Only One Person

Korean Drama " The One And Only " is a bittersweet drama with morally grey characters.

The story has a slice-of-life twist, with some dramatic moments and some sad stories for the side characters.

In addition, the story has an unconventional romance, but there are some sweet and romantic aspects to it. But, the highlight of the drama is the friendship between the girls that soften each other's edgy personalities.

Finally, the ending was okay, a bit open, but kind of suited the story.

As for the performances, everyone did a great job with their characters.

And the pace was just right for the story as well.

So, overall, eight out of ten.

A recent review of 'The One and Only' ('Only One Person' is the literal translation) by a Korean critic called the drama "the birth of a masterpiece that many people need to see" and I have to completely agree. All of the responses I've seen have praised the drama as well-made and especially applauded the excellent work of all the actors involved. The drama was put into a very late at night (going past midnight) on weekdays airing slot in Korea, but it truly is a hidden gem that I think will end up standing the test of time and become beloved as people discover it through streaming platforms. Indeed, upon its release on Netflix Korea it reached #3 on the list of most-watched TV shows and films on the platform.

'The One and Only' deals with a lot of important and serious topics, with death of course being a central theme, but it also cuts through any heaviness with laughter at the right moments, making it a lot funnier than first expected. The drama showcases stable and nuanced acting from the cast, and from the behind the scenes clips it's clear how much genuine fun they had working together. The ever evolving dynamic between the three terminally ill women really does make you understand how even on the verge of death, people can still connect, love, and grow. It is a necessary message to share in these uncertain times, and ironically it is this honesty and exploration about death that actually makes 'The One and Only' life affirming.

An amazingly emotional story. I could cry in many places. I really like this story. Recommend to others.....The sentimental expressions of the story touched the heart strongly. A must watch story ...

This is not a good writing. Overdosing on misery will only backfire in this case. Subjecting a single character to all of the common tropes of sadness will lose the emotional impact and genuine human connection. This is also resulted in making the drama feels infinitely longer, you'll keep wishing they just die already. Yet, that wasn't the worst part about the drama. The entire murder/mystery/investigation element was effortlessly bad. At one point the entire nation was chasing them until they gave up, no one cared and no proper follow up. The drama could've been easily cut in half without affecting the narrative at all.

Impressive how the writers avoided the melodrama and cliché that would have befallen any hollywood production about terminal illness. But that's why Kdramas are increasingly catching on in the West - because they tell stories about real people. I'd definitely recommend this one, but be warned you'll sometimes need two hankies.