There's no better way to start the New Year than with this K-Drama. Is it worth your time? Or can you skip it? Read to find out.
The K-Drama fits into the category of the stereotypical romantic dramas one can envision. Based on the novel ‘Marry My Husband’ by Sungsojak, this fantasy storyline is about Kang Ji-won, who gets the chance to experience two lives: one, in which she was betrayed, and two, in which she takes revenge.
‘Marry My Husband’ tells the story of Kang Ji-won whose life becomes topsy-turvy when she gets to know that she has been diagnosed with gastric cancer and catches her husband red-handed having an affair with her best friend.
Kang Ji-won is married to Park Min-hwan. She married him out of love, after years of dating, but it wasn’t a happy marriage. Her husband quit his job and her mother-in-law was demanding; she’s the breadwinner of the house. One unfortunate day, she finds out that she has cancer, and if she gets lucky, about a year to live. To make things worse, she finds out that Min-hwan is cheating on her with her best friend or “other half” Jung Soo-min. She gets into a physical confrontation with the two, resulting in her death. However, she wakes up and finds herself 10 years in the past. After having a breakdown, she snaps out of it and accepts that this is her new reality; that whatever happened to her wasn’t a mere dream.
After contemplating what’s happened to her, she realizes that she has been given a second chance, and this time, she wants to do right by herself. She goes to the doctor the moment she realizes she has a severe gastritis issue, and has decided to take care of her health. She has made up her mind to get Min-hwan and Soo-min together (this is THE ultimate goal). She is set to change things at her workplace too. She makes new friends, and gains confidence. Except this time, there’s a new pivotal person in her life: her boss, Yoo Ji-hyeok. He slowly starts to catch feelings for her, but little does he know what’s going through that head of hers.
After some déjà vu moments occur, Ji-won comes to a realization that the events will not change, but the person they’re happening to, might.
Park Min-young, who plays Kang Ji-won, is a wonderful actress. After watching her in ‘What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim,’ I personally became a fan. She is portraying the role of an ordinary woman, who’s just looking to make the most of her life. There are scenes where you can’t help but sympathize with her. However, there’s a distinction between her expressions in the two lives. She’s cold and indifferent and the way she changes her expressions to look concerned, makes you excited for what’s about to unfold.
Na In-woo, as Yoo Ji-hyeok, has, unfortunately, not had many scenes yet. However, the budding chemistry between him and Ji-won is awkwardly wholesome. It will be interesting to know how he’s going to break the glass of mystery that surrounds him. On the other hand, Song Ha-yoon as Jung Soo-min, has done a good job. The way she has gotten into character is mind-blowing. It’s tough to believe that she’s the same actress who acted as Soo-min before and after Ji-won’s death. She’s going to be the most savage character in the show and I guess I’m most excited about how her character will flesh out.
Lee Yi-kyung, as Park Min-hwan, has stood out the most. His body language is remarkable. His expressions switching from a wicked smile to anger within a span of a few seconds is just too good.
Each role stands apart from some of the previous roles the actors have enacted in. But, it’s evident that they have given it their best.
So far, the writing is crisp and connects the dots very well. Though the plot must have sounded confusing, it’s written thoroughly, with no confusion. Ever since the first minute of the first episode, you’re hooked. It’s a good thing that too much focus on her 2023 life wasn’t given, otherwise it would’ve taken a boring turn. People are more interested in knowing how she’ll make use of this newly-gifted life. Personally, I expected the narrative to be just this good. Shin Yoo-dam, who has written the screenplay for the much-loved drama ‘Awaken,’ has not disappointed.
The editing has been done wonderfully. The way there are switches between the present and the past is done well. There’s no chaos and even colour grading has been done in such a way that you can tell which timeline the scenes belong to. The transitions are masterfully executed, and don’t disrupt the narrative of what’s happening. The camerawork was stellar. There were many scenes that stood out for me, especially the cherry-blossom-scene; that was visually so beautiful, that I actually hit rewind thrice.
As far as the soundtrack is concerned, it didn’t particularly stand out because there was too much to focus on what was happening, story-wise. But of course, in the episodes to unfold, Park Seung-il will have more work of his to display.
Director: Park Won-guk
Cast: Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, Lee Gi-kwang, and Song Ha-yoon
Available On: Amazon Prime Video
Premiere Date: January 1
Genre: Romance, Revenge Drama
Language: Korean
Duration: 70 minutes
Yes.
This show is a good start to 2024 in the K-Drama realm. There was already so much anticipation for this drama because of its ensemble. Not only has it been a good-watch, it’s also increased hopes and expectations for the upcoming episodes. Will her second chance at life be all about revenge or will it mark a fresh start in her life? Only time will tell.
*Disclaimer: This review is done after the release of the first two episodes.*