Written by Kwon Hye-joo and directed by Cha Young-hoon

“Welcome to Samdal-ri” portrays the struggles of ordinary people, whose destinies are intertwined yet fundamentally distinct. Their journey involves discovering liberating forms of love while navigating the connections within the town of Samdal-ri, a somehow beacon for all wandering souls. One character returns to her roots in a small city on Jeju Island, facing vulnerability and loneliness. Meanwhile, the other character, who never left the island, deals with reopened wounds, intensifying their dynamic. I find myself genuinely captivated by Ji Ji Chang-wook’s captivating body of work, and one of the most enchanting dramas I’ve recently witnessed is “The Sound of Magic.” Shin Hye-sun, celebrated for her exceptional acting prowess and precise articulation, has earned the moniker “Diction Fairy,” solidifying her status as one of the standout actresses of her generation. But, in my humble opinion, the biggest credit here goes to the writer Kwon Hye-joo’s sublime, beautifully layered writing. Kwon relies on simple, yet inviting narration – as if the story were being told as a recollection among friends than to an unsuspecting audience. He introduces issues and realizations gently, leading us to them instead of throwing them at us. This approach makes the moments of realization even more satisfying.

Image courtesy of JTBC