Orange Marmalade

Orange Marmalade, a unique and mesmerizing drama series from KBS2 that aired from 2015, deftly combines the supernatural with teenage romance in a poignant, coming-of-age journey. It's a South Korean television series adapted from the highly acclaimed webtoon of the same name by Seok Woo. The drama, notably, adds a unique twist to the standard high school romance because, along with the regular teenage angst and romantic tribulations, one protagonist is a vampire.

Set in a fantasy world where vampires coexist with humans under a treaty, the story plays with the familiar theme of forbidden love, but this time between a human and a vampire. The vampires in this world are, on paper, meant to be equals with humans, but the reality is more challenging as remnants of prejudice, fear, and deception linger, making their existence a fiercely kept secret.

The central character, Baek Ma Ri, played by Seolhyun, is a high school student who, despite being a vampire, wants nothing more than to have a normal life. She goes to great lengths to hide her true self, fearing the harsh judgement of those around her. Her peaceful, incognito life, however, takes a dramatic turn when she accidentally bites the neck of the most popular boy in school, Jung Jae Min, played by Yeo Jin Goo.

Jae Min, a handsome and caring character, is immensely liked by his peers. Before the incident, he was blissfully oblivious to the existence of vampires, being totally engrossed in his life as a musician. His romantic woes take an intense turn when he falls in love with Ma Ri, unaware of her true identity. The series then largely concerns itself with exploring the complex relationship between Ma Ri and Jae Min, full of passion, secrets, and conflict, under the hovering cloud of societal norms.

Orange Marmalade beautifully depicts the struggles faced by adolescent students. The show also touches upon the theme of bullying, seen through Ma Ri's interactions with her classmates, and provides commentary on discrimination, using vampires as a metaphor for marginalized communities in society.

The series is layered with an array of secondary characters that are essential in forwarding the narrative and intensify the plot. Song Jong Ho plays the role of Han Yoon Jae, a teacher with secrets of his own, and Lee Jong Hyun portrays Han Shi Hoo, a close friend of Ma Ri who finds himself in a complicated relationship triangle with the two leads.

The cast's performances are excellent, with Seolhyun demonstrating a maturity in her acting that complements Yeo Jin Goo's intensity. The chemistry between the leads is palpable and the supporting cast does justice to their roles, adding emotional depth to the plotline.

Orange Marmalade offers something more than just a typical love story. Its incorporation of fantasy, supernatural elements creates a rich, evocative atmosphere that's akin to a fairy tale. The cinematography is stunning and there's plenty of attention given to make the set designs relatable and immersive. The series also contains plenty of humor, heartache, and suspense that keeps the storyline engaging.

The soundtrack, mostly comprised of pleasurable K-pop tunes, provides a beautiful backdrop to the narrative. The music reflects the mood swings and emotional highs and lows of the characters, resonating with audiences who find themselves deeply invested in their journeys.

Though it's primarily intended for young adults, the show's underlying themes of love, acceptance, and overcoming prejudice resonate with a larger audience. The series’ 12-episode run is laced with unexpected plot twists, keeping audiences glued to their screens.

Orange Marmalade, in its enthralling spirit of romantic fantasy, steps outside the box to portray a risky kind of love - one that is dealt with sensitivity and depth. The show continues to win hearts with its innovative premise and a fresh take on teenage dilemmas, all the while ushering in an engaging blend of the supernatural and reality. With its unique combination of dramatic elements, riveting story and layered performances, Orange Marmalade is a compelling addition to the world of Korean drama.