Yes! Finished watching the last episode of “Who is She?”. And here is my take on the series.

K-Drama writers have a knack for weaving tales that resonate deeply by mixing it with a little bit of fantasy and heartfelt narratives. Who Is She? is no exception, offering a story that explores the themes of regret, family bond, dreams deferred, and the magic of second chances.

Who Is She? Plot Overview: A Twist of Fate

The story centers around Oh Mal-soon, a 70-year-old grandmother who has dedicated her life to her family, especially her daughter. Their relationship is strained, filled with misunderstandings and unspoken grievances. One fateful day, after a heated argument, Mal-soon stumbles upon a mysterious photo studio. Upon leaving, she discovers she’s transformed into her 20-year-old self, adopting the name Oh Doo-ri. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a series of hilarious and heartfelt events as Mal-soon navigates her newfound youth.

Casting & Character Dynamics in Who is She?

Kim Hae-sook as Oh Mal-soon: A veteran actress, Kim Hae-sook gave a nuanced performance as the elderly Mal-soon. She captures the essence of a woman burdened by life’s responsibilities, showcasing a range of emotions from comedic grumpiness to profound vulnerability. I couldn’t imagine anyone could portray adds depth to the character, making Mal-soon’s transformation all the more impactful.

Jung Ji-so as Oh Doo-ri: Jung Ji-so is one of the underrated actress. Girl just embodies the youthful exuberance and charm of Doo-ri and Oh Mal Soon like pro. She skillfully balances the innocence of a young woman with the wisdom of a septuagenarian(old woman in their 70s), leading to moments of both hilarity and heartfelt emotion. Her chemistry with the rest of the casts, the idols and Hana, especially Jin Young came out beautifully. I actually doubted the chemistry between Jin Young, but it came out better.

Daniel Han (Han Joon-hyuk): Portrayed by Jung Jin-young, Daniel Han is a pivotal character who becomes intertwined with Doo-ri’s journey when he starts to mistake her for Emily. Jung Jin-young brings a calm and composed demeanor to the role, serving as a grounding presence amidst the chaos of Doo-ri’s transformed life. His interactions with Doo-ri, his rival Park Gap Young are something to look forward to.

Jeong Bo Seok as Park Gap Young: One of my favourite character in the series. To be honest a part of me rooted for him more. The vetran actor like always did major justice to his role out of this ensemble.

The mother-daughter relationship takes center stage, highlighting the generational gaps and the unspoken love that often gets lost in daily life. The interactions between Doo-ri and her daughter are both touching and humorous, shedding light on the complexities of familial bonds.

The series also delves into sisterly relationships, rekindled friendships, and the chaos of unexpected romances. Each character adds depth to the narrative, making the world of Who Is She? feel vibrant and real.

Who is She? A Musical Delight

Since it’s of more of a music centric storyline, you’ll come across alot of classic songs. I loved Element’s debut song. And the duet of Hana and Doo ri is another thing to look out for. Plus the end credit ost is also good.

Themes: Embracing Second Chances

At its core, Who Is She? is a narrative about seizing life’s second chances. It delves into the societal expectations placed on women, the sacrifices they make, and the enduring desire to fulfill one’s passions. The drama beautifully portrays three generations of women, each grappling with their own dreams and the courage to pursue them.

Who is She?: A Mix of Strengths and Shortcomings

The drama started with blending fantasy elements with real-life struggles. The initial episodes are exceptionally fun and takes us for a heartfelt journey, but as the story progresses I felt like certain subplots, such as the romantic angle, flashbacks, sister’s story and a stalker narrative, feel somewhat forced and detract from the central theme. It kind of felt all over at times. Sometimes because of this the pacing can feel a bit uneven, with some episodes meandering before picking up momentum.

The ending is a bit too cliche and felt too sudden. While this ambiguity can be thought-provoking, it may also feel unsatisfying for those seeking a more definitive closure.

Final Thoughts

On the whole, Who is She? It is definitely a decent watch for anyone who is looking for a feel good,  rom-com, slice of life, fantasy story. Yes… It’s a mix of so many things. Could have been better, but its definitely worth a watch for sure.

No of Episodes: 12

Running Time: 60min

Where to Watch: Viki