When the first episode of Korean drama Moving (2023) was aired on Disney+ in South Korea, it became the biggest premiere ever on the platform based on hours watched in its first week of availability.
Then when it was released globally, it became the most watched series in Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan as well as other Southeast Asian countries.
So what is the big deal? It is just about a bunch of teenagers and their parents who have superpowers, American dramas and films have a lot of those…but after watching the first episode, we understand why Variety called the series “the next breakout hit from Asia after Squid Game”.
Here are five reasons why K-drama Moving (2023) is worth all the buzz and why you should watch it:
1.The star-studded cast and their brilliant performances
Let us talk about the star-studded cast. First, we have Ryu Seung-ryong. Who is he you might ask? Well, he is the first Korean to star in four movies that have drawn over 10 million viewers each.
Some of his works are the famous tear-jerker Miracle in Cell No.7 (which became at the time the third highest grossing Korean film of all time), The Admiral: Roaring Currents (which is currently the highest-grossing film of all time in South Korea) and Extreme Job (which is currently the second highest-grossing film of all time in that country).
Then, we have Zo In-sung, a heartthrob known for his roles in Something Happened in Bali (2004), That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013) and A Frozen Flower (2008).
This drama marks his first official return to the small screen after his 2014 drama It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014).
Also staring in the drama is Zo’s real-life friend Cha Tae-hyun. Most viewers would remember him from My Sassy Girl (2001), Scandal Makers (2008) and Along with the Gods: The Two Worlds (2017).
Other big names on the list of cast include Han Hyo-joo, Ryoo Seung-bum and Kim Sung-kyun.
Some might said 36-year-old Han is too young to play the role of a mother to a teenager but her performance in the drama will shut the critics up.
When adult actors playing the roles of high school students, it is usually too awkward to watch. Just because they look young, it doesn’t mean they can act young.
However, hats off to Go Youn-jung (age 27) and Lee Jung-ha as well as Kim Do-hoon who are both 25 years-old.
Their performances as teenagers are very convincing.
A special shout out to Lee Jung-ha who completely transformed for his role. He is almost unrecognisable as he reportedly gained 30kg as Kim Bong-suk.
2.It is an adaptation of Kang Full’s work
The series is based on the eponymous webtoon by Kang Full.
He is considered as a ‘first generation’ webtoon artist who has been releasing his works since 2002.
Besides Moving, his other webtoons that have been adapted into screens are Hello, Schoolgirl (2008), Pained (2011), The Neighbour (2012) and Timing (2014).
If you are a fan of Kang’s webtoon, this drama is definitely worth watching.
Plus, the script for the screen adaptation is written by Kang himself.
3.Well-paced storytelling
Despite having no formal training in art and writing, Kang has always been known as a great storyteller.
And you cannot help but acknowledge his natural talent of storytelling as you watch Moving.
The series progresses with each episode tells the background stories of different characters.
Combining with many flashback scenes, viewers can slowly put together of what is going on and where is the story going.
Of course, there are plenty of “Aha!”, “Ooo” and “WTH” moments too.
All in all, the plot progresses with a nice pace with enough suspense that viewers cannot wait for the next episode.
4.Phenomenal action scenes
Action scenes are always fun to watch for those who enjoy them but it is more fun if the action include some supernatural powers.
We warn you; some of the scenes might be too gruesome to watch.
Plus, the way the killing scenes are carried out almost remind you of John Wick or Denzel Washington from The Equalizer.
Overall, the action scenes in Moving are quite original and some would make you hold on to your chair tighter.
5.It is romance, family, conspiracy and coming-of-age stories all wrapped in one
All in all, Moving is more than just an action drama filled with supernatural people like American drama Heroes (2006).
It is a story of romance of two couples who go through many hardships just to be together.
In the same time, it is a story about family where parents would sacrifice everything just for the children.
Speaking of the children, they are like any other teenagers trying to figure out themselves and their future who happened to have superpowers.
Behind it all, there is a conspiracy brewing which will push these characters to their limits.
Directed by Park In-je, Moving is available on Disney+.
