Launching November 8 on Netflix, Mr. Plankton offers viewers an emotional blend of romance, comedy, and adventure.
The series centers around Hae Jo, a man born from an unfortunate circumstance, and Jae-mi, a woman burdened by misfortunes, who unintentionally accompany each other on what may be Hae Jo’s final journey.
Directed by Hong Jong-chan, known for Juvenile Justice, and written by Jo Yong, who previously penned It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, this series promises a fresh take on love, life, and the search for purpose. The cast includes Woo Do-hwan (Bloodhounds, The Divine Fury) as Hae Jo, Lee You-mi (Strong Girl Nam-soon, Squid Game) as Jae-mi, and Oh Jung-se (Revenant, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay) as Eo Heung, rounding out a star-studded trio that brings depth and nuance to the characters’ journeys.
In the trailer, audiences are introduced to Hae Jo, a lighthearted wanderer seeking excitement; Jae-mi, a woman whose deepest desire is to become a mother; and Eo Heung, a man searching for pure, unconditional love. The plot takes a poignant turn when Hae Jo, recently diagnosed with multiple brain tumors and facing limited time, reconnects with Jae-mi, his former lover, on her wedding day. Impulsively, he persuades her to join him in his search for his long-lost biological father.
The storyline becomes even more complex as Jae-mi, who was expected to fulfill her new family’s hopes for a grandson, learns she is experiencing premature menopause. This revelation threatens her health and challenges her dreams and her place within Eo Heung’s family. Meanwhile, Eo Heung, left bewildered by Jae-mi’s sudden departure, begins his journey to find her, adding layers of tension and comedy to the plot.
The chemistry and emotional depth of the characters are further highlighted by Woo Do-hwan, who shared his enthusiasm for the role of Hae Jo, expressing how much affection he has for the project and encouraging viewers to follow Hae Jo’s journey to rediscover family and belonging. Lee You-mi’s Jae-mi also adds a mix of vulnerability and resilience as she navigates the painful news of her health issues while trying to fulfill expectations. Oh Jung Se’s Eo Heung provides a grounded yet endearing counterbalance as he searches for his runaway bride, unaware of the journey she has embarked upon.
The main poster captures the essence of the series with Hae Jo, Jae-mi, and Eo Heung holding hands as they run forward, each wearing a unique expression that hints at their inner struggles and dreams. This imagery raises the question of where this unlikely trio is headed, and how their intertwining fates will play out. The tagline, “A drifting soul, a stolen bride, and one last ride. Seriously, what could go wrong?” captures the adventure, humor, and poignancy that Mr. Plankton promises to deliver, as these characters navigate loss, hope, and the transformative power of connection.
With a storyline that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the unpredictability of life’s final moments, Mr. Plankton is expected to offer both light-hearted moments and heartfelt depth. Woo Do-hwan’s portrayal of Hae Jo is expected to bring a mix of playfulness and introspection, while Lee You-mi’s Jae-mi grapples with the contrast between her life’s expectations and her current reality. Oh Jung-se’s Eo Heung, known for his sensitive portrayals, adds a layer of sincerity to his role, providing a soft-hearted balance to the otherwise tumultuous dynamic.
Mr. Plankton promises an unforgettable ride, inviting viewers to join in on Hae Jo’s quest for family, love, and purpose when it premieres on Netflix on November 8.
