Crash Landing on You - A Bittersweet Fall

"... I've never loved anyone. Until you crash landed into my world..."

Crash Landing on You is a South Korean romantic drama that aired on tvN, as well as Netflix, from December 2019 to February 2020. It stars Something in the Rain's Son Ye-jin and Secret Garden's Hyun Bin as the two protagonists.

This romantic drama follows the story of Yoon Seri, a wealthy heiress who goes paragliding. However, due to a natural disaster, she lands in her country's opposing half: North Korea, and goes missing. While dangling in her paraglider hanging from a tree, she encounters Ri Jeong Hyeok, a captain in the North Korean army. Instead of reporting her to the country's State Security Department, Jeong Hyeok, with aid from his troop, decides to help her return to South Korea by taking her in.

South Korean dramas are known for their integrated plot, light-heartedness and focus on subject matters relevant today. Although full of dramatic and emotional moments, these dramas also have comedic aspects that make you chuckle until your stomach hurts. For someone who has watched South Korean dramas for years, this is an aspect that deserves to be appreciated and praised in a sometimes miserable world.

If you're like me - an avid drama watcher - this is a show you shouldn't miss.

[This review focuses on the drama's genre and certain themes.]

Warning: For those planning to watch this drama, this review has spoilers.

A Focus on the Deadly Sins

In the beginning of Crash Landing on You, it is apparent that Seri's two brothers, Sehyung and Sejoon, yearn for her success and position after their father announces that Seri will become the successor of the family company. There is obvious envy. Although both brothers shared the same sentiment of hoping that Seri will not be found at the start, her older brother, Sehyung, resorts to illegal means to prevent her return. His hatred for Seri influences his wrath and greed, morphing his character into an antagonist.

Yoon Sehyung and his wife, Go Sang-ah, who is also his accomplice. Source is linked within the image.

Even though most television shows/dramas have antagonists, this is a great example of how powerful emotions can be. We experience surges of emotions everyday, and these emotions can either be positive or negative. They become the drive to reach goals and attain dreams. However, in Sehyung's case, the thriving of his negative emotions became his drive for wrongdoings and pure evil. In short, he let the devil on his shoulder win.

Differences between South Korea and North Korea

Ri Jeong Hyeok's troop in the North Korean village set. Source is linked within the image.

For a drama that focuses on both sides of Korea, of course it will illustrate what North Korea is like. According to the BBC, North Korean defector, Kwak Moon-wan, was hired as one of the writers for accuracy. Due to this, the series "has been widely praised for its well-researched and nuanced portrayal of North Korea." In addition, YouTuber and North Korean defector, Kang Nara, was also an adviser for the drama. Titled as 'N.Korean Defector Spills Truth about Crash Landing on You,' she talks about the drama's accuracy and her memories as a defector on DKDKTV's channel:

Most individuals have an inkling knowledge about North Korea and the occurrences within the country's walls, but watching this drama and the video above has educated me on what life is really like for North Korean citizens.

While watching Crash Landing on You, it is evident that North Korea leans towards the old-fashioned. When viewers see the North Korean village for the first time, it is noticeable that it's under-developed when compared to the cities in South Korea. There are no cars, there are power outages, and what seems like a town centre resembles a big marketplace.

As well as under-developed facilities, North Korean citizens also seem to adopt an old-fashioned way of thinking, upholding housewife ideals with some topics of conversation being about marriageable ages.

The character Seo Dan being criticised for still being single. Source: Netflix.

Furthermore, in episode four, viewers witness a moment when Seo Dan is also criticised for her looks:

Although we don't know how truly accurate this show is, this part of the episode is in contrast to the South Korean beauty standards of praising thin, slim and skinny body types, as well as South Korea's obsession with the diet culture. In this episode, it is clear that North Korea thinks the opposite in terms of body preferences and views slim body types in a negative light. However, this still emphasises both countries' unhealthy views in a visual aspect.

Corruption of Power

Cho Cheol-gang. Source is linked within the image.

Sehyung is not the only character acting the role of an antagonist. Throughout the drama, Jeong Hyeok and Seri try to overcome obstacles, as well as a formidable (and very annoying) foe: Cho Cheol-gang.

Cho Cheol-gang is a corrupt State Security officer, who is responsible for bribery, drug trafficking, smuggling goods, stealing, selling cultural heritage and murder. However, he is able to evade from being found guilty because of his connections and by blackmailing others.

Due to Jeong Hyeok meddling in his affairs and being connected to a victim of Cheol-gang's crime, Cheol-gang's goal throughout the drama is to ruin Jeong Hyeok's image and his family's reputation. This means exposing where Seri is originally from.

Cheol-gang is a perfect example of corruption within those in power and those with authority - a matter that still exists today. It is also important to note how corrupted individuals, or authoritative figures like Cheol-gang, will do anything and everything in their power for their name to remain clean.

However, Crash Landing on You also illustrates that one will eventually have to face the consequences of their actions and that justice continues to prevail.

The Idea of Fate

This is a romantic drama that is similar to the storyline of Romeo and Juliet and Five Feet Apart. It holds the same premise of two individuals in love but they are unable, or are not, supposed to be together. However, the inevitable happens.

As mentioned before, South Korean dramas are known for their integrated plot, and this is especially emphasised by the connection between Seri and Jeong Hyeok, particularly their past.

Throughout the episodes, and without trying to spoil too much, we learn about the significance of Switzerland. We learn why Seri visited the place, why Jeong Hyeok was staying there and why the tune played on a piano is important.

The revelations of their connection is a reminder of a Japanese legend: the Red String of Fate.

The Red String of Fate, according to Japanese legend, tells the story of two people bound by fate. In this case, fate is represented by an invisible red string that connects two hearts. Although this red string may stretch and entangle itself, the two people on both sides of this string are destined to meet no matter the circumstances they're in.

And we see that happening when Seri drops into North Korea. Only when the story develops and revelations unfold do we realise that these two individuals are, for lack of a better term, meant to be.

Light-heartedness and A Story of Friendship

As mentioned previously, South Korean dramas contain comedic aspects memorable enough to upload a compilation of funny moments on YouTube. This drama, although serious at times, has just the right amount of hilarity to help pace the storyline.

Crash Landing on You highlights this by showing moments between Seri and the women she befriends in the village. This also emphasises how a group of people with different ideals and backgrounds can still come together to create a friendship that surpasses borders.

I particularly love the relationship between Seri and these women. Despite her coming from South Korea, they still value the moments they had with each other without caring about where the other is from.

But I can’t end this review without mentioning Jeong Hyeok and his troop.

If you’re serving your country, you’re surely loyal and dedicated to your homeland. Some watchers can argue that Jeong Hyeok’s troop only decided to help him because of his authority, and although this is the case at the start, his troop bond with Seri and ultimately become great friends with her.

This goes to show that Jeong Hyeok and his troop’s relationship surpasses any authoritative title, and is more than just a badge and uniform.

My Conclusion

Overall, Crash Landing on You has made me laugh and bawl my eyes out. It has rich scenes of romance and the plot is amazing. It’s worthy of the praise it has gotten and I definitely see why this was one of the most-watched dramas of 2019.

I love each character’s story and how they seem to intertwine. Every character is different, quirky, lovable and some can even be hated by a Saint. This is in many South Korean dramas, which is why it’s watched by a lot of people.

We love seeing weird characters interact (well, for me anyway) — it’s what makes it enjoyable.

Although most North Korean defectors have said that this drama’s ending is unrealistic, it has a hopeful message that I appreciate.

Crash Landing on You has easily become one of my favourite dramas and I will continue to think about that kissing scene for years to come…

Thoughts in a Frenzy