On Air

After a long hiatus from K-drama, I am probably back in touch with their productions, after finishing two of their serials in a row. However, these two titles are random picks; till now, I still have difficulty telling the korean stars and shows apart!

A 2008 production, On Air is about the scenes behind a serial production in Korea. Less obssessed with fairy-tale love stories and fuzzy-beautiful scenes, On Air's storyline treads a balanced line between reality and drama-land. Portraying the struggles and hard work behind the scenes, and transporting between budding romances and some scenic settings (this show was partially shot on-location in Taiwan), On Air is a wonderful peek into the many faceless characters backing up the fancy TV productions. Glamourous stars may initially sell a show, but from the script to the location settings to the lighting to the directing, all these factors can make or break a show past its glamourous debut.

Being a prime time Korean serial, On Air naturally does not rest its laurels at merely depicting the life behind the scenes. Though a tad fast-paced and thrilling to be existent outside of reel life, the romance lines in this show is nevertheless a refreshing departure from the numerous accidents, memory loss, supposedly incest love and the rich-poor gaps most Korean dramas seem to be inflicted with.

As a young actor coming into his prime, Park Yong-Ha showed excellence and promise in his role as a first-time director in On Air. In comparison with the geeky acting with his earlier hit Winter Sonata, Park's delivery of an introverted PD who holds close to his ideals is both natural and engaging. It is a pity he has chosen to end his life prematurely. With his acting potential and boyish charm, he could have a promising career ahead.