Curtain Call (2022)
A heartfelt Korean drama set in post-war Korea. Follow Ja Geum Soon’s quest for family reunion and forgiveness.
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Synopsis
Ja Geum Soon was born in 1930 in what is now North Korea. When the Korean War broke out in the 1950s, she escaped to what is now South Korea – and was torn away from her husband and young child. She dreamed of being reunited with them, so she founded a hotel that she hoped would become a metaphorical lighthouse – and bring her lost family back to her. This hotel became the successful Nakwon hotel chain.
Now, Ja Geum Soon is approaching the end of her life, and she dreams of being reunited with the grandson she has never met: Im Moon Sung. Her ever-faithful assistant Jung Sang Cheol hatches a plan to help bring peace to the old woman before she dies – he will hire an actor to pose as Im Moon Sung. He seeks out Yoo Jae Heon, a struggling stage actor who has been playing a North Korean soldier in a theater performance. Yoo Jae Heon agrees. He is told to pose as a defector who has come to visit the old woman for a while before attempting to return to the North. However, it soon appears that he has bitten off more than he can chew. He also crosses paths with Park Se Yeon, Ja Geum Soon’s granddaughter – the woman who is running Nakwon… and has vowed not to allow it to fall into anyone else’s hands!
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Editor's Review
A Heartfelt Tale of Reconciliation
“Curtain Call,” a Korean drama directed by Yoon Sang Ho, weaves a poignant narrative around love, loss, and the enduring human spirit. Set against the backdrop of post-war Korea, the series introduces us to Ja Geum Soon (played by the remarkable Go Doo Shim), a woman who fled North Korea during the Korean War, leaving behind her husband and child. Her dream? To reunite with her lost family.
The heart of the story lies in the Nakwon hotel chain, founded by Ja Geum Soon. The hotel becomes her metaphorical lighthouse, a beacon of hope that might guide her family back to her. As Ja Geum Soon nears the end of her life, her ever-loyal assistant, Jung Sang Cheol (Sung Dong Il), devises a plan. He hires Yoo Jae Heon (Kang Ha Neul), a struggling stage actor, to pose as Ja Geum Soon’s long-lost grandson, Im Moon Sung. The goal: to bring peace to the old woman’s heart before she passes away.
But life is never straightforward. Yoo Jae Heon, tasked with playing a defector, finds himself entangled in a web of emotions. He crosses paths with Park Se Yeon (Ha Ji Won), Ja Geum Soon’s granddaughter, who fiercely guards the Nakwon hotel chain. Their encounters spark conflict, love, and unexpected revelations.
What Works:
- Emotional Depth: “Curtain Call” delves into the complexities of family bonds, sacrifice, and forgiveness. The longing for reunion resonates deeply, and the characters’ emotional journeys are palpable.
- Stellar Performances: Kang Ha Neul and Ha Ji Won shine in their roles. Their chemistry adds layers to the story, especially as they navigate their tangled pasts.
- Historical Context: The drama captures the aftermath of war—the scars, the longing, and the hope for reconciliation. It’s a timely reminder of the human cost of conflict.
What Could Be Improved:
- Lack of Bite: While “Curtain Call” has enormous potential, it occasionally shies away from the grittier aspects of its premise. A touch more intensity could have elevated the drama.
- Softened Makjang: The series treads lightly on melodrama, which might disappoint viewers seeking high stakes and sharp twists. More bite would have added depth.
In summary, “Curtain Call” finds its own orbit within the K-drama universe. It remains kind-hearted, emphasizing reconciliation over dramatic fireworks. Yet, a little more sting wouldn’t have hurt. The desire for peace and connection prevails, making this a compelling pauper-turned-prince tale.