In the world of Korean drama, not every story is meant for everyone. If you’re not a dedicated K-Drama fan, you might not understand the unique charm of series like those written by Park Hae-young. Once upon a time, I used to watch dramas solely for the leads, especially if they included names like Lee Min Ho, Song Joong Ki, Park Hye-shin, or Park Seo Joon, no matter how cringe-worthy or tedious the plot seemed. If I started a series, I felt compelled to see it through to the end. However, things have changed for me in recent years.
Nowadays, my choice of K-dramas is no longer solely based on the star-studded cast. Instead, I pay closer attention to the writers, their previous works, reviews, and scripts. People often rave about J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, but I must confess that I haven’t watched the movies or read the books. This marks the first time I find myself actively seeking out shows written by Park Hae-young.
It all began with “Liberation Notes,” followed by “My Mister” and “Another Miss Oh.” Park Hae-young has also co-authored a few movies that I’m yet to explore. When you delve into her creations, you’ll notice a few remarkable elements that set her work apart. Most of my childhood was filled with movies where the focus was primarily on the early days of love and the happier stages of life. If the lead characters encountered any hardship or struggle, it was typically resolved with a short, uplifting song or a “happily ever after” ending. Park Hae-young’s works, however, take a different path.
Here are a few things I’ve observed in her storytelling:
#Realistic Portrayal of Life: In contrast to numerous K-Dramas, Park Hae-young’s narratives explore the everyday facets of life. Her stories are more inclined to address common challenges like financial troubles or relationship issues rather than embarking on world-saving missions or battling against evil forces. This approach lends her dramas a sense of grounding and authenticity that sets them apart. What truly stands out is her ability to depict hardships, ordinary moments, and even tough times in a way that feels remarkably genuine and skillfully nuanced.
#Complex Character Development: Park Hae-young has a remarkable talent for creating characters with layers and depth. The way she depicts the main characters dealing with emotions like grief, guilt, shame, and their personal struggles is truly outstanding. These characters are not one-dimensional; they evolve and grow throughout the series, which keeps you captivated and emotionally invested in their journey.
#Capturing Life’s Everyday Rhythms: Her characters are not caught up in grand adventures or epic quests, but rather, they navigate the routines and rituals that most of us experience in our own lives. Going to work, doing household chores, and carrying out daily tasks take center stage in her dramas, bringing a sense of relatability and authenticity that is often missing in more fantastical narratives. One noteworthy element in her dramas is the choice of soundtracks that accompany these everyday moments.
#Exploring the Concept of Worship: One of the fascinating aspects of Park Hae-young’s work is her exploration of the concept of “worship.” In two of her dramas, Park Hae-young introduces the role of worship, where one character worships another. This concept adds depth and complexity to the relationships portrayed in her stories. It’s not about traditional worship but rather an intense admiration, respect, or emotional connection that goes beyond the ordinary.
Her works are filled with depth, and I feel the need to revisit them for a better understanding. While I currently rely on English subtitles to follow the story, it would be a great experience to have access to the original scripts, allowing for a deeper insight into her storytelling. Her ability to eloquently convey complex themes through words is truly remarkable, and of course, the actors’ performances play a significant role in bringing her vision to life.
It’s surprising that she’s not on social media or doing online interviews. But I’m glad there’s a Wikipedia page about her. I’m really looking forward to her future projects.
Cheers!
Check out the previous post: Movie Reviews
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