Pinocchio (2014)

Pinocchio is a South Korean drama series that aired on SBS from 2014 to 2015. The series revolves around the world of news reporting and broadcast journalism, but introduces a unique and imaginative twist by supplementing it with a modern re-interpretation of the classic tale of Pinocchio. Hence, it's neither a retelling nor a remake of the Pinocchio story we know but bears only loose thematic elements, using the idea of honesty and falsehood and incorporating elements of love, friendship, familial bonds, and the pursuit of justice.

The title Pinocchio is representative of the primary female character's peculiar condition where she hiccups whenever she tells a lie, likening her to the famous puppet character whose nose grows longer whenever he lies. This syndrome, named "Pinocchio Syndrome" within the show, plays a key role in the storyline and adds a layer of complexity to interactions, relationships, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters.

The storyline focuses on Choi In Ha, portrayed by Park Shin Hye, who has Pinocchio Syndrome. As a result of her condition, In Ha decides to pursue a career in journalism. As a child, she was raised by her grandfather after her mother left, when her peculiar condition became an apparent problem. Despite the challenges and societal judgment due to her condition, In Ha is determined to uphold the truth and integrity, principles she values above everything.

Opposite to her, we have a young man named Choi Dal Po, played by Lee Jong Suk, who lives under an assumed identity. Dal Po has been through a family tragedy that left a deep scar. He becomes a taxi driver, masking his intelligence and hiding his tragic past. He also is trying to hunt down the truth while battling the manipulative aspects of media and journalism. His path crosses with In Ha, and they end up working for the same news company.

Their relationship becomes complicated due to their contrasting perspectives on truth and deception. Their journey through the world of media broadcasting is packed with various challenges, moral dilemmas, emotional struggles, and personal growth. However, they share a common ambition to seek justice and always report the truth.

The series also features Kim Young Kwang as Seo Bum Jo, a young man who is born into a wealthy family. Having spent most of his life in a protected environment, he is naive about the struggles around him until he begins receiving mysterious letters via a pigeon. Bum Jo's life takes a turn as he steps into the real world and becomes a reporter in the quest for truth. Lee Yu Bi plays the role of Yoon Yoo Rae who starts working as a reporter due to a scandal. She is passionate and embodies the spirit of a true reporter with her frantic pursuit of scoops.

Pinocchio capably combines elements of high-emotion drama, romance, and investigative journalism in a cohesive narrative. Throughout the series, the different elements of Pinocchio Syndrome, journalism ethics, the power of media, and social justice interweave seamlessly, creating a thought-provoking viewing experience. One of the key facets of the series is its critique of the media industry and its practices, which is done in a responsible, intelligent, and moderate way.

This series is also notable because of the excellent performances given by Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye. Their fantastic chemistry is one of the show's pull factors, and the supporting cast also delivers impressive performances, lending immense credibility to the characters they portray.

The core heart of Pinocchio lies in demonstrating the power and consequences of honesty and deceit. The show impressively communicates that the truth is not only vital for journalism but also for personal relationships and society as a whole. It underscores that honesty may not be the easiest path to tread but is invariably the most rewarding one in the long run.

In conclusion, Pinocchio is a show that provides not just entertainment, but also valuable insights about honesty, the role of media, personal integrity, and justice. It combines the excitement of investigative journalism with thought-provoking social commentary, all the while delivering a heartwarming and captivating story.