Specifically catered for those with wounded self-esteem and heart, You Raise Me Up paves an avenue for the viewers to see the road of self-worth rediscovery and ultimately aid the silently hurting audience in regaining their confidence in this eight-episode series.
- Main Cast: Yoon Shi-Yoon | Ahn Hee Yeon | Park Ki Woong
- Streaming Site : Wavve
- Romance/ Addictive meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value :
- K-dramas of Similar Vibe: Reply 1988 | Romance Is A Bonus Book | Fight For My Way | Misaeng
K-Drama First Look: “You Raise Me Up” Mounts A Man’s Journey On Rediscovering Self-Worth
Kdrama fans love feel-good series. But every once in a while, viewers crave narratives that offer more than just the typical romance and comedy. Thus, coming-of-age dramas and stories about the pains of adulthood will never be a time-worn concept for the general audience.
But although that may be true, there are already many dramas with the same nature available for streaming. For the reason that it effectively engrosses and piques the sentiments of the viewers, this genre is a popular hit even in the early 2000s.
On that note, the true challenge for producers of this kind of series is uniquely conveying the story’s message. They have to consider carefully how they will produce a series in this genre that is significant and authentic. Mainly how to do so creatively to leave a lasting impression and strike meaningful conversations with the viewers. And this is precisely the formula used in concocting the narrative for You Raise Me Up.
You Raise Me Up Quick Plot Recap
The premise of You Raise Me Up evolves around the life of Do Yong Shik (Yoon Shi Yoon), a man in his 30s who is struggling to make ends meet in his life. Not only does he have to bear with the growing pains brought by the mid-life crisis, he has to deal with erectile dysfunction on top of his low-self esteem.
Besides that, ironically making matters worst for him, the urologist who diagnoses him and provides his treatment is his first love, Lee Ru Da (Ahn Hee Yeon / EXID Hani ). Definitely not the reunion anyone would expect to have with their first love. What is more, the urologist doctor Ru Da had been bragging to her boyfriend Do Ji Hyuk (Park Ki Woong) about how incredible her first love, Yong Shik, is.
In detail, Ru Da’s overbearing boyfriend is Ji Hyuk. He is the psychiatrist working in the same building as Ru Da. Moreover, his entrancing appearance and well-choreographed demeanor hide his flaws. More importantly, he had been hearing all the great things about Yong Shik coming out from his girlfriend Ru Da’s mouth. Yet subsequently, Ji Hyuk will be taking care of Yong Shik’s mental health condition.
Meanwhile, Ru Da is committed to treating Yong Shik’s reproductive problem. With this kind of setup, Ji Hyuk becomes aware of how dismayingly Yong Shik’s life became. And if this is not a painful ordeal to get tangled up in, then I do not know what is.
You Raise Me Up Peak Points + Musings
Well-blended Bold Perspectives and Creativity
You Raise Me Up hits the viewers in the right spot, urging them to feel both nostalgic and overwhelmed. The series is expected to be a lighthearted comedy.
Contrary to that popular belief, it is best for the viewers to prepare some tissues or a handkerchief. The writers and producers were able to lay down facts and introduce viewers to unusual subject matters for Korean Dramas. They did all this under eight episodes.
Particularly, integrating the concept of getting professional help for a reproductive health problem, and more so seeking professional care for mental health. Despite the attempts of other writers and producers, only a few have successfully and naturally incorporated the importance of mental health in a series’ plot.
With this, more people will also come to terms with how healing is not linear. How growth does not also have a steady standard pace for everybody.
A Dash of Humor And A Sprinkle of Romance laced with Factuality
More than just the love in the air, the series also focused on practical matters. Besides making the viewers laugh and feel butterflies in their stomachs, You Raise Me Up’s message screams relevance. Having more Korean dramas such as this can help teach broader audiences about the normalization of depicting hard-to-swallow discussions and real-life dilemmas.
Indeed this is a series that does not disappoint. It offers a well-baked screenplay containing just the right amounts of romance, humor and, a slice of life. Not just that but Mo Ji-Hye was able to carefully weave together the essence of other characters together with Yong Shik’s story. This truly makes the plot rich and realistic.
Director Kim Jang Han is commendable too. Along with Mo Ji-Hye’s superb screenplay, he brought out a heart-warming yet accurately convincing approach in unraveling You Raise Me Up’s important issues.
Splendid Characterizations and Remarkable Portrayals
Have I mentioned that the main protagonist Yong Shik’s inner turmoil was conveyed accurately and as ideally as it could ever be? You Raise Me Up definitely deserves an A+ for being an outstanding example of authentic and humane characterization.
Likewise, a job well done to Ahn Hee Yeon, Yoon Shik Yoon and Park Ki Woong! and of course, to the casts with supporting roles too! their versatility as actors have contributed greatly to the success of this Korean drama series. They have shown great internalization and respect for the characters they are portraying. Thus, they had been true to the core of the series’ screenplay.
In case you have not seen it yet, let You Raise Me Up support you in confronting your life’s overwhelming obstacles. Viewers can watch it on Wavve!
Photos: Wavve
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