REVIEW: About Time Korean Drama

Title	About Time
Male Lead	Lee Sang-Yoon as Lee Do-ha
Female Lead	Lee Sung-kyung as Choi Michaela / Mika
Writer	Chu Hye-mi
Episodes	16 Episodes | 60 Minutes per Episode
Release	May 21 – July 10, 2018
Genre	Fantasy, Romance, Melodrama
Language	Korean
Country of Origin	South Korea

STORYLINE

Introduction Overview of About Time

About Time Korean Drama is a romantic fantasy drama that tells the story of Choi Michaela (Lee Sung-Kyung). She is a woman who has the ability to see the remaining time of people’s lives. Due to a traumatic incident in her childhood, Michaela has been living with this ability. It has made it difficult for her to form meaningful relationships with others.

Despite her unique ability, Michaela strives to live a normal life and pursues her dream of becoming a musical actress. At the same time, she is preparing herself and her family for what she believed to be her inevitable end. She works multiple jobs to make sure that her mom and a younger brother who was used to a privileged life are taken care of even while she is gone and her father is serving time in prison.

Along the way, she meets Lee Do-ha (Lee Sang-Yoon), a wealthy CEO. Do-ha is skeptical of her ability but is drawn to her nonetheless. As the two of them spend more time together, they develop a deep connection that is threatened by the ticking clock of Michaela’s ability.

What sets About Time apart from other dramas is its focus on the theme of time. The drama uses the concept of time to explore various themes such as the value of life, the importance of relationships, and the inevitability of mortality. The drama’s use of time as a central motif is also reflected in its stunning cinematography and soundtrack.

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Cast and Characters

One of the strengths of About Time Korean Drama is its talented cast. They are the ones who bring the characters to life with their nuanced performances. Lee Sung-Kyung delivers a standout performance as Choi Michaela, bringing depth and vulnerability to her portrayal of a woman struggling with a unique ability.

Lee Sang-Yoon is equally impressive as Lee Do-ha, infusing his character with a quiet intensity that is both captivating and mysterious. Other notable performances include those of Im Se-mi, who plays Michaela’s best friend Bae Soo-bong, and Han Seung-yeon, who plays Jo Jae-yoo, a talented musical actress and Michaela’s rival.

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Themes and Motifs

As mentioned earlier, About Time Korean Drama explores several themes such as the value of life, the importance of relationships, and the inevitability of mortality. The drama uses the concept of time as a central motif to drive home these themes and create a sense of urgency and poignancy.

One of the main themes of the drama is the value of life. Michaela’s ability to see the remaining time of people’s lives gives her a unique perspective on the fleeting nature of life. This theme is particularly evident in the subplot involving Michaela’s father, who is serving time in prison. Michaela’s relationship with her father is a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

Another theme that the drama explores is the importance of relationships. Michaela’s ability to see the remaining time of people’s lives also gives her insight into the fragility of relationships. Throughout the drama, Michaela struggles with forming meaningful connections with others due to her ability. However, she learns that the value of relationships lies in the moments we share with others, rather than the amount of time we have with them.

The motif of time is also used to explore the inevitability of mortality. The drama acknowledges the fact that our time on earth is limited and that we must make the most of the time we have. This theme is particularly evident in the relationship between Michaela and Lee Do-ha, as their time together is threatened by the ticking clock of Michaela’s ability.

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Cinematography and Soundtrack

About Time Korean Drama boasts stunning cinematography and a mesmerizing soundtrack that complements the drama’s themes and motifs. The drama’s use of light and color is particularly noteworthy, as it enhances the dreamlike quality of the fantasy elements. The cinematography also highlights the beauty of Seoul, with breathtaking shots of the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks.

The soundtrack of About Time is equally impressive. A mix of contemporary and classical music adds to the drama’s emotional depth. The drama’s main theme, “Time for Me” by Lyn, is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that perfectly captures the bittersweet nature of the drama. Other notable tracks include “You’re My Everything” by Jung Joon-il and “That Day” by Klang.

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Impact and Reception

About Time Korean Drama received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. With some praising its unique take on the romance genre and others criticizing its pacing and plot inconsistencies. However, the drama has gained a loyal following, particularly among fans of Lee Sung-Kyung and Lee Sang-Yoon.

The drama’s impact is evident in the numerous fan forums and social media groups dedicated to discussing the drama and its themes. Fans have also created fan art, fan fiction, and even fan-made music videos that showcase their love for the drama.

Conclusion

In conclusion, About Time is a captivating drama that explores the themes of time, life, and relationships through its unique fantasy elements. The drama’s talented cast, stunning cinematography, and mesmerizing soundtrack make it a must-watch for fans of the romance and fantasy genres. Despite its mixed reception, the drama’s impact is evident in its devoted fan following. The discussions it has sparked about the value of time and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.

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Binge Star Rating – 7.5 Stars

★★★★★★★★

About Time is a series that explores how valuable time really is. Throughout the series, the audience is faced with multiple questions about mortality and the meaning of life. If I were given 1 month 12 days 21 hours 5 minutes and 18 seconds to live, what would I be doing? If I knew that I had sixty-five years 3 months 8 days 5 hours and 29 seconds more to live, how will I spend it? What situation would make me want to give up this precious gift? If I knew that I only had 18 days 22 hours 4 minutes and 16 seconds more to live, will I say that sorry and repent for my sins? Will I live differently? Will my priorities change?

As the story unfolds, it evokes a multitude of consequential thoughts that keep running through my head. Through the portrayal of Choi Michaela’s inner conflicts, the show offers glimpses into various realities that resonate with many of us. We witness Michaela grappling with her emotions and decisions. Especially when faced with the possibility of losing someone close to her. The show captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships. It is inviting us to reflect on our own experiences and how we handle difficult situations. The character development is so intricate and nuanced that it makes us feel connected to the characters and invested in their journeys. 

The writer has successfully managed to maintain a good balance between heartfelt scenes and mundane aspects of life in the series. As a result, the show is still enjoyable to watch despite the prevalence of goodbyes and regrets throughout the episodes. Overall, the show’s portrayal of the human experience is thought-provoking and leaves a lasting impact on its viewers.

Re-watch Value

The overall theme and performances of the actors are good and the story is nice as well. However, this is the type of drama that I will watch just once.

Where to Watch

Watch About Time on Netflix with complete English subtitles. What do you think about the series? Did you like it? Drop your comments in the comments section below. I’d love to know your views, please let me know what you think!

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ABOUT THE ACTORS

Lee Sung-Kyung

Lee Sung-Kyung is a multi-talented South Korean actress, model, and singer, known for her stunning looks, undeniable talent, and charismatic personality. She started her career as a model. She rose to fame with her supporting role in the hit drama “It’s Okay, That’s Love” in 2014. Since then, she has starred in several successful dramas. Namely, “Cheese in the Trap”, “Doctors”, “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo”, and “About Time Korean Drama”, showcasing her versatility as an actress.

But that’s not all. Lee Sung-Kyung is also a successful model, having walked the runway for top Korean fashion designers and modeled for major brands such as Laneige, Fendi, and Swarovski. Her acting prowess has earned her several awards. These include the Best New Actress award at the 51st Baeksang Arts Awards and the Excellence Award at the 12th SBS Drama Awards.

Despite her busy schedule, Lee Sung-Kyung has also released a few singles, including “My Lips Like Warm Coffee” for the soundtrack of “It’s Okay, That’s Love”. Her fans adore her not only for her talent but also for her down-to-earth personality and dedication to her craft. With her impressive achievements and undeniable charm, Lee Sung-Kyung has undoubtedly become one of the most sought-after actresses in South Korea.

Lee Sang-Yoon

Lee Sang-Yoon is a popular South Korean actor who was born on August 15, 1981, in Seoul, South Korea. He initially pursued a career in Physics, earning a degree from Seoul National University, but eventually decided to pursue acting.

Lee Sang-Yoon made his acting debut in 2005 on a beer commercial and proceeded to star in minor roles in television dramas. He gained wider recognition for his role in the drama “Life is Beautiful” in 2010. He has since starred in numerous hit dramas, including “The Duo”, “Liar Game”, “Twenty Again”, “On the Way to the Airport”, and “About Time”.

In addition to his acting career, Lee Sang-Yoon has hosted several TV shows, including “Snail Hotel” and “All the Butlers”. He has also appeared in several films, such as “Santa Barbara” and “Okay! Madam”.

Lee Sang-Yoon has won several awards for his acting, including the Best New Actor award at the 2010 KBS Drama Awards and the Excellence Award at the 2016 MBC Drama Awards. He is known for his versatile acting skills, his handsome looks, and his dedication to his craft.

With his impressive resume and undeniable talent, Lee Sang-Yoon has become one of the most popular actors in South Korea. His fans love him for his charming personality, his professionalism on set, and his ability to bring complex characters to life on screen.

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Looking for more dramas to watch? Check out What to Watch Next for your next bingeing session!

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DISCLAIMER: The images and video used are not my own. They are from promotional materials released by their production company: Studio Dragon, TVN, and Stone Music Entertainment. These images and videos may be subject to copyright. No copyright infringement intended. This blog is solely for entertainment purposes only. [Last Update 04252024]