W (TV series)

W (%EB%8D%94%EB%B8%94%EC%9C%A0) - poster

W, also known as W - Two Worlds, is a South Korean television series that combines elements of drama, romance, and fantasy. The series first aired in 2016 on MBC and quickly gained popularity both domestically and internationally for its unique storyline and high production values.

Plot

W introduces viewers to two parallel universes: the real world and a fantasy webtoon world called "W". The story begins with Oh Yeon-joo (Han Hyo-joo), a cardiothoracic surgery resident in Seoul, who gets mysteriously pulled into the webtoon world. There, she encounters Kang Chul (Lee Jong-suk), the handsome and intelligent protagonist of the "W" webtoon, who is on a quest to find the person responsible for his family's tragic murder. As Yeon-joo and Kang Chul become entangled in each other's worlds, they must navigate the challenges of their intersecting realities to uncover the truth behind their connected fates.

Cast and Characters

• Lee Jong-suk as Kang Chul, the main character of the "W" webtoon. A former Olympic gold medalist in shooting turned successful entrepreneur, his life takes a dark turn when his family is murdered.
• Han Hyo-joo as Oh Yeon-joo, a second-year resident doctor who becomes involved in Kang Chul's world after being pulled into the webtoon.
• Additional supporting characters contribute to the complexity of the plot, including Yeon-joo's father, who is the creator of the "W" webtoon, and various figures from both the real and webtoon worlds.

Production

The series is noted for its innovative use of digital effects to create the contrasting worlds of the real-life Seoul and the webtoon universe. The production team worked closely with webtoon artists to authentically replicate the look and feel of Korean webcomics, which are a significant aspect of the country's pop culture.

Reception

W received critical acclaim for its originality, well-structured plot, and the performances of its leads. It was praised for blending the lines between reality and fiction, and for its commentary on the nature of existence and identity. The series garnered high viewership ratings in South Korea and won several awards for its direction, screenplay, and acting.

Themes

The series explores themes such as the nature of reality, love transcending dimensions, and the impact of fiction on real life. It delves into philosophical questions about the creator and their creations, and the responsibilities that come with creation.

Impact

W has been influential in popularizing the concept of parallel universes in Korean dramas. It has also contributed to the global interest in K-dramas, showcasing the innovative storytelling and high production quality that characterize the genre.