While You Were Sleeping [K-drama recommend]

 

"‘While You Were Sleeping’ is one of the popular Korean dramas known for its captivating blend of romance and fantasy elements. The storyline revolves around the female protagonist who travels to another world in her dreams, where she encounters new connections and love interests, including the male lead who frequently appears in her dreams. However, these special connections transcend the boundaries between dreams and reality, significantly impacting her life.

The drama captivates viewers not only with its touching narrative but also with its rich characters and dramatic scenes. The seamless integration of romance and fantasy elements adds to its charm, drawing viewers in with its intriguing premise.

Moreover, ‘While You Were Sleeping’ garners attention for the outstanding performances of its cast. The chemistry and acting skills of the lead actors play a significant role in engaging the audience.

However, the drama may not appeal to everyone as personal preferences regarding fantasy elements vary. Some viewers may find certain aspects of the plot too over-the-top or difficult to comprehend.

In conclusion, ‘While You Were Sleeping’ is a well-crafted drama that skillfully blends romance and fantasy, providing both emotional depth and entertainment. However, individual preferences may vary, and an understanding and acceptance of its fantasy elements are necessary for full enjoyment."

 

Genre: Melodrama, Fantasy, Crime, Thriller
Broadcast Period: September 27, 2017, to November 16, 2017
Number of Episodes: 16
Channel: SBS
Directors: Oh Choong-hwan, Park Soo-jin
Screenwriter: Park Hye-ryun
Adaptation: Kang Eun-jung
Cast: Lee Jong-suk, Bae Suzy, Lee Sang-yeob, Jung Hae-in, Go Sung-hee, and others
OTT Platforms: Wavve, Coupang Play, Watcha
Viewership Rating: Rated 15+

 

Introduction of characters

 

Jung Jae-chan (actor: Lee Jong-seok)

Outside, Jae-chan is... A prosecutor assigned to the Han River District Prosecutor's Office, Criminal Division 3. Despite the importance of connections in the prosecutor's organization, he is evaluated as having weak connections due to his lack of sociability. He not only fails to build connections within the organization but also lacks the knack for building relationships with neighbors, and his determination is lacking.

At home, Jae-chan... Inside his house, it's a complete mess. He has no idea how to clean or do dishes, and holidays for him mean not washing up. With disheveled hair and mismatched socks, he doesn't even know how to wear them properly.

In the past, Jae-chan was... Until middle school, he was a stubborn guy who never missed being the last in class. His father, a police officer, hired Yu-beom, a law student, as his tutor in the absence of a proper household. In exchange for raising his grades, Yu-beom offered to increase the tutoring fee by 10,000 won each time, leading to tampering with the report cards. However, after his father found out about it and lost trust in him, Jae-chan realized how painful it is to disappoint someone and made an effort not to disappoint anyone. That effort became the driving force that led him from being the last in class to becoming a prosecutor.

In the present, Jae-chan is... Since being assigned to the Han River District Prosecutor's Office, he feels like his life is getting tangled up. He didn't want to get involved with Yu-beom, but now he's stuck with him. He wants to be recognized as a competent prosecutor among the strict senior prosecutors and chief prosecutors, but things don't go as he wishes. It all started after meeting the woman next door, Hong-joo.

 

Nam Hong-ju (actor: Bae Su-ji)

At home, Hong-joo... With glasses and loosely tied hair, even the scent of hastily covered-up rooms with candles... Clearly, she looks like an unemployed person, but strictly speaking, she isn't. Disregarding her as unemployed might lead to getting verbally thrashed since she can hold her ground with sharp logic. Judging by her eloquence and the certificates and trophies she received in her school days, she's undoubtedly an elite in her own right. But that's not all. Sometimes, when she dresses up, she can be quite pretty.

In the past, Hong-joo... One day, her dreams began to come true. What she dismissed as mere nightmares turned out to be true, causing her to lose the people she loved. Despite her efforts to change the future she saw in her dreams, Hong-joo's power to alter the future was too weak. Realizing that avoiding the future she saw in her dreams might be the only solution, Hong-joo became accustomed to giving up.

In the present, Hong-joo... Always tormented by dreams of the future. The sense of helplessness of knowing the future but being unable to change it, along with the guilt of not being able to change it even when she knew, haunted Hong-joo for a long time. However, there is someone who rescued her from the abyss of despair. That person is none other than Jae-chan, who moved in next door... With him, who shows exceptional empathy even as a prosecutor, there is hope that he might be able to change the dreadful future she has seen in her dreams all this time. With him by her side, dreaming might not be such a terrifying thing after all. If only he could change the future I saw in my dreams...

 

Lee Yoo-beom (Actor: Lee Sang-yeop)

Outside, Yu-beom is... A former successful prosecutor turned even more successful lawyer. He was so capable during his prosecutor days that he even received commendations from the Prosecutor General, and now he's a high-priced criminal defense attorney. With his cheerful appearance and excellent interpersonal skills, he's popular with people of all ages and genders. Since he had good relationships with his juniors and seniors during his prosecutor days, he's making good use of those connections in his current career as a lawyer.

In the past, Yu-beom was... He used to be Jae-chan's tutor. Jae-chan, who was perennially at the bottom of the class, managed to raise his grades remarkably, receiving increased tutoring fees in return. However, behind that achievement lay the sly trick of tampering with the report cards. With the promise of a "win-win" situation, Yu-beom lured Jae-chan into participating in the manipulation of grades. Perhaps it was from that time that he began to use lies and manipulations to achieve what he wanted under the guise of a "win-win" situation...

In the present, Yu-beom is... It couldn't get any better than this situation. Despite the current economic downturn, he's overwhelmed with cases and boasts a high success rate due to his eloquence and showmanship. Although he's nicknamed the "Devil's Tongue" among some prosecutors, receiving insults from prosecutors is considered praise for a defense attorney. Moreover, these days, with each day becoming more exciting because of Hong-joo... In the midst of perfect connections and achievements in the prosecution and the courts... A slightly uncomfortable connection has emerged. It's the fact that Jae-chan, who started his career alongside Yu-beom in the manipulation history, has been appointed as a prosecutor... He even starts to bother Hong-joo, buzzing around like a pesky mosquito, disrupting her sweet dreams. He must be caught before he sucks any blood.

 

Han Woo-tak (actor: Jeong Hae-in)

Outside, Woo-tak is... He's easygoing and has good interpersonal relationships, making him popular among his colleagues. He's sincere in expressing his emotions and has a strong sense of empathy. Since childhood, he has loved superhero stories so much that he decorates his locker with posters and figurines. Idolizing heroes who rescue and protect others, he became a police officer, considering it his calling.

At home, Woo-tak... Lives alone in an officetel with his pet dog, Robin. He doesn't know how to cook, so he eats a mediocre breakfast every day before heading out. However, one day, he starts going out for pork belly for lunch repeatedly. He claims it's because the pork belly at that place is exceptionally delicious... but who knows?