Because This Is My First Life

"Because This Is My First Life" is a 2017 South Korean television series that ingeniously illustrates the complexities of human emotions, life's wonders, incarnate love, and the essence of togetherness in a modern society with carefully selected slice-of-life scenarios. The series aired on tvN, a prominent South Korean cable television network known for its quality drama productions.

The narrative of "Because This Is My First Life" is remarkably unique, entwining reality and romanticism, allowing viewers to easily resonate and be captivated by the characters and their stories. It revolves around the lives of two emotionally reserved characters, Yoon Ji-Ho, a hard working screenwriter in her 30s, and Nam Se-Hee, a man in his late 30s, neither of whom have found a suitable partner to experience the joys and pitfalls of conjugal life. Through an unexpected turn of events, they end up sharing the same residence, beginning a journey of profound discovery.

Yoon Ji-Ho, while talented and enthusiastic, is constantly facing adversity due to her financial constraints. She's struggling to make ends meet and desperately needing a place to live. On the other hand, Nam Se-Hee is a level-headed, contractual Designer who owns his home, but finds himself saddled with a hefty mortgage. Emotionally cautious and evading romantic relationships, he finds solace in living with his pet cat, ever distant from human attachment.

A twist of fate leads Ji-Ho to move into Se-Hee's home as a tenant, marking the beginning of an unconventional and totally circumstantial cohabitation between two contrasting personalities. The storyline then elegantly progresses to illustrate how two adults, oil and water by personality, embark on a journey of coexistence evolving to deep understanding, shedding their shells of emotional reservation and exploring the depths of romantic and platonic connections in an unknown territory of love and life.

While the show’s central narrative concentrates on Ji-Ho and Se-Hee’s blooming relationship and personal growth, the beauty of "Because this is my First Life" also lies in its portrayal of the secondary characters and their own distinct narratives. Their stories run parallel in the series, focusing on similarly significant issues such as societal obligations, familial acceptance, relationship norms and expectations, and the pursuit of personal happiness.

A liberal woman’s fight to find acceptance in a conservative family, the struggle between professional ambition and personal love, and the perspective on marriage as an institution, are all explored via characters who become just as dear to the viewer as the main leads. The show deals with an array of social issues with thoughtfulness and subtlety and does not shy away from showing the taboos of modern life. This unique approach implies that the series is more than just an exploration of romance, but a thorough look into the intricacies of human relationships, responsibilities, compromises, and self-fulfillment.

On a technical level, the series is highly engaging for its visual storytelling. With cinematography that heightens the emotional payoff of key scenes and a stirring soundtrack that complements the narrative, audiences are treated to a feast for both their hearts and eyes.

The beauty of "Because This Is My First Life" lies not only in the subtlety and intricacy of its storyline but in the carefully handled evolution of its characters and how they cope with their internal dilemmas. The characters are beautifully flawed, thereby reflecting the realistically bumpy journey of life, and providing a sense of resonance for viewers. The stellar performance of the cast, including Lee Min-Ki and Jung So-Min in the lead roles, brings life to these characters, making the series more alluring and evocative.

In conclusion, "Because This Is My First Life" is an astute and heartfelt drama that not only offers gooey and heart-fluttering moments for romance aficionados but also deep and meaningful insights that reflect society. The commendable blend of romance, drama, and social commentary makes this series a must-watch for those seeking a drama that is more than just a fairytale but close to reality.