Hyde, Jekyll, and I

Hyde, Jekyll, and I is a thrilling South Korean television series that aired on Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) in 2015. This 20-episode drama series managed to grip attention with its blend of romance, drama, and suspense. Inspired by Lee Choong-ho's webtoon ‘Dr. Jekyll Is Mr. Hyde,’ the show explores the perplexing duality of human nature, personified in the two differing personalities of the same character, similar to the infamous split personality disorder synonymous with Robert Louis Stevenson's timeless novel "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Despite its source inspiration, the series instills its unique narrative elements to stand out as its own original story.

The main character is a distinguished theme park owner, Goo Seo-jin, played by South Korean actor Hyun Bin. He is an ultra-rich elite businessman who suffers from split personality disorder. Catering to the title, his split characters are fiercely dissimilar, one being cold and cruel like Henry Jekyll and the other being innocent and kind as Edward Hyde. Producers have leveraged this refreshing character mold to give the audience an unpredictable ride of suspense and intrigue.

Goo Seo-jin oversees the operations of his wonderland ‘Wonder Land’. Being the “grumpy” one, he is a perfect representation of Jekyll, who is distant, cold, and non-social. On the other side of the coin, his alternative personality, Robin, is a diametrically opposite character. Often appearing in crises, Robin, like Hyde, is warm, compassionate, and amiable, endowed with a passion for heroic deeds.

Into this curious mix enters Han Ji-min's character, Jang Ha-na, the circus master at 'Wonder Land'. Ha-na has a bubbly, determined, and ambitious character who isn't afraid to confront the formidable Goo Seo-jin. Eventually, she manages to penetrate through his cold exterior, setting up the romantic crux of the series.

The complex dynamics between Seo-jin, Robin, and Ha-na form the central focus of the show, resulting in a unique romantic, suspense-filled triangle. She falls for the cold-hearted Seo-jin while also forming an emotional bond with his softer counterpart, Robin, thereby sowing seeds of a fierce romantic battle between the two personalities.

The series beautifully captures their relationships and emotional struggles, all the while sustaining the psychological ambiguity. Do the personalities know about each other, and what happens when they do? How do they grapple with the shared bonding with Ha-na while maintaining the delicate balance of their existence? This catering and balance towards each other's existence and the shared feelings for Ha-na form the critical emotional undercurrents of the series.

The narrative also coherently integrates a gripping subplot of mysterious events happening around ‘Wonder Land’, giving a tinge of thriller to the romantic narrative. This sub-plot introduces suspense by hinting at a psychological mystery that slowly unwraps as the show unfolds. It adds to the thrill as the characters manoeuvre through these challenges, sacrificing, and unearthing secrets in the process.

Hyun Bin’s acting prowess in Hyde, Jekyll, and I rightly deserves praise. His capacity to flip between the contrasting characters of Seo-jin and Robin while maintaining the individuality of the characters renders credibility to the split personality plot. Han Ji-min as the bright, energetic Jang Ha-na compliments the protagonist’s character, acting as a ray of light in his gloomy world.

On production aspects, the series exhibits excellent cinematography, seamlessly merging the aesthetically pleasing amusements parks and city life of Seoul. The soundtrack complements the drama's pacing, enhancing crucial moments while being aptly subtle at the right instances. The series impressively juggles the various atmospheres – be it thrilling, dramatic, or romantically intense.

In conclusion, Hyde, Jekyll, and I, intriguingly blend different genres to present a well-balanced drama. Its unique narrative and character delineation provide a novel take on the commonly explored theme of split personalities, making it a must-watch for fans of K-dramas. Watch this show for its unexpected plot turns, engaging storyline, and stellar performances that promise to keep you on the edge of your seat till the end.