First Impressions: "W"

“W” is a new Wednesday-Thursday MBC drama starring Lee Jong Suk and Han Hyo Joo, and is one of the many highly anticipated dramas of 2016. There’s a lot of pressure on this drama to deliver since it will be airing at the same time as “Uncontrollably Fond,” and it’ll be fun to watch the two male leads and real-life friends duke it out in the ratings. Although the two dramas are completely different, if you’re looking for an edge-of-your-seat, romantic, funny drama, then “W” is definitely the one to watch!

Curious to see how I think “W” did in the first two episodes? Keep reading to find out! (Minor spoilers ahead).

Already cool, right?

We should really talk about the graphics because this aspect of the drama has totally won me over and I’m not even the type to really care about this kind of stuff. The webtoon theme of the storyline requires a lot of CG because it has to travel back and forth between the comic book world and real life. It’s seriously cool seeing the scenes and characters transform.

There’s really no other word to describe this except cool.

There’s a lot of shift in scenery throughout the first two episodes, but it didn’t feel disheveled at all. I thought I would get annoyed with the continuous traveling back and forth from comic world to real life, but it was produced so smoothly that it wasn’t a problem.

One thing I did notice was that there was no noticeable OST. I’m used to hearing some famous singer or group bust out a tune when the mood changes, but there hasn’t been anything significant. I’m hoping things change on that front because I can’t help but love a good drama OST.

Lee Jong Suk as a comic book character is life. Period. Doesn’t he have the perfect face to be a webtoon character? You can’t even tell the difference.

(Again, I can’t get over these graphics!)

Kang Cheol (Lee Jong Suk) plays a famous Olympic gold medalist in shooting who is charged with the murder of his entire family. His character is exactly what you would expect out of a comic book hero — flawless face, rich, a ladies man, and he has these killer one-liners that make you squeal. Lee Jong Suk is obviously perfect for the role.

We also discover that this whole world that Kang Cheol is in is actually a webtoon that someone is drawing (I’ll get to that later). Although Kang Cheol’s lines were sparse and we haven’t had a chance to really get to know him, I’m loving the interactions with him and Oh Yeon Joo (Han Hyo Joo) already. He’s already clearly in love with her and it’s making me anticipate the next episodes.

As for Lee Jong Suk’s first appearance in the drama, there wasn’t anything heart-dropping about the moments in the beginning where he’s in court, competing in the Olympics, or in the hospital bed. The big moment probably came when he pulled up to Oh Yeon Joo in his expensive car, looking like this:

Hello, Kang Cheol. You have officially arrived and you’re ridiculously handsome.

LET’S.

(Who else can pull off jean on jean, btw?)

Aside from his perfect webtoon face, Lee Jong Suk’s acting is drawing me into his drama – yet again. Seriously, what is it about him and this ability to suck you in? His character Kang Cheol is so perfect for him and I can tell his fan base is going to grow exponentially.

Now let’s talk about Han Hyo Joo, because she’s the main reason why I was so excited about this drama. Oh Yeon Joo (Han Hyo Joo) plays a resident who lacks the self-confidence and skills to be a doctor. Her father is also the one who created Kang Cheol and the webtoon world that he lives in. She spends most of the two episodes trying to save Kang Cheol, which is also how they meet and how this love story blossoms.

I love how imperfect Han Hyo Joo’s character is, because if anything, it’s made her more relatable and lovable. I also love the inner, panicked monologues she has.

How can you not love her?

If the characters or plot aren’t enough of a reason to get you to watch the drama, take a look at the chemistry between these two — even off-screen! They’re oozing with love for each other.

Brings a tear to my eye.

I didn’t watch any trailers or read much about this drama leading up to the premiere. So, you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I saw this fine specimen of a human on screen.

Swoon.

So Do Yoon (Lee Tae Hwan) plays Kang Cheol’s bodyguard (what is it with him always being cast as a bodyguard?). Although he doesn’t seem to have much screen time, it’ll still be worth the watch. Thank you to the team at “W” who was involved in the casting process.

It’s a little early to tell, but I get a sense that So Do Yoon will be that loyal, soft-hearted, but strong character who is willing to do anything for Kang Cheol. Can we love him any more?

I actually didn’t know I was a fan of time travel-type dramas until I came across “Nine: 9 Times Time Travel.” I’m just gonna say that the writer, Song Jae Jung, is a genius. I was a bit apprehensive about this “time” theme and wondered if “W” would be similar to “Nine,” but I assure you, it’s totally different and it’s awesome.

The first few minutes of a drama is key for me. If I’m not hooked from the get-go, I tend to not like the whole series. I was a little worried at the beginning of “W” as it started with Kang Cheol (Lee Jong Suk) competing in the Olympics and winning, which I wasn’t completely sold on. But, then it got to the meat of the plot. Although Kang Cheol wins the gold medal in shooting, he is also charged shortly after for the murder of his family. With insufficient evidence, Kang Cheol is released from prison and spends his days wallowing.

He needs a hug. Anyone?

After an attempted suicide, he decides to avenge the death of his family and sets out to find out exactly who murdered them and why. This sounds like a story straight out of a comic book, right?

Han Hyo Joo’s character comes into play when we discover that her dad is the famous mastermind behind Kang Cheol’s comic world.  Oh Yeon Joo spends most of the time in the first two episodes trying to save Kang Cheol. We don’t know why, but her dad really wants him dead and he seems quite angry about his daughter’s interaction with him. Normally, I wouldn’t care too much about these kinds of unanswered questions, but this one has piqued my curiosity.

The juxtaposition between the comic world and real world is just brilliant. I love how they show pages out of the comic book and then show the actors in real time. Wasn’t it just amazing when Han Hyo Joo first saw herself in the comic book?

SO cool. I got chills.

And how hilarious was that slap? I laughed out loud.

And then the kiss?

At this point, this mysterious, suspenseful drama turned into a comedy. It was also at this point that I was officially hooked. It’s funny, suspenseful, and romantic. What’s not to like?!

I watched both episodes in one sitting and was surprised at how quickly the two hours went by. Because the story was moving at such a fast pace, I didn’t have time to figure out if I liked the drama or not and before I knew it, it was over. On top of the amazing script is a cast of some great actors (and eye-candy).  I’m looking forward to seeing how this drama unfolds and I hope it’s able to keep my attention; because of the writer, I’m confident that it will!

“W” airs every Wednesday and Thursday on MBC. Catch the latest episode on Viki!

Soompiers, what do you think about “W” so far? Let me know in the comments below!

binahearts is a Soompi writer who loves to spend her free time immersed in all things Korean- dramas, movies, K-Pop, and beauty products! Her current obsessions are Song Joong Ki, 1llionaire, and Doctors. When she isn’t watching the latest Running Man episode, she can be seen indulging in her favourite hobbies which include singing her heart out at karaoke, photography, playing with her dog, and eating dessert!