A Korean Odyssey

KOREAN TITLE: 화유기

YEAR OF RELEASE: 2017

GENRE: Romance, Fantasy, Comedy, Horror

STARRING: Lee Seung-GI, Oh Yeon-Seo, Cha Seung-Won, Lee Hong-Gi

# OF EPISODES: 20

PLATFORMS TO WATCH ON: Netflix

SYNOPSIS: 

Immortal-Being Son Oh-Gong (Lee Seung-Gi) is bound to his protective role towards Seon-Mi (Oh Yeon-Seo), a mortal woman he deceived years ago who has the ability to see ghosts and spirits. Having made a contract with Seon-Mi 25 years ago, entitling her to seek help from Son Oh-Gong whenever she calls him in exchange for letting him free, the two meet again in a fateful encounter. With the help of Geumganggo, a magical bracelet that guarantees obedience from whoever wears it, Son Oh-Gong has no way to break his promise to Seon-Mi.

While Son Oh-Gong tries to figure out a way to break the deal he made with Seon-Mi and Seon-Mi tries hard to stay alive, the two begin to grow closer. Despite the many unfortunate circumstances and obstacles, they can’t help but realise their genuine feelings for each other. 

Will they be able to both live happily in a dark world where evil thrives?

REACTION: 

This show was actually way better than I thought it was going to be. The title picture and trailer might
seem a little cheesy but it’s really good. I liked the storyline between the two main characters. I also
liked Seon-Mi’s character set up. There are a lot of TV shows in the world where the main character
can see ghosts, but for some reason watching Seon-Mi felt different. I think the fact that she had a
solid and relatable back story made it more interesting to watch. 

The shows set up was also good as well. I liked the fact that each episode they were dealing with a
different problem that didn’t just affect them but others as well. Their adventures were also very fun to
watch. The major problems that they were solving in the final episodes were especially entertaining to
watch.  

Also, the supporting characters were great! Ma-Wang (Cha Seung-Won) was especially funny. At
times he was really dark and serious (he has his own life dilemmas that he is dealing with) but most of
the time he was really funny and sincere. Ma-Wang’s secretary was also very funny. The rest of the
immortal gang (you will know when you watch) was also a very cool dynamic to have in this show.
There is also one mortal who is hilarious. He works at Seon-Mi’s real estate firm and his clueless-ness
is both refreshing and funny most of the time. 

I will let you know that the first couple episodes felt long while watching. There is a lot of background
information that is needed to make the storyline make sense, and they use the first 2 episodes to
deliver it. But once you get past them you will really get into it and enjoy the show.

Also, Lee Seung-Gi with long hair was definitely a sight that I wouldn’t mind seeing again. :)

Also also, I will forever be saying the phrase “싫은데 내가왜 얼마줄건데” which translates into
“I don’t want to. Why should I? How much will you give?”. You will hear this frequently in the show.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO: 

• Anyone who likes to watch immortal beings interact with mortals
• Anyone who likes funny supporting characters
• Anyone who like adventure and romance

FAVORITE SONG FROM OST: 

“When I Saw You” by Bumkey was my favorite song from this OST. It was the song that I noticed the
most in the drama. I like how it starts off soft and sweet then gets really happy when the chorus
comes and he sings “When I saw you”. The tone of his voice is greatly accompanied with the beat of
the song which makes it really easy to listen to on repeat. 

Honorable Mention: “Let Me Out” by W (from NU’EST), “I’ll Be Fine” by SURAN

OVERALL REACTION WITH GIF: