Netflix presents its latest original Korean drama, Goodbye Earth, premiering on Friday (26/4/2024). With 12 episodes in total, this series, created by Kim Jin Min and starring Yoo Ah In, Ahn Eun Jin, Jeon Sung Woo, and Kim Yoon Hye, explores the lives of individuals as they confront an impending asteroid strike on Earth. Even the supporting cast members are familiar faces to audiences.
In this drama, individuals grapple with the imminent threat of an asteroid collision, leaving only 200 days until impact. Many perceive this event as apocalyptic, drawing on past asteroid-related disasters that have ravaged Earth.
Initially gripped by fear, characters gradually acclimate to the situation, with some resorting to criminal behavior. Here’s a breakdown of how they navigate this crisis.
Attention: Spoilers ahead!
1. Indulging in Criminal Acts without Consequence
Pastor Baek (Kang Seok Woo) in the drama Goodbye Earth (instagram.com/Netflixkr)When news of the impending asteroid broke, criminals persisted in their activities, showing no remorse. Motivated by greed, they sought to amass wealth by any means necessary.
Pastor Baek (Kang Seok Woo) embezzles funds from his congregation to facilitate their migration to America. Jeong Su Geun (Park Hyuk Kwon) resorts to gambling, while Do Jeong Ah (Baek Joo Hee) establishes a cult, exploiting her followers. Meanwhile, Bae Jong Su (Lee Hyun Geol) engages in human trafficking with his associates.
2. Seeking Refuge in America
stills from the drama Goodbye Earth (Doc. Netflix/Goodbye Earth)With the asteroid projected to strike Korea, many seek refuge in America to evade the catastrophe. However, migration is restricted, prioritizing research experts and those with the means to pay.
Do Jeong Ah and her cult followers attempt to flee to America but tragically perish when their plane crashes into the Pacific Ocean.
3. Combating Crime in Woongchun
Jin Se Kyung (Ahn Eun Jin) in the drama Goodbye Earth (instagram.com/Netflixkr)Jin Se Kyung (Ahn Eun Jin) emerges as a hero in Woongchun City, confronting criminal elements head-on. Despite initial apprehension, exacerbated by the looming asteroid threat, Jin Se Kyung overcomes her fears. Following a kidnapping incident involving one of her students, she boldly confronts a human trafficking syndicate, ultimately resorting to lethal force.
4. Embracing Normalcy Amid Chaos
Kang In A (Kim Yoon Hye) in the drama Goodbye Earth (instagram.com/Netflixkr)Despite the turmoil caused by the asteroid’s approach, residents of Woongchun strive to maintain normalcy in their daily lives. They gather at cafes for leisure activities, transcending generational divides.
Over time, they come to terms with reality and reconcile past grievances. For instance, Kang In Na (Kim Yoon Hye) resolves her strained relationship with her mother through mutual forgiveness and acceptance of past mistakes.
5. Contemplating Mortality as a Form of Agency
Jeong Su Geon (Park Hyuk Kwon) in the drama Goodbye Earth (instagram.com/Netflixkr)Burdened by insurmountable debts and familial discord, Jong Su Geun (Park Hyuk Kwon) sees suicide as a final recourse. Desperate and devoid of options, he retreats to an abandoned apartment, embracing death as a means of escape.
The characters’ responses to the asteroid’s impending impact vary, ranging from acts of redemption to further descent into depravity. Goodbye Earth offers a poignant portrayal of human resilience and adaptation in the face of existential crisis.
