Abyss

Abyss is a unique and captivating Korean drama series available on Netflix, first aired in 2019 directed by Yoo Je-won and cast starring Park Bo-young, Ahn Hyo-seop, and Lee Sung-jae. This intriguing series, with fantasy, romance, and thriller elements, is a profoundly engrossing journey that dives deep into the mysterious and the metaphysical.

The title Abyss refers to a mystical orb, which is at the center of the show's plot. This celestial object has the phenomenal ability to resurrect the dead and drastically alter their physical appearance based on their soul's inherent goodness or malignancy. The story takes an abrupt turn when the protagonists come in contact with this magical entity, leading to unforeseen circumstances, transformations, rerouted destinies, and changed identities, adding an engrossing layer to the storyline.

Park Bo-young, a renowned Korean actress known for her performances in hit K-dramas like 'Strong Woman Do Bong-soon,' plays the role of Go Se-yeon, a successful, highly attractive prosecutor. Se-yeon's otherwise stable life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes a target of an unexpected murder attempt and is brought back to life by the Abyss. The aftermath of the event leaves her in the body of an 'ordinary' looking woman, a stark contrast to her previous appearance. This shift leads Se-yeon on a challenging journey of navigating her professional life and interpersonal relationships in a completely new avatar.

Co-starring is Ahn Hyo-seop, who plays the role of Cha Min, a highly intelligent heir to a cosmetics empire who lacks confidence due to his unattractive appearance. Cha Min also encounters the Abyss, which transforms him into an exceptionally handsome man that turns heads wherever he goes. His new handsome demeanor brings about fresh opportunities and challenges, significantly switching the trajectory of his life.

Park Bo-young and Ahn Hyo-seop's characters' rebirths play a vital role in their relationship deepening into unexpected romantic entanglements. Together, they navigate through their altered lives, dealing with the realities of their new identities, and striving to unravel the mysteries surrounding the orb. Their camaraderie and romantic development offer viewers an enchanting brew of comedy, romance, and suspense.

Adding a touch of enigma to the storytelling is the character Oh Young-cheol, played by Lee Sung-jae, who plays a pivotal role in the complicated series of events unfolding within the storyline. His connection with Se-yeon and the Abyss provides the necessary antagonistic nuances to the narrative and keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

The storyline of Abyss effectively intertwines elements of fantasy and mystery, all while addressing themes of identity, self-worth, destiny, and the age-old debate of inner beauty versus outer appearance. The magical orb's transformative power acts as a mirror to society's perceptions of beauty, attractiveness, and their impact on a person's self-esteem and success.

A highly-praised aspect of Abyss is its successful blend of genres. It skillfully merges its supernatural premise with crime-solving elements, as the resurrected characters become entangled in a web of death, investigations, and criminal conspiracies. The evolving plot development and unexpected revelations keep watchers hooked, all while allowing for substantial character growth and relationship development.

Abyss also stands out for its impressive cinematography and production design, which add significant depth to the viewing experience. The show is visually compelling and does an excellent job of combining its urban setting with the orb's more surreal elements.

With a star-studded cast, strong narrative arc, and underlying themes that resonate on a human level, Abyss is much more than a tale about a magical orb; it is a story of self-discovery, transformation, and second chances. By skilfully combining the thriller, romance, and fantasy elements, Abyss serves as a multifaceted series that resonates with a broad range of viewers, tickling their mystery-solving nerves while keeping their hearts engaged.