This article contains spoilers for the following K-dramas: Mr. Sunshine, Snowdrop, Goblin and Queen of Tears.
Romance K-dramas usually have a happy ending, but Netflix’s next release Mr. Plankton the series starring Woo Do-hwan and Lee You-min looks like it could have a tragic outcome based on the trailer. While some of the most anticipated K-dramas of 2024 have already been released, including but not limited to Queen of Tears and Love next doorThere are still some exciting shows to be released this year. Netflix’s K-drama slate for the remainder of 2024 includes returning horror shows like Hell and squid game as well as new series, such as Mr. Plankton.
A Netflix original, Mr. Plankton will arrive on the streaming platform on November 8th. The program will consist of 10 episodes and will join the already long list of Korean web series made for Netflix. A romantic comedy, Mr. Plankton is directed by Youth Justiceby Hong Jong-chan and written by It’s okay not to be okayIt’s Jo-young. Given how emotional and sensible the year 2020 It’s okay not to be okay was, It will be interesting to see how Mr. Plankton will navigate its tragic premise of a man who has just discovered he has a terminal illness.
Mr. Plankton is telling you that the main couple might not have a happy ending
Woo Do-hwan’s character has a “bomb” in his brain
The trailer for Mr. Plankton begins with the main male character, played by Woo Do-hwan, discovering that he has a “pump” in your brain. Hae-jo asks the doctor how much time is leftand although the trailer doesn’t show the answer, it is implied that the character may not be out for much longer due to a brain tumor. The trailer also shows Jo Jae-mi, played by Lee Yoo-mi, going through a difficult time as she is diagnosed with premature menopause ahead of a wedding she wants no part of.
|
Mr. Plankton Cast |
Character |
|---|---|
|
Woo Do-hwan |
Hae-jo |
|
Lee Yoo Mi |
Jo Jae-mi |
|
Oh Jungse |
Eo-heung |
|
Kim Hae Sook |
Beom Ho-ja |
These difficult circumstances will bring Hae-jo and Jae-mi, who were previously in a relationship, together again for what the official synopsis describes as the “last trip” of Hae-jo’s life. This implies that Mr. Plankton will be about Hae-jo and Jae-min making the most of the time Woo Do-hwan’s character has leftwhich means the series may not have a traditional fairytale ending like many other romantic K-dramas. That being said, it is relatively common for K-dramas with tragic premises to have a happy ending anyway, with a recent example being Queen of Tears.
Will Plankton have the courage to kill Woo Do-hwan’s character?
Few romantic K-Dramas have had a tragic ending
There have been some K-dramas where one of the protagonists, usually the male character, ends up dying at the end. This includes series like Lord Sun, Snowdropand Elfall of which were unafraid to end on a bittersweet note. However, there are also many series that play with the idea of a tragic ending, only for things to work out in the end. While having a happy ending after a series of unfortunate events can lead to a cathartic moment, these endings are safer.
For example, for most Queen of TearsWe’re led to believe that there’s no way Hae-in and Hyun-woo can get through everything and have a happy ending, but they do. That’s why It’s always impactful when a K-drama doesn’t give its main characters an easy way out and shows that not every story ends like a fairy tale. It’s too early to say what kind of show Mr. Plankton will be, but the fact that it was written by the writer of It’s okay not to be okay It’s exciting.
Woo Do-hwan and Lee You-mi’s plankton chemistry already looks great
Plankton combined two great actors for its main roles
While hunting dog season 2 may not be released until 2026, as filming is slated for 2025, fans of Woo Do-hwan will be able to see him in another very different leading role this year. Mr. Plankton It won’t be Woo Do-hwan’s first romantic K-drama, but it’s exciting to see him leading such a series so soon after his action-packed role on Netflix. hunting dog. Woo Do-hwan’s character in Mr. Plankton appears to be hilarious and charming, not to mention the remarkable chemistry between him and Lee Yoo-mi’s character.
After stealing the spotlight in two global Netflix hits – squid game and We are all dead – in smaller roles, Lee Yoo-mi is now leading her own streaming web series. Mr. Plankton It won’t be her first lead role in a K-drama, as Lee Yoo-mi recently shined in JTBC’s Strong girl, coming soon. Given how excellent Lee Yoo-min has been in every series she’s appeared in, regardless of the size of the role, seeing her lead a Netflix romantic comedy alongside Woo Do-hwan is incredibly exciting. Hopefully, Mr. Plankton will meet expectations.