Drama

Review of "May I Help You", an emotional Korean drama about life and death

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At the end of 2022, May I Help You, a hidden Korean gem full of emotions, premiered on Amazon Prime Video. Centered on themes of death, but more importantly life, this emotional rollercoaster skillfully balances sadness and laughter. Join us in exploring this 16-episode production.

Synopsis

Korean drama 'May I Help You?'

The drama follows Baek Dong Ju, a young woman working in a funeral service who possesses a supernatural ability: she can communicate with the dead. They entrust her with their final wishes, which she must fulfill to help them rest in peace. Her path crosses with Kim Tae Hee, a man employed by a “small jobs” service called Ildangbaek (meaning "One Hundred for One"). Together, they navigate situations that are sometimes humorous, moving, or tragic.

Characters and Cast

Korean drama 'May I Help You?'

We meet actress Hyeri, who plays Baek Dong Ju. A member of the renowned K-pop group Girl’s Day, she is also an acclaimed actress known for standout roles, notably in Reply 1988. Her ability to express and convey heartfelt emotions is widely appreciated.

Her character, Baek Dong Ju, works as a funeral director and possesses the rare supernatural gift of communicating with the dead. Compassionate and determined, Dong Ju strives to fulfill the wishes of the deceased, even when it complicates her own life. Her journey highlights her selflessness and mission to bring comfort to both the living and the departed, shedding light on a profession often misunderstood or undervalued. Despite challenges, she perseveres, doing her best to help everyone.

Korean drama 'May I Help You?'

Her on-screen partner is Lee Jun Young, who plays Kim Tae Hee. Also a member of the group U-KISS, he has gained recognition for his diverse roles, particularly in D.P.. Known for his understated charisma and ability to portray deep characters, he excels in this role.

Kim Tae Hee works for Ildangbaek, a service offering various tasks ranging from odd jobs to unusual requests. Behind his calm and rational demeanor lies a deeply wounded individual. Meeting Dong Ju disrupts his routine and draws him into unexpected situations, often involving the dead. Their collaboration reveals his courage and sense of duty, ultimately helping him move forward after being stuck in a "pause mode" due to past experiences.

Korean drama 'May I Help You?'

Another standout role is played by Kang Seung Yoon as Vincent. A versatile actor, he always brings a touch of humor and lightness to his roles, which he does perfectly in this drama.

We also see Song Deok Ho as Seo Hae An, a layered character who adds unexpected depth to the story, as well as a priest who surprises with his refreshing and endearing personality. This character is far from the stereotypical depiction of priests and adds both value and humor to the drama.

Our Impressions

This drama stands out for its original and touching concept, exploring the themes of life and death from a unique perspective. It brings to mind productions like Tomorrow or The Game of Death. Offering a unique take on grief, redemption, and the importance of last wishes, the blend of supernatural and realism makes it compelling, as seen in many Korean productions.

It skillfully balances lighthearted and humorous moments with deeply emotional scenes. The interactions with the deceased lead to poignant moments, while the chemistry between the main and supporting characters adds humor and lightness. And above all, contrary to expectations, the drama weaves a solid storyline around its three main characters with a cohesive narrative.

Korean drama 'May I Help You?'

As for the romance, let’s be clear: it takes a backseat. It’s just one of the many threads running through the drama. The series subtly reminds viewers of the importance of living life to the fullest. It addresses universal themes like forgiveness, love, and how we cope with loss—all handled with a deep respect for humanity.

Minor drawbacks include uneven pacing in some episodes, a romance that feels underdeveloped, and predictable moments. However, the drama’s strengths far outweigh these issues.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an emotional rollercoaster that tackles themes of death—and by extension, life—May I Help You comes highly recommended. This production addresses universal themes with emotion and originality, blending supernatural storytelling with human challenges. While the romance could have been further explored, the strong acting and profound messages make this drama a must-watch.

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