"More Beautiful than Heaven" captivated viewers with its delightful and warm story.
JTBC's weekend drama "More Beautiful than Heaven" (written by Lee Nam-kyu and Kim Soo-jin, directed by Kim Seok-yoon) premiered on the 19th to critical acclaim. The dynamic journey of Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja) between reality and fantasy, the living and the dead, sparked boundless imagination.
Additionally, the reunion of Lee Hae-sook and Go Nak-jun (played by Son Seok-koo), who meet again at the ages of 80 and 30, respectively, evoked bittersweet emotions with an ending that left viewers laughing and crying. The show raised expectations by opening the curtain on a 'transcendent romance' never seen before. The first episode recorded a nationwide rating of 5.8% and 6.8% in the metropolitan area (Nielsen Korea, based on paid households), marking a 'beautiful' start as the top non-terrestrial channel drama.
The broadcast depicted the story of 80-year-old Lee Hae-sook, who dominated the market with her skills, and her right-hand woman Lee Young-ae (played by Lee Jung-eun), who followed her like a parent and teacher. After a sudden accident left her husband bedridden, Lee Hae-sook had to become the head of the household and support the family, leading to a heartbreaking first meeting and the beginning of a long relationship with the young girl Lee Young-ae, who had been neglected by her irresponsible and indifferent father.
The life of a day laborer, constantly facing verbal and physical abuse, was indeed not easy. However, every time she returned home, Lee Hae-sook was only worried that her husband might be affected by the bad energy she brought home. Go Nak-jun (played by Park Joon) also cherished and loved Lee Hae-sook dearly. He expressed that the sight of his wife, who showed the passage of 60 years, was both beautiful and sad, saying, "You are the most beautiful now. Living together day by day, does that make you more beautiful? You are the most beautiful now." His affectionate words were etched in Lee Hae-sook's memory for a long time.
It was a love that even death could not separate. After Go Nak-jun left this world, Lee Hae-sook soon followed him to the afterlife. Guided by the afterlife guide, Lee Hae-sook boarded the train to the afterlife, and her journey after death was beyond imagination. Everyone, including Lee Hae-sook, was in a state of not knowing the final destination, and the train to the afterlife stopped at Hell Station and Heaven Station, pulling the deceased out through the doors. Lee Hae-sook disembarked at Heaven Station and headed to the consultation room after passing through the security checkpoint. When asked how old she would be and with whom she would live in heaven, Lee Hae-sook recalled Go Nak-jun's face, the husband who said, 'You are the most beautiful now.'
On her way to meet her husband, Lee Hae-sook, now 80 years old, felt her knees creak but her heart raced. As her husband had said, a house appeared with neatly stacked stone walls along the path and brightly blooming honeysuckle, and seeing the nameplate with their names side by side, Lee Hae-sook felt relieved that Go Nak-jun was waiting for her with the same feelings. However, the person who appeared when she opened the door was a younger Go Nak-jun, returned to his 30s. The unexpected reunion between Lee Hae-sook and Go Nak-jun amplified curiosity for the next episode.
"More Beautiful than Heaven" realistically portrays death and the afterlife, something no one has experienced but many have imagined. It handles death in a way that is neither too heavy nor too sad, creating a story that anyone can relate to. With delightful imagination, unique settings, and a world view, it completes its own version of heaven.
Above all, the unique sensibility and wit of director Kim Seok-yoon and writers Lee Nam-kyu and Kim Soo-jin synergized with Kim Hye-ja's passionate performance. Kim Hye-ja showcased a remarkable transformation in her acting, revealing a blend of chic and lovely charm. Additionally, Son Seok-koo, with a short but intense ending scene, revved up for a full-fledged start, while Lee Jung-eun shone with her presence, delivering both laughter and tears from the very first episode.
JTBC's weekend drama "More Beautiful than Heaven" will air its second episode on the 20th at 10:30 PM.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
