Korean Drama Glitch: Best K-drama Series Review 2024

Korean Drama Glitch: Best K-drama Series Review 2024

Introduction

In the vast landscape of Korean dramas, “Glitch” shines as a rare gem that seamlessly blends mystery, comedy, and friendship into a riveting narrative. This enigmatic series, available for streaming on Netflix, takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the uncharted territories of the supernatural, all while exploring the profound connections that bind us together.

Plot Synopsis

“Glitch” unfolds with the sudden disappearance of Hong Ji-Hyo’s boyfriend, triggering a chain of events that defy explanation. As Ji-Hyo, portrayed with brilliance by the talented Jeon Yeo-Bin, delves into the mystery alongside the quirky members of a UFO club led by Huh Bo-Ra, secrets buried deep within the fabric of reality begin to unravel. From eerie encounters to heartwarming moments of camaraderie, “Glitch” weaves a tapestry of intrigue that keeps viewers guessing at every turn.

The Cast’s Phenomenal Performances

At the heart of “Glitch” lies an ensemble cast whose performances elevate the story to new heights. Jeon Yeo-Bin’s portrayal of Ji-Hyo is a masterclass in emotional depth and resilience, grounding the series with a captivating presence. Alongside her, the diverse array of characters, each with their own quirks and complexities, adds layers of richness to the storyline, creating a dynamic tapestry of personalities that resonate with authenticity and charm.

A Fusion of Mystery, Comedy, and Heart

What sets “Glitch” apart is its ability to effortlessly blend genres, offering a seamless fusion of mystery, comedy, and heartwarming moments of friendship. The series deftly navigates between moments of nail-biting tension and comedic relief, drawing viewers into a rollercoaster of emotions that are as unpredictable as they are delightful. Throughout its runtime, “Glitch” strikes a delicate balance between the supernatural intrigue and the warm bonds formed among its characters, creating a multifaceted narrative that captivates from start to finish.

Innovative Storytelling at Its Best

“Glitch” pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling, daring to explore themes that defy expectations and challenge the status quo. Through its exploration of the supernatural, the series delves into the mysteries of the unknown while grounding itself in the universal themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. The result is a narrative that resonates with authenticity and depth, offering viewers a refreshing take on familiar tropes and themes within the Korean drama genre.

Glitch | Official Trailer | Netflix [ENG SUB]

Watch this video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inGM8RB6H00

My boyfriend vanished from Earth!🛸

Missing? Ran away? Kidnapped by aliens…?👽

“No evidence is needed as long as we believe”

Jeon Yeo-been and NANA
The one who sees meets the one who believes

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, “Glitch” stands as a testament to the artistry and ingenuity of Korean drama, inviting viewers on a spellbinding journey through the uncharted territories of mystery and friendship. With its impeccable performances, engaging storyline, and innovative approach to storytelling, “Glitch” is a standout series that deserves a spot on every K-drama enthusiast’s watchlist. Prepare to be mesmerized, delighted, and enthralled as you unravel the enigma of “Glitch” and discover the magic that lies within.

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More Reviews

On Aliens and Alienation

Apologies for the punny title; it was either this or “Out of This World,” and I felt this one inflicted less physical pain.

There’s a lot to unpack with Glitch, but “conventional” isn’t a word that comes to mind. Watching the drama as soon as it was released and following online reactions has been quite the ride. This review is more about my thoughts than others’ opinions, though I was genuinely surprised by how poorly the show was received. From initial impressions, it sometimes felt like I was watching a different show entirely. I’ll include a mild spoiler warning here—I won’t delve into plot specifics, but I will discuss some elements not covered in the synopsis or tags. So, consider this a warning for VERY MILD SPOILERS!

One aspect most viewers might agree on is that Glitch excels in performances, thanks to its stellar cast. The two lead actresses are particularly noteworthy. Their chemistry is central to the drama’s success, with Nana and Jeon Yeo-been bringing charm and believability to their roles. Even minor characters, like Bora’s conspiracy theorist squad or the overwhelmed policeman Kim Byung-jo, had their moments. Hong Ji-hyo’s abducted boyfriend, though minimally present, felt more developed due to his actor’s performance.

My favorite part of the drama might be its unique look and style. It’s a challenge to present a sleek drama with a giant blue alien in the first episode. While the CGI for the alien wasn’t stellar, the show wisely doesn’t over-rely on it. When not dealing with computer-generated elements, Glitch showcases a surprisingly artistic flair, especially during its more experimental moments.

The use of lighting and color is significant, shifting from warm tones in flashbacks to cold blue-and-green sci-fi hues. The green-tinted lighting, in particular, effectively enhances uncomfortable or unnatural scenes. The hand-held camera work shines in fast-paced scenes, and the show rarely feels static. However, the occasional slow-motion shots felt out of place and seemed like a misguided attempt to extend brief moments—though this might just be my personal preference.

Opinions diverge significantly on the plot and script. The pacing has been a major point of critique. While Glitch starts slowly, it picks up after four episodes. I argue that the initially slow pace was necessary to build the atmosphere. We follow Ji-hyo, whose life feels stagnant—she works a monotonous job, lives with her parents, and hesitates to advance her relationship.

Her attempt to conform and ignore her differences parallels the show’s slow buildup. Things escalate rapidly after she reconnects with Bora, mirroring the show’s shift in energy. It might not be everyone’s preference, and it requires some patience, but I appreciated that Glitch took its time.

Experiencing the story through Ji-hyo’s perspective means we’re as confused as she is as the plot intensifies. The show keeps the audience guessing about what’s real, what’s hallucination, and what’s alien or cult-related.

This approach might not excuse the plot holes or the ending, which left too many threads unresolved for my taste. While the plot structure isn’t flawless, I believe the pacing isn’t as problematic as some suggest. Some stories need time to develop, and I’d rather enjoy a slower buildup than a rushed script.

If you’re expecting a traditional sci-fi alien tale, Glitch might disappoint. However, it’s not trying to be conventional. Beneath the UFOs and religious symbolism lies Ji-hyo’s journey of self-discovery. It’s about feeling like an outsider, like you don’t fit the societal mold. It also explores how religion can prey on those feeling alienated, persuading them to believe in something based on trust and self-interest.

I thoroughly enjoyed the show. It’s rare to see a female-centric story without any romance (unless you count the chemistry between the leads). The portrayal of female friendship between Bora and Ji-hyo was excellent, and I was genuinely invested in the plot. Yes, it was strange, but that’s what made it compelling. It was unlike anything I’ve seen before.

I wish more people would give Glitch a fair chance. “Too weird” shouldn’t be a valid critique when a story is more about interpretation than literalness. Asian cinema often relies on suspension of disbelief, and while outlandish plots are accepted in romance dramas, critical thinking seems to be less welcomed.

I’m not suggesting that everyone who rated it low is a simpleton, but I believe there’s more to Glitch than meets the eye. It may not be perfect, but it deserves more credit than it has received.

Misunderstood and Underrated Masterpiece

I usually don’t write reviews for dramas that are visually stunning but intellectually shallow. However, after discovering a hidden gem with profound meaning and a message that has been thoroughly misunderstood and underrated, I felt compelled to share my thoughts.

First and foremost, watch the drama before reading this review! You won’t be disappointed. Even if you don’t grasp every detail, it’s an entertaining and wild ride with strong performances and a talented cast. However, the true depth and brilliance of the show become evident only when you fully understand its story and message.

If you think this drama is merely about aliens, friendship, and cults, you’re mistaken. You might find yourself resembling the characters depicted in the drama—blindly trusting and following leaders (“cult leaders/papas”) to the point of self-sacrifice. Are you a leader? A believer? Or perhaps you’re one of the unique “Bo Ra” beings who sensed something was amiss and sought the deeper truth by questioning the “norm”? Maybe you were once certain of the story but, like the female lead, woke up to the real meaning after realizing there’s more to life than the mundane.

This drama isn’t about aliens, friendship, or cults. It’s about beliefs and societal constructs—how “craziness” and “norms” are defined, and what roles people choose to play: a believer, a leader, a unique individual, or even a messiah.

I choose to embrace the madness…

A Commentary on Belief, Trust, Religion, Memory, Mental Health, and Aliens

I added this drama to my watchlist because screenwriter Jin Han Sae is the son of the renowned screenwriter Song Ji Na, known for works like Healer, Faith, Sandglass, and Eyes of Dawn. Jin Han Sae continues to impress with this piece.

The portrayal of mental health in the drama is notably realistic, especially with a character seeing a psychologist. However, the choice to make the psychologist a friend rather than a professional could be questioned. One interesting aspect of UFO sightings highlighted is the historical gaslighting by the media. It’s only recently that the U.S. government has acknowledged UFOs as real. This background allowed me to view the main female lead’s experiences as mostly genuine but doubted by society, which ties into the cult/religion theme. There were moments when joining the cult in the drama seemed appealing, though, like many religious institutions, the clergy’s abuse of power becomes evident.

The exploration of memory in the drama is particularly intriguing. While I won’t reveal spoilers, the narrative delves into the balance between trusting your own memories, relying on others who try to help, and following your intuition.

The drama was unpredictable, especially with the introduction of new characters, which I appreciated.

What I Loved About This Drama:

• The female leads were multidimensional and well-developed.
• Strong acting and a great cast, especially the actor playing Mr. Kim, who delivered a memorable performance.
• Engaging adventures and a fresh take on forgotten memories.
• A unique plot that diverges from typical K-dramas.
• An ending that clearly indicates this is a standalone season.

Reasons for My 8.5 Rating (with a 9.0 overall rating):

• Unnecessary Smoking: In the U.S., non-smoking scenes are more common, and the portrayal of smoking here didn’t align with the character’s flawless appearance. However, there was a cool scene where a lighter proved useful, which slightly mitigated this issue. (-0.5 points)
• Inconsistent Character Behavior: Some characters around the female lead displayed a lack of respect for boundaries in the latter half of the drama, which felt out of character and lacked proper development.
• Tone Confusion: There were moments where it was unclear whether the drama intended to be comedic or serious. Some scenes that seemed to demand a serious tone were presented with comedic undertones.

Aliens, Friendships, and Corny Comedy: The Three Formula Ingredients of Glitch

Since the success of My Love From the Star, Korean dramas have been enamored with supernatural romance and cosmic heartthrobs. Yet Glitch stands out as an anomaly in the science-fiction genre, deviating from the typical formula. Instead of a heroine falling for an interstellar hunk, viewers are thrust into a world where the central mystery revolves around whether the little green man appearing in our protagonist’s dreams is real or a figment of her imagination, and how her estranged friend might help unravel her missing boyfriend’s disappearance.

Created by Jin Han Sae (Extracurricular) and directed by Roh Deok (Very Ordinary Couple), Glitch follows Hong Jihyo (played by Jeon Yeo-been of Vincenzo), a 30-year-old office worker still living at home with her parents. Her mundane life takes a surreal turn after her boyfriend, Lee Siguk (Lee Dong-hwi), vanishes, leading her to experience visions of a small green alien. To get to the bottom of Siguk’s disappearance, Jihyo turns to an old school friend, Hong Bora (Nana), now a host of an online show focused on outlandish conspiracy theories.

Glitch ambitiously explores unconventional themes, blending sci-fi mystery with unusual female characters who defy traditional romantic tropes. It delves into the realm of cults and mental health with a quirky charm and genre-blending approach. Despite its bold ideas, the show’s comedic elements can sometimes undermine its suspense and dramatic moments.

Comedy is a major component of Glitch, and while the show employs humor through slapstick and witty exchanges, this reliance on comedy can sometimes feel excessive. The initial slow pacing of the series adds to this issue, as the early episodes struggle to build momentum, occasionally diluting the impact of key dramatic scenes. The blend of comedy with serious themes of memory and reality creates a unique but occasionally uneven viewing experience.

The cast of Glitch delivers strong performances. Jeon Yeo-been, despite occasional stiff line delivery, brings a likable charm to Hong Jihyo. Nana stands out as Hong Bora, offering a mix of eccentricity and sincerity that adds depth to her character. Ryu Kyung-soo’s portrayal of Kim Byung-jo is steady but less memorable compared to the female leads.

One of the show’s strengths is its visual style. Director Roh Deok captures a nostalgic aesthetic reminiscent of early 2000s sci-fi classics, using warm neons and urban landscapes to create a visually engaging experience. The soundtrack, while not exceptional, complements the show’s tone.

In conclusion, Glitch is an intriguing drama that blends sci-fi, comedy, and mystery, though it occasionally struggles with pacing and tonal consistency. The performances and visual style are notable, but the show could benefit from deeper character development. For those seeking an entertaining and unconventional binge-watch, Glitch delivers an enjoyable, if somewhat flawed, experience.

Surprisingly Enjoyable, Even for a Sci-Fi Skeptic

Despite not being a fan of the sci-fi genre, I found Glitch to be surprisingly enjoyable, largely due to its intriguing cult elements. The acting across the board was outstanding, which is rare for me to see in dramas. Every character was well-portrayed, and not a single performance left me frustrated. Even though Jihyo’s choices sometimes had me thinking, “What is she doing?” I could still understand her actions. Sehee initially seemed like she might be sabotaging Jihyo, but by the end, she proved herself to be a true friend.

The show had elements that could have easily translated into a GL (Girls’ Love) story, especially considering how Bora and Jihyo’s relationship was portrayed. The only major drawback for me was the ending—it felt underwhelming compared to the rest of the drama. Although Glitch featured several familiar faces, they all took on very different roles here.

If you’re considering watching it for the thriller aspect, be aware that it doesn’t quite deliver on that front. The suspense is minimal, with only a few moments that might make you worry about the lead getting caught. However, I would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys dramas with cult themes. If the first three episodes don’t grab you, it might not be worth continuing.

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