’s harrowing encounters, both as a witness and a victim, with the dark side of South Korea’s military culture, where corruption, bullying, and abuses abound.

The Details

D.P. is based on the Lezhin webtoon D.P Dog’s Day (2015-2016), written and illustrated by Kim Bo-tong. Set in 2014, the show’s plot heavily borrows many of Kim’s own experiences during his time in South Korea’s notorious mandatory military service. Kim co-wrote the Netflix adaptation alongside director Han Jun-hee (Hit-and-Run Squad), who returns to the helm for the second season.

D.P. 2 is a direct continuation of D.P.’s first season, which comes to a disturbing climax with the public attempted suicide of captured deserter Cho Suk-bong. His case is the horrifying culmination of a season rife with violent hazing, desertions, manhunts, and rampant abuses of power by senior officers. D.P. 2 explores the aftermath of this terrible incident as higher-ups scramble to save face, more soldiers go rogue, and the D.P. team fights to expose a deeply corrupted system.

Jung Hae-in and Koo Kyo-hwan reprise their roles as Private Ahn Jun-ho and Corporal Han Ho-yeol respectively, with Kim Sung-kyun returning as D.P. Commanding Officer Park Beom-gu. Son Seok-koo also reprises his role as Captain Lim Ji-seop. The new season will also introduce some new faces, including actor Ji Jin-hee (Designated Survivor: 60 Days) and actress Kim Ji-hyun (The Smile Has Left Your Eyes). D.P.’s six-episode second season premiered on Netflix on July 28, 2023.

Premiere Recap

D.P. 2 kicks off not long after Cho Suk-bong’s suicide attempt leaves him comatose and the military scrambling to save its reputation as human rights organizations start asking questions. There’s a military-wide attempt to cover up the abuses leading to the incident, writing the entire ordeal off as a consequence of mental instability. Captain Lim and Sergeant Park, under pressure from their superiors, are forced to choose between justice for Suk-bong and protecting the D.P. team. With Ho-yeol hospitalized, Jun-ho is assigned a new partner, a spoiled recruit who views D.P. work as a chance to regularly get off base. Things go from bad to worse when Private Kim Ru-ri (Moon Sang-hoon), a friend of Suk-bong’s and yet another victim of relentless bullying, opens fire on his fellow soldiers before deserting. As always, the D.P. team is dispatched, with Ho-yeol returning when the cowardly new recruit drops out.

The D.P. squad goes up against Brigadier General Gu Ja-woon (Ji Jin-hee), who needs Kim dead so he cannot testify against the military. The task is assigned to Lieutenant Colonel Seo Eun (Kim Ji-hyun), an experienced military strategist and Captain Lim’s estranged wife. She uses the media to label Kim Ru-ri armed and dangerous, portraying him as a violent criminal. Kim is quickly baited out of hiding, as broadcasts show protesters and victims’ families converging outside his mother’s restaurant. Jun-ho and Ho-yeol, who arrive earlier that day, are met with a horde of soldiers flocking in, ready to kill the deserter on Colonel Seo’s orders. 

That night, Kim Ru-ri takes a soldier hostage, threatening the troops gathered with a handheld grenade. Jun-ho tries and fails to deescalate the situation. Moments later, a triggered, conflicted Ho-yeol, driven by memories of Private Cho’s incident and Sergeant Park’s desperate commands, makes a risky decision to try to save the deserter’s life. He livestreams the standoff, speaking for the first time to urge an anxious Jun-ho to do something. Jun-ho acts as a shield, barring the two into the restaurant as soldiers attack them, trying to end the stream. Colonel Seo, on seeing Captain Lim’s frantic plea to save Kim Ru-ri’s life, hesitates to give the order to shoot.

It is Kim Ru-ri’s mother who manages to get him under control while a disgruntled, disappointed General Gu strides in to play hero, removing the grenade from Kim’s possession. While the D.P. team breathes a sigh of relief at having completed their mission, the higher-ups spin the narrative in the military’s favor. Jun-ho and Ho-yeol are inexplicably awarded medals of honor for what was seen as a flagrant act of defiance, while Colonel Seo’s decision costs her her job. Emboldened by her dismissal, she decides to become a lawyer representing victims of the military’s abuses, armed with a USB that could make or break the entire organization.

First Impression

If there’s one line that summarizes the entirety of D.P. 2, it’s these haunting words by Private Cho Suk-bong, whose dramatic desertion and suicide attempt form the catalyst of this season. We jump right back into the action, and within the first two episodes, are quickly brought to a deeply unsettling realization: nothing has changed. Jun-ho and his fellow juniors are still bullied, soldiers are still deserting, and the military’s still trying to cover things up. 

In some ways, things have only worsened as those in power become increasingly desperate to hide their crimes at the expense of their subordinates’ safety, security, and even their lives. In the midst of an organization-wide reckoning, we meet a D.P. team forced to navigate their personal convictions regarding what they see, know and do – or in many cases, don’t do.

Trauma, Guilt, and Taking a Stand

D.P. 2 dials up the drama in a way that keeps viewers constantly on edge; it’s equally, if not more, as dark, graphic, and intense both in its cinematography and its storyline as its predecessor. While the first season focused on deserters and their stories, D.P. 2 hones in on the four-man D.P. team thrown into the thick of the military’s latest reputational crisis.

The squad makes for a rather damaged bunch: Jun-ho’s increasingly disillusioned, running on guilt, anger, and exhaustion, while Ho-yeol suffers from a debilitating case of PTSD that leaves him mute. Captain Lim Ji-seop’s crisis of conscience manifests in reckless attempts to right his wrongs. Sergeant Park Beom-gu bears the burden of overseeing a traumatized team under pressure to keep heinous crimes under wraps while fighting his instincts to play it safe. Throw in a mass shooting, an ex-wife under opposing orders, and higher-ups on a mission to shut them up, and it’s no wonder the D.P. officers are shaky on their feet.

Thanks to stellar performances from Jung Hae-in and Koo Kyo-hwan in particular, we’re directly immersed in the guilt, anger, and anxiety Jun-ho and Ho-yeol experience. There’s a very raw depiction of how trauma affects everything they believe about who they are and what they do that’s scarily relatable, even for those of us who’ve never joined the military. In the case of Sergeant Park, who has spent much of his military career choosing neutrality, standing by and watching is no longer an option. 

There’s even room for the audience to sympathize with the impulsive Captain Lim, who becomes more and more volatile as the walls close in on him both personally and professionally. This season, the D.P. squad takes a stand, and as the stakes grow higher, it’s difficult not to root for them.

Injustice, Normalized

At its core, D.P. 2 dissects just how much the abuse and corruption we witness has been normalized and accepted as just the way things are. There’s a fair share of subtle commentary on the intersections of groupthink, conceptions of masculinity, and the heavily patriarchal, hierarchical nature of Korean society. Generations-worth of trauma have been passed down from senior officers who view the violent hazing and bullying as a rite of passage to be endured with clenched teeth and sheer will. Daring to run away, let alone fight back, is not only viewed as rebellious, but as a sign of weakness. In D.P. 2’s depiction of the military, compliance is the way of life, and to deviate, to desert, (yes, even in the face of severe mistreatment) is to disgrace one’s fellow soldier.

Do Something, Anything

It wouldn’t be far-fetched to say Private Cho Suk-bong’s the real hero of D.P. 2. As things spiral out of the D.P. team’s control, it’s his words which motivate them to do something, anything to change things. Kim Ru-ri’s shooting spree, desertion, and unexpected livestream demonstrate something both he and Private Cho understood quite well: the power of spectacle. Both of their incidents demonstrate the unfortunate reality that change tends only to come when people are forced to pay attention to injustice. They serve as a wake-up call to an organization that has grown comfortable in its corruption, and as a harsh lesson on the consequences of ignoring a harmful status quo. Which, quite frankly, is a lesson we could all stand to gain from. 

For the D.P. team, the incidents are a reminder that simply standing by and “just doing their jobs” have made them inherently complicit in a broken system. Of course, they’re all very aware of just how broken the system is; they are victims of it, and there’s a strong desire to change things. D.P. 2 depicts the harrowing, tumultuous journey these characters take from wanting things to be different to actually doing something to make that difference.

D.P. 2’s story is bigger than just a massive military exposé; it’s about justice and finding the courage to speak up and sacrifice for the sake of what is right. Of course, the pursuit of justice always comes at a price, and our D.P. officers are no strangers to this fact. They’ve risked their careers, their reputations, and even their lives while on D.P. duty. This time around, however, they’re taking on a whole new monster, and there are many more sacrifices to come. This time, Jun-ho, Ho-yeol, Sergeant Park and Captain Lim steel themselves to do something, because in Jun-ho’s words, “if our hands are tied, who will deal with this?”

Jun-ho’s question closes the season two trailer with a challenge for everyone hearing it, himself and his superiors and us, the show’s viewers. In this simple line, he encapsulates the show’s central message: in the face of injustice, if nobody acts, nothing will change.

Where to Watch

We won’t sugarcoat it; D.P. 2 is not a watch for the faint-hearted. It’s raw, gory and violent, and is sure to bring up lots of emotions. Thankfully, there’s just enough humor sprinkled throughout the season to give you a breather in the midst of a seemingly never ending train of bad news. We also get to see the growing chemistry between frenemies Captain Lim and Sergeant Park, who put their differences aside for the sake of the D.P. team. That said, with loads of character development, great cinematography and a solid message, D.P. 2 is well worth the watch, especially if you’ve seen the first season (read: watch it.)

All six episodes of D.P. 2 are now available for streaming on Netflix. Before you jump in, check out Netflix’s recap of D.P.’s first season here:

Want more ACT!ON content? Check out EnVi’s coverage of Netflix’s 2023 TUDUM event here!

The post First Impression: Guilt, Trauma, and the Pursuit of Justice in D.P. 2 appeared first on EnVi Media.

This article contains minor spoilers for XO, Kitty. 

Netflix’s newest series XO, Kitty (2023) is the spin-off series centered around Katherine “Kitty” Song-Covey, Lara Jean’s sister in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018). Now the main character of her own love story, Kitty leaves behind her life in America to reconnect with the loves of her life — her late mother and current long-distance boyfriend — in South Korea. Enrolling as an exchange student, Kitty registers for more than course registration. She signs up for an academic year that juggles identity, independence, and love. With 10 episodes released on May 18, join Kitty in her junior year escapades. 

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

Author Jenny Han opened up the world of older sister Lara Jean Song-Covey and younger sister Kitty Song-Covey in her 2014 novel To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. As the natural drama instigator and serious matchmaker, pre-teen Kitty had a natural affinity for all things love. Catalyzing her sister’s budding relationship with her crush Peter Kavinsky and her dad’s relationship with their neighbor Trina, Kitty is Portland’s own cupid. Still maintaining her fiery personality years later after her first appearance in the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise, Kitty now makes her appearance as a fresh high school junior in XO, Kitty. 

Summary: Operation KISS

After meeting Dae on a family trip in To All the Boys: Always and Forever (2021), Kitty maintained a relationship across the Pacific Ocean with him for four years. Pouncing on the opportunity to become an exchange student in South Korea, Kitty dreams of Operation KISS—enrolling in the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS) and finally kissing her long-distance boyfriend. Discovering that her late mom went to KISS, the same school that Dae now attends, she desperately wants to join Dae in Seoul and learn more about her mom’s past as a student. After a Steve Jobs-esque presentation that convinces her dad to let her go abroad, Kitty takes a flight to find love, connection to her mom, and in the process, herself. But life at KISS quickly shatters her fantasies as Kitty realizes that her love life isn’t going as smoothly as she thought.

Kitty has it all planned out:—crash the school-wide welcome party, surprise Dae, and kiss him. Arriving on the scene and jumping into a loving embrace from Dae, she’s ecstatic as the romantic moment she’s been dreaming of is finally panning out. But the touching moment as the two finally reunite comes crashing down when she witnesses another girl clinging to his arm. Kitty realizes she’s been cheated on and collides with a cupcake tower on her way out of the party, shocked and disgusted at the revelation. Eliminating herself from any potential friends from her cupcake-smeared introduction, she’s effectively lost her love life and social life from day one. Her school life starts off on a rocky road, but in true Kitty fashion, she’s determined to claw her way out.

Kitty and Kast

Anna Cathcart as Kitty

Playing the leading lady and titular character, Anna Catchcart reprises her role as Kitty from the To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before film trilogy. Cathcart originated the role when she was just 14 years old, even though Kitty was about 11 in the first movie. Returning to a 16-year-old Kitty as a 19-year-old now, Cathcart brings a new level of maturity to Kitty. 

Kitty has grown up, experienced a few years of high school, and dealt with her own relationship, just like her older sisters. Now, she’s ready to take on a brave face as she starts her upperclassman years on her own. She’s still the same, cheery Kitty in love with love that audiences know, but she’s able to take her own risks and grow.

Minyeong Choi as Dae

Minyeong Choi plays Kitty’s long-term long-distance boyfriend and best friend “Dae” Heon Kim. Financially struggling, Dae receives a dicey offer from resident rich girl, Yuri — pretend to be her fake boyfriend in exchange for free tuition. Caught in a complicated “love” triangle between Yuri and Kitty, Dae is forced to choose between money and love. Having no choice but to pick money and in turn, Yuri to remain enrolled in school, he needs to convince Kitty that his supposed relationship with Yuri is all contractual. 

With years of acting expertise in the Korean entertainment industry since his debut in 2014, Choi draws in viewers with his expressive internal conflict onscreen as Kitty’s initial love interest. Having appeared in other popular K-dramas such as Mr. Sunshine (2018), Itaewon Class (2020), and Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022), Choi has been active in the acting industry as many side characters. With Dae in XO, Kitty, Choi takes up his first role as a main lead for an American series. 

Sang Heon Lee as Min Ho

Sang Heon Lee plays Min Ho, Dae’s hotheaded, sassy best friend. After his parents’ divorce left him alone with nothing but money, Min Ho lives a lavish lifestyle that’s fueled by his family’s absence. Yet, hidden under his fiery armor is a layer that’s a little sweeter, leading Kitty to remark on the “microscopic moments” of his more friendlier qualities. Protective over his friends and strangely gifted at domestic skills, Min Ho is an anomaly that has Kitty reeling. Bumping into Kitty in his uniform before she arrived at KISS, he snaps back at her greeting, maintaining that biting personality even after learning she’s Dae’s girlfriend. Famously known for his “anti-Kitty” attitude and generally prickly persona, their bickering is one embedded in multi-layered tension. 

XO, Kitty is Lee’s debut role as a professional actor. With his role as Min Ho setting off the start of his acting career, his next role is in Neill Blomkamp’s upcoming fall 2023 film Gran Turismo.

Gia Kim as Yuri

Gia Kim plays Yuri, the wealthy daughter of the Principal of KISS with mini-celebrity status. Her arrival at the welcome party is wholly unwelcomed by Kitty, as she’s soon led to discover Yuri’s entanglement with Dae. Yet, the love triangle gets considerably more complicated when Yuri reveals her motive behind the “cheating” — paying Dae under the table only to conceal her secret relationship with her actual girlfriend. With her own struggles at simultaneously handling her own identity alongside her family’s expectations, Yuri presents a complicated character that throws every vertex of the love triangle in for a loop.

Like real-life brother Sang Heon Lee, Yuri is Gia’s first big role as a professional actor in the entertainment industry. 

Anthony Keyvan as Q

Anthony Keyvan plays Q (short for Quincy), Dae’s best friend, and Kitty’s found friend. Easily the most approachable and emotionally available one of Dae’s best friend group, Q quickly becomes someone that Kitty can depend on. Offering a listening ear and helping Kitty with her plans, their relationship is built on helping each other in their respective love lives. With his crush on fellow student Florian, Q draws out Kitty’s matchmaking skills to be put to the test once again. 

Like Q, Keyvan is also half Iranian and half Filipino. Known for his role as Rahim in Love, Victor (2020), Keyvan has been in the entertainment industry the longest out of the main cast of XO, Kitty. Having made his debut as a child actor at the age of five, he has made various appearances in both film and TV. 

Independence Makes Identity

XO, Kitty tackles the feelings of high school unfamiliarity and all the self-discovery that comes along with it. Truly on her own for the first time, Kitty has to learn to trust her instincts and let her guard down. Thrust into harder classes, a new friend group, and new discoveries about her mom, Kitty’s matchmaking skills aren’t the only thing put to the test. Having to find herself anew in Seoul, the change forces her to find out what love, life, and family really mean. 

For more XO, Kitty content check out their Instagram and watch XO, Kitty now on Netflix. 

XO, EnVi

Interested in more ACT!ON K-Drama content? Read our piece on All That We Loved here!

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SPOILER WARNING: This article contains spoilers for TVING’s All That We Loved.

TVING’s All That We Loved follows childhood best friends-turned-brothers Go Yoo and Go Joon-hee, who fall for the same girl, transfer student Han So-yeon, during high school. Set in 2006, the series puts a twist on the typical high school love triangle by exploring the (scientifically unproven) phenomenon of cellular memory. 

Go Yoo and Go Joon-hee are polar opposites who also happen to be best friends. When Joon-hee’s ailing health takes a turn for the worse, Yoo immediately offers to donate one of his kidneys, effectively saving Joon-hee’s life. Not long after the transplant, Joon-hee starts exhibiting symptoms of cellular memory syndrome, inheriting several of Yoo’s habits, memories, and most troublingly, his feelings for So-yeon. Their friendship is tested as they find themselves competing for So-yeon’s affections, confront a newfound identity crisis and encounter hardships which will change their lives forever.

The Details

All That We Loved is the brainchild of female scriptwriter Kang Yoon and is directed by Kim Jin-sung. EXO’s Sehun and SM Entertainment actor Jo Joon-young (Dear M.) star as Go Yoo and Go Joon-hee respectively, while model and rising actress Jang Yeo-bin (A Beauty of Revenge) takes on the role of transfer student Han So-yeon.

Episodes 1 and 2 of the series premiered on May 5, 2023 on TVING. All That We Loved is set to run for a total of eight episodes, with a runtime of around 35 minutes each. 

Cast and Characters

EXO’s Sehun stars as 18-year old Go Yoo, a second year student at Hara High School. Tall, athletic and charming, he is seemingly fearless — except, perhaps, when it comes to birds. Despite his dislike for studying, he manages to pull decent grades, further boosting his reputation as a talented basketballer. While Yoo is the outgoing, mischievous half of the Go duo, he also has a sensitive side and a strong sense of loyalty to those he cares about.

Yoo is best friends with Go Joon-hee, played by Jo Joon-young, a model student who excels in academics but is often bullied by his classmates because of it. Despite his quiet demeanor, Joon-hee has a spunky, tit-for-tat relationship with Yoo and carries a painful sense of loss surrounding his family. Joon-hee has health challenges which leave him physically vulnerable and eventually lead to him needing a new kidney, which Yoo donates.

Actress Jang Yeobin rounds out the trio, taking on the role of transfer student Han So-yeon, who quickly becomes the object of affection of both Yoo and Joon-hee. Though her good looks and good grades quickly make her the talk of the school, So-yeon is reserved and closed-off. She harbors secrets that make it difficult for others to get close, though the quickly infatuated Go boys eventually manage to become friends with her.

Song Jae-rim makes a special appearance as Dr. Go, a highly lauded psychiatrist who lives in the year 2023. His first name is intentionally hidden, though there are hints that he may be either an older Go Yoo or Go Joon-hee. He serves as the narrator of the series. Dr. Go is the link between the past and the present, and seems to know exactly what happened among the trio way back in 2006.

Premiere Recap

All That We Loved is narrated by successful, albeit troubled psychiatrist Dr. Go, an older version of one of the Go boys. The drama’s story is his, where he reminisces on his final year of high school in 2006. The first episode drops us directly into the thick of the plot, where not long after Yoo and Joon-hee begin to undergo kidney transplant surgery, things suddenly go south. Over the course of episodes 1 and 2, we witness the events that led to this point, and get to know our protagonists. 

We meet Go Yoo and Go Joon-hee, friends since eight years old and as different as black and white. One a star athlete, the other an academic genius, the teenagers are essentially attached at the hip, despite Yoo’s insistence that their last name is the only thing they have in common. The Go boys (plus their trusty sidekick Soon-tak) get up to all sorts of teenage mischief, from fighting over magazine photos to skipping class to trying to trick their way into buying alcohol. They spend most of their time together, whether eating, bickering or both, and Yoo regularly plays hero on Joon-hee’s behalf whenever senior classmates bully him.

As the episodes progress, we’re introduced to our leading lady, Han So-yeon, a transfer student with a murky past and a perpetually broody demeanor who works part-time at a nearby cafe. Eager to escape curious gazes and obnoxious flirting on her first day, she escapes to the school infirmary, where she witnesses the Go boys’ bromance in action. Between basketball lessons, borrowed P.E. clothes and a case of mistaken identity, Yoo and Joon-hee become the first to break through her tough exterior, and puppy love quickly rears its head.

Any newfound rivalry between the boys is sent to the back burner when Joon-hee’s unexplained symptoms of blurry vision, sudden headaches and sharp, piercing noises grow worrisome. Throughout the first two episodes, Joon-hee’s health issues make themselves known on multiple occasions, and despite taking medication, each attack grows more intense. A case of extremely bad timing leaves him being beaten to a pulp in an alleyway when the bully and his cronies spot him in the middle of another attack. This time, Yoo isn’t there to save him. By the time episode 2 wraps up, we’ve come full circle, and it’s pretty clear how the boys ended up in the operating theater in the first place.

First Impression

So far, there are a lot of things to like about this miniseries. Two episodes in, All That We Loved  has managed to set the scene for a classic love triangle to unfold while fleshing out our male leads and the bond they share. Oh Sehun and Jo Joon-young make an odd but entertaining pair as the Go boys, successfully depicting a friendship that runs deep in the midst of complicated backstories and clashing personalities. Supporting characters like their friend Soon-tak, Yoo’s parents and Joon-hee’s grandmother add both humor and nuance, giving viewers insight into how the Go-Go bromance came to be.

It will be interesting to see how the Go boys navigate their mutual attraction to Han So-yeon, who, despite her perpetually broody demeanor, is quite likable. There are hints she might be fighting a bad habit of stealing, though we’re yet to know why. Though she remains tight-lipped about her past, So-yeon is beginning to warm up, and her clear affection for her older brother hints at what may have been a happier childhood. At present, All That We Loved continues to deliberately dodge around her story, but the Go boys have little qualms about worming their way into her heart regardless. 
Little details like flip phones, old gaming consoles and fighting over old magazine photos of Lee Hyo-ri and Son Ye-jin keep All That We Loved true to its early 2000s setting. The series goes as far as to model the character posters after the “mini-rooms” popular amongst users of the pre-Facebook Korean social networking service Cyworld.

The cinematography follows suit, with gritty lighting and the classic K-drama multiple-angle shots of romantic scenes adding a strong sense of longing for an era past.

Questions, Clues and More Questions

All That We Loved shifts between past and present, which makes it a bit difficult to follow and leaves the audience with more questions than answers. As the drama bounces between timelines, viewers are left to reconcile the So-yeon of 2006 with the confident, outgoing actress (cameo by Jung Yoo-jin) we meet in 2023. Awkward conversations between Dr. Go and an older So-yeon throw out enough clues to keep viewers curious, both about what happened in the past and the psychiatrist’s identity. Joon-hee’s older brother Joon-young, who introduces the Go boys as children, seems to be a crucial part of the story as well, though he is not seen beyond Yoo’s memories of the year 1996. There’s a clear sense of grief surrounding the Joon-hee of 2006, and upcoming episodes will hopefully fill in the blanks.

Based on the initial trailers, it’s likely both Go boys survived the surgery, but at this point, nothing is certain. If these initial episodes are anything to go by, though, All That We Loved is shaping up to be an emotional rollercoaster, and we’re in for quite a ride.

Where to Watch

If you’re down for something sweet, funny, nostalgic and served with a hearty helping of teenage angst, All That We Loved might be just the series for you. Two new episodes are released weekly on Fridays at 4 p.m. KST on TVING, with subbed episodes available for free on Viki. Check out the teaser for this week’s episodes below!

Want more K-drama content? Check out EnVi’s roundup of 12 K-drama sequels to anticipate in 2023 here!

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When it was announced back in 2021, Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me was described as loosely based on both Jenny Han’s book-turned-Netflix-romcom To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and the Japanese manga Death Note. It is clear why. The story unravels around a magical notebook that makes boys fall in love with the protagonist for a month. Though Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me could quickly become another dreamy fantasy production, beyond its magical element is an underlying invitation to find love and forgiveness in oneself.

The Details

Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for TVING’s drama Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me.

Directed by Goh Jae Hong, Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me premiered on July 14 on the South Korean streaming service TVING—a joint service of CJ E&M, Naver, and JTBC. Led by actress Han Ji Hyo and NCT’s Doyoung, the drama ran for a total of 10 episodes, which wrapped up on July 28. 

Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me follows the story of college student Seo Hee Soo (Han Ji Hyo), who dreams of becoming a lyricist. After an attempt to confess her feelings to the object of her affection turns outright catastrophic, Hee Soo comes across a magical notebook that helps her create the love life she always fantasized about. Unfortunately, her romance is fleeting and after one month she is back to square one. Not for long, though, as Hee Soo learns how to use—and abuse—the notebook’s magical powers. Throughout the story, Hee Soo’s best friend Jung Si Ho (Doyoung) offers his support and attempts to stop her self-destructive behavior. 

The Cast

With short 30-minute episodes, Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me perfectly balances the time dedicated to the development of the plot and the flashbacks to the past. As the story unfolds, the audience discovers nuanced characters whose motivations and trauma provide a rationale for their actions. On that note, the cast—composed of up-and-coming actors—does an excellent job portraying the complexities of struggling with personal baggage. 

Han Ji Hyo plays Seo Hee Soo, a young woman whose abandonment issues push her to look for short-lived, shallow relationships to fill the affection void. Hee Soo’s low self-esteem and self-deprecating attitude make her feel unworthy of love. As a consequence, not even the airy-fairy affairs she pens in her magical notebook keep her happy for long. Questionable decision after questionable decision, Hee Soo eventually understands that no one will truly love her if she can’t forgive and learn to love herself. While the journey of self-acceptance makes her an unlikeable character at parts, Hee Soo never fails to spark sympathy, if anything for Han Ji Hyo’s ability to portray complex emotions. 

Playing opposite, NCT’s Doyoung makes Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me a drama worth watching till the end. The burgeoning star, who has honed his acting through projects such as Cafe Midnight Season 3: The Curious Stalker and the musical Marie Antoinette, takes the role of Jung Si Ho. At first glance, Si Ho is your typical male lead: cool, handsome, and reliable. But upon scratching the surface, he has been dealing with panic attacks and developing feelings for Hee Soo. Through throwbacks, the origin of both can be traced to his traumatic experience as a bullying victim, which Doyoung presents through convincing, emotional scenes. 

But Doyoung not only offers a star-making performance when he is lying on the ground, reliving the horrors of school bullying. Playing Hee Soo’s best friend, the actor basically experiences all the emotions on the spectrum. From jealousy to concern, Doyoung nails them all. He also makes the simplest scenes count, even those where he watches his best friend from afar or those where he smiles to himself thinking about her.  In his short career, Doyoung boasts a long list of achievements including two awards in the Best Actor Category and a Focus Award at the Asian Artist Awards. That’s probably why it is easy to cheer for Si Ho, whether you want to see him finally win the love of Hee Soo or not. 

Completing the cast is Kwon Ah Reum in the role of Si Ho’s coworker, Park Se Jin. Head over heels for him, Se Jin watches Si Ho silently pining for someone else. As her attempts to grow close to her crush are met with reticence on his part, the character grows increasingly desperate to earn his love. The result is predictable. Se Jin turns into a villain of sorts, equal parts problematic but still sympathizable—especially when she gives Hee Soo a much-needed reality check. That is also the strength of Kwon Ah Reum’s performance: how easily she transitions from nice girl to mean girl. 

Learning To Love Yourself First

A short and ultimately sweet drama, Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me doesn’t stray from enjoyable. Though the main character’s obsessive pursuit of love could easily turn fastidious, the timely flashbacks to the past keep the audience anticipating answers and plot developments. At the heart of the drama, however, is a powerful message. Past the romantic undertones, Dear X Who Doesn’t Love Me is a drama about self-love, coming to terms with the past, and the dangers of tying our self-worth to our romantic conquests. It is also an invitation to genuinely love yourself before looking for love elsewhere.

Enjoy reading about your favorite Korean dramas? Check out 5 K-drama destinations worth visiting here.

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Not many understand found family dynamics like Hirokazu Kore-eda. Even fewer directors are able to tug at your heartstrings and make you sympathize with characters who believe themselves to be unlovable. 

In his debut Korean film, Broker, the Japanese director chose several A-list actors for this project, namely Song Kang-ho, Kang Dong-won, and Lee Ji-eun, also known as IU. Broker also has an outstanding production team with Hong Kyung Pyo as director of photography and Jung Jaeil as the film’s composer, both who had previously worked together on Parasite. 

The Details

Following the release of Shoplifters in 2018, Kore-eda once again depicts a story about humanity and nontraditional family. Broker follows two illegal baby brokers and a mother who go on a road trip to find the right loving parents for the baby. The cinematography of Hong Kyung-pyo (Parasite, Burning, The Wailing) paired with Kore-eda’s direction and the support of the light yet compelling score by Jung Jae-il (Parasite, Squid Game, Okja) combine to successfully portray the journey of watching someone find their way home—whether physical or spiritual.

This new film challenges the saying “blood is thicker than water” in every scene. Broker is a story that shows everyone is worthy of a second chance and that most people are not evil; rather, we are complex beings who are also flawed. The boundary of morality is tested while maintaining Kore-eda’s primary idea of exploring the dynamics of chosen family. The audience is challenged to look beyond the legality of an action and think about what may lie beneath said action. The result is a warm, nuanced, and heart-wrenching socio-realist drama. 

Broker asks a variety of questions: What is the true meaning of family? What is the foundation of a family? Is a conventional structure alone enough to be called ‘family’? Or is the heart the foundation of the family?

The Cast

Kore-eda is not afraid of creating an authentic yet difficult story, and the Broker actors rise to this challenge.

Song Kang-ho plays Sang-hyeon, and accentuates his character’s great sense of humor while absorbing himself into the story of a desolate individual. Song’s charming and warm father-figure feels authentic, and the power of this portrayal was proven through his win for the Best Actor at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, making him the first South Korean actor to achieve this. 

Alongside Song shines Lee Ji-eun, who is undoubtedly the heart and soul of Broker. In this film, it becomes clear that Kore-eda’s admiration for Lee’s acting has grown into trusting her to play an intricate character. Lee portrays a young woman named Moon So-young who closes herself off to strangers at first. So-young then begins to open up as she gradually gains more trust in the group of people who were once strangers. Although this is Lee’s big screen debut, she is able to portray a calculative character through her expressions, and each piece of dialogue flows with ease. IU stands out in a lot of scenes, but one that really tugs at viewers’ hearts is when the brokers were lying in the darkness. Although their expressions are hidden, the audience is able to feel the characters’ gratitude for each other’s existence only through the emotions in her voice. 

Kang Dong-won and Bae Doona also prove themselves to be essential in expressing the film’s themes. The two also exhibited their ability to adapt when Kore-eda called on them for vulnerability and determination. For Bae, it is her ability to play Detective Soo-jin who possesses an adamant nature that leads to several disputes to sway So-young’s principles. On the other hand, Kang’s Dong-soo is a gentle character who tries to reconcile with So-young. Their two characters are not exactly good nor bad as they go through poignant arcs and transformations while witnessing So-young’s dilemma.

Through Kore-eda’s craftsmanship, an authentic script, and a star-studded cast that brings each character to life as three-dimensional individuals, Broker undeniably touches viewers’ hearts. 

“Thank you for being born.”

Broker is similar to other road trip stories: it starts at one point, then reaches another, and there are good and bad things that happen along the way. However, what makes Kore-eda’s work stand out is the humanity of each character. Kore-eda is patient, and his films often move with slow, minimal camera movements but burst full of colors. He never rushes to tell these stories, rather patiently weaves together moments into distinct endings. 

Broker is a film portraying a group of strangers who coincidentally start their own family together and a story about small acts of kindness. It is a film about choosing a family and letting them go, and one that teaches others to empathize and appreciate building genuine relationships. And Broker, at its core, is about acknowledging and accepting others the way they are, vulnerability and all. 

Kore-eda shows that humans cannot walk alone as Broker unfolds. Humans, as social beings, need other people. Some become travel companions, and others we may just meet along the way, but there are a few people who stay with us during the trip. And when you see them, remember to say “thank you” for being part of the journey. 

Want more film reviews? Check out EnVi’s piece on Hidden Letters, a documentary shown during this year’s Tribeca Film Festival, here!

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THIS ARTICLE CONTAINERS SPOILERS FOR SEASON ONE OF THE SUMMER I TURNED PRETTY.

Amazon Prime Video’s exclusive new series The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) depicts the ups-and-downs of coming-of-age and following your heart when it comes to love, family, and friendship. The series follows 16-year-old protagonist Isabel “Belly” Conklin, her family, and her family friends, the Fishers, as she spends the first summer with them after her “glow up.” Throughout the show, which dropped on June 17, Belly learns to deal with her complicated emotions, a debutante ball, and her childhood friends’ newfound romantic interest in her. 

The Details

The Summer I Turned Pretty is adapted from the 2009 book series of the same name by Jenny Han and arrived on the heels of the To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before (2018) film trilogy’s success. Han, co-showrunner for The Summer I Turned Pretty, made major changes to the story’s plot in the streaming adaptation. However, fans of the original novel will be happy to hear Han’s involvement in the process ensured that Belly is the same character, just written for 2022. 

A 2022 Take on the 2009 Hit

When Han released The Summer I Turned Pretty in 2009, popular culture, technology, and teenagers were, naturally, very different. Bringing the New York Times bestselling book series to the screen required giving it a modern makeover. That is, Han shared with Variety, introducing texting and social media to the script, as well as representing LGBTQ+ characters in the diverse cast. On top of that, Han added an entire debutante ball sub-plot that reflects Belly’s growth throughout the show.

Music and pop culture became one of the series’ major production components, which is noticeable in the show’s soundtrack. Songs by major stars like Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, and Jack Harlow help guide the story and mirror the characters’ thoughts and emotions in each episode. However, most importantly—and notably—is Taylor Swift’s presence, starting with This Love (Taylor’s Version) being used in the show’s trailer. Swift’s music highlights some of the key scenes from the series, reflecting Han’s own experience listening to the singer while writing the original novel.

Cast and Characters

The Summer I Turned Pretty features a diverse cast, with a few members—including the show’s lead—making their on-screen debuts in this project.

Lola Tung

Newcomer Lola Tung shines in her portrayal of main character Belly. Though this is her first major acting role, Tung realistically depicts the complexity of processing teenage emotions, dealing with first loves and crushes, first-time experiences with alcohol, and feeling like you don’t belong. It’s easy to relate to the awkward moments and small victories Belly experiences throughout her summer.

The NYC native told Teen Vogue that she’s been interested in acting since playing the Tin Man in a school musical in sixth grade. After studying drama in high school, she decided to pursue acting full-time. Tung’s experience as a 19-year-old teenage girl in the age of social media certainly aids her portrayal of 16-year-old Belly. But the show focuses on much more than just boy troubles, and Tung’s emotional performance when dealing with more complex issues is impressive.

Gavin Casalegno

Gavin Casalegno brings the flirty Jeremiah Fisher to life. In an interview with PopSugar, Casalegno shared that he and Jeremiah have so many similar qualities that he couldn’t pass up this opportunity—even though he was about to quit acting for real estate. Jeremiah is the youngest Fisher family member, and one of the show’s openly LGBTQ+ characters. Han wrote Jeremiah as a bisexual character for the adaptation, in contrast to his straight counterpart in the original book series. Through his interactions with other characters of various genders, Jeremiah explores his sexuality and romantic relationships, which is a major part of growing up and understanding oneself.

Christopher Briney

Christopher Briney plays Conrad Fisher, Jeremiah’s older brother and Belly’s childhood crush. Briney gives a spectacular, complex performance that constantly changes the viewer’s opinion of Conrad. At first, he is the brooding, gloomy older brother, seemingly unhappy with everything for no reason. As the story progresses and more layers of Conrad’s personality—and his feelings for Belly—are revealed, it becomes easier to understand the changes in his behavior. The Summer I Turned Pretty is Briney’s biggest role so far, with his previous experience including acting in the short films Want This and Under the Covers. He is also set to star in his first feature film role in Amazon Prime’s Dali Land (2022).

Sean Kaufman

Sean Kaufman, who plays Belly’s older brother Steven Conklin, has the perfect sibling chemistry with Tung. Kaufman is not new to acting, but The Summer I Turned Pretty is his biggest project thus far. Maybe it’s the two-year age difference, or maybe it’s pure talent, but Kaufman and Tung accurately depict both the friendly and hostile moments of sibling friendships. Like the rest of the cast, Steven is more complex than first impressions imply. Throughout the show, he struggles with feeling “good enough” for his girlfriend, Shayla (Minnie Mills), and the Fishers’ world, as the Conklins are seemingly the only family not as rich as the rest. 

More Than Just a Love Story

On the surface, The Summer I Turned Pretty is the story of a teenage girl deciding which of her childhood friends to give her heart to. While the love triangle plays a major part of the plot, the show tackles more complex issues as well. In contrast to the original book’s focus on Belly, Steven, and the Fisher brothers, the show also highlights their mothers’, Susannah Fisher (Rachel Blanchard) and Laurel Park (Jackie Chung), relationship. The two women have an unbreakable bond and navigate growing older, being independent mothers, and Susannah’s cancer diagnosis. 

The Summer I Turned Pretty further addresses the nuances of feeling like you belong, mental health, and friendships through various characters’ storylines. As the only boy who doesn’t come from wealth and one of the only people of color at the country club he works at, Steven juggles his authentic self and the self he wants to present. Conrad struggles with his mental health and the knowledge of his mother’s illness throughout the season; he broods, lashes out at family members, and even drinks irresponsibly. Belly, too, gets into arguments with both her best friend from home, Taylor (Rain Spencer), and her “big sister” for the debutante ball, Nicole (Summer Madison). Despite its romantic comedy label, the show appropriately addresses mature, sometimes emotional topics.

The Summer I Turned Pretty has already been renewed for a second season, meaning that viewers get to see these beloved characters’ journeys continue to unfold in the future.  

Enjoyed The Summer I Turned Pretty and need more binge-worthy shows this summer? Check out our list of K-drama recommendations for June here.

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Spoiler Warning: This article contains spoilers for Netflix’s Tomorrow.

Trigger Warning: This article discusses and includes statistics for suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

Netflix’s Tomorrow (2022) combines Korean mythology, the supernatural, and real-world social commentary for a compelling, yet entertaining dive into discovering the value of life. The drama follows unemployed college graduate Choi Jun-woong, who’s made half-human, half-spirit after a fall leaves him comatose. Offered a chance to wake up early, he agrees to six months of work at underworld company Jumadeung. The job? Preventing suicide alongside the grim reapers of the severely understaffed Risk Management team. 

The Details

Adapted from the 2012 webtoon of the same name by Llama, Tomorrow has SF9’s Rowoon, seasoned actress Kim Hee-sun, and Yoon Ji-on star as grim reapers Choi Jun-woong, Koo Ryeon, and Lim Ryung-gu, respectively. Lee Soo-hyuk and industry veteran Kim Hae-sook round out the main cast. The drama is directed by Sung Chi Wook and Kim Tae Yoon. Tomorrow is the screenwriting debut of female writers Park Ja-kyung and Kim Yoo-jin and features the talents of veteran screenwriter Park Ran. The MBC drama premiered on the first of April and will run for a total of 16 episodes, available for streaming on Netflix. 

A New Take on Life After Death

Tomorrow offers an interesting take on the typical depictions of grim reapers in Korean film and television. The show’s “afterlife” features slightly religious undertones. There’s a concept of a “good place” and a Hell, and reincarnation, karma, and immortality are key tenets of the show’s world-building. Jumadeung, the company with a monopoly on soul management in Tomorrow’s underworld, is outfitted with separately functioning departments, a strict hierarchy, and endless bureaucracy. The company’s staffed by grim reapers from across South Korea, all working tirelessly to earn a life of ease and luxury once reincarnated.

Tomorrow follows the missions of the Risk Management (RM) team, Jumadeung’s newest (and most openly disdained) division, which is responsible for preventing suicide as a means of underworld population control. Unlike the typically impartial, emotionless grim reapers leading the dead to the afterlife, the RM team carries out the opposite task: saving lives. 

Cast and Characters

Choi Jun-woong 

SF9’s Rowoon does a solid job of embodying the confusion and apprehension of the audience through the character of Choi Jun-woong. “[He] is the plainest person that I’ve ever played. He is a grim reaper who guides those who wish to end their lives, but he is not a hero,” the actor shared in an interview. Affectionately dubbed “half and half,” Tomorrow’s protagonist is perhaps the easiest character to identify with, floundering his way through his new job in the afterlife. 

In many ways, Jun-woong’s a bit of an overgrown toddler; he’s whiny, impulsive, and more than a little dramatic. Even so, he’s as passionate, smart, ambitious, and earnest as he is ditzy, with a strong sense of justice and compassion for others. Jun-woong is hard-pressed to sit back and watch others be taken advantage of. The youngest on the RM team, he asks the hard questions and isn’t afraid to shake Jumadeung’s status quo. Jun-woong is a raw, unfiltered expression of a young man seeking to do good in a world he’s slowly starting to see without the rose-colored glasses, and that’s what makes him so relatable. 

Koo Ryeon

Head of the RM team, Koo Ryeon’s questionable origins as a reaper from Hell often throw the team’s reputation into disrepute. A bit of a tsundere, Ryeon has a highly dubious approach to dealing with the cases in her charge. The character is surrounded by walls of her own making, particularly regarding her mysterious past. Yet there are cracks in her carefully constructed armor, offering a glimpse of a passionate, justice-driven person who doesn’t fear flouting rules if it means she can save a life. Ryeon most frequently takes matters into her own hands, using her supernatural abilities to exact revenge on the people responsible for driving her cases to the edge of suicide. For veteran actress Kim Hee-sun, the character Koo Ryeon represents a significant deviation from her previous roles. In an online press conference, Kim shared: “I’ve never played a character like this…this is the first time my character could punish people for bullying others. So it’s very satisfying.” 

Lim Ryung-gu

Jun-woong’s immediate supervisor, Lim Ryung-gu is a stickler for two things: the rules and time. Witty, straightforward, and arguably the most rational member of the RM team, he is often the voice of reason when difficult situations arise. The Ryung-gu we first encounter echoes much of what traditional grim reapers are known for, stoicism, efficiency, and detachment. In an interview with Dazed Korea, Yoon described his character as “a principled, introverted character who avoids confrontation.” However, as Tomorrow progresses, the audience gets a glimpse of his true nature. Ryung-gu shares a healthy rapport with Team Leader Koo and forms a quickly blossoming bromance with Jun-woong, despite his initial skepticism. 

Ryung-gu’s insistence on clocking out at the exact moment he logs his eight hours, no matter how inconvenient the timing, is a running motif throughout the drama. While there’s a deeper reason behind this (and Ryeon’s disgruntled honoring of his request,) it’s made funnier by his catchy alarm, “칼퇴근 (Leave Work on Time)” by Lee Yi-Kyung. He’s also characterized by his pervasive nose-picking habit, a detail paying homage to his webtoon counterpart. These, coupled with his well-timed, quick-witted one-liners, keep him true to his character while adding a healthy dose of humor to the drama. 

Art Imitating Life

Tomorrow walks a fine line in the handling of its subject matter. Suicide is, after all, a complex, multifaceted issue, and suicide intervention is rife with ethical challenges. In its rawness, Tomorrow highlights the understated impacts of living in a brutally competitive society plagued with corruption, economic inequality, and inadequate mental health support. South Korea holds the grisly title of the country with the highest rate of suicide among developed countries, with suicide being the leading cause of death among young people since 2007. On a global scale, the World Health Organization estimates over 700,000 people die by suicide each year – that’s one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is most closely associated with diagnosable mental health disorders, particularly depression. According to the WHO, “many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship break-up or chronic pain and illness.” 

In tackling the linkages between suicide and its risk factors, Tomorrow points out several problems that hinder people’s ability to seek the help (or justice) they need. The biggest is stigma, rooted in cultural perceptions which characterize the mentally unwell as “too weak to handle the pressures of life that everyone experiences.” Tomorrow’s early episodes feature similar thoughts. Day one on the Tech Support team sees Jun-woong denouncing the members’ claims of suicide as dramatic and selfish. It’s a loud echo of Ryeon’s argument in defense of the Risk Management team’s existence an episode earlier: “It [suicide] is the final cry for help from those who wish to live more than anyone else.” 

Tomorrow seeks to inspire hope in its quest to shed light on the lives of the actively suicidal. Kim Hee-sun decided to take on the role of Koo Ryeon for similar reasons: “Everyone’s having a really hard time these days. Everyone is living through their personal hardships, not just those who are faced with specific circumstances…I wanted to give a small but positive message to those wanting to make negative choices,” she told Vogue Korea. At the online press conference, the actress shared her thoughts further: “All those people need is to be comforted and to have someone by their side,” said Kim. “As I’m going through different stories of suicidal people in the story…I would empathize with them and would sometimes feel as if I’m saying those lines to myself.” Expressing similar sentiments, Rowoon emphasized that “[Jun-woong] is all ordinary people. Ordinary people make ordinary people live.”

A Challenge For Us All

Tomorrow offers a unique spin on the afterlife as we know it, balancing fantasy and reality enough to challenge the imagination while remaining relatable. The drama’s overarching message is one of caution, challenging viewers to confront their own biases and attitudes regarding suicide. In doing so, Tomorrow highlights the importance of empathy and justice in everyday life.

As entertaining as it is introspective, Tomorrow is dotted with humorous, heartwarming moments that will make you laugh just as hard as they’ll tug on your heartstrings. It’s also filled with successful interventions and afterlife reunions that remind viewers light can be found even in the darkest moments. It’s a comforting testament to the belief that the people we love live on in our hearts long after death separates us. And while Tomorrow spares no pretense about the harsh reality of its subject matter, its tone of hope is a gentle reminder to choose life. 

If you have yet to watch Tomorrow, now’s the perfect time to catch up on the latest episodes. The drama wraps up with a two-part finale premiering on Friday and Saturday, April 20-21 at 10 P.M. KST on Netflix. Grab your snacks and tissues, and tune in for how it ends! 

Want more ACT!ON content? Check out our first impression of SEVENTEEN POWER OF LOVE: THE MOVIE here.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-harm, please refer to the following resources:

National Suicide Prevention Hotline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org 800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line: www.crisistextline.org Text HOME to 741741

The post First Impression: Netflix’s Tomorrow Tackles Suicide, Second Chances, and Life After Death appeared first on EnVi Media.

SEVENTEEN are back to profess their love for all things that come with being a part of the powerhouse boy group. The 13-member group hit movie theaters across the world on Wednesday, April 20, and Saturday, April 23, with their first concert film, SEVENTEEN POWER OF LOVE: THE MOVIE. The concert film doubled as a heartwarming gift to their fans, CARAT.

The Power of Love

It is no secret that SEVENTEEN deeply admires CARAT, but they went above and beyond to express their love and bond with their fans once more throughout the film. Following the release of their ninth mini album Attacca, the group held live-streamed concerts in November 2021. The setlists varied and were separated into two themes: love and power.

For the intimate, documentary-style concert film, SEVENTEEN chose to go with the “love” variation, as it was curated especially for CARAT to show them how loved they are. As a result, the setlist contained personal and saccharine tracks that summed up the endless bounds of love. Some of the iconic, affectionate songs within the film were “Crush,” “Snap Shoot,” “Home,” and “Our dawn is hotter than day.” 

SEVENTEEN’s Love Letter to CARAT

As if the SEVENTEEN boys could not get any sweeter, each member confessed what CARAT means to them. The result was a lot of sniffles and tears from others within the theater. 

Some members sat with pensive looks on their faces while others lit up immediately. What they all had in common with one another’s answers was their gratitude for CARAT being a part of their lives. Their personal declarations compared CARAT to their own rainbow, light, forever, reason for existence, and why they have grown as individuals throughout the years.

The heartfelt messages resonated with CARAT across the world as they watched the group open up their hearts on the big screen. SEVENTEEN reassured CARAT that their love for one another is entirely mutual and that each member values and cherishes the ever-growing love of their fans. From meaningful expressions to even being considered a member of the group, there is no questioning SEVENTEEN’s admiration for CARAT. 

Ready to “Rock With You”

SEVENTEEN made sure that the overall theme of love was expressed through each of their performances as well.  The grand display of pre-recorded sets made it feel as if every seat in the theater had a front-row view to their concert. 

The close-up shots of the members, overhead views of their dance formations, and seeing the group dance in sync with one another was an impressive experience–even if it was on a screen at a movie theater. 

With 13 members, SEVENTEEN has three fixed units within the group: the vocal unit, performance unit, and hip-hop unit. Each unit was able to showcase their skills either as a unit or as soloists with special stages. 

Performance Unit Takes The Stage

Unfortunately, the performance team–made up of members Hoshi, Jun, THE 8 and Dino–was missing two members during the pre-recorded concert, as Jun and THE 8 were taking a break to visit family. But that didn’t stop them from surprising CARAT.

Jun and THE 8 each recorded their own parts for a special performance of “Network Love” that played as Joshua and Vernon performed the song together in real-time. It was a creative way to allow Jun and THE 8 to showcase their skills while also enjoying their time off. 

With the absence of two of their unit members, Dino and Hoshi got their own solo stages. Dino stunned the audience with a performance of his track “Zero (Hero)” as he danced with the music and showcased the stability of his vocals. 

Meanwhile, the leader of the performance unit, Hoshi, kept CARAT on their toes as he performed “호랑이 (Tiger Power)” with fiercely cute choreography. The track is all about how Hoshi himself is a tiger, and how his personality encompasses the powerful cat so well. 

Vocals For Days

SEVENTEEN’s vocal unit consists of Woozi, who doubles as the subunit’s leader, Jeonghan, Joshua, DK, and Seungkwan. The unit teamed up together and performed their tracks “Same dream, same mind, same night” and “Imperfect love.”

Throughout the Q&A portion of the film, the vocal unit especially emphasized how well they work together as a team, and listeners can hear this in their unit songs. With warm-toned vocals, stable belting of lines, intricate vocal runs, and endless harmonization, the vocal team proves their power with the art they create together. 

Sentimental Stories By Four

SEVENTEEN’s hip-hop unit–comprising of S.Coups, Wonwoo, Mingyu and Vernon–has a unique take on songwriting. When asked about how the unit creates their unit tracks, the members explained that they come up with the topic and split off on their own to write their own verses. This method allows each member of the unit to express themselves creatively while also making the songs by the hip-hop team quite personal. 

Of course, with such an intimate and precious theme for the film, the hip-hop unit’s tracks “IF I” and “I can’t run away” were featured. Both tracks show a deeper side to the quartet as they rap and sing about the pains that come with love. From reminiscing about slowly losing someone they love to vowing to stay until the very end–even when all that remains are memories–the four men opened their hearts with their performance together. 

The Power of CARAT

While SEVENTEEN’s debut on the big screen is impressive, it is important not to forget about the power of CARAT. “SEVENTEEN POWER OF LOVE: THE MOVIE” was shown worldwide, and CARAT made sure to share their own snapshots to commemorate the memory. 

The power of love brought CARAT together from many different cities, who all have different genders, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and beliefs, all to one place to share their love. Together at movie theaters across the world, multiple CARAT were celebrating their love for one another and SEVENTEEN as they laughed, sang, and cried together.

Perhaps that is one of the strongest and most impressive forms of love–the powerful love that comes from fans and is shared between them and those they support. One thing that is for sure is the undeniable love and bond shared between SEVENTEEN and CARAT. 

On The Horizon

SEVENTEEN show no sign of stopping any time soon and are more determined than ever to reunite with CARAT. Recently, the group released a new ring ceremony video which means that a new era lies ahead for SEVENTEEN.

The beautiful ceremony honors the group’s debut, how they have overcome many struggles, and celebrates their growth and success as a team. With each full album, the group receives a new set of rings—making this their latest set since 2019. SEVENTEEN’s rings are a powerful symbol of their bond with one another as members and dedication and love for CARAT. 

In fact, a new era does lie ahead. The group’s fourth full-length album, “Face the Sun” is set to release on Friday, May 27. 

Until its release, SEVENTEEN have given CARAT endless reminders of their love, whether by the release of their film or their latest English-single “Darl+ing.” SEVENTEEN have opened up their hearts on the big screen and proven that the power of love between them and CARAT is unbreakable and unwavering.

Want more of SEVENTEEN? Check out our review of their latest single, “Darl+ing,” here!

The post First Impression: SEVENTEEN Show Their “POWER OF LOVE” in New Movie appeared first on EnVi Media.

Balancing cultural obligations and our growing desire to become our truest selves is a difficult struggle for many and what Meilin (Mei) Lee, the protagonist of Turning Red, finds herself faced with choosing between. Pixar’s latest coming-of-age film is an engaging and touching narrative with hilarious moments of adolescence, enviable friendships, and a familial bond that transcends realms. It brings new meaning to the chaos of growth and discovering one’s own self value. 

Set in early 2000s Toronto, Canada, the story follows spunky 13-year-old Mei (voiced by Rosalie Chiang). The seemingly confident Chinese-Canadian preteen is sure of her path in life. Her days are filled with acing all her school courses and dutifully returning home to help out at the family temple. Although Mei is comparably more mature than her peers, she still likes the same things: cute boys and having fun with friends. As many teens will do, she makes sure that her overprotective mother Ming (voiced by Sandra Oh) never sees her perfect daughter going astray from her expectations. For a long time, Mei has enjoyed following Ming’s every word, completing each task with stellar results. It definitely surprises Ming when she discovers her daughter would rather spend time with her friends than with her.

A Record-Breaking Team 

Ahead of its release, Turning Red is already breaking records left and right. Besides being the directorial feature debut of Academy Award-winning director Domee Shi, the creator of the 2018 short film, Bao—this is Pixar’s first film to be directed by a woman. Her entire team, dominated by women, have worked tirelessly for four years to bring the film to life. Their hard work and influence are apparent with their realistic portrayal of Pixar’s first Asian protagonist. Claiming many firsts, this film demonstrates the necessity of telling stories from reliable perspectives.  

Shi admits the film is a reflection of her youth in Toronto as an only child with overprotective parents. The feature flick is rich in traditional Chinese immigrant culture and makes several homages throughout the film. The scenes and characters also take inspiration from other Asian cultures. There are nods towards anime, which Shi and her team state they could escape to growing up. Additionally, the film’s clear attention to details, such as food, setting, and mannerisms is easily identifiable by Asian audiences. It’s important to note that although Turning Red is an Asian story, viewers regardless of background will find the movie relatable. 

Growing Pains 

What’s a movie about adolescence if there aren’t the embarrassing moments that come along with growing up? It can be even worse when your mother plays a heavy hand in these incidents even when she means well. Despite the mortifying experiences she keeps going through, Mei never resents her mother for what happens. Rather, she disciplines herself for not acting like the mature adult she perceives herself to be. When Mei suddenly wakes up one day as a ten-foot-tall giant red panda, she’s abruptly thrown into a situation she has no control of. Feeling awkward in her new body, covered in hair, finding out she smells—it’s an experience many can resonate with minus the mystical factor. 

Although Mei initially prides herself in being sure of herself, she begins to feel unrecognizable and intimidated. With her insecurities running rampant, so do her emotions as they are linked to her transformations. Mei learns that this isn’t a random mishap and that once a female in her family comes of age, they receive a red panda spirit. During ancient China, the powers were bestowed by the red panda gods on her ancestor to protect her family. Unfortunately, as generations passed and the family tree found itself moving away from their homeland, the powers became more of a curse than a blessing. Luckily, the family members can perform a ritual that can contain the red panda spirit during a rare red moon. However, Mei begins to question if her inner red panda is as detrimental to her life as her family sees it. 

Follow Your Heart 

Mei’s physical appearance isn’t the only thing changing about her. Her core identity begins seeing a shift too as she becomes interested in activities outside her traditional obligations. Whether it’s dancing to 4*Town’s music or singing karaoke with friends, she finds solace in these moments from her previously restricted lifestyle. The appeal of these spur a change in our protagonist. She turns her problems into an opportunity to see her favorite boy band despite her mother’s protests. 

One of the best parts about this film is seeing Mei’s relationships with the people around her. She has a fantastic support system in her three best friends: Miriam, Priya, and Abby. Her sudden changes are embraced with loving arms as they assure her she is still herself and their friend. Coexisting with a red panda spirit, she has a looser grasp of her emotions, which can spill beyond her control. Initially cautious of everything, her squad’s love reinstates her confidence, acting as a neutralizing switch for her inopportune transformations. With their help, she manages to come to terms with her new ability, finding new joy and wonder. 

Breaking Out of the Bubble 

In Turning Red, the generational trauma is ripe within Mei’s family, showcased by the different bonds between the women. Ming’s mother and herself have a long-standing feud that has resulted in a strained relationship. Although Mei and Ming are much closer, the same issue continues to repeat itself. Mei feels too scared of speaking up and disappointing her mother. With growth comes a natural time that children begin stepping away from their parents to explore their identities. Especially in a cultural household, there is a push and pull between the guilt of filial responsibilities as an immigrant child and seeking independence. As portrayed by Mei and Ming’s increasing tension, this can be a difficult transition. However, once they communicate, there is an understanding that it will be alright even if their relationship has changed. 

Embrace Your Inner Panda 

Shi states in the Embrace the Panda: Making Turning Red documentary that the red panda was the metaphor she was searching for in a movie about youth and change. She saw similarities in the red pandas and Mei. Their unhealthy bamboo diet is akin to a teen’s desire for junk food. Both are also attached to their mothers and have Chinese roots. The addition of the magical powers that Mei could barely manage were reminiscent of the unpredictability that came with adolescence. 

A constant motto for the masterminds behind the movie, “Embrace your inner panda,” is more than just a saying. It’s the very core of the film, showing the viewers that they shouldn’t have to hold back to please others. By revealing your suppressed emotions, you can step into your own identity. Not only will others better understand you, but you’ll also be able to flourish. Puberty can be as terrifying as a big red “monster,” but it’s a rewarding hurdle to overcome with the acceptance of loved ones. Welcoming all our imperfections is how we grow up and become comfortable with releasing who we truly are. 

Make sure to watch Turning Red, premiering exclusively on Disney+ Friday March 11, 2022 at 12AM PT worldwide! 

Want more Disney+ content? Check out the upcoming Korean Disney+ shows coming to the platform later this year here!

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