Modern Farmer

Modern Farmer is a refreshing South Korean television series broadcasted by SBS in 2014 that blends humor, emotion, and character development in an engaging blend of city glamour and rural charm. This show is centered on the lives of four young musicians who decided to trade in their urban lifestyles and hectic city rhythms for the tranquillity of the countryside, bringing a unique twist to traditional K-Drama narratives. These four members of the 'trot' rock band ‘Excellent Souls’ put their musical aspirations on hold for the idyllic allure of farmland and rural life. This shift from city avenues to rustic landscapes and the ensuing comedic exploits serve as the fulcrum around which the plot revolves.

The core cast of Modern Farmer features popular Korean actors Lee Hong-gi, Park Min-woo, Kim Soo-hyun, and Lee Si-eon. Each actor brings their own charm to their character, providing distinct flavors to the storyline. The plot evolves around the camaraderie of the four band members: Lee Min-ki, Kang Hyuk, Yoo Han-chul, and Han Ki-joon, who take a startling and life-altering leap from strumming guitars and writing music in the city to sowing seeds in the countryside. The decision, which arose out of various personal circumstances, henceforth entangles their city slicker lives with the lives of the countryside folks, giving rise to comedy, drama, and idyllic romance.

The drama is known for its diverse set of characters. The boy-band members, each with their own quirks and personal tragedies, are compelling. Surrounding them are a cast of countryside characters who are as colorful as they are complex. The small town, where time seems to move a little slower, provides a lush overview of community living, age-old traditions, secret romances, generational conflicts, and the simple joy of communal festivals. Modern Farmer does commendable work in leveraging this rural setting, brilliantly interspersing light-hearted humor and touching human stories to keep the audience engaged.

A central feature in the plotline is the music created by the 'Excellent Souls.' Their music, a genre called 'trot,' is a blend of old-school Korean pop and modern rock. While initially formed to pursue their musical aspirations, the band members' farming expedition adds an unexpected layer to their melodies. The drama successfully uses their music not just as an instrument for storytelling but also as a central bonding element between the characters and the storyline.

One of the unique aspects of Modern Farmer is its ability to weave contemporary issues such as financial struggles, familial conflicts, romantic entanglements, and the struggles of friendship into the semi-rural milieu. This attribute gives the series an endearing realness that helps viewers connect with the story and its characters.

The screenwriter, Kim Ki-ho, has an uncanny ability to juxtapose comedy and drama in tight spaces, making it even more engaging. He employs the classic Korean comedy style, slapstick, and situational humor but also dials up the intensity through various touching moments that reflect the harsh realities of life. Kim also plays with irony and satire to make light-hearted criticisms of urban life and explores the theme of homecoming, change, and adaptation.

Director Oh Jin-seok makes the most out of the beautiful countryside setting. The series presents a picturesque vision of rustling trees, verdant fields, idyllic and serene, forming a sharp contrast to the city's fast life. However, beneath the allure of the serene country-side, the show manages to subtly comment on the harsh realities of farming life, ingraining a newfound appreciation for farmers and their immense struggles.

Modern Farmer is a tightly-knit narrative that captures the essence of life in the countryside, tackling complex themes and character nuances in a humorous and heartwarming style. With its distinct comedic flavor, compelling plot, fantastic cast, and unique music flavor, the series continues to capture the imagination of audiences globally. This SBS production truly encapsulates a fresh look into rural life through the lens of four city boys struggling at farming, and their quest to return to their roots. Therefore, Modern Farmer is an excellent choice if you're looking for a potpourri of comedy, drama, music, emotion, and the fascinating allure of the countryside.