While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping, a South Korean television drama, is an intriguing blend of legal drama, romance, mystery, and fantasy that aired in 2017. Created by the acclaimed Korean broadcasting company SBS, penned by popular writer Park Hye-ryun, and directed by Oh Choong-hwan, the show spans for two parts and a total of 32 episodes. While You Were Sleeping flaunts an impressive star-studded cast, with Lee Jong-suk and Bae Suzy as the leads, and supporting roles portrayed by Lee Sang-yeob, Jung Hae-in and Ko Sung-hee.

Built around a cleverly shaping narrative, the series focuses on three main characters: Jung Jae-chan (Lee Jong-suk), a pragmatic yet empathetic prosecutor, Nam Hong-joo (Bae Suzy), a journalist with an extraordinary ability, and Han Woo-tak (Jung Hae-in), a diligent police officer with a secret. These characters are bonded by an unusual circumstance—their shared ability to foresee future events through their dreams. The future as depicted in these dreams is changeable, but only by taking immediate and adequate action in the present—a concept that threads together the drama's legal and supernatural elements.

Nam Hong-joo, the lead female character, is unique in that she has lived her whole life with the uncontrollable power to see the future in her dreams. Unfortunately, these dreams are most often nightmares or alarming scenes of incidents that have not yet occurred. These dreams haunt Hong-joo and even begin to result in severe sleep deprivation, but she learns to accept her facer and survive in the real world.

Jung Jae-chan, the male protagonist, is an ambitious newly-appointed prosecutor who becomes aware of his power of foresight after moving next door to Nam Hong-joo. Initially, he finds this uncanny ability perplexing and quite terrifying. Nevertheless, as he understands the potential to save lives and prevent undesirable incidents through his dreams, he decided to use it as a boon instead—turning the tide of certain unfavorable cases and solving mysteries that other prosecutors could not.

Then there's police officer Han Woo-tak, whose charismatic appearance hides his divine ability of foresight-- an ability he conceals for personal reasons. He forms a profound bond with Jae-chan and Hong-joo, working in unison to transform dream-foreseen mishaps into positive real-world outcomes.

While You Were Sleeping goes beyond its supernatural elements to present a compelling drama focusing on life's multifaceted realities. It beautifully portrays how human relationships, responsibility, justice, and love play a significant role in shaping lives under even the most extraordinary circumstances. The series intertwines their personal lives and feelings, creating emotional rollercoaster moments that viewers become truly invested in.

The cinematography is top-notch, having a near-filmic quality that distinguishes it from many other dramas. The aesthetics of the show are pleasing and enigmatic, making the viewing experience highly enjoyable. This combination of striking visuals and Motels' soulful background scores magnify the intense and heart-wrenching scenes, elevating While You Were Sleeping to a class of its own in K-Drama.

Part crime-law drama, part supernatural tale, and part romance, ‘While You Were Sleeping’ challenges the traditional narratives found in television dramas. This dimension of unpredictability, combined with relatable characters and suspenseful plotlines, keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.

In summary, While You Were Sleeping is an all-in-one drama spectacle that guarantees to keep viewers hooked throughout the series. From a strong and star-studded cast, compelling characters, a suspenseful storyline, to exceptional production value— the show delivers brilliant performances, memorable scenes, and meaningful messages that will linger in viewers' minds long after they've completed the series. Whether you're a fan of legal dramas, crime mysteries, romantic storylines, or supernatural themes, this Korean drama has something to offer for everyone.