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Nine: Nine Time Travels

Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013)

A TV anchorman discovers that a mysterious bundle of incense has the power to send him back in time, where he has the opportunity to alter the past. A TV anchorman discovers that a mysterious bundle of incense has the power to send him back in time, where he has the opportunity to alter the past. A TV anchorman discovers that a mysterious bundle of incense has the power to send him back in time, where he has the opportunity to alter the past.

  • Lee Jin-wook
  • Jeon No-min
  • 9 User reviews
  • 2 wins & 2 nominations

Episodes 20

Jo Yun-hie and Lee Jin-wook in Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013)

  • Park Sun Woo

Jo Yun-hie

  • Joo Min Young …

Jeon No-min

  • Park Jung Woo
  • Son Myung Hee

Lee Seung-joon

  • Han Young Hoon

Eom Hyo-Seob

  • Oh Chul Min

Jung Dong-hwan

  • Choi Jin Chul

Seo Dong-won

  • Choi Jin Chul (Young)
  • Choi Jin-Cheol's secretary
  • Kim Yoo Jin

Lee Yi-kyeong

  • Han Young Hoon (Young)

Jeon Gook-hwan

  • Park Chun-Soo
  • Park Jung-Woo (Young)

Park Hyung-sik

  • Park Sun-Woo (Young)
  • Joo Min-Young
  • Kim Yoo Jin (Young)

Kim Won-hae

  • Park Chang-Min

Oh Min-seok

  • Kang Seo-Joon
  • All cast & crew
  • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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User reviews 9

  • Oct 17, 2014
  • How many seasons does Nine: Nine Time Travels have? Powered by Alexa
  • March 10, 2013 (South Korea)
  • South Korea
  • Official site (South Korea)
  • Nine: 9 Times Time Travel
  • See more company credits at IMDbPro

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  • Runtime 52 minutes

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Nine: Nine Time Travels

Original title: 나인: 아홉번의 시간여행.

Nine: Nine Time Travels

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Newest Episodes

S1 e20 - season 1, s1 e19 - season 1, s1 e18 - season 1.

Park Sun-Woo works as an anchorman at a TV broadcasting station. He is in love with newsreporter Joo Min-Young, who is bright and honest. Park Sun-Woo then obtains 9 incense items, which allows him to go back 20 years in time. Park Sun-Woo travels to the past.

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kdramadiary

K-Drama Review: “Nine: Nine Times Travel” Notches A Clever Time-Slip Series With Lee Jin Wook & Jo Yoon Hee

nine times travel kdrama

A few years ago, tvN’s 20-episode Nine: Nine Time Travels ran a mind-blowing experience for its thrilling fantasy premise.

Achieving peerless cliff-hangers, Nine: Nine Times Travel  mocked all the time-traveling stories with seamless presentation of consistent timeline transitions and convergence, when the genre was predominant in that period of time.

nine times travel kdrama

  • Title: Nine: Nine Times Travel
  • Streaming Site: Netflix
  • Main Leads: Lee Jin Wook | Jo Yoon Hee

nine times travel kdrama

  • Related Dramas: Tomorrow with You | Tunnel | Circle

nine times travel

Nine: Nine Time Travels will excite your Sherlock veins through its incredulous hero’s journey. Chronicled with ample thrills, the series injected inconceivable trajectories using its supernatural premise.

It is the story of a man who obtained nine incense sticks that functioned as a time-trekking device. Utilizing the enchanted incense sticks, it helps him leave clues to his past self to escape his looming death in the future.

His time warping adventure brings him to events of 20 years ago. Presenting the pieces of information that his future self uses to change the course of time in the past, it gave a riveting picture as he protects the people he loves and his life.

nine times travel

Nine Times Travel Peak Points

Imaginatively conceived, Nine: Nine Times Travel paraded a stunning picture which will challenge your focus and deciphering skills. But the series has always emerged victorious in going different to how the viewers deconstructed the path and curves of where it was heading.

For a change, I witness a hindered love story that does not involve vengeance or inability of the couple to communicate thereby jumping into wrong conclusions. This time around, there’s no trusting blindly and no let’s leave it to fate resolution. Instead, we got a love tale fighting to survive the odds with the aid of nine incense sticks.

The fluidity of the characters from past and present helping each other to pin down the villain was depicted efficiently. On that note, the wicked villain was a more contrived worker than the joint protagonists.

nine times travel kdrama

Leaving clues for his future self to pick up, the hero successfully left the last clue to the woman he loves. Therefore enabling him to save his brother’s supposed frost accident which started his awareness of changing the past.

True, this was a hard-to-follow drama as the supernatural kicks bordered to beyond impossible. But, that was also what made the series strong. It was not afraid to push its limit without abusing its metaphysical element.

The well-linked conflicts and the focus on just one villain helped in drawing a clear flow on the main character’s battle. Instead of myriad problems coming incessantly with no basis, the hero-villain showdown was solid from beginning to the end.

nine times travel kdrama

Nine Times Travel Series Musings

Leaving the audience to decide what closure befits the series that was religiously watched is always a challenging task. Nine ended on a calm emotion, like it was giving me a cranial massage for all the brain activity I had to out through.

For me, it was a satisfying ending that fulfilled the hard work of all those time sojourns for the male lead. I stuck to my preconceived notion that it will be the couple’s love that will resolve everything. Explaining that the hero’s unfortunate fate was bound to happen. It yielded unrealized warnings that he needed for him to survive and to make everything right.

Although the connection of the sticks and the hero was not explained to the fullest, we can conclude that when he used it, its binding power can be luck or curse depending on how his mind works to process the incidents presented to him.

Nine: Nine Time Travels  is one of my favorite K-dramas even now. It was an exceptional labyrinthine story that banked on the coherent flow of its narrative while linking the timelines.

With its smart characters and nifty writing, it is one drama that would keep you on an addictive spree.

nine times travel kdrama

Photos: tvN

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nine times travel kdrama

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Nine: Nine Time Travels

When a man burns incense imbued with mysterious powers, he is transported 20 years into the past. In a series of travels into various moments, the man tries to change the tragedies in his life, but soon finds himself in a web of fate, when each positive change he tries to make brings with it a chain of after-effects.

Genre: mystery , romance , supernatural

Nine: Consequences, resolutions, and the ending

By javabeans.

All right, the overall review is up, now on to the good stuff. Not that the rest of the series wasn’t good, of course. There’s just so much going on with the way the series wrapped that I think we’ll have plenty to discuss here. I don’t usually separate out the ending into its own discussion, but this is a unique situation where I believe finding out the ending in advance would especially ruin the experience—it would unravel the whole build-up of the rest of the series. They don’t call ’em spoilers for nuthin’.

Needless to say, this post will be allllllllll about the spoilers. Spoilers, spoilers, everywhere! You are warned.

SONG OF THE DAY

Nine OST – “아홉개의 향” (Nine Incense Sticks) by Lee Ji-hye [ Download ]

Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here . You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.

If you’re here, I’m going to assume you’ve seen the show, so let’s dive right in.

A major theme of the drama is the role of god/time/fate, whatever that force is that refuses to let Sun-woo change things to his will, even if presumably that very god/time/fate has permitted a world wherein time-traveling incense sticks exist in the first place. Quibbles. (But honestly, talk about entrapment.)

This force is not treated as a religious or paranormal power, and in fact it’s not an overt character in the drama. The characters speak of a god, but the drama doesn’t explicitly show some external force acting upon the world; it’s more of an interpretation than a hard-and-fast explanation. So while we (and the characters) infer that some generic higher power is displeased at the disruption, the issue is more about retaining a cosmic balance rather than a direct punishment-reward dichotomy.

But the cost of messing with Time is an explicit, real thing. In Sun-woo’s case, not only are his adventures met with thwarted outcomes, he is literally trading in bits of his life every time he burns the incense sticks. His already worsening health accelerates its decline due to his travels, and this culminates with him getting stuck in the past after the last stick burns, using up all his chances to stay alive in the present. But we’ll get to that ending in a minute.

I appreciate that at every point the show demonstrates that the course of life is the sum of choices, and that the drama doesn’t take the traditional K-drama fate line on this. Fate stories tend to take the power of choice away from people, one side effect of which is to absolve them of responsibility for their actions: Fate intended for this to happen, so it’s not your fault.

In this story, to the contrary, we see people maneuvered (coerced, perhaps) into taking responsibility, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the case of big bro Jung-woo.

So Jung-woo first dies in the Himalayas. After Sun-woo travels to the past and acts as Cupid to reunite the younger hyung with his ex-girlfriend, Jung-woo comes back to life in 2013—or rather, in this new reality, he never pursued the chain of events that would lead him to die in the Himalayas. Instead of fixating on a mysterious time machine, Jung-woo takes over his father’s hospital, marries, and has a seemingly successful life.

However, a closer look proves that the quality of that life is much the same as it was in the previous one: Because his emotional issues stem from the guilt of causing his father’s death and cheating justice, he has essentially forfeited his right to live a normal life. It’s tragic because the accident was an honest mistake and defensible as an act of protection, but his choice to cover it up is what sealed his fate, and speaks to the weakness of his character.

Thus even in this new life, Jung-woo ends up dying; the means are different, but the reasons driving him are much the same. It’s only when his past self is convinced into owning up to his actions that Jung-woo can go on to live a real life. Sure, he may have spent some years in prison, but he can now shake off the crushing guilt that his previous selves suffered, and does good work as a doctor for the disadvantaged. In both previous lives, Jung-woo succumbs to drug use to deal with his depression, but once free of those psychological burdens, I have faith that he’s finally clean in the last version.

That ties in to the realization that Dad’s death was not the tragedy of the past—it wasn’t the incident that needing fixing. The key to Dad’s death is Jung-woo’s complicity in it, and in getting to the bottom of the full story Sun-woo gains a measure of understanding, as does his brother. By leading him to making the right choice, Sun-woo saves his brother’s life in a way he couldn’t accomplish when he simply gave him the trappings of a happy life—having a wife and daughter kept Jung-woo hanging on longer, but it wasn’t enough.

One of my favorite developments from the dual-time storyline is the way that Young Sun-woo begins affecting the future as much as Future Sun-woo affects the past. This occurs in the stretch when Sun-woo runs out of incense sticks (having left the remainder in the past, deciding not to use them anymore), which keeps his younger self in fits of curiosity, waiting for him to show up in 1993 again as promised. It’s a genuine head-scratcher to cut off the hero’s access to the time machine with no way of getting them back.

So Young Sun-woo diligently waits, and writes a steady stream of messages to his older self, while Future Sun-woo can do nothing to answer him. There’s no way to explain that he’s dying of a brain tumor, either, to ensure that his adult self lives past 2013. And yet, it’s Young Sun-woo who figures it out on his own, deducing in his logical way that there’s a reason Future Sun-woo can’t come back. When he finds out about the possibility of a brain tumor, he secures his own future—having the knowledge means he can prevent the illness that Future Sun-woo couldn’t catch in time.

And, most importantly, his younger self finds the incense sticks recovered in the aftermath of the fire, and sends them back (er, forward) to Future Sun-woo. Now how’s that for a clever partnership?

I love that Sun-woo actually dies (twice!), because the drama doesn’t draw back at the last minute, saving him before we call its bluff—it frankly wasn’t bluffing. On the flipside of that is my disappointment in knowing that he died twice, because reviving Sun-woo in a rewritten alterna-reality doesn’t quite have the same punch as knowing the original Sun-woo lived on.

For one, the mechanics puzzle me: Consider the scenario when Future Sun-woo dies on the operating table in 2013. At just about the same time in 1993, his younger self makes the brain tumor connection and thereby secures his future health, rewriting history. So then Future Sun-woo returns to life. Not in the sense of reanimating a dead body, but in the same way that Jung-woo’s altered storyline now avoids the road that would have led to death.

Even so, this revived self retains all the time-traveling memories of the other one (including the part where he died), like he’s a video game character cashing in a 1-UP token to get another life, and I’m left wondering just what happened, in a metaphysical sense. It’s one thing to merely “acquire” memories of an altered past, the death-to-life jump strains my imagination.

Confusion aside, there’s a fantastic symbolism to Sun-woo’s death in 1993 as he finds himself stranded in the wrong era, without even his own identity. I would shudder to think what would happen if he were actually allowed to live on in that world, because could you imagine the chaos that would wreak? Would a cosmos that allowed him to leap into a different time allow him to stay there? I would argue no.

“The incense was me,” Sun-woo realizes in his last moments. It’s a spine-chilling line, as befits a drama that is bold enough to play out its life-and-death stakes to their full conclusions. Even if he weren’t to die in the hit and run, he has still used up all his incense sticks, and I fear that that means his life has been used up as well.

This question turns out to be a moot point when he dies in the phone booth soon thereafter—trapped in his glass box, locked out of his life, ultimately killed by the same device that allowed him these travels in the first place.

A stranded Sun-woo isn’t the only potential complication to threaten our future, because as more and more people start learning about the incense, their combined knowledge starts messing with history in diverging, conflicting ways. No longer are we dealing with one ripple sent out by one person, but a whole cascade of them. The circle of characters “in the know” expands from the inner circle to include dangerous loose cannons, particularly once Choi gets his hands on a stick and takes a quantum leap himself, spawning so many alternate memories that the future starts feeling rather unstable.

It’s a scenario that brings to mind Stephen King’s 11/22/63 (spoiler alert?), where the time traveler’s series of changes to history render the world so unsteady that it becomes assailed by numerous large-scale disasters. He plays with Time and literally brings about the end of the world.

Nine doesn’t go this far, but I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to imagine that this kind of chaos is where we’d be headed if things were allowed to continue indefinitely. The present world gets too twisted, with Sun-woo and Jung-woo and Young-hoon and Min-young and Chairman Choi all finding out about the time travel and being awakened to their alterna-realities.

That’s why I’m a fan of the ending, because it provides a clean slate to start over with. Instead of a future where all those intersecting lines and parallel lives coexist in these people’s heads, some in direct conflict with the material world around them, the drama is able to present a single truth with which everybody can continue onward. There’s a really lovely simplicity about that.

The Sun-woo who prevails in our last episode is the grown-up version of Young Sun-woo, who went on to live a life much as his original version did. (Once again, we are shown that Time or Fate is a massive force that is difficult to divert from its original intentions.) The older Sun-woo(s) who tried to alter time paid the price for their interference and died, but the Sun-woo we are left with is the unwrinkled life. There’s something deeply satisfying in that.

(Yet I will concede that there’s also a tinge of dissatisfaction, depending on how you choose to view it. Is the final version a facsimile life, because it’s not really the Sun-woo we started with? Are all realities equally valid? Is only the first one valid? Or should we measure success by the last one standing?)

In Future Sun-woo’s final message to his 1993 self, he advises the younger version to forget about his encounter with the older one, because he wants him to live out his life freely. He says that Young Sun-woo’s choices will create the older man, so there’s no need to wonder or worry what became of the visitor from the future; if he continues to live his life well, in twenty years he will meet that man in the mirror.

Thus we circle back round to the issue of choice, and in the last scene, Sun-woo (the last one) ponders how to make sense of his knowledge, and how to reconcile his belief in fact versus fantasy: Is it fantasy to hope that he can live on? “In 2013, the me from the future traveled to 1993 and died there. Because that happened in the future, is that something I can avoid because I know about it? Or, because I died in the past, is it already a foregone conclusion?”

In true Sun-woo fashion, he decides that the simple approach is best: He’ll move forward and live as best he can, regardless of that question. If that means he’s believing the fantasy he wants to believe, he will, and he’ll love the woman he loves.

But, but, but… does Sun-woo live? Or is he doomed to die again per the “foregone conclusion”?

Here’s how I see it: The original Sun-woo (er, the second, really) traveled to the past and died, which means that he disappears from his own lifetime. The people in his future will never see him again, and if we were somehow able to find some magical incense sticks to transport ourselves twenty years into the future, first of all don’t do it , but second of all we would find that Sun-woo existed there, but one day was nowhere to be found.

But that future timeline exists until something in the past changes its course. This parallel-flow mechanism tells us that when younger Sun-woo acts differently than Original Sun-woo did at that age, his future is now changed. All series long we have been following the older hero, but now that he’s gone, we hop timelines to follow the last Sun-woo left—and he is, ultimately, the one whose history will stand.

Even if younger Sun-woo reaches a point in time where he finds out about these incense sticks, he will have no reason to go back. For one, he is now armed with the knowledge that time travel is dangerous. For another, the great injustice in his past no longer hangs there unsolved, prompting him to pursue revenge. As he told himself, he trusts that he’ll make the right choice—and it’s the sum of those daily choices that make up his character.

In short? The younger man creates the older one, and Sun-woo lives. And living well, they say, is the best revenge.

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November 25, 2013 at 2:32 PM

Thank you so much for the ending discussions. Even after months of watching this drama, I didn't have anybody to talk to that explained quite this well. :)

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November 26, 2013 at 8:32 AM

Bravo, Javabeans! Really cool. Really!

November 25, 2013 at 2:44 PM

Question for everyone, including javabeans.

So, then, do you think that the very first scene was a scene from the new timeline? Or do you think it was from the original timeline?

I think it almost has to be from the new timeline given what we see then and with the last scene.

But that raises additional questions like why does Jung-Woo go back to the Himalayas if he's at peace with his life.

Also, how does Sun-Woo know that Jung-Woo is going to be trekking in the Himalayas....

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November 25, 2013 at 4:50 PM

This has confused everyone. All the blogs and discussion groups I found online questioned that scene also. I wish the writer of this series could be interviewed to answer these questions and give her insight into the thought process behind all this.

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November 25, 2013 at 5:38 PM

If I recall correctly, the writer left it open for interpretation. It's your choice: There is no answer. or Whatever YOU think is right. Ha!

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kdramapedia

November 25, 2013 at 5:40 pm.

That is the only question I have left from the show. I *think* the opening scene with hyung is actually the future with Sun-Woo 2.0. Because if that happened in the first timeline (with Sun-Woo 1.0) hyung wouldn't have died and the rest wouldn't have occurred. That's the best I can do with an explaination. Feel free to inject your own theories :)

November 25, 2013 at 5:44 PM

Oh, and also, the only thing we know is that Sun-Woo 2.0 is content with his life. We know nothing about hyung 2.0. Sun-Woo 2.0 is smart and probably put together the clues about hyung 2.0's behavior at the coffee shop and that's why he determinedly sets off to save hyung 2.0.

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November 25, 2013 at 7:50 PM

To be quite honest, I feel like that scene was more sequel-baity than anything, and clearly put there to raise questions rather than answer them. (Plus it happens as the credits are rolling, after the series as 'closed,' so to speak.) So maybe that's why I didn't really think much about not arriving at a definitive answer for how this came to be, because I felt it was intended not to be an answer.

(I would hate a sequel, by the way. Let the cohesiveness of this series endure as it is!)

November 26, 2013 at 2:58 AM

This is how I understood the last scene (I wrote a similar answer on another blog after the show ended)

Jung Woo is destined to find the incense sticks. Fate happens, you can’t escape it. So even ‘new’ JW of 2013 finds the incense sticks during his conference. He is not consciously looking for them, they come to him. JW dies on the mountain. SW 2.0 learns about his fate, the incense stick is in JW’s hands and ‘new’ SW knows now how to use it. He also knows about the time of death of JW, because his attendance at a conference narrows the time line down. Also he doesn’t have to find JW at a definite point in time. A time slot is good enough, because he roughly knows the place where they’ll find the body. Being the fighter that he is, SW is not willing to accept JW’s fate. (He once said, when MY broke up with him, that he would always, always fight till the end and use the incense.) He waits 20 years (hence the aged look) and travels back to save his brother. “Long time no see.” The first scene of the show was indeed a flash forward to the end. Full circle.

I loved how the writer knew from the very beginning how the show should end and followed it through, it never had a sequel feeling to me. So cleverly done!

November 26, 2013 at 11:58 AM

This is exactly what i thought too. JW waits 20 years and saves his brother

ahjummabunny

November 26, 2013 at 12:28 pm.

I thought it was about sun woo saving his brother, but I thought it was also about his brother trying to fix things again. Why? Because he wants to save sun woo that's dead in 1993. The two brothers that meet are future-dead in the past sun woo and adjusted brother number 3.

December 3, 2013 at 10:21 AM

ahjummabunny I don't think you are right there.

His brother wouldn't know Sun-woo 1.0 died. Why? Because the last time they met was at christmas a year before Sun-woo 2.0 went to nepal. ( just as 1.0 did)

The scene where MY tells him that his first version died was shortly before he 2.0 went to nepal. So there is NO WAY he would know.

Confusing right?

So (MAYBE!) he might get a call after the last scene in the plane and the detective tells him that they found his dead brother....and here comes the full circle of the ending sequence. Old Sun woo 2.0 rescues his brother 2.0 and thereby creates a new alternative reality...

ONE REALLY HUGE QUESTION I HAVE:

For me the first sequence was already a hint that someone from the future might rescue the brother in the snow. As the series went by it became clear that it only could be Sun Woo. (that scene always stayed in the back of my mind)

BUT! Remember the scene where Director Choi used one of the two sticks he gained? One fizzles into air. That where the two sticks from the past. That first one he lit - that one was already used by Sun Woo.

So I thought maybe there is always only ONE TIME to use an incense stick in the whole space-time-continuum. But that might not be the case right? Because Sun Woo uses THOSE sticks again, which he used in his first life already, to safe his brother after 20 years of waiting.

SO - there is no ending to the use of those sticks....never ever...they could be used again and again - if they (the sticks) wanted to be used?!

November 26, 2013 at 4:39 PM

Newbie, agree with your interpretation.

There was a discussion on Soompi at the time of the show's ending, that pointed out how careful this production was with details - even things like when the Teddy Bear was and was not in the car with young MY (as lotus pointed out in that forum). As I wrote then, no detail in this drama is wasted or wrong - the writing and editing are so careful and thorough. All the flash-forwards that show up from so early on in the show, including the very first scene, really stand up to our scrutiny, which is so rewarding. So the 2 scenes (very beginning and very ending) were definitely critical parts of the (current) story. The now-grown (formerly Past) SW returns to save JW 20 years later. He would be 58 in his timeline. He is “the man who used one stick to save his family” alluded to when the incense is first introduced; and left the rest behind, because he knew that all of original SW’s trips back to the past resulted in his death, and he didn't want to repeat that, nor was there any need to.

November 26, 2013 at 11:12 PM

Yes! Totally forgot about the line 'the man who used one stick to save his family'!

I see it just like you. This drama was written and produced very carefully with every detail being in the right place. It is a feast for an attentive viewer and among the best things I ever saw on TV. :)

December 1, 2013 at 5:36 PM

@gretac - I also completely forgot about "the man who used one stick to save his family" and I think your explanation works! If I go with that, I think I can finally be satisfied with the ending of this drama.

Of course, with all the fantastic discussions on this post, I feel the need to go back and watch it again!

December 3, 2013 at 10:28 AM

That might sound smart but that is to much for my head...no way he could be the one who did that.

December 29, 2013 at 11:51 AM

I love this interpretation. However, if he saves his hyung 20 yrs in the future, how can he be the man who saved his family with one stick in the past, 20 yrs ago when his hyung heard the story?

November 29, 2013 at 9:58 PM

This is exactly what I thought too. Sun Woo looked older (so he lives, yay!) and he said it had been a long time. So I assumed he hadn't seen Jun gWoo in 20 years because he died there, and Sun Woo waited, then used the incense to go back and save him.

(I always thought it was strange that in the first scene, we see Jung Woo dying on the mountain, but then he's found dead in a river...so it makes sense by the end, that those scenes were in different timelines)

I'm very curious though, why Jung Woo went to the Himalayas in the final timeline, and how he got the one incense stick in the first place.

Freeman_c14

January 1, 2014 at 11:16 pm.

Remember what Jung Woo said to Choi Jin Cheol in the "happy ending" future timeline made by sw 2.0:

"We'll meet in hell"

Jung Woo may have payed for his crimes while in prison, but he never forgive himself, in the sw 3.0 timline the same mindset remains because jung woo didn't build a family or never tried to contact his lost love, it's clearly stated that she doens't know about his crime.

Jung Woo was definitely not in peace.

watashiwachiaki

June 10, 2014 at 4:14 pm.

I know this is an old post but I just had to get this out of my system.....

Sun Woo 2.0 can't re-use the incense found on JW 2.0's hands.... because it has been used by Sun Woo 1.0 when he was looking for the other 9 incense.

October 19, 2014 at 12:15 AM

I agree. Once the incense stick has been used, it can't be used again. I have another theory for the ending, the Sun-woo with his brother in the last scene is Sun-woo 1.0. I blogged about my interpretation in details, please read if you are interested.

http://oh-my-tv.blogspot.sg/2014/10/nine-nine-time-travels-ending.html

November 26, 2013 at 7:10 AM

Thanks Javabeans for this post. After reading your comments one thing became very clear- that at the moment Young SW found out he would have a life-threatening brain tumor in the future, he acted upon it causing a ripple effect of saving and extending Future SW’s supposed life expectancy. I believe that the Future SW is wise in the sense that he knew from then on that he has passed the ball to Young SW and that everything he’d be doing – like risking his life going back to 1993 and dying in that “past” - won’t weigh much anymore since Young SW is already rewriting his life story. Like you, I also believe that future timeline exists until something in the past changes its course. I also believe that final scene at the Himalayas shown while the credits are rolling is not a part of the story anymore but a sequel-baiting thing.

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November 26, 2013 at 8:08 AM

This post was put together so well. Love the last line that living well is the best revenge. It made me smile and feel at peace about this drama. Thanks, javabeans!!

November 25, 2013 at 9:10 PM

I think the very first scene is actually the very last scene (how the whole episodes intended to end).

The story starts with JW learns the news about his brother's death in Himalaya. His death prompts him to start the whole time travelling business, which ends up with his own death. But his death doesn't go in vain because his younger version lives.

This younger version has the chance to go to Himalaya and finds his brother in time.

What they'll do with the remaining time travel devise is not explained but we're shown that both of them live.

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November 26, 2013 at 2:27 AM

Actually we don't really even know for sure that both lived - perhaps he went there to say goodbye.

chickenwing

November 25, 2013 at 9:45 pm.

The first scene has to be from the new timeline. There's no reason to introduce a stranger (the shadow, in the middle of the snowy mountains) without resolving who that is. It has to be grown up Sun Woo.

Jung Woo was shown to always be weak-willed - the first timeline, the second, and probably also the third. He may have paid the price by going to jail, but this does not change the fact that he killed his father and would likely regret this for the rest of his life. And his mother still suffered from dementia, also a consequence of this. This would be reason enough to want to travel back in time to try to save his life as original Sun Woo once did.

As for Sun Woo knowing, well he's proven himself to be quite resourceful so far. But I don't know for sure.

I really doubt there will be a sequel. I think the last scene (in the snow) is a closure to the first scene. Basically saying we can fix today's issues today, we don't need to go back in time to fix anything.

To me, I very much prefer a larger focus of the ending on original Sun Woo than the "younger" one. Even if it's all death and gloom, I rather they kill Sun Woo off right and proper then end the drama. I really don't care how the "younger" Sun Woo leads his life in the future. But I think they had to do it this way in order to provide an answer to the first scene (shadow over Jung Woo).

November 26, 2013 at 12:06 AM

Thanks for all the replies.

I guess it's one of those open-ender things that won't ever be resolved.

I agree with javabeans that I don't think a sequel would work very well.

Most of the conflicts have ended and Choi has got his comeuppance. There's not really any more room for more conflicts.

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November 26, 2013 at 6:16 AM

I think the last scene shows the possibility of a completely different reality. Meaning when Sung-woo found out about his brother's death and the incense sticks he could have only used a few to find the rest of the sticks and prevent his own brain tumor , and wait for twenty years and then go back and save his brother from the himalayas . This way would have caused the least changes to everybody's lives , but of course Sung-woo had no way of knowing beforehand that this would be better or easier. I feel the whole point of those first and last scenes is showing that there are always lots of ways to choose to go , but one cannot predict which one will be better , and one can definitely not know that what he thinks is better for him is really better for him!

April 17, 2014 at 5:25 PM

From what I understand the trek to the himalayas of Sun-Woo on the first timeline was after his brother died. So, in this timeline, where he goes to the Himalayas soon because of Min Joon, he could save his brother even though the ending doesn't give much information.

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3 starryskyes

November 25, 2013 at 2:51 pm.

Amazing post! The last part gave me chills and I find Sun-woo's approach super-inspiring :D

4 WarriorJames

November 25, 2013 at 3:01 pm.

Loved loved loved this show. I'm a Yankee and am not at all confident that the American version will do this original story the justice it deserves. The masses who prefer perfectly and prettily wrapped, happy-ever-after endings is just too strong.

November 25, 2013 at 5:43 PM

Of course it won't we always ruin anything we remake, especially if its origin is from Asia.

November 25, 2013 at 5:58 PM

Sajen, its my curiousity. Would u tell me some Asian remake? all I know was Lake House and 18 vs 29 (?)

November 25, 2013 at 7:59 PM

The Ring, The Grudge, a whole slew of Japanese horror movies, I think there was a remake of the Korean movie Phone, Oldboy, sure it's not out yet but I already know it's horrible.

November 25, 2013 at 8:16 PM

Thank you sajen.. haven't watched any of them as I dropped US movies recently. I do occasionally watch only that aired in national TV.

November 25, 2013 at 10:22 PM

Adding My Sassy Girl & Infernal Affairs

November 25, 2013 at 10:01 PM

I'm no Yankee but I'm not optimistic the US version will be any good. The track record of Asian remakes (besides The Departed) was never so great. I don't doubt they can pull off the actiony timetravely stuff. But I don't think anyone does the emotional stuff as well as our Korean blokes. I haven't seen any US shows in recent years though, so hopefully they surpass my expectations.

November 25, 2013 at 3:02 PM

I didn't feel cheated by the ending.

It was sad but I mean, Sun-Woo was trying to cheat TIME which we know will only bring catastrophe. I am just glad Future Sun-woo decided to make his own decisions and not live in fear that things could go wrong since he already have more than a glimpse of what could happened.

November 25, 2013 at 3:38 PM

Thank you so much for your view of the ending! The ending has been on my mind for months now, especially the last scene. So it felt good to hear what others thought about the ending. I thought the same; the older Sun-Woo died in the past, but the younger Sun-Woo lived on with some knowledge of the future.

But did Sun Woo, in the last scene, really fly to Himalaya to meet Min-Young? Or did he possible have other motives for flying there?

And is the drama trying to say that the future Sun-Woo from 2032 maybe will travel back to 2012 to save (again) his brother from freezing to death?

7 DayDreamer

November 25, 2013 at 3:51 pm.

Whoah. This write-up blew my mind. I guess I was a little stupid so I didn't think of the ending like that but what you said makes a lot of sense. I was already quite satisfied with the ending but hadn't really understood what it meant . Thanks for detailing the last few dialogues.

Also, if I remember correctly, wasn't there a scene of the Himalayas trip at the very end, sort of like revisiting the Himalayas scene in the first scene of the series? What was that about?

Anyways, thanks for sharing this write-up. It makes me want to go back and rewatch Nine again just to see the awesomeness unfold once more. Also, one of my favorite things about the dual timelines was how younger Sun-woo kept trying to contact future Sun-woo. Funny how the multiple Sun-woos were all fated to be awesome, hehe.

November 25, 2013 at 3:52 PM

I thought that you would talk about the first scene in the drama with the shadow over Jung-Woo's body and the last scene which appears to be Sun-woo from 20 years in the future coming back to save his brother.

He had one incense stick left and he saved it for 20 years just so that he could go back at the right moment in time to save his brother again.

RockPaperScissors

November 25, 2013 at 4:07 pm.

This was also my belief on the mechanics of that scene.

He had to wait around twenty years (by himself) to make the final attempt at making things right.

November 26, 2013 at 3:58 AM

But does new timeline Sun Woo know that his brother from the other timeline dies in the Himalayas? Like, the older brother in the Himalayas is from the original timeline, but in the new timeline, he'd have no reason to be in the Himalayas. And new Sunwoo wouldn't know that his older brother died in the Himalayas in the original timeline.

So, they're in completely different realities, so I don't think it's new timeline Sun Woo.

Oh wait. Is that the original Sun Woo, who didn't die because of the choices new Sun Woo made? So it's original Sun Woo, who is now alive, who goes back to save his brother?

I'm going to stop thinking now, I'll just end up going around in circles.

November 29, 2013 at 10:17 PM

In the new timeline, Jung Woo goes to the Himalayas, there's a short scene with him calling Sun Woo and telling him he's going there right before Sun Woo finds out Min Young is also going to Nepal, and we're assuming he dies there (in the new timeline, as well as the old). Sun Woo, in the new timeline, saves the final incense stick for 20 years, then goes back to the Himalayas and saves him. So the beginning scene, and the final scene, are both New Timeline Jung Woo and New Timeline Sun Woo, only Sun Woo is from 2033, 20 years later, because he had to wait in order to use the incense one last time.

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March 10, 2014 at 12:23 PM

I think you are right. Thanks for this conclusion. Now i can sleep peacefully.

November 27, 2013 at 5:33 PM

Agree - See thread above at 2.3.1 and following.

November 25, 2013 at 3:54 PM

This wrap up is really really good. I read through twice, but still need to read it again to make sure I get it.

I agree that I also loved how because of Adult SW, Young SW managed to survive because he knew to check for brain tumors early, but didn't change his life too much as a result of meeting/interacting with him(self.)

I cried like a baby when SW died in the past in the phonebooth after warning Min-young away from himself. It really made his SW V2's ultimate survival past the cancer very satisfying to me. Yes, the poor guy died cold, in pain, alone and terrified, but it wasn't the end of him forever. Sort of.

November 25, 2013 at 4:01 PM

That was what was so bittersweet. That he died in the past and couldn't be a part of the present. However, because he managed to change and progress his own life, it was worth all that he went through. So yeah....that moment was very touching and I wouldn't have wished it otherwise. Seeing Sun-woo slowly dying in such a lonely manner broke my heart.....but seeing him live a potentially better life in the end gave me hope for him.

November 25, 2013 at 8:57 PM

I also cried like a baby when he died in that phone booth. Because for me he IS the hero, the one I root for. It completely breaks my heart that he dies alone like that while leaving his waiting bride behind. It's so sad.

Yes, the other SW lives, but it's not the same. The old SW is the one who is with me, the one I fall in love with. The one I want to be happy but ends up dead like that.

D's handphone

November 25, 2013 at 10:38 pm.

that's where i stop watching cos i cried and cried for days... even thinking abt it right now make me teary -that's how affected i am of this show. i dont have the heart to continue anymore.

10 Elisabeth Ho

November 25, 2013 at 4:09 pm.

It all makes sense now!!!! thank you for your spoilers and insights!

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11 CaroleMcDonnell

November 25, 2013 at 4:15 pm.

Wow!!!!! Especially this --> "Is the final version a facsimile life, because it’s not really the Sun-woo we started with? Are all realities equally valid? Is only the first one valid? Or should we measure success by the last one standing?"

Great post!

12 dramarathon

November 25, 2013 at 4:29 pm.

I appreciate the cerebral meaning of the ending, though I admit I was disappointed and heartbroken for the Min Young and Young-Hoon from original/older Sun-Woo's timeline who are left to accept Sun-Woo's death. The romance did work for me, there was a ton of chemistry, and so that part was sad.

13 Chichiri

November 25, 2013 at 4:36 pm.

This show was a rollercoaster mindfuck. Awesome.

November 25, 2013 at 10:44 PM

November 25, 2013 at 5:45 pm.

butt the wayyy last scene with the even-older sun-woo reaching out to his brother in the mountain?! still confused about that scene.....

nine was definitely one of my favorite dramas! so deep...made me think a lot.

15 gaelicgalaxy

November 25, 2013 at 5:54 pm.

This was the reason that I loved this show so much: not everything was wrapped up with a nice shiny bow by the end, but it still felt satisfactory and real. I'm watching this show for the third time now, and I'm still picking up on new little details I didn't notice before. Thanks for this post!

November 25, 2013 at 6:55 PM

What an incredible post. I must say i didnt think that much nor think that much of the show while it was going on. I enjoyed it intellectually with regards to the consequences of playing with time but i really didnt like the romance thrown in. Emotionally it didnt connect.

Your post did more to make me think than the drama did. Thanks!

17 pigtookie

November 25, 2013 at 7:22 pm.

I loved the interaction between the two Sun Woos, who were both very smart. I can't help but feel that older Sun Woo died in the past (I remember bawling), but as the only evidence of all those past alternate realities was his own memory, maybe the one we've been following all along was erased too. That's the only conclusion I can come to without thinking about Min Young waiting in the future.

November 25, 2013 at 7:29 PM

Bloody hell thats one awesome and amazing analysis JB.. Indeed i salute thee for this incredible post.

I will admit, I felt a little stumped when I couldnt figure out just how the Sun Woo came back in 2012, in the Himalayas, when he rescues Hyung.. But then, we can only understand that, the Sun Woo who got stuck in 1993, manages to live because the 2012 new Sun Woo made the choice to live and save him??

That part still eludes me.. If the new 2012 version manages to not use the sticks knowing its implications, then does it mean there will be more sticks left?

Can someone help me with this analysis?? I would like to atleast have the mystery solved by say 30%.. will help me sleep better

I don't think 2012 Sun-Woo can use the sticks at all, even if he somehow finds them (I don't think they exist in the new timeline as they would be stuck in the first timeline). It looked like the Rule of the Sticks was that you can't reuse a stick that has already been used, even if it was used elsewhere. Remember when that one stick turned to ashes when lit? I think if 2012 Sun-Woo found the nine sticks, the same would happen. Also, Original Sun-Woo was the sticks personified, and he not only died in 1993, but no longer exists at all in the new timeline.

Maybe.. your analysis makes sense.. But what about the final scene?? Jung Woo had the stick in his hand as seen in the original time line..

Point is, if the past Sun Woo of 1993's actions reflected in the 2012 timeline, with Sunwoo saving Sun Woo and all. Then if and its a big IF.. the sticks do exist and he doesnt use it, then the Sun Woo stuck in 1993 and died might just live,. For if he is the sticks personified, then if they arent used, they still have their life

November 26, 2013 at 7:20 PM

I meant that the sticks may physically exhist but they aren't useful for time travel. So hyung can still hold the stick even if it doesn't work.

October 19, 2014 at 12:20 AM

The incense stick cannot be used but Sun-woo 1.0 is still alive, and he's the one who appears in the last scene with his brother. I have an explanation for that in my blog. Feel free to read if you are interested.

November 25, 2013 at 10:59 PM

Hmm, I hadn't thought of that before. You could be right. I personally took it differently. If in this version of reality he doesn't get the incense or chooses not to use them that would not only affect his future but it would now go back and affect his past because his current self would essentially negate the actions of his previous self. If that makes any sense, haha. Which leads me to believe that not only will he end up with the incense again, he has to use the incense. Once you use the incense all versions of yourself are forced to use them, it's cyclical. If you follow the same train of thought this might also mean he has to die again, but there are definitely others ways to look at it. It's fun to think about though. :) Also, I think the clip with hyung in the snow was more of a tease than an answer to any questions.

November 26, 2013 at 7:21 PM

I'm super hoping that this isn't an eternal loop time travel story!

November 25, 2013 at 7:39 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you for this post! I finished Nine only weeks ago, but it's a pleasure to revisit this series through such an insightful lens.

My knee-jerk reaction as the drama wound to a close was one of distaste. I initially felt cheated that the original Seonwoo dies and young Seonwoo takes precedence, 'cause like the universal question goes, what makes you, you ? Memories, and therefore experiences. But young Seonwoo does not have the same experiences as that of the original Seonwoo, someone with whom we've stuck through thick and thin as he weathers pain, suffering, and hardships for a whoppin' nineteen episodes. I was a little bitter that when all's said and done, he died a sad death alone in the past. In a way, young Seonwoo... felt less worthy to take the reins.

To my surprise, I came to terms with that by the very end and began to appreciate the overarching simplicity of young Seonwoo's narrative. Everything the original Seonwoo did was not in vain; he put everything back in its rightful place—Jungwoo deservingly receives his chance for redemption, and Choi Jincheol is paying the price for the crime he should never have committed. Anddd, let's not forget, he paves the way for young Seonwoo to become the best he could be, a reality that wouldn't have been possible in the original Seonwoo's timeline, at least not with all the cluttered, conflicting realities existing in everyone's minds.

This show was all sorts of awesome, really.

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20 Pearlescent88

November 25, 2013 at 9:12 pm.

Ok, ok I think I get it now! I thought there was an alternate timeline where Sun-woo disappeared and everyone has to live the rest of their lives without him; then there's a separate second timeline where young sun-woo grows up and gets to have a better life. But actually as young sun-woo grows up he is re-writing the original future day by day so that by the time he is as old as first Sun-woo was the sad future no longer exists. Right, right? Am I right?

November 26, 2013 at 4:48 PM

Yes, agree! You said that much more simply and clearly than I have been able to!

November 25, 2013 at 9:16 PM

"Nine doesn’t go this far, but I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to imagine that this kind of chaos is where we’d be headed if things were allowed to continue indefinitely. The present world gets too twisted..."

I'm a fan of time travelling story but to be honest IF somehow someone would actually able to invent time machine in a distant future I won't be pleased. I would be livid if my perfectly fine life suddenly change without me knowing why because of the ripple effects. Time travelling should be outlawed in our time just in case.

November 26, 2013 at 2:34 AM

Not sure how you would "outlaw" something that probably won't be around for thousands of years, if ever.

But on the other hand, perhaps your perfectly fine life has ALREADY been changed - how would you know?

November 26, 2013 at 4:51 PM

That's exactly my point. I want my life to change for better or worse because of me. Because of the decisions I make not because of the doing/decision made by somebody else who doesn't even aware that their decisions will affect my life.

But again these talks are all hypothetical. Personally I don't believe that a time machine would ever be invented in the future nor that we could travel back and forth in a time line.

22 DarknessEyes

November 25, 2013 at 9:17 pm.

Thanks for reviewing this sooo much!!! I watched this a while back, and I was actually a little bit confused over the ending, tho I didn't dislike it. It cleared up a lot of stuff for me.

This show was just all kinds of awesome really. It's the best time-travel I've seen so far. Heart-wrenching, in a great sort of realistic way. I don't even know if that sentence made sense lol.

November 25, 2013 at 10:28 PM

Great post! Thanks for clarifying some things I wasn't able to see clearly when I was watching it. I think this is the drama (one of) that I'll rewatch over the holidays.

I think this is one of the most solid dramas this year and though it started off slowly, it was worth watching until the end. I love the writers/PD and tvN.

24 chaosgirl

November 25, 2013 at 11:03 pm.

My conclusion to this series: time travel is not possible. :) I have theorized my way into so many paradoxes and impossibilities while thinking about this drama! It's been fun.

November 26, 2013 at 2:37 AM

Actually, I think it was Stephen Hawking said that time travel may be theoretically possible, but only one way - to the past. But he also concluded that it would take enormous amounts of energy, perhaps as much as a supernova puts out.

November 26, 2013 at 10:29 AM

He actually said the opposite, it is possible but only to the future. :) Haha, I just listened to an NPR podcast about that.

November 26, 2013 at 1:38 AM

when i saw this post,i really wonder if you hv finish e shw n recap it becos if e news of e US remake.anyway,i watched e shw after readin e news too.i am glad i got thetip to fast fwd past ep 4.from then on,its realky mind blowing n i crash the shw in 3dys makin my eyes hurt.

really one of the most thoughtful time traveling shw ever.it is a classic n lee jin wook shd really be proud thar he took on tis drama.

i can see why its suitable for a us remake,i felt like i was watchin a us drama anyway.

good shw!no regrets watchn it

November 26, 2013 at 2:55 AM

Omg was yhis drama this goof I never watched t fully I just caught bits from gere and there now I have a reason to watch it sound so deep and amazing PLUS hyun shik oppaa ! How amazibg was he

27 Eunkyung

November 26, 2013 at 3:01 am.

The conclusion that the sunwoo at the end who boarded the plane is the same as the one in himmalayas hence making the beginning of episode 1 same as the end of the last episode, sounds more logical.

He did not need to use the time machine to save his brother but just made sure he was there on time.

November 26, 2013 at 6:37 AM

my favourite scenes are the interaction between younger and adult Sun Woo. It feels so heartwarming... I remember feeling the same when I was watching Choi Hee Jin - Kim Bung Do's interaction in QIHM. Park Hyung sik is such a talented idol, Lee Jin Wook is so hawt!

29 MyKimchiPlot

November 26, 2013 at 11:34 am.

Thanks for an awesome review of an awesome show.

After being such a fan of QIHM, creating an even better time-traveling show became such a tall order... So glad to be proven wrong.

It'll definitely watch out for the next project of this Writer-PD tandem.

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November 26, 2013 at 9:24 PM

As you probably already know, Nine was written by the same people behind QIHM. Though hardly anyone knows that Nine was actually written first.

November 27, 2013 at 5:36 PM

Interesting that Nine was written first - thanks for that tidbit!

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30 taekwoonadri

November 26, 2013 at 2:03 pm.

Thank you for your explanation!!!!I was so confused about that ending, but now i get it and agree with you! Makes sense!!! So happy that he will live on!!!

31 shelhass

November 26, 2013 at 6:46 pm.

I confess: I was quite mad at you guys here when Nine was dropped - I was so in love with it I couldn't quite believe.

But now that I've read both reviews I'm pretty happy that you gave it another chance and found it satisfying. I agree with you most of the time, oh ok, I don't agree about the religious stuff. It seemed to me they were mixing Budism and Hinduism beliefs, while trowing Christian ones to make us confused. Hee.

I think the drama suffered a little detour somewhere in the middle because of young Young-hoon DUI (off screen I mean). I distinctly remember the times it hinted at possible future life changings for Young-hoon and nothing happened.

For anything that matters, Nine is absolutely fascinating and most probably the best drama of 2013 (next to Heartless City).

November 28, 2013 at 4:11 AM

I agree with ur conclusion to the end but I don't understand why Hyung still went in search of the joss sticks in Nepal. The guy who greeted Hyung was that sun woo from 2023?

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November 28, 2013 at 12:25 PM

Thank you so much for this, Javabeans. Thanks for filling the request. It seems like everyone has got a different openion about the ending. It was good to read all the different theories. I guess I should be happy with my best theory too. Yay, for Nine being a winner show. It somehow flew under my radar when it aired but so glad I decided to watch this. Lee Jin-wook's charm definitely doesn't hurt.

December 4, 2013 at 2:46 AM

Thank you so much for the explanation. Now I understood well and appreciate the drama. No wonder people from other countries would like to remake this drama. Congratulations to Nine maker and my idol Lee Jin-Wook.

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35 raine0211

December 19, 2013 at 9:58 pm.

All drama long I felt compelled by how the story would unfold rather than by how it would end. Even after finishing it, I felt the journey was what made me enjoy it so much. The ending was pitch perfect. Older Sun-woo dies, but in his wake he left his younger self to grow up with the knowledge that older Sun-woo left. Like a parent and child. Loved it.

December 24, 2013 at 2:34 AM

Just finished watching Nine. What a show!

January 8, 2014 at 6:28 PM

I also noticed that the incense sticks took you back 20 years, while the series has 20 episodes. If in the end we've burnt a stick, as the series cover picture shows, then indeed we've traveled to the beginning of the series.

I picked up this drama because of the reviews. Good recommendation! Indeed, very clever and well thought out.

January 10, 2014 at 1:57 AM

I don't really read Korean-drama reviews here in dramabeans, but when I do, it's to satisfy my verdict into a certain drama that I watched. Regarding about why I don't like reading dramabeans reviews, is because the blogger here sometimes write unnecessary words which are difficult and too fancy for an "ordinary" reader to comprehend. We read reviews because we have questions and confusions hindering us to sleep peacefully every time our favorite drama ended with a huge question mark. Instead of understanding a certain drama, few of the bloggers here tends to add more confusion to the K-drama fans, like me, who don't have time to google your unearthly words! (Your english is great! Really great, but you are not writing for an essay to your professor in English class here!)

March 26, 2014 at 6:18 AM

Finally! someone talked about Nine's ending. This drama ending is confusing but I enjoy the story line. Indeed, very interesting ending. Thanks!

March 30, 2014 at 8:03 AM

This drama just shot to the top of my "Best Dramas of All Time " list, right after Coffee Prince. It was so careful! As for the ending, I think Sun woo's monologue on the plane at the end about keeping things simple, and living his life as best as he could, explains what we see at the end. At that point he has realized that in his previous timeline he was also in a relationship with Min young, and that *despite* the best efforts of SW 1.0 he's in the relationship again. Which I think means that he realizes that there are some things that are going to happen in his life no matter what. He also knows SW 1.0 dies in 1993, and he doesn't want that to happen. So when Jung Woo (by some unexplained fashion) dies on the mountain again, with Sun woo's new wisdom he realizes the only way to save his brother is by keeping it simple. Be patient, live without him for 20 years, and only go back once to help him off the mountain. I don't know if he's the man who only used one stick to save his family, but it may be the thing that everyone else who uses the sticks eventually comes to realize. You only need to use one, and leave the rest alone.

April 27, 2014 at 4:16 PM

i have been watching this drama over and over again ,it has kept me lingering for days,, firstly am not Korean so there are lots of things that gets lost in translation esp when its a drama as complex and intricate as such,,,,, and finally now have been able to make a conclusion my conclusion... I was completely lost as to why he says that min young was the key to his fate( my brain was at wreck like literally some may have got it sooner but I do get things a bit slowly ya but I did understand it at the end and it feels like a big discovery ) and finally now I understand.........sun woo was in dark of his past self and he would have certainly vanished from the face of earth if it hadn't been for min young who lets him know that his past self dies in 2013.... and so now that he knows it,, the game is in his hands,,,,how he decides to proceed it lies completely on this new sun woo whether he wants to do something about the fact that he will be dying an year from now or not........ and as to how i see it, after understanding the sun woo that we have learnt about in the past 19 episode, he will certainly go back get those incense stick and will save himself and his brother 20 years from now. but then the series of unfortunate events that will follow because of his interference of the inevitable will be the consequences he will have to pay and he knows that. I think he will go for another round of time travel being the sun woo he is,,, but he has to save himself first and if he does survive because of the incense stick he might have to lose min young again as a consequence which he has to be ready to face if such a circumstance does come...... thus the conclusion I have come up with is this ,,,so at the end the drama makes us feel like as if it has let us decide whether he survives the untimely disappearance or not. But then that's where the drama (acc to me )becomes so clever because episodes until 19 were not just the replay of what happened before the present sun woo came along but also to make us go under the skin of sun woos character and understand what decision he will make in the future. so even if the drama lets one believe that it is an opening end for any kind of interpretation you like ,,, in a very sly way it is also pointing us in the direction as to how it will end. so for me the ending is that he goes back to Nepal not just for min young since she is the key to his answers but also to save his past self so that he can live on and not let min young be unhappy because of him. Will at some point in his life will also be able to save his brother. personally I don't want that to happen,, the whole circle to start again where every one is unhappy and will eventually end up dying or separating it is just too painful,,, I wish the new sun woo would let things roll as they are supposed to and not interfere with fate cause as we see it the new sun woo and his brother have had a good life and he doesn't even find his girl to be...

August 8, 2014 at 7:25 AM

(old thread, I know, but I just finished watching on Hulu so...)

The one glaring hole that bothered me from early on in the series is this:

In the original, unaltered timeline, Jung Woo breaks up with his girlfriend and they go their separate ways. So he would never have gone to his father's office to say they're getting married, which was the trigger that led to their argument and the murder, etc. etc. Did he actually murder his father in the original timeline? The timing is also different (Jung Woo arrived after his father returned to the office.) Sun Woo does find out who murdered his father in the timeline he set in motion, but ultimately never finds out what really happened.

Yes, it's possible Jung Woo went for some other reason, and they argued about something else, but that's not very convincing.

October 1, 2014 at 1:14 AM

Well, if you remember, Sun-woo traveled to the past and gave Jung-woo's phone number to Shi-ah, who called him to the hospital because her mother tried to commit suicide. That incident renewed his determination to be with the girlfriend instead of dumping her, which is why he went to the office to state his decision to marry the girlfriend. This show needs focus and attention while watching it.

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September 10, 2014 at 8:55 PM

I ended up watching this series twice...once on my own, and a 2nd time, sporadically, while my husband and mom watched it.

Hubby noticed that in the last episode, before boarding the flight to Nepal, Sun Woo buys a watch at the airport and checks-in for his flight. At the airline check-in counter, a lot of screen time is devoted to watching him open his suitcase, take off his coat and pack it into his suitcase... We were just wondering if anyone caught this and if any clues are supposed to be gleaned from this. Cos why otherwise would they 'waste' 3 minutes on this particular shoot?

44 confusedbeaner

September 27, 2014 at 11:37 pm.

Okay, the only thing about the drama that I didn't understand was how NEW SunWoo had a memory that OLD SW made in the future. As I recall, OLD SW died months (or was it years) after JMY's Nepal trip. By the rules of this drama, he shouldn't even have any memories of that yet or at all.

As I come to understand it, NEW SW is in a completely different timeline! That's why NEW dissatisfied Hyung has incense sticks. He didn't light them so we aren't sure they work or not. But I am sure they work because it's a brand new timeline. Meaning, new incense sticks.

Okay, the reason why I'm so confused about the new memory is because he shouldn't be connected to that OLD SW at all because its a new timeline. It's interesting still because the audience isn't aware of how OLD SW got to where he is because of the incense or because of his own merit. Everyone else in the NEW timeline seems to have succeeded on their own.

One thing is certain, there were things each character was meant to do and they show that well at the end. NEW SW still ended up in Nepal even though his Hyung wasn't dead and he still arrives with the same attire.

November 20, 2014 at 8:58 PM

I've just finished watching it 2 days ago and my brain hurts thinking that last scene at the mountain in year 2032. Here's my take on it.You're right that the New SW is in a completely different timeline frm Old SW.In fact he and everyone else in the new timeline should be in the dark of the past timeline.The only memories they should have are: 1)New SW should remember that his future self (Old SW) visited him when he was 18 to warn about his dad's death.The future self reminded him to not blame hyung for the murder as it wasn't intentional,and future self advised him to not worry about the future,that he trusted him to make the good choices in life,and promised to see him in 20yrs.He and his friend also found out that future self suffered from brain tumor,so he took early precaution in this new timeline to prevent the disease. 2)MY should remember that she saw Old SW when she was a kid,that his last dying wish was for her to stay away from a man who looked like him in the future,because that man might ruin her life.When MY told New SW about this,only then he knew that his past self died while traveling back to 1993,and that MY must be someone so precious to Old SW.That's why New SW said that MY is 'the key to his fate'. 3)Hyung should remember that a man who looked like New SW used to save them 'back then'. That's why he said he's shocked every time he sees his brother. Actually the events in the new timeline are pretty much the same as Old SW's original timeline.He ended up being an anchor at CBM with the same boss and MY ended up falling in love with him anyway despite the warning.As for hyung,although he paid his crime by going to prison,somehow he still regretted that Dad died in his hands.Hence,he still determined to change the past once he discovered the stick in this new timeline and ended up died at Himalaya.Since New SW didn't have memories of Old SW,he would't know that hyung will die.All 3 of them happened to go to Nepal about the same time.New SW followed MY upon realizing the she's the key to his fate,while hyung actually attended a conference (and somehow discovered the stick there?).So my guess is hyung died in the same manner as before and New SW knew it too late.New SW found the stick among hyung's remains and later knew that Old SW used that stick to time travel.All that happened in the original timeline repeated itself,though this time New SW aware of the consequences that Old SW had to endure the last time (that he died stuck in the past).I refuse to believe it but I think that last scene in 2032 is actually New SW time traveled to 2012 at the age of 58 to save hyung.Why did he risk it if he knew the consequences?If my guess is true,what will happen to him this time?It's anybody's guess.that's where it opens to interpretation.Whatever the case may be,at least New SW was tumor free,managed to live until 58 and I believe he had a much better lives than his past self

April 17, 2020 at 7:53 AM

i think of all the comments and reviews that i read..im more 99% convinced and agree in your theory..😁😁its like my queastions is answered.

August 14, 2022 at 10:53 AM

I agree with you. I have same theories with "me". The New SW 2012 kept on living simple. His hyung will still die on 2012. He would get to know the incense sticks as a time travel machine (which he didn't know how the Old SW traveled to past before), but choose not to use it nor wants time travel as he already knew the time travel is always 20yrs ago and he knew the consequences if he will travel back and it could lead him to his 2013 self stuck and died while traveling in 1993. So even if it is painful to know that his hyung died in Himalayas in 2012, he didn't use the sticks and live well (obviously with MinYoung). Then by 2032, his 58 yrs old self decided to travel back on 2012 just to save his hyung in Himalayas. So that makes sense that statement "someone uses only one stick to save his family"... SW saved his hyung saying "Long Time No See".... that was SW in yr 2032 who waited 20yrs to time travel back to 2012. Maybe after saving his hyung in 2012, SW will be back to 2032 and the 2012 SW who was also going to Nepal that time, won't see any tragedy of his hyung since he was saved by the 2032 SW. Maybe they will meet there together with MinYoung. And everyone gets happy ending in the future.

45 Virg Banaag

October 20, 2014 at 10:30 pm.

Thank you! I so love Nine, the whole story and the characters.

46 Prettysup

June 11, 2015 at 7:29 am.

I really enjoyed this drama, with all the Lee Jin wook's hotness an added bonus. Only wish that the ending isn't as confusing for an average viewer like me. Now that I have read ur analysis I understood it better.

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47 Linda Palapala

July 3, 2015 at 10:04 am.

Time travel is very difficult because no matter what, it has to be paradoxical since not everything can be explained logically. This was definitely the best time travel series ever made. Does anyone know the significance of the use of so many mirrors in the show? And, I was a bit confused at the ending because he says he wants to live and love his girl. But then in the credits he's saving his brother who's obviously alive when he finds him. The comment about it being 20 years later is interesting and could work I guess. So many open ended questions since it's ambiguous. Thanks for the recap/review and comments.

Linda Palapala

July 3, 2015 at 1:14 pm.

After thinking about the ending, I totally get it. How he saves his brother 20 years in the future. Brilliant.

December 17, 2015 at 2:53 PM

the ending is just a joke. really wasted 50 minutes x 20 episodes there. they just make a excuse for an sequel ( hope so!!) they just messing up the ending which should already ended earlier. just twist twist twist the story to use all the sponsor money, well they just realize they run out of money to continue the drama at 20 lol. so they made up bullshyt time frame JW was saved by SW at snowie Seoul hill to make all the poor viewer keep speculating the ending in attempt to get more sponsor money for another shyty 30 episodes. sincerely, from mad Choi granddaughter :)

June 5, 2016 at 11:14 AM

Suppose in the new timeline, JW dies in the Himalayans, also looking for the incense in 2012, perhaps to try to give his brother a chance at marriage after their conversation. New SW from the "past" lived, so the SW from the original ends up living too, but he is living in the past 20 years, being stuck. He still gets memories of what the new SW is doing and the events going on. So the original SW knows JW dies again, this time elsewhere on the mountains and rescues him. (Remember the confusion about how JW's body is found near the river?). There would be no need to use the incense sticks that probably wouldn't work anyway. However, I'm not sure SW would want to really mess with history again.

August 13, 2017 at 4:45 AM

This is so great!! I really appreciated your point by point explanations as I was left confused at several points as the series came to a close. I was having trouble wrapping my head around what people remembered in each life. I wasn't totally satisfied with the ending...I wanted to see what the choice would be, but I agree with your final conclusion that Sun Woo will live on. After watching many Korean dramas with the same old themes, lines and plots; I was beginning to give up hope for something unique. I was pleasantly surprised by this series and thoroughly enjoyed the entire story.

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The Fangirl Verdict

Completely biased reviews and fangirling.

nine times travel kdrama

Review: Nine [Nine: Nine Time Travels]

nine times travel kdrama

THE SHORT VERDICT:

A time travel tale that is engaging, absorbing and tightly written.

It took me a couple of episodes to get completely sucked in, but when I did get sucked in, boy did I get sucked in good.

Serving up twists and turns that literally keep you on the edge of your seat (and perhaps your sense of sanity too), Nine is thought-provoking, intense and really rather addictive. The dramatic tension flags in a few spots, but overall, I’d say this is a solid, worthy watch.

If you like your dramas to keep you on your toes and keep you thinking,  and keep you guessing too, this would definitely be up your alley.

nine times travel kdrama

THE LONG VERDICT:

Nine is definitely a different beast than your average kdrama.

If I had to pinpoint one single thing that makes it that different a beast, it is that in Nine, it is the plot development and writing that takes centerstage, over and above character and relationship development.

In your average kdrama, the plot developments power the characters forward, and are the catalysts for character and relationship development, which are often given more prominence and importance than the plot developments themselves.

In Nine, however, I sort of feel like most of the characters stay fairly constant throughout the show, letting the writing and plot developments twist around them instead.

It’s an intriguing construct and it works, in the world that Nine sets up.

In keeping with the show’s emphasis, this review will also go a tiny smidge lighter on the characters and their relationships than is my usual, and I’ll spend more time discussing my thoughts on the writing itself.

CINEMATOGRAPHY

nine times travel kdrama

The cinematography in Nine is excellent, and applied very deliberately to present to us the different facets of the show.

Scenery is framed beautifully and presented with airy, almost magical strokes, like in the opening scene (above) or in this one below:

nine times travel kdrama

Cityscapes are dark, slick and polished, like so:

nine times travel kdrama

Helpful time markers are overlaid to clue us into which time window we are in, and the use of split screens is applied liberally but judiciously.

Here, it’s used to show details in one given moment, creating energy in the frame:

nine times travel kdrama

While here, it’s used to show interactions between characters:

nine times travel kdrama

I love the little detail, where characters in the past are framed with rounded corners to give us a retro sort of flavor, like so:

nine times travel kdrama

Another important use of the split screens is for the main theme of our show: time travel. We get to see events unfolding in parallel in the present and the past, and that often provides a nice juxtaposition, like so:

nine times travel kdrama

I thought the sepia filter was also a nice – and helpful – touch for events happening in the past. It helped to clue me in to which time period we were looking at.

[SPOILER ALERT]

One of my favorite scenes involving the split screen device is of Present Young Hoon and Past Young Hoon both racing towards Sun Woo in the hospital:

nine times travel kdrama

So well-shot, and obviously well thought-out and carefully planned. Kudos, Show. Love it.

[END SPOILER]

There were times when the cinematography leaned a little indulgent, such as when the split screen frames whooshed as they moved and changed during a scene.

I found it an interesting device, but it drew attention to itself, which is kind of the opposite of drawing attention to the scene. I got used to it after a while, so no major damage there.

Overall, I really enjoyed the cinematography in Nine. The attention to detail was massive, and clearly the result of a great deal of care and thought, particularly in creating scenes featuring the past, as well as recreating various scenes in the present which echo the past.

It all came together artfully and quite beautifully to support the world that the writers created.

THE CHARACTERS

Because we are dealing with 2 different timelines revolving around one set of characters, we have a pretty huge cast.

I’m just going to highlight our major characters, and for those who are played by different actors in the different timelines, I will differentiate between them prefixing their names with Young and Adult.

Lee Jin Wook as Adult Sun Woo

nine times travel kdrama

Sun Woo is the pivotal character of the entire show. From start to finish, Nine revolves around Sun Woo’s journey, and that journey takes eminence over everything else, pretty much. All other characters exist in relation to him, and their importance is also mapped in relation to him.

Lee Jin Wook turns in a solid performance as Sun Woo, effectively portraying him with an almost impenetrable veneer that is at once intelligent, rational and tenacious, while giving us glimpses, in the quiet moments, of the uncertainty, fear and worry that he keeps to himself.

I’d only ever seen Lee Jin Wook in I Need Romance 2012 , and there, he played a character with some striking similarities to Sun Woo [ SPOILER: presents a strong outer shell while hiding an illness, uses humor as a coping mechanism, and teases the object of his affection with an aggravating off-handed sort of charm].

It did bother me a little that Lee Jin Wook imbued both characters with such a similar sort of feel, but thankfully, the story here is so vastly different from the story in INR2012, that it doesn’t interfere.

nine times travel kdrama

Sun Woo’s a pretty great character, in so many ways.

He’s smart, quick on the uptake, and fast on his feet. He conducts himself as if he’s fearless, even though there are moments where he admits to being afraid.

He cares about the people around him, and puts his own life on the line without hesitation, if it means there is even the slightest possibility of saving someone that he loves.

He put himself on the line for his father, for his brother and for Min Young too.

Even at the point of dying, after the phone booth hit and run, his concern is Shi Ah / Min Young and not himself.

When Sun Woo hears that Shi Ah is there looking for her teddy bear which her mother neglected to pack, Sun Woo smiles and says reassuringly,

“I’m glad that your mother didn’t pack the teddy bear… Come here. Remember my face. Don’t ever forget it.” … “When you see a man that looks just like me… don’t get close to him. Don’t try to warm up to him. Don’t even take interest.”

Shi Ah asks, “Why not?” And Sun Woo smiles weakly, “He is going to ruin your life. Just stay away from him. Okay? Promise me. Hurry. I don’t have much time.” And they pinky promise while tears well up in his eyes.

nine times travel kdrama

Tears. What a heartbreaking scene. T.T

Above it all, my favorite quality in Sun Woo is his resilience.

From the beginning of the show, to the very end, he is resilient.

Whether he’s time traveling and fighting off baddies while dealing with a tumor in his brain, or trying to make it through a time slip while bleeding profusely from a stab wound to the gut, or trying to survive a hit and run, Sun Woo is fiercely resilient.

Even when he allowed himself to get into a drunken slump after Min Young and he agree to live as niece and uncle, he snaps to real quick, when his brother’s whereabouts come into question.

One of my favorite quotes from Sun Woo in the entire series is in episode 19, in one of the messages that he leaves in his phone while trapped under the debris of the phone booth. His voice slightly shaky, he records:

“Third message. I’m really hurt. I still have no way of going back. But I want to believe that this is not how my life is going to end. I have to survive. And I’m going to find a way back.”

nine times travel kdrama

That he manages to say that and mean it, while barely staying alive in the lonely wreckage of the phone booth, bleeding out under the relentless thunderstorm, just says so much about the strength of his will even in the midst of extreme adversity.

Yes, he didn’t make it out of the phone booth alive, but he showed such strength of character in the moment. That’s the stuff that true heroes are made of.

Park Hyung Sik and Young Sun Woo

nine times travel kdrama

I thought Park Hyung Sik did admirably well as Young Sun Woo, more so when I consider that he’s an idol actor, and we know how so many idols don’t manage the crossover to acting terribly well.

I felt that Hyung Sik’s Sun Woo was a reasonably good echo of Adult Sun Woo, with both Sun Woos giving off similar vibes. While there’s definitely room for growth and nuance, I thought Hyung Sik’s restrained delivery was solid.

nine times travel kdrama

One of the most endearing qualities I found in Young Sun Woo, was his courage in the midst of confusion.

There was so much to be confused about, for Young Sun Woo, particularly when a random stranger stopped him in the street and proceeded to knife him with the intent of killing him.

Young Sun Woo’s shaken bewilderment in that moment, combined with his valiant efforts to fight off his attacker and save himself, remains one of my favorite scenes delivered by Park Hyung Sik. He made Young Sun Woo so brave, in the midst of his confusion and fear.

Another of my favorite plot points involving Young Sun Woo, is when he decides that he needs to find a way to communicate with Adult Sun Woo. True to his quick-thinking nature, he leaves messages for Adult Sun Woo where he is sure to see them.

On his guitar, because he knows that it’s so precious that Adult Sun Woo would never dispose of it:

nine times travel kdrama

And around the house, because he deduces from Adult Sun Woo’s ID, that he still lives at the same address:

nine times travel kdrama

And in his journal, because he believes that Adult Sun Woo will read it:

nine times travel kdrama

So smart, that boy.

I love that in him, we see the same qualities that we see in Adult Sun Woo. Truly, a hero in the making.

Lee Seung Joon as Adult Young Hoon

I freaking love Lee Seung Joon as Young Hoon, seriously.

As Sun Woo’s BFF, he balances out Sun Woo’s almost clinical intellectualism with lots (and lots) of care and concern. Mostly in the form of cursing, swearing and railing at Sun Woo to take better care of himself.

Lee Seung Joon’s expressions are priceless, especially in response to all the time-traveling talk and accompanying hijinks that Sun Woo exposes Young Hoon to.

I luff Young Hoon. Such a sincere, grizzled, unkempt, dorky and adorable grumpypants. ♥

nine times travel kdrama

I love that Young Hoon’s always scolding and swearing at Sun Woo in the most inappropriate places. Out of concern, of course.

First, in the ER in episode 2 (above), and then again, in a church during Christmas mass in episode 5. It’s like his love and concern for Sun Woo is so big that it bursts out of him; it can’t be contained by mere lips. Heh.

Even better, I find it hysterical that Young Hoon then gets yelled at by his wife in public, at the restaurant, also in episode 5. So, what goes around, comes around? Or, that’s where he learned that yelling is caring? Hee. I was really quite tickled by this little running gag with Young Hoon.

Young Hoon also brings a lot of the comedy in Nine, from this classic bewildered facial expression:

nine times travel kdrama

To actual physical comedy, like here, where he’s whooping in horror while running around the hospital, flailing.

nine times travel kdrama

I love how Lee Seung Joon plays Young Hoon and makes him look like he’s literally about to lose his mind. And that he goes this crazy because that’s how much he loves his BFF? Love that even more.

I do feel for Young Hoon, though. The emotional rollercoaster he’s constantly going through as Sun Woo’s BFF is no small thing, and he handles it as well as you can expect a normal human being to handle it, under the circumstances.

In that sense, Young Hoon is extremely relatable; his reactions to the craziness of time travel mirror pretty much how any normal person would react.

My favorite Young Hoon moment in the entire show is at the end of episode 9, after he fights tooth and nail to get Sun Woo in the operating theater and promises to save him, only to be ribbed by his best friend, “You’re going to save me? You’re a liar.”

nine times travel kdrama

As events unfold in the past and his memories evolve, Young Hoon’s priceless shocked expression gives way to the most endearing, adorable goofy grin as he sees Sun Woo, alive and well, reporting the news on TV.

Young Hoon, all teary, gurgles at TV Sun Woo, “Who says I’m a liar?” … “I just saved your life.”

Aw. I. LUFF. YOUNG HOON. ♥

Lee Yi Kyung as Young Young Hoon

nine times travel kdrama

Lee Yi Kyung is an excellent Young Young Hoon, managing to mirror the vibe of Adult Young Hoon to a T.

Not only are they equally dorky, sporting similar plastic-framed glasses and corresponding goofy grins, each loves and trusts his BFF Sun Woo with the same fierce loyalty.

As an aside, I’m particularly tickled by how Lee Yi Kyung is all hardworking & nerdy in Nine, when he was a little gangster brat in School 2013 .

The pivotal moment for me, when Young Young Hoon endeared himself irrevocably to me, is here in episode 9, when he sets eyes on Sun Woo lying in his hospital bed and promptly bursts into tears.

Aw. How sweet is he?

nine times travel kdrama

And then, when Sun Woo starts with what would sound like crazy time travel talk to anyone else, Young Hoon listens intently, like so:

nine times travel kdrama

Without questioning Sun Woo’s sanity (as most people would’ve), Young Hoon does as Sun Woo requests, and goes to the park to wait for Adult Sun Woo, who had promised to meet Young Sun Woo at 9pm.

Not only that, he waits patiently in the cold for 2 whole hours, warming himself by blowing on his hands and even doing push-ups. All for the sake of honoring his BFF’s crazy-sounding request. That’s loyalty, man.

nine times travel kdrama

One of my favorite Young Young Hoon scenes is what follows this scene, when Young Hoon goes back to Sun Woo’s room to check Sun Woo’s pager for him, and finds the sachet of meds that Adult Sun Woo had dropped.

It is Young Hoon who connects the dots between the meds and what Adult Sun Woo had said about someone dying. He says urgently over the phone, “Aren’t you dying of a disease?” … “Hey! Call a doctor! Now!”

nine times travel kdrama

Smart, nerdy Young Hoon. He really does save Sun Woo. ♥

My favorite screenshot of Young Young Hoon in the whole show is this one, where he pops up in Sun Woo’s room, with a half-eaten bun in one hand and a carton of milk in the other, as Jung Woo is talking to Sun Woo.

It’s a throwaway moment, but the slight milk mustache, coupled with the crumbs around his mouth and the dorky grin as he silently offers Sun Woo the food in his hands, is just SO. CUTE.

nine times travel kdrama

I just wanna squish him, I really do. Unnggh!

Jun Noh Min as Adult Jung Woo

nine times travel kdrama

Jung Woo is mostly such a tragically weak character that often, I didn’t know whether to sympathize with him or throttle him.

Despite some glaringly wooden moments, Jun Noh Min does a decently solid job portraying Jung Woo’s brand of hapless impotence.

As with all other characters in the show, Jung Woo’s importance is mostly in relation to Sun Woo, and it is his weakness that is ultimately a key catalyst that drives many plot developments in the show.

nine times travel kdrama

From the moment that we first meet him and throughout the show, we get a clear sense of Jung Woo’s awareness of his own weakness, and the resulting sense of guilt, self-loathing and frustration.

For most of the show, Jung Woo lives in a world of regret, ashamed of his past and the choices he’s made; deeply desiring to change the course of history, but thwarted again and again by his own cowardice.

I do appreciate, though, that at his core, Jung Woo very much wants to do the right thing.

In episode 12, when Sun Woo drops the whole time-travel bombshell and the accompanying details on Jung Woo, he spends hours deep in thought.

The decision literally involves Jung Woo’s very life. If he gives Sun Woo the go ahead to go back in time to change things back, he is likely to no longer exist in the new reality.

nine times travel kdrama

Finally, Jung Woo calls Sun Woo, and we hear the most heartwrenchingly honest conversation between the 2 brothers. It’s also the first moment that I feel truly sympathetic towards Jung Woo.

Jung Woo begins,

“Is it a dream to have the opportunity to bring the past back? You have no idea… How much I have regretted that moment my whole life. I couldn’t have a good night’s sleep once for the last 20 years. I had hope then. I hoped that I would forget in a few years. But I couldn’t.

It tortures me even today. And since the moment you found out, it has been hell for me. I wanted to die, but I couldn’t. Because of my family. I think what you said is a God-given opportunity. Not anyone has this chance.

So many people live with regrets in their hearts. Having the chance to reverse it is a fortune. I still remember. 20 years ago is when I was filing papers for immigration. It tortured me everyday.

I wanted to turn myself in every time I drove by the police station. But I couldn’t. If you can go back and convince me, I will be able to turn myself in. Do that for me. If you go back, will everything go back to its place?”

Sun Woo answers, “I don’t know either. It never went as planned. Perhaps my life could change completely. But… I think that I have to bring it back. Because the start went wrong.”

Jung Woo then asks about the happiness of his wife and Min Young in that alternate reality and Sun Woo’s answers reassure him.

Jung Woo then concludes, “That’s good then. I want you to get to it ASAP then. The wedding is soon. Do it earlier and make it easy for my wife. I mean for Yoo Jin. It’s just terrible for her.” … “Today could be my last day.”

Sun Woo, tearing up: “That won’t happen. That will be meaningless then. I’m telling you this so that you wouldn’t wander for the rest of your life.”

Jung Woo answers serenely, “It’s okay for me. When I heard that I died in the Himalayas, I thought that it was like me. I’m not saying that this life is bad. But I always felt that something was off.”

Sun Woo insists, “That won’t happen.”

Jung Woo, still serene, answers, “It doesn’t matter to me.” [also could mean “I don’t matter”]

What a tough decision Jung Woo came to, and with so much sincerity. I admired him in that moment.

Another Jung Woo scene that I found rather moving is in episode 16.

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We see Jung Woo in the final moments before his suicide, making a phone call to an oblivious Min Young.

His parting words to Min Young are really sad, “Thank you for choosing me as your father when I wasn’t qualified.” … “I’m sorry. Stay well.”

So much meaning in so few words. Poor Jung Woo.

Ultimately, Jun Noh Min made Jung Woo a sympathetic character, which I consider an uphill task, taking into account how infuriatingly weak-willed he was as a character for much of the show.

But I ended up feeling sorry for him, and I appreciated that in the limited scope of his abilities, that he tried hard to do the right thing.

Seo Woo Jin as Young Jung Woo

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I suppose Seo Woo Jin did a decent job of portraying Young Jung Woo, since he was effectively infuriating in depicting Jung Woo’s weakness.

I don’t know if it was intentional in the casting, but both Jun Noh Min and Seo Woo Jin delivered their respective Jung Woos with varying degrees of woodenness.

So in an ironic sort of twist, they managed to make Young Jung Woo and Adult Jung Woo have enough of a similar vibe to be believable.

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Killing your father by mistake, and finding out that your real father is the scumbag who’s blackmailing you about it has got to be horrible for anyone.

But for Jung Woo, who’s particularly cowardly and weak-willed, that has got to be the worst nightmare ever, multiplied many, many times over.

It’s no wonder that Young Jung Woo mostly looks like he hasn’t slept in years, with eye bags the size of saucers (enough to rival the awesome Editor’s eye bags in Flower Boy Next Door ).

It’s also no wonder that he’s always on edge, and pretty much constantly looks like he’s about to jump out of his skin in panic.

I sorta wanted to feel sorry for him, but.. couldn’t. I found him exasperating and infuriating. And his cowardice was completely maddening.

The point in the show where I felt most aggravated by his weak character was when Adult Jung Woo, wanting to set things right, gives Sun Woo the go-ahead to convince Young Jung Woo to turn himself in to the police.

Young Jung Woo hems and haws and even turns around and makes to leave (I was so annoyed at this point), but I do give him credit for finally plucking up the courage to do it. Yes, he got tripped up by a dirty cop and then nothing actually changed, but, well, he did try.

It is only towards the very end of the show, when Young Jung Woo actually walks away from his wedding ceremony, that marks a truly redemptive arc for his character.

I feel that even more than the decision to walk away from the wedding, the defining moment for Jung Woo is when he sees how badly hurt Sun Woo is, from Choi’s attempt on his life. I think this is when he truly steels himself and summons up the courage to do the right thing.

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Afterwards, we get to see him speak with Sun Woo while in prison, and honestly, this is the only time in the entire show that we see Young Jung Woo with a sense of freedom about his face.

He’s no longer a slave to his guilt, and his conscience is satisfied. And while it was long in the coming, his character finally did redeem himself in my eyes.

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Jo Yoon Hee as Joo Min Young

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Because the entire show is written such that everyone and everything pivots around Sun Woo, Min Young as a character gets relegated to a very reactionary sort of place, even though she is one half of our OTP.

As a result, Jo Yoon Hee spends most of her time onscreen looking either very smitten, very pouty, very confused, or very sad.

More’s the pity, because in the few moments that she got to show some spunk, she was quite delightful. I would’ve loved for her to have been a more proactive heroine, but sadly, the writing wasn’t in her favor.

All things considered, I feel Jo Yoon Hee did a very decent job of the role, and I found Min Young likable, if limited in scope.

I thought I’d just highlight a couple of Min Young moments that I liked.

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I liked Min Young’s starry-eyed response to Sun Woo’s reprimands during their first interaction at the hospital. I found it pretty cute, that she just blurted out her attraction to him without a second thought.

Girl knows what she likes and isn’t afraid to say so. And I nod approvingly, heh.

Plus, how does she manage to actually look like she has literal stars in her eyes?!?

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When Min Young’s old memories are stirred by the muscle memory of writing her vows on the album sleeve, I like that Min Young pursues those memories, undeterred by Sun Woo’s dismissive explanations.

She is so intent and so focused on the memories trickling back to her, that she doesn’t even seem to hear Sun Woo’s outward disdain, and grabs him for a kiss.

Girl isn’t afraid to reach for what she wants. And that felt particularly refreshing in the sea of reactive material that she had to work with for most of the show.

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I was most moved by Jo Yoon Hee’s performance here, in episode 19, as Min Young watches her memories evolve in her mind’s eye as her younger self talks with a dying Sun Woo.

Her pain, horror and grief are palpable as her silent tears turn to anguished wails.

This scene brought tears to my eyes, in part because of Sun Woo’s death, but in equal part, in response to Min Young’s grief. In her agony, I felt Min Young’s love for Sun Woo.

I thought Jo Yoon Hee did beautifully here.

Jung Dong Hwan as Choi Jin Cheol

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I have to wonder what the PD was thinking (or smoking, for that matter), coz Jung Dong Hwan’s turn as Choi Jin Cheol was the most OTT crazy overplayed and exaggerated I have ever seen him.

Jung Dong Hwan is one of those veteran actors that has appeared in a gazillion kdramas, and we’ve all seen him deliver performances that were more restrained, subtle, and well, sane.

For some reason, his Choi Jin Cheol acted like he had escaped from the crazy-house, even though he wasn’t a mental patient but a respected researcher that the nation supposedly loved.

I endured his extreme bug-eyed facial contortions, but I didn’t enjoy them. This OTT villain was the most distracting thing in the entire show, which was otherwise played straight.

It’s like having Bozo the Clown show up as a character in Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It’s dissonant, it’s distracting, and it just doesn’t work.

Uhm Hyo Sup as Oh Chol Min

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Aw. I really, really loved Uhm Hyo Sup as Chief Oh.

Although Chief Oh isn’t technically a major character, Uhm Hyo Sup made him tremendously likable, and I perked up at pretty much all his scenes.

To Sun Woo, who had lost his own father at a young age, Chief Oh provided everything Sun Woo would have needed from his own father: a father figure, a role model, and an expectation of excellence and high standards, doled out with exceedingly generous amounts of genuine affection, trust and loyalty. And lots of ribbing on the side.

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I knew that I loved Chief Oh by episode 2. I loved how he literally put his neck on the line to help Sun Woo, after the stunt that Sun Woo pulled while live on the air with Evil Choi.

I loved his gruff reasoning, which barely conceals the great amount of love that he has for Sun Woo,

“…if we don’t help you, we will have to admit that what happened yesterday was an accident. That’s embarrassing. So you just keep going. Okay? What happened yesterday was no accident. It was planned by all of us. I approved it.”

And then he adds, while giving Sun Woo the side-eye, “I ripped up your resignation.”

So. Sweet. Seriously. How could I not love him??

I love how Chief Oh has clearly had a deep influence on Sun Woo. We see this in episode 17, when Sun Woo takes up Chief Oh’s offer of help, by asking him for his contact details in 1993.

To Chief Oh’s befuddled response, Sun Woo offers this explanation,

“If the police is corrupt, then it should be up to the press to right it… But that doesn’t mean that all the press do their jobs right. You’re the reporter with the most integrity that I know.” … “If I can’t even trust you, then my life was in vain.”

Talk about leaving a deep impression on someone. Loved this moment.

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Another favorite Chief Oh moment of mine, is in episode 20, where 1993 Chief Oh – then Reporter Oh – takes Young Sun Woo out to dinner after everything is over.

Sun Woo asks Reporter Oh if he can become a reporter, “I had never thought about it. But I like the job. You did something even the police couldn’t.”

Reporter Oh brushes it off, “Hey! Don’t do it. Don’t even think about doing it. This is a lot of hard work. Why would you want to do this? It doesn’t even look good.” But Sun Woo isn’t easily deterred, “It looks good.”

Reporter Oh protests, “Geez. You know that you have to be smart to be a journalist. Are you smart?” [Sun Woo: “Yeah.”]

And Reporter Oh continues, “It’s not just the brain you need. You also need the face to be a reporter on TV, like me.” Hee.

Sun Woo, without missing a beat, shoots back, “That’s me then.”

Softening, Reporter Oh finally says,

“Just come. And I will take care of you. You have experienced a lot. You will make a good journalist. You will see the loopholes in this society with your heart, not just your eyes. You will have the guts to fight it.

Other babies can never fight it. Study hard and get in. And I will give you a chance.”

Sun Woo jumps on it, “You promised.” And Reporter Oh gives in, saying, “I won’t have to worry about you having a good life. Here. Eat up.”

How sweet is that scene?? How adorable is it, that Sun Woo instinctively sticks to Reporter Oh like the father figure that he is? And how endearing is Reporter Oh’s gruff affectionate way of taking Sun Woo under his wing?

So many warm fuzzies. ♥

THE RELATIONSHIPS

Because Sun Woo is the pivotal character of the entire show, all the key relationships are those in which he is one half of the equation.

I’ve already mentioned some of these relationships in covering the characters above, but I’d like to highlight a couple of these relationships a little more.

In the constant shifting of circumstances, thanks to all the time travel, there are certain constants that remain unshakeable in these relationships.

It is these constants that provide us with a sense of immutability in the midst of the continuously shifting pieces of our characters’ realities.

Note: Delving into the relationships is where things start to get seriously spoilery in this review, due to the twisty nature of the show.

If you haven’t watched the show and don’t want to be spoiled, here’s where I’d suggest you skip to the end of the review and check out the first vid that I posted, which is a set of 2 trailers for the show.

Come back after you’ve watched the show, though, and we can talk and discuss and analyze it all, as much as you’d like. 😉

[SPOILERS DEAD AHEAD]

Sun Woo & Young Hoon

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I loved the bromance between Sun Woo and Young Hoon in both timelines.

I loved that in both timelines, Sun Woo never hesitated to share his time-traveling exposure and related thoughts with Young Hoon, even though he must have known how crazy it would sound to anyone listening.

And I loved that in both timelines, Young Hoon gave Sun Woo a listening ear and an open mind.

The amount of trust and openness the two shared is the stuff of epic bromances, and I loved how tightly they rolled, in facing Sun Woo’s time-travel conundrums together.

There was never any doubt that as far as Young Hoon was concerned, Sun Woo’s problems were his problems. By the same token, there was never any doubt that as far as Sun Woo was concerned, that there was no holding back or withholding information from Young Hoon.

In spirit and in practice, these two shared a bond that could not be broken. Not even by crazy time travel stuff.

Love it. So much.

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One of the most moving, heart-in-my-throat sequences involving Sun Woo and Young Hoon is in episode 9, where Young Hoon runs towards Sun Woo in the hospital, both in 1992 and in 2012.

Young Hoon’s panic in both timelines, borne out of love, is heartwarming and poignant to witness.

Aside from the tears and conversation that Sun Woo and Young Hoon share in 1992, the exchange between Sun Woo and Young Hoon in 2012 is even more moving and filled with pathos.

As he’s being wheeled into surgery where his chances of survival are faint, Sun Woo weakly chuckles to a distressed Young Hoon with the darkest humor possible,

“I signed it. I was afraid that you would call my legal guardian. You were going to do as you like anyway. I know you. You would have forged it if I didn’t sign it. Just kill me in peace.”

Ow. My heart.

Sun Woo knows that it’s almost guaranteed that he’s going to die by agreeing to the surgery.

Yet, because Young Hoon wants to cling to even the most remote possibility of saving him, Sun Woo agrees to the operation even though it would mean truncating whatever time that he does have left.

That is either the greatest amount of trust, to put your life in the hands of your friend despite the minuscule chances, or the greatest sacrifice, to give up the remaining days of your life, in order to give your friend the peace of mind that he tried everything to save you.

Either way, the extent of their friendship and brotherhood is epic, poignant and completely moving.

Sun Woo & Jung Woo

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I found the relationship between Sun Woo and Jung Woo interesting in that in the midst of its bitter contentiousness, there ran a deeply ingrained sense of care. And even though Sun Woo was the younger brother, he often felt like the more mature one between the two.

The very reason that Sun Woo began to time travel was to fulfill his dead brother’s wishes, and even when things went wrong and it ended up messing up his own life, he was satisfied that Jung Woo did not die, and now had the life and family that he hadn’t had, in the original timeline.

That demonstrates to me, the magnitude of Sun Woo’s care for his brother, despite his brother’s failings.

Certainly, Sun Woo’s only human, and there were moments in the show where his frustration with Jung Woo came spilling out. One such instance is in episode 8, where he bursts out in anger after discovering the truth of their father’s death.

In increasingly upset and emotional tones, Sun Woo erupts,

“You should be sorry. You took Father away from me. You took Mother away from me. Then you just left me behind without taking care of me. Then you came back as a dead man.

You made me waste my youth hating Choi Jin Cheol. You left these cursed incense sticks for me to find out secrets that I didn’t even want to find out. You ruined all of my precious memories. And my girl!”

Despite it all, though, Sun Woo consistently gives Jung Woo the chance to choose to do the right thing.

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In episode 9, when Sun Woo’s tumor has reached dangerous proportions and he’s faced with imminent death, he decides to call Jung Woo in spite of his anger with his brother.

Quietly, Sun Woo says his parting words to Jung Woo,

“I thought I should call you once at least. I don’t want to have a conversation. So just listen to me. I don’t think I can ever forgive you. This isn’t up to me to forgive. But let me ask of you one thing. You could get her after all that sacrifice.

Be responsible. Don’t just depend on drugs. Fight off depression. Be a good doctor. Make your family happy. If you can’t even do that… Then my life is just too meaningless. Visit Mom often before she passes.

Be a good husband. Be a good father. That’s your duty until your death. Okay?”

It’s heartbreaking and true at the same time. Sun Woo has spent all of his precious, limited time trying to fix everything for his brother, only to be disappointed by Jung Woo again.

Yet, he’s still giving Jung Woo a chance to make it right, by giving him a to-do list to follow, after his own death.

As the timelines in the show continue to shift and unfold, this is one of the things that remains constant:

Sun Woo is very clear about why he can’t forgive Jung Woo, yet, Sun Woo faithfully continues to give Jung Woo the opportunity to make the right choice, in order to right his wrongs.

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In episode 12, Sun Woo again spells it out for Jung Woo,

“What Father said to you on that night. How he beat up Mother. I know that you had no choice. But I can’t forgive you. Because you lied to me for 20 years. And you didn’t pay for your sins. If you didn’t fall for Choi Jin Cheol’s trick and took the responsibility for your action…

At least it wouldn’t have been this bad.” … “Choi changed on that day. He was afraid of nothing. He had lost his conscience. If it wasn’t for that day, he wouldn’t have become the monster he is today.

So I’m asking you. Do you have the courage to go back to pay for your crime?”

In episode 17, Sun Woo again gives Young Jung Woo the chance to make the right choice, when he calls the church and tells Jung Woo that he can either run away to America or stay in Korea and pay for his crime.

I have to say, in that moment, after Jung Woo had let us down again and again, I was very doubtful of whether he would pull through. With no more buffer and no more incense sticks, I really thought it would have been safer for Sun Woo to have not given Jung Woo a choice.

But Jung Woo did come through, and I’m glad. And I admire Sun Woo for believing in his brother, despite all indications otherwise, that Jung Woo was capable of doing the right thing, and making the right choice.

Sun Woo could not – would not – act without Jung Woo’s agreement and decision. Respect.

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One of the most poignant moments between the brothers is in episode 13, when Sun Woo is stabbed during his time slip and Jung Woo comes to the hospital to see him.

As Jung Woo clasps Sun Woo’s hand in his, he tells Sun Woo that Young Jung Woo has just gone to the police station in the past. He adds, “I’m sorry.”

I love the little detail, even as their hands unclasp and Sun Woo is wheeled away, that Sun Woo is still reaching for his brother.

As tumultuous as the circumstances around their relationship get, two things are crystal clear: Sun Woo’s care and respect for Jung Woo, and Jung Woo’s love for Sun Woo.

Sun Woo & Min Young

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Although the OTP relationship takes a slight backseat to Sun Woo’s personal journey, it is still a relationship that has a good measure of substance.

From timeline to timeline, as the jigsaw pieces of each new reality shift into place, one of the big constants is the love that Sun Woo has for Min Young, and perhaps more importantly, the love that Min Young has for Sun Woo.

The reason I say more importantly, is because while Sun Woo is cognizant of each shifting timeline, Min Young is, for the most part, oblivious to the sometimes massive changes that occur in her life, thanks to Sun Woo’s time traveling.

Yet, her admiration and affection for him is just one of those things that never changes. Even when she becomes his niece at the end of episode 4, she is strongly drawn to him.

Throughout the show, we get little arcs and anecdotes that indicate the depth and extent of our OTP’s regard for each other. Plus, we get a nice sprinkling of swoony moments too.

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At the beginning of the show, when Sun Woo visits Min Young in Nepal and offers to date her for three months, she is at first confused and annoyed.

But when Young Hoon informs her of Sun Woo’s brain tumor and the prognosis, Min Young decides to accept Sun Woo’s proposal, and she determines to put on a cheerful face for him, even though she’s deeply grieved.

Her basis is Sun Woo’s words, “What is the importance of that smile? I’m trying my best to muster up energy. But I still feel like crying multiple times a day. It’s not just a smile. It’s everything to me.”

And so, Min Young forces that smile, to give Sun Woo strength. And she decides to marry him and give him whatever strength and happiness she can, in the little time that he has.

At the same time, Sun Woo is feeling a new confidence brought on by the discovery of the incense sticks. His closing words to Min Young at the end of episode 3 are quite swoony,

“Don’t you think three months is too short? How about three years? No… should we keep it going for 30 years? That’s good, 30 years! Let’s keep it up until one of us bails out first.” … “You want to bet who lives longer? I’m confident all of a sudden.”

It’s pretty much right there, that we begin to see the depth of the love these 2 have for each other. She loves him enough to condense forever into 3 short months. And he loves her enough, to give her forever.

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A quick, almost throwaway scene which I found really cute, is in episode 4, when Min Young wheedles Sun Woo to express his love for her in front of their colleagues, “Make a heart to them. A big one.”

I love that just when we think he isn’t going to do it, he makes the heart at them, complete with a stiffly defiant macho face.

Throwing his dignity away for her? In front of disbelieving male colleagues? Yes, he loves her alright. Heh.

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Even after Min Young becomes Sun Woo’s niece, she’s deeply interested in Sun Woo.

I was amused by the exchange the newly minted uncle and niece share in episode 6.

Min Young jumps on the discovery that Sun Woo had a girlfriend, and grills him on why they broke up, and why he isn’t trying to get her back, since he’s so lonely without her.

Sun Woo answers, “Amnesia” … “Don’t you know what an amnesia is? It’s in dramas all the time. The most common disease in the world.” Har har. Way to put a fresh new twist on one half of the OTP not remembering the other half.

Then, in response to Min Young’s question on why he can’t just start over with his amnestic ex-girlfriend, Sun Woo says, “I thought we were strangers, but we were really family. Don’t you know? This is always in dramas too. Birth secret.”

Ha! And Touche.

I love that the writers have a sharp sense of humor and hang a lantern on some of the admittedly more makjang plot developments in the show.

I also appreciate that Sun Woo doesn’t lie to Min Young. He tells her the truth, in a way that makes sense to her.

At the same time, Min Young remains able to read Sun Woo even when she’s his niece. In episode 7, she says to him, “You act like you’re calm. But something inside of you is saying that you’re uneasy. I can see that in your face.”

I love that even though he has mostly kept up a hard outer shell all this time, not really letting anyone in, nor letting any emotion out, that she knows him this well.

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One of my favorite OTP scenes is the rain kiss in episode 11.

I like how the writers connect Sun Woo and Min Young finally, through the understanding of a shared memory: The place where they first kissed, in an alternate reality.

After Min Young’s gone missing for hours, she calls Sun Woo and tearfully tells him about her weird alternate memories of their honeymoon becoming more and more concrete.

Sun Woo demands, “Where are you?” and Min Young chokes out, “My… I mean, where Joo Min Young’s first kiss was with her love of 5 years.”

Without hesitation, Sun Woo instructs, “Wait there.”

He drives straight to her, and they finally meet face to face, in the pouring rain.

Confused, Min Young asks, “How did you know that I was here?” Sun Woo answers, “You said it was our first kiss.”

Amazed, Min Young tearfully manages, “You also remembered?”

Grabbing her, Sun Woo says, “You know the word I hate the most in the world? Samchoon.” and he swoops in for the kiss. Eee!

I love that it is a memory that they share in their original reality that reunites them in this new reality. It’s like their love in the original reality is stronger than the fetters of the new reality. That that’s how strongly they’re connected.

Also, in episode 12, in the aftermath of the rain kiss, Sun Woo tenderly says these melty if amoral words to Min Young:

“If you ask me to live with you far away, I would gladly do it. If you say that it’s okay that we stay as family, I will just be a good uncle to you. If you want to see me sometimes without anyone knowing… I’m okay with that too. I will do anything you like.”

I like that despite Sun Woo’s usually gruff treatment of Min Young, that in this moment, he’s tender and he’s genuinely giving her the assurance that he would do whatever she prefers.

Yes, the amorality of some of the options he presents niggled at me a bit, but his sincere tenderness towards her, putting her desires and preferences above even his own moral standards, is hard to ignore.

In this moment, there is no doubt that he loves her deeply and that to him, her happiness is paramount.

Finally, I think many of us would have liked more OTP sweetness over the course of the show. Here’s a photo spasm to soothe those of us who wanted more lovey-dovey goodness for our OTP:

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Adult Sun Woo & Young Sun Woo

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Perhaps the most surprising and heartwarming relationship in the show, is that between Young Sun Woo and Adult Sun Woo.

This was a relationship that I didn’t even see coming, because I didn’t expect Adult Sun Woo to enlist the help of his younger self in his quest to save his father.

Call it conditioning from watching Back to the Future. Sun Woo basically consistently flouted my expectations when it came to messing with the space-time continuum.

Sun Woo appeared to have no qualms whatsoever in not just engaging his younger self, but identifying himself to him.

At the end of episode 6, Adult Sun Woo wakes Young Sun Woo from his sleep, with the most mind-bending introduction ever: “It’s good to see you again. My name is Park Sun Woo. Born on July 9, 1975. Right now I’m 38. Do you know what that means? I’m you from the year 2012.”

While Young Sun Woo takes some persuading, what I love about this moment is the look of kind affection in Adult Sun Woo’s eyes as he speaks to his younger self.

I love that from deep and bewildered suspicion, Young Sun Woo comes to trust Adult Sun Woo implicitly.

In episode 9, as Young Sun Woo muses to Young Hoon about Adult Sun Woo’s no-show at the park, his trust in Adult Sun Woo is clear: “I think something else went wrong… I think the person who is going to die is me. He’s not calling because he can’t.” … “Because I’m dead.”

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In episode 17, as Adult Sun Woo puts a wounded Young Sun Woo in a taxi with the video evidence, Young Sun Woo asks, “Was my father really killed?”

I love the matter-of-fact, yet kind and assuring response that Adult Sun Woo gives,

“You will find out soon enough. Don’t hate the killer. He had no choice. It’s no one’s fault. It will be hard for you to accept it right now. But you will understand when you’re my age. And that’s not going to ruin your future.

You will have a good life regardless of that. And you will be happy. Okay?”

I love, too, the look of trust in Young Sun Woo’s face, as he hears that. And it’s evident that he takes Adult Sun Woo’s words to heart.

In episode 18, when he visits Young Jung Woo in prison, he says intently, “I still can’t understand you. But he said that I will understand later. I’m trusting his words that I will some day.”

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The most affirming and bittersweet exchange between the two, is their final messages to each other in episode 20.

Adult Sun Woo leaves a voice message for Young Sun Woo, which says,

“My last message to the me of 20 years ago. I will be going back at noon. I can never come back here again. No matter what message you leave me, I can’t answer you. So forget me, and live your life. You don’t need to find out how I lived.

Because every decision you make will make me. I told you right? You always made the right decision. You will have a good life. So forget about my existence. If you live every day the right way then you will find me in the mirror after 20 years. I will see you in 20 years.”

So kind, so reassuring and so full of belief and trust in his younger self.

In response, Young Sun Woo writes a message to Adult Sun Woo in his diary,

“My last message to myself 20 years later. Did you get back alright? I will trust you that I will understand my brother someday. I will also believe that I will always make the right decision. You seemed like a good person to me. You were also brave.

I won’t leave a message to you again or try to find out what you are doing. I’m a man of my word. You know that right? I will see you 20 years later. Bye.”

Equally affirming, and reciprocating Adult Sun Woo’s trust by promising to keep his word. Love it.

I love how consistent both Sun Woos are, in their trust and belief in each other, and in their strength of character, and the purposeful way they both set their eyes to the future, determined to keep their words one to the other.

I love, too, that we get to see that eventual reunion in the mirror, even though it is bittersweet.

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What an unexpectedly awesome bromance, between a man and his younger self. ♥

THE WRITING

The writing in Nine is some of the tightest, most well-thought-out writing that I’ve ever come across in all the kdramas that I’ve watched.

The painstaking precision the writers take with the little details totally shows.

The way the pieces fall into place is impressive; bits of throwaway conversation suddenly gain significance as characters learn new information.

Like Jung Woo saying on the phone: “It bothers me how you attacked Chairman Choi.” or Sun Woo musing, “I’m worried… That I’ve done something very stupid.” … “I changed Joo Min Young to Park Min Young.”

The first time we hear these words, they don’t seem to mean anything. But on hindsight, they mean everything.

One of the reasons this device works is because Sun Woo answers questions with the truth, and that’s why Min Young can piece things together later.

Eg. About Joo Min Young not remembering him, and how it would be wrong for them to be together because they realized they are related.

How far the writers must have planned ahead, to plant these unassuming decoys. Well done indeed.

The writers also clearly put in an enormous amount of thought to flesh out the mechanics of the time travel, the inter-workings of the parallel timelines, and the ripple effects of every twist and turn resulting from each time slip.

Where the writers didn’t fill in the blanks, I mostly got the sense that it was because they chose not to, not because they overlooked to do so.

There were some instances where I questioned the consistency in logic, which I’ll get to later. Overall though, I’m very impressed with the writers.

The Mechanics of Time Travel

nine times travel kdrama

Because the writers don’t spell things out for us (versus, say,  Operation Proposal , where you get a Time Conductor explaining the rules), understanding the mechanics of time travel in this drama is like a journey of discovery for the viewer.

As things happen in the show, our understanding of how it’s supposed to work gets clearer.

It got a little confusing at times, but overall I’d say it was a fun puzzle to piece together.

Coming from the people who brought us Queen In-hyun’s Man , it’s no surprise that Nine’s treatment of time travel is somewhat similar. The past is positioned as a parallel timeline to the present, and both timelines unfold concurrently.

This means that Sun Woo’s own timeline doesn’t gain or lose time when he moves between timelines. Essentially, it’s almost like a geographical movement instead of temporal one. This also means that when Sun Woo time travels, he basically goes missing from the present.

This set-up made for interesting developments, which I’ll touch on in the next section.

I also found it interesting that we got to see events unfolding from Young Jung Woo’s and Young Sun Woo’s points of view. That’s an open door that I hadn’t expected.

I’d thought we would experience everything from Present Sun Woo’s point of view, particularly since he was the one doing all the time traveling. I liked that this shifting lens also added interest and texture to our story.

In terms of the mechanics of Sun Woo’s location as he moved between timelines, I thought it was rather convenient that the writers chose to have him return to his original location in the present, regardless of his location in the past.

But, the writers were consistent with this, which made it easier to buy it as part of the construct of this show’s time travel device. Plus it saved our hero from drowning in the river, so that’s a good thing.

nine times travel kdrama

One thing I was puzzled about for a bit, was the way physical items from previous timelines remained even after massive changes to the present reality.

It’s good though, that the writers point out the inconsistency themselves. Sun Woo muses,

“Strange isn’t it? My brother didn’t die in the Himalayas. I didn’t go to Nepal to retrieve my brother’s stuff. But I still have the incense sticks. I still have the LP record that I picked up from the mountain.

The memories do not exist anymore. But I still have the remains. It’s a mystery isn’t it?”

Just as I was asking my screen the question,

“Yes, but why would the LP still be there? It doesn’t make any sense?” the writers have Sun Woo helpfully reply, “It’s pointless to ask that question. Nothing that happened in the last few days is possible. This is the problem.

Just like the objects are not disappearing… The memories should be gone physically. But they don’t go away forever. Can I live on with two memories? Even if I get healthy. How can I live on if I miss my alternate life?”

I was a little deflated that this quirk in our time-travel universe was not explained and that I had no choice but to buy it if I wanted to continue to enjoy the rest of the show.

Plus, if it had worked the other way, meaning the objects couldn’t remain behind after timeslip-related shifts in reality, then after Jung Woo didn’t die in the Himalayas and Sun Woo didn’t go to retrieve his body, the incense sticks wouldn’t have remained either.

And we kinda needed those for our story.

In the same mysterious vein, we never understand why Sun Woo’s tumor grows larger and his life gets shortened with every time slip.

Neither are we told why Sun Woo continues to have the headaches after he’s cured. Nor are we told why the headaches seem to stop after some time. Nor are we told whether the time travel after that point affects Sun Woo’s health negatively in any way.

Eventually, though, I realized that the writers never actually spell out the rules of the time travel even though rules are implied.

So I guess I can’t quite blame the writers for inconsistencies because, well, this time travel incense never promised consistency. Heck, the incense didn’t even promise return trips .

They only promised time travel. And they delivered on that.

Inter-workings of the Parallel Timelines

Timelines Unfolding in Parallel

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One of smartest uses of the parallel timelines unfolding concurrently, I thought, is the way the New Past affects the present as new events unfold and the ripples from those events create big changes in the New Present.

A number of the show’s best moments stem from the events in the New Past affecting and creating a New Present.

Like Min Young disappearing from right in front of Sun Woo at the end of episode 4, because her younger self calls Jung Woo, which triggers his reunion with her mum, which then prevents his death in the present, which then makes her Sun Woo’s niece.

Or like Young Sun Woo deducing that he is the one who was going to die, then Young Hoon finding the pills and them linking the two to deduce that Sun Woo would die of a brain tumor, and then having that save Sun Woo in the present.

Or like the incense stick disappearing in the present out of Young Hoon’s hands because one stick gets stolen from Young Sun Woo in the New Past.

nine times travel kdrama

I read that some viewers believe Adult Sun Woo and Young Sun Woo become 2 people, divorced from each other, and that’s why Adult Sun Woo has to read the journal in order to find out what Young Sun Woo is thinking.

I actually disagree that they become 2 people, even though they interact as such during Adult Sun Woo’s timeslips.

To me, it actually makes sense that Adult Sun Woo has to read the journal everyday to find out what Young Sun Woo was thinking.

After all, these two timelines are unfolding concurrently, in parallel. He would remember details from the Old Past, since those memories pre-exist and don’t change.

But as long as it’s the New Past that’s unfolding, Adult Sun Woo wouldn’t be privy to what happens until it unfolds in the New Past.

The only thing that I think got overlooked here is, shouldn’t Adult Sun Woo’s memories evolve as Young Sun Woo writes in the journal?

As with other characters who can see their memories evolve in their mind’s eye as their younger selves take new actions, logically Sun Woo should have experienced the same. (More on that later)

As a side note, I thought it was funny that Adult Sun Woo could hear the scraping of the screwdriver on wood as Young Sun Woo left him messages around the house.

I wonder if that was intended to just be some cool effect, or if it was meant to indicate that the barrier separating the two timelines was thinning?

Much as I would like to go for the cooler explanation of the barrier between the timelines thinning, I’m pretty sure it was mostly for dramatic effect.

nine times travel kdrama

Speaking of cool effects, I really like this particular use of the split screens and the concurrently unfolding parallel timelines.

Time traveling Sun Woo in the past, looks down threateningly at Past Choi, while Present Choi sees it unfold in his mind’s eye through his evolving memories and looks scared and threatened. And what we see, is Sun Woo in the past, threatening Choi in the present.

Nicely done, Show. That’s what I call clever editing.

Changing Fabric & Evolving Memories

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By episode 5 we learn that the tilting camera angle is to clue us in to a change in the fabric of reality.

We also see for the first time, someone actually experience the shift in reality and the related evolving memories, in Young Hoon’s stunned moment in the OR.

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Comparing it to the previous time, when Sun Woo tested it on him with the Christmas card, it had worked differently then. Young Hoon had gained the memory without realizing it. It’d felt natural to him the first time.

Based on the experiences of other characters in subsequent episodes, my conclusion is that the condition for being aware of memory changes is first being aware of the incense sticks and the time travel.

That’s how both Young Hoon and Jung Woo became aware of memory changes stemming from events occurring in the New Past.

I thought it was really interesting that subsequently, characters began to see their memories evolve in real time, in their mind’s eye. Like how Jung Woo could see his memory evolve in the moment, as he watched his younger self struggle to muster up the courage to turn himself in.

We’re not told why this happens, since previously, characters’ memories had always adjusted in one shot, whenever a key event changed.

I wondered if it was because the ripples of the New Past increased in force and speed as the 2 time dimensions continued to interact, but, as with many other questions, this went unanswered.

I’d like to think that it was because the ripples of the New Past increased with speed, coz that’s the cooler explanation. But I also kinda think it probably was a decision made for greater dramatic effect.

Either way, the memories evolving in real-time was a cool device that made for some excellent dramatic tension. I liked it. I just wish the writers could have been even more consistent with it. Only Sun Woo doesn’t experience it, which feels unfair and convenient. (More on that in a bit)

Ripple Effects

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I am impressed with the attention to detail that the writers serve up, particularly in relation to the ripple effects of Sun Woo’s time traveling.

For instance, when Young Sun Woo tussled with him and hit his head, I liked that the writers remembered to give Adult Sun Woo a corresponding scar on his forehead.

And then when Min Young became Sun Woo’s niece and I realized that she wasn’t aware of his brain tumor, I had to think about why.

I realized that as his niece, Min Young wouldn’t have been crushing on Sun Woo and they wouldn’t have had all those conversations and she wouldn’t have called Young Hoon and that’s why she didn’t know about his illness in the reality where he was her uncle.

That’s a lot of thought right there, that needs to go into every single bit of plot development in this show. The writers need to track every ripple’s possible effects.

It’s a herculean task for sure, considering the number of shifts that take place over all the time slips, and I think the writers did a great job of it.

Despite the multitude of ripple effects, though, there are certain things that remain constant, and the show makes it a point to remind us of this.

After the big shift causing Min Young to become Sun Woo’s niece, he muses,

“Fortunately, [Min Young’s] life hasn’t changed much. Other than that her step-father is now a doctor instead of a lawyer. If her life had changed a lot, her character would have also changed.

Fortunately, she still doesn’t use her brain much. She is still as bright as ever. My brother finally got together with his dream girl… But he still left Mom and me. He’s still not a good son or a good brother. But I guess he is now a good husband and a good father.”

Inconsistencies

nine times travel kdrama

There are a couple of smaller things that don’t make sense in the show, like how it was odd that paramedics were rushing Sun Woo’s very dead father away in an ambulance. But I’m not going to nitpick about those things.

I’m only going to highlight the biggest one which directly relates to time travel & its mechanics.

I’ve asked the question earlier in this review and I’ll ask it again:

Why doesn’t Sun Woo’s memory evolve like everyone else’s? If the condition for being aware of the memory changes, is knowing about the incense sticks and the time travel, then Sun Woo, above everyone else, should qualify.

Even if, arguably, characters only see their memories evolve in their mind’s eye as the ripples become more advanced, it still doesn’t match up, because to the end, Sun Woo doesn’t see the memories unfold in real-time.

Like, when the incense stick disappears from Young Hoon’s hands, logically, Sun Woo should have an altered memory as soon as Young Sun Woo discovers the loss. But I can rationalize that possibly, Young Sun Woo never checked on them and didn’t know they were taken?

STILL. There’s that other big incident where Young Sun Woo is confronted by the guy with the knife.

Adult Sun Woo should have memories evolving in his mind, in the moment, like how Jung Woo could see his past self deliberating on whether to go to the police station. That Sun Woo doesn’t have the same is not consistent.

Instead, Sun Woo has to deduce what is happening, based on the scar that’s forming on his forearm: “I think I’m going to die soon. But I don’t know where I’m going to die.”

Well. It makes for nice dramatic tension, but I just couldn’t shake the thought that this was terribly inconsistent.

On a smaller note, it niggled at me that during Sun Woo’s final timeslip, the 30 minutes – no, 25 minutes, and that was just his best guess – lasted a ridiculously long time. That he could do so much in 25 minutes – including having a leisurely conversation with Choi – was just unbelievable.

Plus, he moved in such an unhurried manner, which didn’t make sense to me, considering that he knew his younger self was seriously injured and could possibly be killed.

Tsk. The things that get sacrificed for dramatic tension.

My Take on Certain Details

I thought I’d give my take on a couple of questions that I saw raised by other viewers.

1. Sun Woo’s headaches

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After Sun Woo’s tumor is confirmed to be gone, he continues to experience pain, and he theorizes, “I have all the memories and all the objects. I have the pain too. I guess that’s how it works.”

After some time, though, the headaches seem to disappear, coz we don’t see Sun Woo wincing in pain from them anymore. (Side note: Lee Jin Wook was very convincing at Sun Woo’s headaches, I have to say. Every time he had a pain spasm, I tensed up in my chair.)

I don’t know if that was deliberate, or an oversight by the writers.

I like to think that the residual headaches were akin to the way amputee patients continue to feel their phantom limbs. And I expect that, as with amputee patients, that sense of the phantom limb, or in this case, the phantom tumor, faded with time.

2. Seo Joon’s affected looks

nine times travel kdrama

One of the questions I saw thrown about among viewers, was why Seo Joon (Oh Min Suk) kept looking at Min Young and her family from afar all through episode 15, with tears in his eyes and a conflicted look on his face.

My take is that he probably felt guilty for calling off the wedding based on his presumption of the truth.

After all, he called off the wedding without any real proof, or anyone’s admission of the truth. So he’d called off the wedding on a hunch, technically. And now, stemming from that, or at least apparently so, all manner of terrible things were happening.

Since he’s written as a decent person at heart, he’d likely feel guilty thinking that if he hadn’t done that, that the entire media circus and Jung Woo’s suicide wouldn’t have happened.

That’s how people respond. Unless they’re evil like Choi, that is.

3. Jung Woo’s missing alternate timeline memories

nine times travel kdrama

I saw another question about episode 14 which I found interesting: Why doesn’t Jung Woo seem to have alternate timeline memories?

At first, I thought the person who asked the question might have hit on an inconsistency by the writers. Upon closer inspection, though, I found that the writers were consistent.

Min Young’s alternate timeline memories were regained through repetition of writing the words she’d written as Joo Min Young, not through knowing about the incense sticks.

On the other hand, like Jung Woo, Young Hoon doesn’t regain alternate timeline memories either. The only thing Jung Woo and Young Hoon gain from knowing about the incense sticks is the awareness of changing memories as events unfold in the New Past.

Therefore, it makes sense that Jung Woo didn’t gain alternate timeline memories, and instead, gained the ability to see the memories evolve in his mind’s eye as his younger self made those new memories in the New Past.

The Emotional-Mental Hook

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All series long, I felt a tension between the mental versus the emotional hook of this show. What I mean is, I felt mentally engaged much more than emotionally engaged.

Through most of the drama, I moved forward based more on curiosity than actual emotional engagement. Chewing on it to figure out the reasons why, here’s what I came up with.

What Blocked the Emotional Hook

1. Sun Woo’s Character

When we’re introduced to Sun Woo, he’s a character that appears mysterious and emotionless. He keeps everything to himself and keeps other people at a distance.

I feel like he’s also pushing me away, vicariously, in a way.

As the show progresses and he starts to time travel, he’s dogged and determined and almost never seems deterred, no matter the obstacles that he comes up against. Most of the time, he’s like a machine, plowing through, with focus, without emotion.

It’s hard to feel for someone who feels like a machine, basically.

2. Twisty Writing

I think one of the big reasons I felt more mentally engaged by this show than emotionally, is because I had to switch on my mind so much in order to keep up with the show’s plot points and its related web of implications.

My brain was so preoccupied that my heart couldn’t engage as well as it usually does.

If I didn’t have to switch on my brain this much, I’m guessing I might have felt more for the characters?

3. Makjang Mood

Somewhere along the way, I realized that a good number of the plot points were quite makjang, really.

I mean, a death was covered up, and the body burned, so that the wound wouldn’t be detected? And Jung Woo’s father is Evil Choi? And Min Young is really Shi Ah?

So we have birth secrets and murder. And fauxcest. And crazy people. And disapproving fathers. That’s kinda makjang, you hafta admit.

The thing is, the moment I realized the makjang bent of the plot twists, I actually felt myself being less invested.

4. Time Travel Device

Perhaps the biggest thing holding back my emotional engagement, was the nature of the show itself: time travel.

Because it’s a time travel show, there’s always this thought hanging over everything, that things could possibly change if Sun Woo goes back to the past to fix it.

So even with Jung Woo’s death, I didn’t feel any sadness. Instead, I felt only a clinical sort of interest, in terms of how the writers could possibly turn this around with a time slip.

What Helped the Emotional Hook

Despite my relatively weaker emotional engagement with the show, there were definitely moments that moved me. Here are a couple, for the record.

1. Other Characters

Playing opposite Sun Woo’s Terminator-like focus, Young Hoon and Min Young were much needed foils.

Young Hoon’s upset-ness at Sun Woo was believable, likable and relatable. I also liked the way Min Young reacted to Sun Woo’s illness, with tears and anger.

Young Hoon’s and Min Young’s reactions helped to humanize every situation where Sun Woo withheld emotion.

2. Cracks in the Armor

Thankfully, Sun Woo does show cracks in his armor, and there were moments when I really did feel for him.

In episode 8 (above), when Sun Woo cries in grief, and perhaps hopelessness, marks the first moment I actually really feel for him as a character.

Min Young asks why he keeps calling her Joo Min Young, and Sun Woo answers weakly, gently, thoughtfully, “No, you’re Joo Min Young. Although you probably do not remember. I only remember Joo Min Young.”

When Min Young asks, “Why are you crying?” Sun Woo whispers hoarsely, tears streaming down his face, “It’s a secret.”

I felt for him so much, in this moment.

3. Moment of Liberty

Just as much as I liked to see the cracks in Sun Woo’s armor in terms of expressing his weakness and fears, I also really appreciated this brief moment of happiness that we see at the end of episode 3.

Sun Woo records in his voice diary: “I still can’t believe this fortune. I’m still afraid that it’s a hallucination. But in front of death, everything is simple and crystal clear. Believe in the fantasies you want to believe. Love the girl you want to love.”

I love the liberty in those words. And anything outside of Sun Woo’s dogged emotionless armor, helps to humanize him to me.

He tries so hard to hold it in. But it’s only when the cracks in his armor show, that I am able to feel for him.

My Thoughts on the Ending

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I confess I was a little underwhelmed by the sudden lack of dramatic tension in the last episode. After so many episodes of taut tension, this sudden slack felt unfamiliar and a little dissonant.

I get what the writers were doing in killing off Original Sun Woo, I think. It was to cut off one timeline for us, so that we could just focus on New Sun Woo walking in the new reality that Original Sun Woo had paved with his very life on the line.

Having Original Sun Woo stuck in the past was good dramatically, but because the writers didn’t give us an explanation for it, it felt a bit gratuitous. Sun Woo’s reasoning of “I am the incense” made no sense to me, and I couldn’t buy it.

I did like that Jung Woo now seemed like a more confident person. Probably an effect of having made the right choice, and having cleared his conscience. I was glad to see him no longer living in guilt.

I also liked how the show filled in the gaps for us for all the characters. We got to see the rewrite of events in New Sun Woo’s life, so in a way, we got to savor the fruit of Original Sun Woo’s labor.

I liked the call-backs to details from earlier episodes, like scenes built similarly but now different (Sun Woo and Jung Woo meeting in a coffee shop, Jung Woo with his red parka, except this time it’s for food and not coffee, and Jung Woo isn’t asking for money), as well as consistent details like what Sun Woo says:

“December 4, 2012. My first message to myself. I don’t know if it’s fortunate or unfortunate that your will didn’t work. Joo Min Young loved me regardless. I can no longer live without not caring about the future. Perhaps this is what happened.

Because you left a strong impression to Min Young when she was young. She fell in love with me at first sight. I could have become a reporter because of the connection you made for me in the past.”

“If that’s true, then I can save you. I can prevent Min Young from being unhappy because of me. But that’s not true. What would you have done right now? I would keep it simple right now. I will just believe what I want to believe. And I will just love the girl that I love.”

The closing bit is very reminiscent of what our earlier version of Sun Woo had said at the end of episode 3, when he’d found the incense sticks and felt the freedom of hope: “Believe in the fantasies you want to believe. Love the girl you want to love.”

This provides some sort of confirmation that this version of Sun Woo is essentially the same person as the earlier version that we’d gotten to know. Except this version is unfettered with the burden of a brain tumor and a guilt-ridden brother searching for a way to change the past.

So in the end, all the time traveling that Original Sun Woo had done, did do something positive in creating a new future for New Sun Woo.

That he had to die doing it, is not the way I had wanted it to be resolved. But I consider this a technical out, coz the writers never did explain to us the finer rules of the incense sticks.

nine times travel kdrama

My thoughts on the ending credits scene:

There are so many ways to interpret the scene that played during the ending credits. An older-looking Sun Woo, with a fuller more wrinkly face, sporting a graying goatee, saves Jung Woo, who’s collapsed in the snowy mountains, with incense stick in hand.

I came up with a couple of interpretations.

1. The scene is a hint that the writers created to communicate 2 things. 1, that New Sun Woo didn’t die in the past in this timeline like Original Sun Woo did, coz he looks visibly older in this scene and 2, that he somehow still time travels in this new timeline too. So, some things don’t change.

Essentially, he’s still who he is, and he still time travels for the sake of saving his brother, who still seeks out magic incense sticks. But New Sun Woo has a brighter, longer future than Original Sun Woo who died in the past.

2. New Jung Woo heads for the mountains and dies in pursuit of the incense sticks, and New Sun Woo waits 20 years in order to come back to the right point in time to save him.

3. We’re looking at another timeline where other versions of Sun Woo and Jung Woo exist.

4. It’s the same timeline, but this is another version of Sun Woo, from another timeline, come to save Jung Woo.

5. The ending credits scene is literally taking us back to the first scene of the show, and showing us that it was a version of Sun Woo from the future, who had found Original Jung Woo in the mountains, clearly with the intention of saving him.

Of course, that attempt failed, as we saw in the early episodes of the show. Basically, this is to show us that the window of time travel that we were privy to, wasn’t the start point.

That there are other timelines and other versions of Sun Woo (& everyone else, for that matter), all intersecting at various points of their time-space continuum depending on the decisions that each version of Sun Woo makes.

That the circle of time travel that we’ve spent time with, is just one part of the bigger picture of this multiple-timeline universe.

My favorite one is #5, coz I think the concept of there being many parallel timelines is intriguing and way cooler than thinking of these 20 episodes as a once-off split and re-joining of 2 timelines.

This reminds me of the Griffin character in Men in Black 3, the fifth dimensional being who sees multiple timelines unfold in his mind’s eye, depending on the decisions that people make.

I feel like there are multiple timelines existing in the world of Nine, and the writers chose to show us this particular one to end the series.

I also like the idea that after spending 20 whole episodes together, that Interpretation #5 completely overhauls our foundational beliefs about the world of Nine and how the time travel all started.

I love the idea that one key piece of information changes the whole game, akin to how the writers planted unassuming bits of decoy dialogue early in the show, that later took on a lot more meaning and changed the way our characters saw things.

While some viewers prefer to believe that the original timeline and its inhabitants that we spent 19 episodes with ceased to exist with Original Sun Woo’s death in 1993, I find that hard to accept.

Even while watching New Sun Woo pave new inroads into the New Present in episode 20, I still had that nagging feeling, that in the original timeline, there was a heartbroken Min Young who had lost her groom and a tortured Young Hoon who had lost his best friend.

Just because the writers choose not to show it to us, doesn’t mean that it stops existing.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

nine times travel kdrama

Throughout the run of the show, the question keeps coming up: as humans, can we really mess with who lives and who dies?

In the show, Sun Woo first seeks to save Jung Woo, and then he seeks to save their father. Both attempts result in messy and unexpected aftermaths. Which begs the question, who are we to play God? And what is the price, for playing God?

At one point, Sun Woo sends this message to Young Hoon:

“You were right that the incense sticks were not a blessing, but they were a curse. I shouldn’t have bitten the fruit of knowledge. Some secrets are kept as secrets for a reason. Bringing the dead back isn’t something up to a man.

I only realized that after experiencing it myself. I’m such a fool.”

Young Hoon, at another point, says to his wife: “What’s the point of trying so hard? Our fates are all decided already.”

That’s definitely a core question in any time travel drama – Can we play God? And what’s the price, of playing God?

In the end, we see that Original Sun Woo’s time-traveling efforts did result in a freer, better future for New Sun Woo. The price, though, was his very life.

At the same time, the show also demonstrates that no matter the timeline, we are essentially the same people. There is a character consistency across timelines that doesn’t bow to human meddling.

Min Young loves Sun Woo, never mind the dire warning from a dying man. Sun Woo chooses to save his brother, chooses to believe what he wants to believe, and love the girl he wants to love.

Although we can be shaped (Jung Woo living guilt-free = Jung Woo being more confident) our core doesn’t change. And consistently, through it all, only the past can shape the future.

Thought-provoking stuff indeed.

THE FINAL VERDICT:

A rollercoaster of a ride. For thinking thrill-seekers.

FINAL GRADE: A-

Edit: You may also be interested in Trading Thoughts: Nine where Betsy Hp and I dig even deeper into the workings of the show.

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I am still trying to find a story that can rival the anime Steins;Gate when it involves time travel. Anime was my gateway to k dramas. Queen In Hyun’s Man isn’t as intense but still great. I’m use to Asian storytelling, in my case anime, having four types of endings. Good, bad, end season on a cliffhanger and hope for another season, or read the manga to find out how it ends. I tend to look at reviews to see if something is worth my time. Is it a cultural difference? It’s not about the end but the journey? It’s like watching someone train for a tournament and have the show end before it begins like the start of the first match. In other words, I found your extremely thorough reviews to help lead away from disappointment. Thank you for your reviews. Btw I chose to start my first K drama, Master’s Sun after finishing Clannad. I wanted to watch something “happy” that won’t tug on my heartstrings. I was wrong but still enjoyed it.

kfangurl

Hi there Vekster, thanks for enjoying the reviews! I’m glad they’ve been useful to you. 🙂

mamabatesmotel

Reblogged this on mamabatesmotel .

Dame Holly Has A Hat (@Lee_Tennant)

I had the misfortune of watching this after watching W. I say ‘misfortune’ because a lot of this drama clearly influenced W and because W is significantly better. Whereas W was gripping for a full 16 episodes, I felt this was 4 episodes too long. There was a lot of padding throughout and times where I was bored.

As genius as this writer is, she suffers from a tendency to write passive female characters who collapse and spend entire episodes on IV drips so they can’t interfere with the narrative. I found it annoying in W but even more so in this.

You’ve touched on the acting in this review and I completely agree. At times wooden, at times so over the top as to be laughable, some of the performances threw me out of the show with how bad they were.

One thing I didn’t have a problem with was the time travel. I loved the idea that the existence of the incense sticks meant that the 20 year period between 1992/93 and 2012/13 was perpetually in flux – a period of potentiality that could change at any point. Nothing was ‘fixed’ until an event was more than 20 years previously. This allowed the two time periods to unfold simultaneously and for characters to realise and remember events almost as they happened 20 years before. Because those events didn’t really “happen” until they were more than 20 years ago.

I also had no problem with the tumour growing. The incense sticks were always going to kill him; it was just a question of how.

The ending was too obscure for me. It brought the one plot hole I struggled with earlier in the drama. The tumour was the impetus for so many of Sun-Woo’s actions including declaring his love for Min-Young. I didn’t understand why he still did that even after his tumour was gone. Because of that, I didn’t understand why the incense sticks came into play again at the end. Or even if they did.

nabiihah abd. Salam

Hello there. Nicely written and very well done. Probably the best review i have ever read so far! I like it! I hope i was not too late to share my little thought with you as i just watched this drama last week and just finished it today. It was about the last scene of the storyline.. i was a little bit confuse. Because we knew that old jung woo turn in himself to police station, then why the present jung woo still want that incense stick again? Why would he go to himalaya again? I think they should have make part 2 of the drama 😂

Aw, thanks nabiihah! I’m glad you enjoyed this review! 😊 Honestly, I think the last scene is meant to be open-ended, and I honestly think the writers themselves didn’t have a fixed meaning in mind when they wrote the last scenes. I think it was to make the audience think and debate and analyze what it all meant – and to that end, I guess they succeeded! 😉

georgianasabina

I think your suggestions have worked spot on so far, so I’m gonna take our advice in this one too 😉 .

And about the handsome fellas, I drooled over them for quite a while, so thank you very much for taking all fangirls’ hearts into consideration <3

You really think I'm gonna squee when I see Lee Min Hot 😀 <3 ? Cause I really hope so! He's so handsome! I mean, if guys in dramas are so good in everything, how am I supposed to settle to a real guy :)))))? But then again, I've had several crushes on characters from mangas and manhwas as well so maybe I'm at fault :)))) ?

I'm going to watch all your loves (dramas 😛 ) and give my honest opinion, as I've done so far 😀

Thanks again for the quick replies and sorry it took me so much to write back 😛

Oh yes, I definitely think you’re going to squee over LMH in City Hunter! I mean, I’m not even a fan, and I found myself squeeing over him in City Hunter! XD So I conclude that you will squee even more, given that you’ve already got an appreciation for him! 😉

And don’t worry, we all (well, almost all, I’m sure!) crush on our drama men, so you’re not alone! I guess the trick is to temper our Real Life expectations with it comes to real men and real relationships? It does tickle me, though, to imagine real men trying to re-enact all the backhugs and piggyback rides that are so common in dramaland! XD

Don’t worry about laggy replies.. sometimes Real Life gets busy; it happens to all of us. I’m likely to be slower with my replies in the next week or so, as I’ll be traveling for work and will be online a lot less. But I’ll work towards not lagging too much, I promise! 🙂

Ok, so! I am here to vent my frustration! I hate, HATE the father! What kind of human would force the boy he raised and swore to take care of to become a murderer?! Just do it yourself!! And threatening to kill everyone just to coerce him into doing what you want!!

Let me start from the very beginning. I am 12 episodes in City Hunter, I am squeeing my heart out to LMH (so hot!!), I love the main actress (so down to earth, so lovely <3 ), I love the Ajusshi, but the father!! I could jump inside the show and kill the m@therf@cKer!! What the hell is up with him?! I sure hope he redeems himself by the end of the show because right now I can't even hate the real bad guys, that is the politicians, because of him!

Thanks for understanding. My time with Dramaland and you and your blog will be reduced even more because I'll be away on several business trips and I'll have no time whatsoever… I hope Dramaland misses me in the meantime 😛

Oh yes, the father is nuts. But that’s part of what makes the show addictive – you just want to kill the dad yourself coz he’s so warped >.< And yes, LMH is hot and very appealing in this. Even as a non-fan, I swooned over him in City Hunter. And Ahjusshi is so sweet, I loved him. You'll be pleased to know that Park Min Young, the female lead in this, is also the female lead in Healer, and she's the best I've ever seen her, in Healer. Even warmer and more real, I felt. You will love her.

Bummer that your business trips will interfere with your drama time.. But I suppose absence does make the heart grow fonder? 😉

Hey! Just finished the show and, as I expected, the father did redeem himself eventually. And he did love his “son” in his own way.

But was that the whole ending?! I mean, it did clean some loose threads like Na Na’s father and stuff, but I wanted to see more. That’s why I skipped a couple of hours of sleep :)))

I cried when my dear, dear prosecutor died. I hoped until the very last moment he’d wake up and walk, like Lazarus did.

And I can’t wait to see the actress again. I think she’s becoming my favourite. After playing in Sungkyunkwan Scandal as well (though, I think she lacked experience in that one, but still did a really good job) and now City Hunter, I look forward to seeing more of her. But right now, as promised, I’ll start School 2013 as soon as I can. I really wanted to see how City Hunter would end, so I kinda skipped meals and sleep and so on :))))

Absence will definitely make the heart grow fonder and it’ll also give me time to actually digest everything I’ve watched in the biggest hurry so far 😛 . I think this hunger of mine isn’t all that good because I don’t give myself the time to fully understand what I’ve watched before diving into the next drama. I’ll try to space them a little 😛

Have a fresh and lovely week 😀 !

Wow, you’re moving fast, business trip or no! I love that nothing stopped you from powering through City Hunter like a woman on a mission! XD

I agree the ending was a little underwhelming, in that the writers left it open-ended, and it’s one of those endings that you have to use your imagination to flesh out. In my head, they live happily ever after, of course. And there’s definitely some heartfelt hugging and kissing after they lock eyes in that last scene. And yes, I was really sad about Prosecutor’s death too. Loved Lee Joon Hyuk in the role.

About Park Min Young.. I liked her in SKKS and in City Hunter, but honestly, I feel like she found some hidden lever within herself when it came to Healer. She seemed to break through into a whole new level of acting, I feel like she really became the character. No vanity, just very natural in every way. LOVED her in Healer. <3 I can't wait for you to see that show, but honestly, I'm also really stoked that you're moving on to School 2013. Coz, BROMANCE. And WOOB <3 <3 And Lee Jong Suk of course <3 It's very different from Heirs, I promise!

Safe travels as you go on your trips – can't wait to hear how you find S2013, when you get to it! 🙂

Well, we are talking about LMH here :)))) I wanted to see much more of him as fast as I can 😛

My mind fabricated some more suitable endings too. Kissing and hugging, of course, maybe a wedding, maybe teaching the kids how to fight <3

In that case, I can't wait to see Park Min Young. I'll start School 2013 asap and as soon as I finish that one, I'll dive into Healer 😀

Lee Jong Suk is already a full fledged actor in my mind, a really good one, so I started watching this one mostly to see Woob 😛 You are so infatuated with him so he has to be some special man 🙂 Though I am really curious about LJS too. He really is good <3 I've said that before :)))) And I'll surely be back with opinions on S2013, no worries! Sharing ideas is the best part in watching a drama, after all 😀 !

Thanks! You too 🙂 These weeks are going to be so full… Thanks for the encouragement <3

Gah. Sorry about this late reply. You might’ve gotten an email alert with a reply from me that’s since been deleted. I’m so late to tending my comments section, and got so confused, that I didn’t realize I’d already replied to that comment! 😛 I’m getting sorted now, and I hope you’re done with your business travel and are still enjoying dramaland very well!

Handsome fellas, I agree <3 ! What's beautiful, even God likes 😛

I've read your appreciation on Lee Jong Suk. It's spot on with a touch (or more than a touch 😛 ) of fangirl squee :))))) I discovered Lee Jong Suk in Pinocchio. I happened to stumble upon Pinocchio and gave it a try cause I wanted to see how Park Shin Hye has grown from her role in You're beautiful. I have to admit that LJS stole the show! I mean, he was seriously so good! I was impressed with his performance in this show, so I jumped head on in IHYV, which, again, left me speechless in terms of his performance. He really is a very good actor. I wanted to watch School 2013, but Nine appeared out of nowhere, so I got derailed 😛 . And then Goong happened and I got derailed again :))))

I am planning on watching School 2013 as soon as possible (I don't know if I should watch it before or after City Hunter and Healer – whaddya think?) and I'll analyze Kim Woo Bin as well and see where your love resides 😀

Tee hee. I have more handsome fellas on my site that you can, er, appreciate 😉 You can check out my K-Loves page , as well as the Pure Pretty page , if you’d like to gaze at more k-handsomeness! Of course, it’s not exhaustive, and I’m likely to post more as I go.

Oh yes, LJS is a very good actor, I really like watching him! Loved him in both Pinocchio and IHYV, and in S2013 of course. He’s got a way of reaching out of the screen and grabbing your heart and not letting go. I just can’t help but care about his characters, in the shows that I’ve seen him in. I am so sure he’ll have you by the heart too, in S2013! As will Kim Woo Bin, I’m quite certain! 😉

As for order of dramas, although I really really want you to watch Healer quickly (coz I love it), as well as S2013 (coz I love it too), I think it’s probably best if you go with City Hunter next, follow that with S2013, and then watch Healer. My reasoning is, you’ve just finished Goong, where a large part of the story is set in high school. To give you a break from the high school setting, I feel like it’d be better to delay S2013, at least by one drama. And then, because I think Healer is a better show than City Hunter, I feel like you should probably watch City Hunter first, and squee over Lee Min Ho in it, so that you can enjoy City Hunter to the fullest. Because Healer also has a superhero sort of flavor to it, I think having a break between City Hunter and Healer is for the best. Whaddya think? ^^

Hey again 🙂 !

Just finished “Nine”, really liked it, but there were some things that I thought could have been handled better. Unfortunately, I didn’t take any notes, so bear with me 😛 .

First of all, I really wanted Real Sun Woo to make it back and it made me wonder what happened to everyone in his universe. I get that at some point, probably, the universes merged into one, but I still wanted to see him, Min Young, Young Hoon and even his brother happy in the universe he tried so hard for. Even so, when the grownup Young Sun Woo remembered his other self, it gave me a sense of accomplishment for the Sun Woo that died too.

A couple of “forced” scenes, for instance when Jin Cheol crashes his car into the phone booth the window doesn’t break then, but it breaks when wounded Sun Woo hits it… Why would Choi Jin CHeol be allowed to leave the hospital after the trial when he was already convicted to 10 years of incarceration (where’s da police?!) and a couple more, but I don’t remember them now (I finished the show last night at 1AM and I am writing this comment in my spare time at work at 8 o’clock in the morning :))) )

I didn’t find believable the delivery of Choi Jin Cheol. I’ve seen Jung Dong-hwan in other dramas as the big bad wolf before, but I thought, as you’ve said before, that I am looking at a cartoon character, a clown. I understood his motivation for being evil (having everything you’ve worked for your whole life be taken away from you in an instant can drive anyone crazy) but I felt that the delivery was waaaay over the top.

Young Hoon was the best friend anyone would wish for. Their friendship was so touching that I found myself wanting Sun Woo to succeed not only for himself and his girl (fangirl heart 😀 ), but also for his best friend who is waiting patiently, who worries so much and who rushes at any hour just to be beside Sun Woo. Too touchy, I swear (heart) !

Chief Oh was the perfect father-figure I wished at some point even Jung Woo would have. He was just perfect and I’ll leave it at that. The two most perfect scenes between him and Sun Woo were: 1. Of course, when he comes to Sun Woo’s house and tells him they’ll have to go against Jin Cheol as if they’ve planned it and that he will back him up no matter what (the best dad ever!) 2. When Sun Woo knocks over Min Young and the Chief starts scolding him for ruining the atmosphere (so funny :)))

The brother, oh, the brother! Frustrating, weak, in no way dependable and the source of Sun Woo’s misery! The only thing I was grateful to Jung Woo for was that this time travel gave Sun Woo the heads up on his tumor. I couldn’t help but think of IHYV when I was watching Nine and I kept thinking about one of the leitmotifs of that drama, which is “Choices make you.” Even if he had a rough life, his choices could have been better for his own sake and everybody else’s around him. I’ll forgive him because he was weak, not evil, though that is usually worse.

The last (but not least) one I’d like to mention is Min Young. I really liked her, though I don’t usually like the cute-dumb like heroine. She was likeable nonetheless. And that love that she has for Sun Woo no matter what universe or what hardships she has to face is at least admirable. When she remembered that she had met the dying Sun Woo in the past and she connected the dots, that cry broke my heart. I felt her pain like a dagger in the feelz. I wanted her to have a good friend like Sun Young Hoon is for Sun Woo to help her get through that pain. But their relationship at the ending was so cute! I thought that the relationship at the beginning might have been a bit forced, maybe because I was used to seeing draggy love stories. But the story at the ending made it seem everything was ok again. Sun Woo’s smirks every time he’d upset her were so cute! Melty, I might say 😀 ! And the prospect of her finally being happy after enduring so much made my heart jump and dance of joy! I wish there was a sequel to see their love bloom even more, but I think that would spoil the whole idea of the show which is suspense 😛 .

Overall, I really liked it and I’ll watch Heartless City after Goong too 😀 . Sorry for the long comment 😀 !

Hey there Sabina! 😀 Great to know that you enjoyed Nine overall!

I agree that this show, despite being very solid and robust for the most part, wasn’t free of flaws. Some of the show’s internal logic wasn’t very strong, and yes, I definitely wanted Original Sun Woo to have lived and not died. :/ That made me sad. But, I did like what the show did in general, and found it thoughtfully conceived and tighter in its execution than many other kdramas. That’s really tough to pull off, particularly in k-ent’s live-shoot system. So much falls through the cracks when the production is pressed for time and racing against the clock, that I am still impressed with what Nine’s production team pulled off, despite its weaknesses.

THANK YOU, I also found Evil Choi way too OTT to be taken seriously. In fact, I found him downright distracting. But kinder viewers (like Betsy Hp who did the Trading Thoughts post with me) actually found his brand of evil acceptable and even entertaining. And yes, I loved Young Hoon. Isn’t he such an adorable loyal grumpypants? <3

You're right, a sequel wouldn't work for a series like Nine.. Unless they took our characters time traveling again, which would just make things even more complicated and harder to keep straight! XD

Heartless City isn't twisty the same way Nine is twisty, but it's a solid watch if you're in the right (dark, bloodlusty) sort of mood. Goong's more for when you're in the mood for sweet cuteness with a side of melodrama. What're you moving onto now? I think I might be just as excited about your progress on the k-train, as you probably are to be on the k-train! XD

Believe me, this is exciting :D! I am literally marathoning through Dramaland right now :))))). I am for any kind of drama, though I have to admit that strong melodrama or those unrealistic themes like memory loss and leaving for your pair’s sake and stuff aren’t really my cup of tea. I tend to be more rational, even in love (if that makes any sense :))) ) and the whole sappy story about me loving you but having to leave because whatever reason…. This lack of interest in these sort of dramas might also be because my mom used to watch argentinian soap operas back when I was still too young to know what I want :)))) Fortunately, she stopped :)))).

As for Nine, I loved it despite the flaws. It was enjoyable, engaging and endearing. I wish it would have been longer and that says a lot because if I had to choose between 16 eps and 20 eps, I’d choose 16 :))))

Honestly speaking, this ride of mine through Dramaland is so much more enjoyable thanks to you 😀 ! So, thank you 😀 !

I’ll take a break from the twisty now and go for Goong because you so strongly recommended it. The whole idea of modern kings felt intriguing for me 😛 . Speaking of which, would it be to much to ask (of maybe you’ve done that already and I haven’t discovered it yet 😛 ) to make a list with all A+ dramas you’ve seen? and also the other categories. I find your reviews really useful and having them sorted according to the impressions the dramas have left on you would be awesome!

Again, thanks for the quick reply 😀 !

Aw, YAY that I’m able to add fun to your romp through dramaland, Sabina! That makes me happy! 😀

The cliches that you mentioned are pretty common in dramaland, unfortunately, so it’s a rare drama that doesn’t have at least a smidge of what we refer to as noble idiocy (I must leave for your own good). The upside is, there’re still lots of great dramas to enjoy in spite of it, and I’m happy to send recommendations your way! It always makes me happy to point someone to a good drama, coz more shared drama love = more friends to squee with! ^^

I don’t have a full list of all the dramas I’ve seen, but here are 2 pages on the blog which you might find helpful. This is a full list of all the shows that I’ve written about on the site, with my rating next to them. And this is a list of my favorite dramas. There are more favorites that I haven’t added to this list, but I do love whatever is on the list.

On top of that, there are also shows that I’ve loved that I haven’t written about yet. For example, this year, I LOVED Healer, so much so that I want to write it a proper monster of a review (like I did for YFAS). I’m about to start actually writing that review as I type this, but that means that nowhere on the site does it state that I highly recommend Healer. (Add it to your list if you haven’t, pretty please? Healer stole my heart this year the way YFAS stole my heart last year, if that gives you an indication of how much I like it!). Long story short, I’m still happy to talk through drama recommendations with ya, one – or several! – shows at a time! 😉

Oh, my! So many, so many! When do you find the time to watch all the dramas AND write reviews AAAND answer to the comments?! Respect!

I saved the two lists in my Bookmarks and I’ll start watching the shows slowly (probably :))))) )

Actually, this whole drama thing started from japanese dramas for me and the first korean drama I watched was You’re Beautiful. And I liked it. Though Park Shin Hye’s character (the only actress whose name I know :))) ) wasn’t so believable. I get that preparing to be a nun would cut her connection to reality, but I think she could’ve played the nun and Go Mi Nam better. And some time ago, I happened to stumble upon your blog and while reading the reviews, Dramaland perked up my interest once again, only this time I had a whole variety of shows to choose from 😀 .

My favourite asian language is japanese by far, but I’ve started to enjoy korean as well and its sounds. What I don’t like about either of them (japanese and koreans) is that they talk with their mouths almost closed when they want to be cute or complain “silently” about something and that spoils the language for me 😛 (this was kind of like a sidenote :)))) )

I am looking forward to your review on HEALER. Meanwhile, I’ll start Goong 😀 . I am soooo cutting back my sleep :))))))

Thank you for the lists 😀 !

Lol. Well, the list is cumulative, and I’ve been writing reviews for about 2.5 years, so the list has grown as I’ve added reviews to it. I’ve actually watched at least double the number of dramas on the list, coz I started watching in 2007, but only thought to start the blog at the end of 2012. I figured there’s no way I’ll ever catch up on writing reviews for everything, so I only selectively review older dramas that I’ve watched (Goong being one of them!). I work part-time, so that gives me more time than the average person, to keep a drama blog running. Even then, though, there are periods when I have to put the blog aside for a bit, as Real Life demands more of my attention. You might’ve noticed that there haven’t been new reviews posted in the last 2 weeks or so. That’s because I decided I wanted – needed! – a Healer rewatch, for the feels, and for the purpose of writing the review, and so I put everything else on hold for a while. 🙂

YAY that you stumbled on the blog, Sabina, coz it’s been such fun talking drama with you, and sending drama recommendations your way! 😀 Believe me, I’ve got more recommendations to share with you, when you want them! 😉

As for Park Shin Hye, I totally agree that her portrayal of Go Mi Nam was quite unbelievable. Still, I found it an enjoyable watch. And, happily, Park Shin Hye recently did really well in Pinocchio, which changed my mind about her as an actress. I used to find her pretty meh, but I genuinely enjoyed her in Pinocchio. Which is another show that I haven’t written about, but which I really did like. Oh, btw, Pinocchio was made by the same team that made IHYV, so the look and feel is a similar warm, cracky sort of vibe. It even stars Lee Jong Suk! XD So you might want to add it to your list, if you haven’t already!

I really hope you manage to enjoy Goong, Sabina. Some viewers who picked it up in recent years (vs when it first aired) found it rather slow-moving, but I found the pace good for teasing out the OTP relationship in a realistic, believable manner. I’d love to hear how you find the show! And yes, I feel ya, sleep often gets delayed & sacrificed in the name of drama love! We ALL know what that feels like! XD

Oh, well, we can get some sleep when we die, right :))))? (this creepy phrase is actually a saying from Romania, especially for students who are trying to catch up at the last minute before the exams :)))) )

I’ve watched Pinocchio already and really liked it! (this is when I started liking Lee Jong Suk 😛 ) I was secretly hoping for your review on it 😀 . I watched Pinocchio after The Heirs and I have to admit that it helped me get rid of the Heirs bad taste. The good thing about The Heirs is that I got to “fall in love” with Lee Min Hot :))))) (btw, if you have any good dramas with Hot in them, feel free to share 😀 ).

And about Goong, I’ll watch it first and then decide if it’s too slow 😛 . It might be a breath of fresh air since everything seems to be going only on fast forward these days… It’s frustrating how I never find enough time to do everything I want to do.

And about the recommendations, keep ’em coming 😀 ! I’ll try to watch everything on your faves list by the end of 2015. And then start with the A’s on the other list 😀 . It’s fun to talk about the things you like 😀 !

Anyway, I’m looking forward to your next reviews, hopefully Pinocchio and Healer 😀

Oh, you’ve already seen Pinocchio! My bad, if you’ve already mentioned it to me! 😛 Yay that you liked it though!

Lee Min Ho is an actor that I’m fairly indifferent to, for the most part. But I really did like him a lot in City Hunter. He’s pretty badass in it, and he also managed to deliver pretty impressively in several difficult scenes. Sadly, since City Hunter, I’ve not enjoyed him in any of his dramas. Lots of people enjoyed Personal Taste as well, but I was generally rather underwhelmed by it.

On a tangent, City Hunter is a little bit like Healer in the sense that both shows have got a bit of a superhero flavor to them. I really loved City Hunter when it came out, but I now think that Healer’s a way better show. So perhaps to enjoy both shows to the fullest, you might want to watch City Hunter first?

My Healer review will probably be the next review that gets posted on the site 🙂 It may take me some time to get to Pinocchio though, since I’ve taken a break from current shows, and I foresee that I’ll want to get reviews out for recents shows like Oh My Ghostess and Scholar Who Walks the Night, by the time I’m done with my Healer review. I do plan on reviewing Pinocchio though! 🙂

Nope, I haven’t mentioned about Pinocchio before 😛 . I’ll take your advice and watch City Hunter first. I’m still not very familiar with what good or bad acting means in terms of k-dramas, so right now I’m easily impressed by looks (ooops 😛 ), but I do think that Lee Jong Suk is a good actor. Either he chose really good roles or the roles became really good thanks to him. I wasn’t really impressed with his looks, but he has charisma, style, softness and toughness and his smile is really cute and manly, at the same time. Having all that is better than being just handsome 😛 . Maybe that’s why Lee Min Ho doesn’t try that hard…?

I’m looking forward to the review, but in the meantime I’ll get started with Goong. Actually, I’ll start it tonight :)))

Thank you again for the quick reply 😀 ! It’s really so much fun to exchange ideas with you 😛 !

Lol. There’s no shame in appreciating someone just for his looks – trust me, I know! 😉 While I love that many of the actors I admire have solid to sometimes great acting chops, I also have lots of appreciation for actors who look great but still have a ways to go in the acting department. For example, I think Hong Jong Hyun is really handsome:

nine times travel kdrama

But his acting style falls on the stiffer end of the scale.

And Nam Joo Hyuk, who needs a lot more improvement in the acting department, but whom I really like for his onscreen warmth and his handsome good looks:

nine times travel kdrama

So handsome <3 😉

I agree with everything you said about Lee Jong Suk! He's such a chameleon, really. You can read my appreciation post for him here , if you haven’t come across it yet. 🙂

Also, how are you liking Goong so far? I remember finding the manhwa touches really cute, especially in the introduction sequence. And, absolutely, it IS fun to chat dramas (& actors!) with ya! It’s why we even come on the internet, really. To find other fans who GET our passion. 🙂

kaiaraia

I wrapped up viewing the drama this morning. My! What a mental roller coaster ride this show. You’re right, there were some things that were left hanging. Nevertheless, it is a very well written drama.

My thoughts? Hmmm… Though I did not like much the open ending, it did propelled my mind to many convoluted endings. Haha! Exactly what the show wanted me to do.

Most of the actors here are new to me. I think the OTP gave a pretty solid personification of their characters. And I like the happy moments they shared in episode 20. It even made me think they could do great in a romcom. And Lee Jin-wok, so manly! I’m a little not sold out at how old Young Hoon was delivered. Well, I’m expecting a doctor to be more restrained, much like the younger one. But he’ll fine with me if he weren’t a doctor. Oh well, maybe, that’s just me and my preconceived notion of doctors. I did find Jung Dong Hwan’s Choi Jin Cheol over the top. I’ve seen him in a lot of dramas and I’m familiar with his acting. I don’t know what happened here.

I like how the heroine is written, though she did not get much screen time. She’s very real, idealism was set aside. Its not often that a heroine is written as an honest, forward woman whose relentless in pursuing her object of attraction. Suggesting the honeymoon, asking for a goodbye kiss, demanding a proposal–so so real. And I love it!

I have to give credit to the casting personnel. The resemblance in the young and old Sun Woo, as well as in the old and young Jung Woo, is quite striking. Kudos to the director as well in ensuring that the young and old versions of the characters are consistent. Big comes to mind where Shin Won-ho as KKJ was subtle and refined for his age but KKJ in Gong Yoo’s body was quite childish.

I did have many other questions but what I can think of right now is how old Sun Woo could not remember where he went and why he was late for his brother’s wedding. I’m surmising that the old Sun Woo reads the journal to ensure he doesn’t miss a detail as attention to it is very important considering the amount of things he has to do in 30 minutes. However, for something as important as almost missing your brother’s wedding, even forgetful people remembers. I think this concurs with your question as to why Sun Woo’s memory doesn’t evolve as that of the others.

That’s it for now.

It IS a mental rollercoaster, isn’t it?! Maybe that’s why I didn’t feel as emotionally engaged, coz I had to work that hard to keep up? I don’t know.

As for Evil Choi, I hafta blame the PD. Or maybe the writer. Coz obviously it’s not his usual acting style. Someone must’ve told him to do it that way. Maybe after seeing him goof around behind the scenes. Ha.

Oh yes, the casting for young & adult cast was great. My favorite is the casting for young Young Hoon as well as young Sun Woo. I could “see” the young and adult versions in each other. Credit to the actors, seriously, coz it’s not so much about physical resemblance, but the vibe of the character that the actors bring across.

As for the non-evolution of Sun Woo’s memories along with everyone else’s, Betsy has some interesting thoughts on that, which you can check out here , when you have some time ^^

I will have to read Betsy’s thoughts as well as your combined post.

Take your time, kaiaraia!! Working on the combined post with Betsy really opened my mind to lots more ideas – it’s fascinating how differently we can each respond to the same show! – so I hope you enjoy the read! ^^

Right, the physical resemblance in the young and the adult versions was enhanced by the actors consistent vibe and facial expressions.

Exactly!! I think some credit has to go to the styling, coz that does do something. Mostly, though, I think it has most to do with the actors bringing out the same vibe, from the character’s body language, to his way of speaking. All the little details add up, and do so much to make us feel that it’s the same person even when the character is played by a completely different person. Such a treat, when it’s done right! ^^

I thought I wanted something light and funny to watch, but having read this makes me wanna put my thinking hat on. I love well written scripts, especially so when the writers think of intelligent audience. What to do… so long a must-watch list, so little time. Waaa….

I’m gonna say, go with your mood, kaiaraia! Whatever your mood dictates, that’ll be the show to hit the spot. If you’re not in the mood for twisty, then even the most well-written twisty show won’t feel satisfying, y’know? ^^

A little over three months after, I’m back here and very much in the mood watching this. Yep, I’m sucked in and already at episode 9 in day 2. I love that this is strictly time travel. What do I mean? In most time travel shows I’ve seen (American), it’s always a time and space continuum. The one with the time machine can choose the place, the date and the exact hour he wants to be at. But here, Sung Woo is only projected to exactly 20 years ago in the same place at exactly the same time as the present. It’s limited but I like how it adds to the tightness of the scene. Also, I can’t help but wonder and anticipate what’s gonna happen next now that the incense were left in 1992!

Did not read much of the review yet. Will do that when I’m done. Okay… so I’m back to watching…

Aw! I know you mentioned you’re out of your drama fatigue, but it’s just such a pleasure to actually witness you happily inhaling a drama that you like, kaiaraia!! 😀 9 episodes in just 2 days?!?? Wow. That is some impressive progress! I totally agree that Nine is a drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat! I was also always wondering what was going to happen next, and the show managed to keep me on my toes all the way through. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the show after you’re done watching it! ^^

PS: Happy New Year, kaiaraia!! May 2014 be full of joy, health, love and cracky dramas for ya! ;D

Gumi

Aww, I loved Nine! It was the only drama that my mom&sisters&I all enjoyed. We have different tastes, so it’s kind of hard to satisfy all of us, but this one did 🙂 I miss the late night discussion with my sister trying to figure out what the heck just happened in Nine…we were drawing timelines and making hypotheses and creating time theories, lol. Nine is definitely a drama you can enjoy much better if you have someone to discuss it with 😛

That’s true! There’s so much to discuss and hypothesize over, coz the writers leave so much deliberately unexplained! It’s up to us viewers to either discover it unveiled later, or form our own theories. A great pick-apart sort of drama for viewers who love to think and analyze!

missienelly

I’m in tears, love your thoughtful reviews. So thorough and you literally transported me back episode by episode. Funny story to share with you: I was in Incheon watching two raw episodes with this cleaning ahjumma on break. In my broken Korean I told her the kissing in the rain scene was so awesome and lovely, she agreed and we both wiped our tears. LOL. I enjoyed my time with her and I know we both weren’t happy at the end because we wanted more. She formed a fist and punched her thigh and I comforted her “ahjumma, gwaenchanayo.” LOL

This is by far the best time travel drama in awhile. I do see some flaws especially towards the ending; being the phone that was left behind. Heh I’m not going to complain much knowing this is a nearly perfect drama in a while. I was pissed with the ending simply because it just left it at where it starts. I don’t know, did he mature enough not to light the incense? Or is it another going back to square one and he jumped onto the time travel wagon again? I wanted a clear cut ending. I need a closure and I didn’t get one *sobs sobs*

By the way, please consider watching Cruel/Heartless City once it is done. Very different vibe, I love the twist in this one too and romance isn’t the main course. 🙂

Aw, yay that you enjoyed the review <3 This definitely ranks among the top amid the time travel dramas; the writers clearly put a lot of thought into it. And the ending definitely wasn't closed nor clear-cut! I guess having an open ending that allows us room to draw our conclusions is still a step above an ending that is definite but that sucks? ;D

Heartless City is definitely on my radar – I've heard so many squeals around the dramaverse that I can't ignore it. Plus, once-upon-a-time perennial beta-male Jung Kyung Ho as a badass tattooed gangster? This I SO gotta see! ^^

And what an adorable story of you and the ahjumma crying together in Incheon Airport over kdrama!! XD You are SO cute! <3

BetsyHp

Love your review! Also, you totally blew my mind with your throw away comment: “As an aside, I’m particularly tickled by how Lee Yi Kyung is all hardworking & nerdy in Nine, when he was a little gangster brat in School 2013.”

I was like “whaaa?” And then I had to look up Lee Yi Kyung and his actor pics look totally different from Young Hoon. So then I was very frowny faced because I couldn’t quite place him. And then I looked up his pics from “School 2013” and… mind blown! I totally adored his character in “School 2013” and his frustration when his two best buds were fighting and yet I didn’t make the connection at all. I cannot believe it’s the same actor even as I see it’s totally the same actor. That is totally awesome. Talk about acting chops!

So… once I taped my brain back together — your review has filled with me with tons and tons of questions and responses and opinions just a slight sift from yours (and also opinions in complete agreement — like the adorableness of Young Hoon whatever timeline). I shall put an email together that will (hopefully!) be slightly organized and then we can dig into it! 😀

Y’know, I didn’t place Lee Yi Kyung straightaway myself. It’s just that as I watched him, I was just CONVINCED that I knew him from somewhere, particularly his smile and his sharp, angular profile. So I looked him up and when I saw his name, it started to click for me, since his character in School 2013 was also named Lee Yi Kyung. I LOVE that he’s so different in both roles, yet he’s totally the same. There’s something really likable and endearing about him, & I’m curious to see how he next shows up on my screen ^^

WOOT! Tons and tons of questions and responses and opinions sounds fabulously fun! 😀 Lookin’ forward to digging in with ya! <3

mawiie

I finished Nine recently and quite liked it as well! It’s one of the few show I’ve managed to finish (so far) in 2013. The other one being School 2013. It was a really well done show and I remember being surprised by the new twists and turns every few episodes. Talk about a wild ride!

This show was not my crack, but I really looooved Dr Yoong Hoon (so adorkable!) and Chief Oh! There were so supportive and sincere, it’s quite a rare feat in k-dramas!

Sadly, I never really cared for the OTP. I guess that it still proves that the show was good because I kept watching despite my lack of love for the lead characters 😛 I really liked young Sun Woo, but his adult counterpart was just ok (but Lee Jin Wook was totally hot!)

Hehe it’s nice to be back to your lair, superhero unni 😛

OMG I LOVED Young Hoon & Chief Oh too!! Both so adorable in their own ways, and so full of their own gruff brands of warmth and care <3 I wanted to squish them both! Wait, I mean all 3 of them, coz I loved younger Young Hoon too!

Yes – TOTALLY with you on how Nine is objectively good, even where it lacked in emotional connection. The cliffhangers were mostly of the "OMIGOSH-what-happens-next?!?!? variety, which is really rare in dramaland.. Gotta give credit where credit's due 😉

And lil ninja maknae is ALWAYS welcome in the fangirl lair *smooths maknae's nifty ninja hairdo affectionately* <3

Timescout

Nice review, as always. 🙂

It’s quite possible I’ll never finish ‘Nine’. I got stuck in ep 4 for quite a long while and this week, when I finally decided to pick up where I left from, I watched 2 episodes and didn’t have any urge to continue. I still don’t. On surface Nine should be ‘my kind of drama’ but …. something is missing, a connection of some sort maybe.

Well, it’s not like I don’t have stuff to watch, LOL! Still blown away by ‘Heartless City’ and ‘The Blade and Petal’ is…. strange and kinda wonderful. *g*

You’re right – on the surface, Nine TOTALLY looks like your kinda show! Much as I was hooked by it, though, I did feel a lack of emotional connection, and possibly that’s what you’re feeling too.. But, yay that you’re loving Heartless City – that’s a show that I definitely plan on checking out! And I’ve heard such a mixed bag of comments on Blade & Petal that I kinda feel like I need to see for myself so that I can decide whether I think it’s terrible or terrific! ;D

I think you are right, the emotional connection is missing and without it the whole thing feels kinda….. empty, despite of how well put together it otherwise is.

Oh yes, Heartles City keeps brining it on and now I’m sort of desperate for it to stay that way till the end, LOL! It’s twisty and yet balanced. Packs a hefty emotional punch too so you frequently have ‘the feels’ for even some of the nasties. It’s a world shaded in gray when it comes to the characters, no good or bad there.

The Blade and Petal is for what they call ‘an aquired taste’. 🙂 It is polarising and comes down to how you take to the directors style, his vision and his way of telling the story. The 1st ep was a shocker, LOL! I’ve now watched all 4 aired epis and the funny thing is that unlike in the 2 modern dramas of his (where it irked me to no end), I actually like his style in TB&P. I can understand why a lot of people don’t get it at all though. It harkens back to a much older cinematic style that people are not used to any more. Acting is on a complitely different level too and oddly enough it’s another thing many don’t seem to get either…. Yup, I do think you need to see it for yourself to decide. And now I’m really qurious to see what you’ll make of it. *g*

Yes, emotional connection is definitely a biggie.. Which is why it’s the one thing that I wanted more of, in Nine. It got all the twisty down pat and my mind was fully engaged, and then some! If only my heart could’ve gotten more engaged. I did feel for the characters, but it was an ebb and flow thing. There were moments where I felt a lot more, and moments where my interest was purely clinical.

Which is why Heartless City is sounding pretty awesome – sounds like it got some major things right, to be both twisty AND emotionally engaging! I’m looking forward to checking it out!!

Heh. After your quick introduction to Blade & Petal, I’M really curious too, about how I’ll take to it! It definitely sounds like the kind of show that you either love or hate. Color me intrigued ^^ I plan to at least give it a good go, to see if it sticks.

Amanda

Gesh. I think I like this show even more now that I read your review than I did when I watched it originally 😉 I especially like your take on the split screen stuff—especially the rounded corner business. I totally didn’t notice that.

Ooh, what a compliment, thanks Amanda! I’m really chuffed that the review actually upped your appreciation for the show! 😀 And totally, the team took so much care with the little details, like the rounded corners, that I’m sure there’s stuff that I missed too. This is probably one of those shows that gets better with the re-watch ^^

Megan

Man, oh man, I love your reviews 🙂 They are always so well thought out and thorough!

I haven’t watched NINE and whenever I encounter it I would sort of shy away. As a Doctor Who fan I take time travel seriously and get very agitated when it is dealt with inconsistently/with little thought. There has to be consequences! It has to be taken seriously!

Thanks to this review I know I can add NINE to my To Be Watched list! It’s probably time for another genre bending show for me.

(Random: I was just in France where many Kdrama’s are not licensed to be watched. Major letdown BUT I got totally hooked on this Taiwan drama called Love, Now. Only 17 episodes in out of 72(!!!) but I’m totally hooked and watching it every spare moment. A classic romantic dramedy with great characters, chemistry and twists. Culturally Taiwan seems to be quite similar to Korea and it’s fascinating to watch this after so many Kdrama’s. Admittedly Love, Now is taking away from the many many Kdrama’s I am dying to watch but when a show is good, it’s good ;))

Aw, THANKS Megan!! <3 And yes, I would say that the writers did an admirable job in Nine. The writing isn't perfect by any means – I don't think there's such a thing, as a perfectly written drama – but they clearly put a lot of thought into the mechanics, consistency, consequences, and ripple effects. I think it'd be sufficient to satisfy your standards ^^ I wished I could've been more emotionally engaged, but there was enough of a mental hook to keep me going for the whole length of the show. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it when you do get to it!

A 72 ep TW drama! That's going to take you a while! Enjoy your new crack! I enjoy long dramas too, but of the kdrama variety.. TW dramas are just not my thang. I'm currently watching FOUR long kdramas, on top of my mini-series stuff! XD

DDee

I totally agree with you on the lack of emotional hook which for me, really lessened my enjoyment of this show. And totally agree about the makjang, which is what i wrote in my review (although with alot less in depth and detailed as you)! My interpretation of the end is that old SW died, new SW waited 20 years to travel back in time to save his brother. Which left me an unhappy camper :). I didn’t get that old SW death brought about a better future for SW, coz i was reading it as just a way out for the writers to hv a happy ending. but i’m totally grumpypants here coz i think i expected alot coming frm team of Queen In Hyun’s Man which i adored! nice write-up 🙂

I loved QIHM too!! I do think the team did a fine job executing the time travel concept in Nine.. I wish the emotional hook could have somehow been stronger. But it’s hard. Coz for me, it had everything to do with the concept as well. If Sun Woo could go back and keep fixing things, then it’s hard for events unfolding to feel weighty.

I think the ending of Nine is similar to that of QIHM in that it’s an ending that requires the viewer to make an interpretation that works. Many viewers hated the phone device in QIHM, but I managed to find an interpretation that made me happy. I think the hardest hurdle to overcome in Nine, is Original Sun Woo’s death in 1993. That kinda made New Sun Woo feel like a substitute. But he wasn’t the one that we spent 19 episodes with, so it still doesn’t quite feel right. Which is why I prefer Interpretation #5 for the ending, coz it changes the whole game ^^

The deux ex machina in QIHM didn’t bother me too much, because i was so swept away by everything else that came before, i let that one go. as for nine, i guess if i was more engaged emotionally i would’ve felt kinder towards Nine. I’m all about the emo with my dramas :P.

Definitely, the emotional connection makes up for a lot.. I’ve forgiven other dramas too, for much worse than a phone device, based on emotional connection 😉 Plus my fangirl tendencies sometimes overrule everything else. I forgave Big coz Gong Yoo got to be so awesome and so delicious on my screen, heh.

It’s too bad I couldn’t feel a stronger emotional connection with Nine. Objectively though, I still credit it for doing a lot of things really well ^^

Ah yes would I hv sat through Big if not for Gong Yoo?? Methinks not. I checked out of that one mid way, and spent the rest of it watching it like i would a Mindbridge catalogue 😛

Lol! That’s not a bad way to appreciate Big at all! ;D I just ignored all the bad writing and focused on the GY awesome. And there was a lot of GY awesome to make me happy, which why I heartily forgive the show. I hope the next drama he picks manages to be good WHILE letting him be awesome 😉

Michele

I am intrigued. You are always so thorough and your writing so thoughtful and engaging. I happen to really dig time travel so this one will probably be right up my alley! Also, I do appreciate a tightly written script. Another reason to probably put this one on my list (the list that I cannot seem to put a dent in)!!! Well done! 🙂

Aw thanks Michele! <3 Yes, you should definitely check out Nine! 😀 Y'know, if you dig time travel, you should also totally check out the previous show this team put out, Queen In-hyun's Man. Also a very well-done time travel story, and it's got an epic romance at the center too. One of my all-time faves <3 <3

Hmmm…should torrent that one! 🙂

Absolutely! Knowing how much you enjoy romance, & now that you say you love time travel, QIHM is a show you should definitely bump up your priority list! ^^

Consider it done!!! By the way, we need to finish up Chuno so we cam move on to IMY!!

Indeed! I’m getting back on the Chuno train tonight with E18. We’re entering the last stretch! ^^

I think I am on 20….oh, wait, I wonder if I can get here because I have a HUGE flatscreen in my room. Omo…can it be that I can watch Dae Gil while I am actually in Seoul???? That would so rock my night and make some of this sadness go away! 🙂

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29 Binge-worthy Time Travel Kdramas

Looking for time travel kdramas you’ve come to the right place.

Time travel Korean dramas have become increasingly popular in Korean television, as viewers are drawn to the unique storylines and characters that come with this genre.

The use of time-traveling plots has allowed producers to explore different eras, cultures, and perspectives while also creating amazing stories that keep viewers hooked.

With a wide range of genres from fantasy, mystery, romance, and even horror available for exploration through time travel Kdramas, it’s no wonder why they’ve become so beloved by fans all over the world.

From classic hits like Queen In Hyun’s Man to recent fan favorites such as When I Was Most Beautiful , these shows have captivated audiences with their intriguing plotlines and captivating visuals.

Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or an emotional journey through time, you’ll find something binge-worthy with these fascinating Korean dramas!

Let’s jump in!

Many time travel kdramas are easily accessible from anywhere in the world. But there may be certain platforms that will only work with a VPN (i.e. US Netflix or Singapore VIU).

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Time travel kdramas, 1. again my life (2022).

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Mystery, Drama, Law, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on Viu

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Kim Hee Woo is a public prosecutor who has worked hard to get where he is. During the course of his investigations, he must conduct a probe into a politician suspected of corruption.

Suddenly, Kim Hee Woo finds himself killed by an unknown man. However, he soon comes back to life and discovers that he must return to university and complete his academic journey again in order to find out what happened to him.

With the help of Kim Hee Ah, an exceptionally intelligent young woman from a wealthy family, he embarks on his investigation. Will they be able to uncover the truth about what happened? Find out by watching Again My Life now!

2. Reborn Rich (2022)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Business, Drama, Political, Time Travel | Watch on Viki

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Reborn Rich is a Korean drama that follows the story of Yoon Hyun Woo, a devoted and hard-working secretary to the Soonyang chaebol family.

When he is betrayed by an unknown member of the family and killed under their orders, he miraculously wakes up in the body of Jin Do Jun, the youngest member of the family.

Hyun Woo plots to use his new identity to take control of Soonyang Group from Jin Yang Cheol’s children, who are vying for power within it.

He must face off against Seo Min Young, nicknamed “Soonyang Group Grim Reaper,” as well as overcome other obstacles along his journey. Will he be able to wrest control from Jin Yang Cheol’s children or will his mission fail miserably?

3. Hello Me! (2021)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Life, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on MyAsianTV

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Hello Me! is a Korean drama that follows the story of Ban Ha Ni, a 37-year-old single woman who feels miserable and unsuccessful.

After her spunky 17-year-old self travels from the past to meet her current self, she realizes that she needs to make drastic changes to find happiness and security.

Through this journey, she must navigate through an unfamiliar world while uncovering clues about herself and getting her spark back.

4. Blue Birthday (2021)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Sports, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissKh

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Blue Birthday is a Korean drama that follows the story of Oh Ha Rin, a woman who has been struggling with the pain and grief of her first love’s death for 10 years.

On the 10th anniversary of his death, she discovers mysterious photos left behind by him which take her back in time to moments before his sudden passing.

She must use these 8 chances to go back in time wisely as she tries to change their fate and save Ji Seo Jun from taking his own life while also finding out what he wanted to tell her all those years ago.

It is an emotional journey full of mystery and romance as Ha Rin attempts to rewrite history!

5. Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Action, Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

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Sisyphus: The Myth is a Korean drama that follows the story of Han Tae Sul, a genius engineer and co-founder of Quantum and Time who has outstanding coding skills.

After his brother’s death ten years ago, he starts to cause fluctuations in the company’s stocks. One day, he witnesses something unbelievable and sets off on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.

Along his way, he meets Kang Seo Hae ( Park Shin Hye ), a survivor from a future dystopian world who travels back in time to save him. Together they must navigate through this unfamiliar world while uncovering clues about their time period.

6. Mr. Queen (2020)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki

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Mr. Queen is a time travel Kdrama focused on the life of Jang Bong Hwan, a South Korean chef living in the present day. Jang Bong Hwan is a rising chef for top politicians in the Blue House’s presidential residences.

Jang Bong Hwan finds himself in an alternate past, inhabiting the body of Queen Kim So Yong after a serious accident.

This Kdrama takes viewers on a journey with Jang Bong Hwan as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of ancient Korea and discovers that his “husband” harbors secrets.

With comedy, romance, fantasy, and time travel all rolled into one, Mr. Queen is sure to have viewers hooked from start to finish!

7. Alice (2020)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Mystery, Melodrama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on Viu , Watch on MyAsianTV

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In the year 2050, a revolutionary organization called Alice was born to enable humans to traverse different periods in history and explore alternate universes.

Upon discovering a “Book of Prophecy” that predicts the fate of all travelers, Alice entrusts Yoo Min Hyuk and Yoon Tae Yi with an important mission: to venture back in time to 1992 and reclaim it from its last known keeper.

During their mission, Tae Yi discovers she is pregnant with Yoo Min Hyuk’s child and decides to stay in 1992 while hiding from him by changing her name.

Fast forward to 2020 when Park Jin Gyeom, son of Park Sun Young (formerly known as Yoon Tae Yi) is now a successful detective who crosses paths with his mother’s lookalike, another version of Yoon Tae Yi, who is now a physics professor specializing in quantum and temporal mechanics.

Together they embark on an adventure filled with mystery, melodrama, sci-fi elements, and time travel as they search for answers about the Book of Prophecy which could determine the fate of all travelers through time.

8. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Mystery, Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

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The King follows the story of Lee Gon ( Lee Min Ho ), a king of the Korean Empire who would rather attend conferences than fulfill his duties.

While playing hooky one day, Lee Gon discovers a door that opens to a parallel world and the modern day. He meets Jeong Tae Eul, a police inspector who he teams up with to take out criminals. But they both also work towards closing the door between their 2 worlds.

This Kdrama is filled with mystery, romance, drama, sci-fi, and time travel elements that will keep you glued to your screen.

9. The Light in Your Eyes (2019)

Quick facts:  12 episodes | Romance, Life, Melodrama, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki

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The Light in Your Eyes is a Korean drama that follows the story of Kim Hye Ja, a 26-year-old woman who uses a mysterious watch to rewind time in an attempt to save her father from an accident. However, she fails and ends up aging into a 70-year-old.

Lost and seeking answers, she embarks on a quest to restore order in her life. She encounters people from her past who don’t recognize her, including Lee Joon Ha, the man she loves, who remains devoted to her while confronting his demons.

When 70-year-old Kim Hye Ja and young Lee Joon Ha form an unlikely bond together, they discover the truth behind all of the time Kim has lost over the years as well as uncover secrets about their pasts that will change their lives forever.

10. Longing Heart / My First Love (2018)

Quick facts:  10 episodes | Romance, Mystery, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian

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Longing Heart is a Korean drama that follows the story of Shin Woo, a man who regrets letting his first love, Han Ji Soo, go ten years ago.

He gets a second chance when he travels back in time and finds out that she liked him too. With this knowledge, he tries to help his younger self win her heart.

However, things become complicated as Han Ji Soo starts to develop feelings for the older version of himself and he discovers the reason why they were separated in the first place.

Will he be able to win her heart or will it be an impossible mission for Shin Woo?

11. Familiar Wife (2018)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Comedy, Romance, Drama, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki

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Familiar Wife is a Korean drama that follows the story of Cha Joo Hyuk, a banker who has been married to Seo Woo Jin for five years. When an unexpected incident occurs one day, Joo Hyuk makes a decision that changes his life and those around him in ways he never expected.

Suddenly, his relationship with Woo Jin and his best friend Yoon Joong Hoo is gone and he finds himself living an entirely different life.

As he adjusts to this new reality, Joo Hyuk must also contend with the reappearance of his first love Lee Hee Won as they all seek to find out if he can get back the life he once had.

With its mix of comedy, romance, drama, and time travel elements, Familiar Wife will make you think about the decisions we make every day and the “what ifs.”

12. Life on Mars (2018)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Action, Mystery, Psychological, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian

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Life on Mars is a Korean drama that follows the story of Han Tae Joo, a leader of a crime investigation team in the present day.

While investigating a serial murder case, he has an accident and wakes up to find himself in the winter of 1988.

In this unfamiliar time period, he is appointed as a detective at a police station in a small city and must solve the case to get back to his own time. Along his journey, he discovers new clues about his current situation while navigating through an unfamiliar world with its own set of rules.

13. Hit the Top / The Best Hit (2017)

Quick facts:  32 episodes | Comedy, Romance, Drama, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on AppleTV

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Uncover the captivating story of Lee Ji Hoon and Choi Woo Seung in Hit The Top, a Korean drama that follows their journey as they strive to pass the civil service exam while Ji Hoon pursues his dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter.

Their lives change when they meet Yoo Hyun Jae, an idol from the ’90s who accidentally time-traveled to 2017. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with passion, love, and friendship as they explore their dreams in the entertainment industry.

With comedy, romance, drama, and time travel elements all rolled into one show, Hit The Top is sure to keep viewers hooked until the end!

14. Tomorrow With You (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Life, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on AppleTV , Watch on KissAsian

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Yoo So Joon, a prosperous CEO of an enterprise in the real estate sector, embarks on an unforgettable journey as he discovers his ability to time travel in Tomorrow With You. During his trips on the subway, he often glimpses a bleak future of himself living an unfulfilled life.

In a desperate attempt to resolve this dilemma, he decides to marry Song Ma Rin, an optimistic photographer whom he doesn’t love.

Can Ma Rin help So Joon change his unhappy future or will they be doomed by fate as well as time travel itself? Follow their journey of love, drama, and mystery as they attempt to rewrite their destiny together!

15. Live Up to Your Name (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Historical, Romance, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

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Live Up to Your Name is a Korean drama following the story of Heo Im, a brilliant doctor born in a concubine family during the Joseon era. Despite his remarkable medical skills, his background prevents him from climbing up the ladder of success.

One day, he travels through time to present-day Seoul and meets Yeon Gyung, a modern-day doctor who doesn’t believe his claims.

When they travel back together to Joseon again, they embark on an adventure filled with romance and medical drama as Heo Im strives to live up to his name by proving himself despite all odds.

With its thrilling mix of historical elements and time travel themes, Live Up To Your Name is sure to keep viewers hooked!

16. Manhole (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Thriller, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian

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Manhole is a Korean drama that tells the story of Bong Pil, an unemployed man who time travels into the past through a manhole to stop the wedding of his lifelong crush Soo Jin.

Every time he goes back in time, he becomes someone else and must find ways to get closer to Soo Jin while avoiding getting caught up in various situations. With an element of thrill, Manhole is different from other time travel Kdramas.

17. Tunnel (2017)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV

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Tunnel is a thrilling Korean drama that follows the story of Park Gwang Ho, an excellent and enthusiastic detective in 1986 who gets transported to present-day Seoul after pursuing leads in a serial homicide case.

He meets Kim Sun Jae, an elite detective with eccentric tendencies but highly skilled investigating skills.

With help from psychology professor Shin Jae Yi, they embark on an adventure filled with mystery and suspense as they work together to solve cases while navigating through time portals.

18. Go Back Couple (2017)

Quick facts:  12 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian

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Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo have been married for 38 years, but their romance hasn’t been the same in a long time.

When they said “I do,” Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo were deeply in love; yet, now the couple are full of resentment for one another. While he has been bearing the weight of supporting his household, she is stuck in a housewife role with a waning sense of self-confidence.

Unhappily married at such an early age, both regret their impulsive decision to wed.

Through time travel, they find themselves as 20-year-old university students when they first met and must rekindle their relationship all over again if they want to stay together forever.

19. My Only Love Song (2017)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix

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My Only Love Song is a Korean drama that follows the story of Song Soo Jung, a top star who is incredibly arrogant and classifies people by how much money they have.

Suddenly, she finds herself transported back in time to the Goguryeo era where she meets On Dal, an ambitious man who will do anything for money.

Song Soo Jung soon realizes that On Dal has a generous heart towards those less fortunate than him.

20. Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo (2016)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Melodrama, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian , Order on Amazon

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Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo is a Korean drama that follows the story of Go Ha Jin, who finds herself transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea during King Taejo’s rule.

In this alternate past, she inhabits the body of Hae Soo and lives in the house of 8th Prince Wang Wook.

Along the way, she befriends the princes and the people during this time and experiences a passionate love story with the ostracized 4th Prince Wang So.

This drama has plenty of romance, melodrama, and time-travel elements that will keep you hooked until the end!

21. Splash Splash Love (2015)

Quick facts:  2 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Historical, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian , Watch on Kocowa

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In the romantic Korean drama, Splash Splash Love, we follow Dan Bi’s story, a high school senior who is determined to overcome her disappointment in math.

On the morning of her college entrance exam, a sudden rainstorm whisks her away to the ancient Joseon Kingdom. She is now at the height of its existence and must navigate how she will return home!

But she meets King Lee Do who yearns to learn advanced mathematics and she falls in love with him. As they come to know each other better, their romance transcends space and time as they face various obstacles together.

Will Dan Bi be able to help King Lee Do achieve his goals or will their mission fail miserably in this heart-warming drama full of adventure and romance?

22. God’s Gift: 14 Days (2014)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV , Watch on Kocowa ,

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In the harrowing thriller, God’s Gift: 14 Days, Kim Soo Hyun plays a mother devastated when her beloved daughter Han Saet Byul is violently abducted and murdered.

A miraculous event sends time back 14 days, giving Soo Hyun a second chance to uncover the kidnapping conspiracy and rescue her daughter before it is too late.

Ki Dong Chan, a former police officer who has become a private investigator, is joining her on this task. It appears that he has his interest in the whole matter.

As time rapidly dwindles, the crimes become clearer, and far more treacherous secrets than Soo Hyun could ever have predicted are discovered.

Will they be able to save Saet Byul or will history repeat itself once more in God’s Gift: 14 Days?

23. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (2013)

Quick facts: 20 episodes | Mystery, Romance, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian

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Nine: Nine Times Time Travel tells the captivating story of Park Sun Woo, a devoted anchorman at a TV broadcasting station, and his love for Joo Min Young, another news reporter.

He manages to earn 9 scented items that transport him 20 years back in time, granting him the capability to protect his family and alter the current world he inhabits.

Yet, his actions have consequences that ripple through time, affecting the lives of those around him in the future, including his crush.

Along this journey, Park Sun Woo must navigate through unfamiliar situations while uncovering clues about his own life and those around him.

24. Marry Him if You Dare (2013)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV

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Set within the world of TV broadcasting, Marry Him if You Dare features Na Mi Rae who embarks on a journey to the past to save her 32-year-old self from marrying news anchor Kim Shin.

This sends her past self down a different path and enables her to pursue the things she wanted in life. Along this journey, she discovers more about herself and those around her while striving to make a better future for herself and those close to her.

Will Na Mi Rae be able to find true happiness or will fate keep getting in the way of what she wants most in Marry Him if You Dare?

25. Faith (2012)

Quick facts:  24 episodes | Historical, Romance, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV

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Faith is a Korean drama that follows the story of 21st-century plastic surgeon Eun Soo, who gets kidnapped and brought 700 years into the past for her healing powers.

There she meets General Choi Yeong, bodyguard to the king in the Goryeo era. Despite their initial conflicts and his struggle with a female doctor, they soon feel attracted to each other as they face various obstacles together.

26. Queen In Hyun’s Man (2012)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Youtube , Watch on KissAsian , Order on Amazon

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Queen In Hyun’s Man is a time travel Korean drama following Kim Boong Do, a scholar from the Joseon era who travels 300 years into the future.

He meets Choi Hee Jin, a no-name actress who is trying her best to get a role in a Queen In Hyun TV drama.

27. Rooftop Prince (2012)

Quick facts:  20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV

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Crown Prince Yi Gak finds himself transported from the Joseon Dynasty to modern-day Seoul.

After meeting Hong Se Na, who bears a striking resemblance to his dead wife, he assumes the identity of her company’s CEO’s grandson to stay close and investigate her mysterious 300-year death.

Along his journey, he must navigate through the unfamiliar world of a modern corporation while uncovering clues about his period.

28. Time Slip Dr. Jin (2012)

Quick facts:  22 episodes | Romance, Historical, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Amazon Prime , Watch on KissAsian

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Jin Hyuk is a talented neurosurgeon with an aloof and austere personality, driven by his longing for perfection. Unexpectedly he finds himself swept away to the Joseon Dynasty of 1860 through some mysterious power.

With no access to modern medical technology and knowledge, Jin Hyuk must find new ways of treating the sick while navigating through unfamiliar situations.

Along this journey, he discovers more about himself and those around him while striving to become an actual doctor in Time Slip Dr. Jin!

29. Operation Proposal (2012)

Quick facts:  16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Sports, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV , Order on Amazon

0

Kang Baek Ho and Ham Yi Seul have been best friends since elementary school, but Baek Ho has never acknowledged his attraction to her. On the day of Yi Seul’s wedding to another man (Jin Won), Baek Ho regrets not confessing his love for her.

Suddenly, a mysterious conductor appears and gives him a second chance by allowing him to travel back in time to various events of their lives.

He hopes that he can use this opportunity to win over Yi Seul’s heart and change the outcome of their relationship. However, changing the future is not as easy as it seems.

Will Kang Baek Ho be able to convince Yi Seul that they are meant for each other or will his mission fail miserably in Operation Proposal?

Final Thoughts: Time Travel Kdramas

Korean dramas have been able to captivate viewers in many different genres, including time travel. The stories of these characters are unique and the journey that they embark on is often filled with love, comedy, suspense, and sometimes even tragedy.

These time travel Kdramas provide us with an escape from our own lives and allow us to experience the joys, sorrows, and excitement of different periods.

If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then these time travel Kdram might be just what you need!

Looking for something different? Check out more Korean dramas !

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29 Binge-worthy Time Travel Kdramas pin

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Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.

nine times travel kdrama

Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013): Absolutely spellbinding! This is my number 2 show out of hundreds of K-dramas finished. Give your brain a workout with this one, instead of just your emotions!  Never a dull moment! A story that's like working on a challenging crossword puzzle, where nothing is as it seems at first, as you grasp for possible answers. Never a plot hole or a lapse of logic in the entire story. These two writers, Song Jae-jung and Kim Yoon-joo, will keep you on the edge of your seat more than any other K-drama you will ever watch. This is classic storytelling at its best, with a stunning OST to boot. FULL OST Lee Jin Wook, the star, is a fabulous actor. I was riveted staring at his gorgeous face and body for twenty straight hours! At the time I had first watched this drama I had previously seen him in only one drama, Alone In Love , (2006) with my favorite actress Ye Jin Son, where he had played the second male lead. Why can't all men look like him, act like him? Everything he feels is on his face without him having to say a word, like a great silent film star. I was thrilled beyond measure that I picked this drama to reach my milestone of 100 K-dramas completed at the time, and I have since re-watched it two more times; it's like an addiction it's so great. Lee Jin Wook plays Sun Woo Park, a news reporter with an inoperable brain tumor, who is given 9 chances to go back in time to alter his destiny What's even more amazing is that I adored it so much that it replaced my long term favorite K-drama I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004) and I never thought anything would ever top that one, the first Korean drama I had watched in 2006, which changed my entire focus in entertainment. To be sure, Nine had some story elements which were similar to I'm Sorry, I Love You , perhaps that's why I was so strongly attracted to it : you have a man who is given a short time to live, he is out for revenge against the person who hurt him when he was younger, and he grows attracted to an unusual, pixie, gamin type of a girl whom he probably ordinarily wouldn't be attracted to unless he was facing a tragedy in his life and yearning for a comforting female presence in his final days. Only here, Lee Jin Wook, playing an accomplished news reporter and anchor named Sun Woo Park, is a lot more polished and intelligent a character compared to So Jisub's Moo-hyuk the petty gangster in I'm Sorry, I Love You . The girl Sun Woo loves, perky Min-young Joo (adorable Yoon-hee Jo from The King's Face and Love In Memory ) has been his colleague at the news station for five years, so he has known her and watched her in action for all that time, whereas Moo-hyuk had just met Eunchae (Su Jeong Im) in I'm Sorry, I Love You at the beginning of that story and didn't know much about her at first. Nine: Nine Time Travels is also far less dated than I'm Sorry, I Love You in its production values, and it has an overall sophisticated ambiance that I'm Sorry, I Love You lacked. I still love it, but it was time to put something more modern in its place.   Scenes shot in Nepal are breathtakingly stunning in Nine: Nine Time Travels You won't know exactly what I mean until your watch this bold, intelligent, and lustrous Korean drama for yourself, with magnificent location shots in the Himalayan Mountains in Nepal; there are cliffhangers in every episode that make you wonder what will happen next; when you think you've "got it" you'll discover you're wrong; beyond brilliant, spot on acting between the lead characters and everyone else in the supporting cast. I can't find one issue to criticize about in this drama --- except that I didn't want it to end! Although it is 20 episodes it goes by so fast, at such a great pace, that you will feel you've completed it in half that time. There are many plot twists and turns in the story, to be sure, but by the end everything will fall into place and you will understand its beauty perfectly. Even the ending floored me; it was transcendental. Some people seem to have trouble understanding it but they hadn't been paying full attention to all the hints along the way. The Story : Our plot begins when news reporter Sun Woo Park (Lee Jin Wook) arrives in Nepal to be picked up by his female colleague Min-young Joo (Yoon-hee Jo) at the airport. She squeals with delight to see him and yells "Sunbae! Over here!" and he smiles and goes running up to her in the rented car and proceeds to give her a nice big kiss, which shocks her. He is quick to propose marriage to her and she thinks he's joking when he says "for the next six months". "Who gets married for six months?" she laughs. She has no idea yet that Sun Woo has an inoperable brain tumor and his doctor, who also happens to be his best friend, Han Young-hoon (Lee Seung-joon from Descendants Of The Sun and H yde, Jekyll, and I ), has told him he really should be hospitalized instead of working until the last minute. Sun Woo plays along with her confusion, but he is in Nepal for another reason than just to see her: he got a call that Nepal police have found the body and personal belongings of his only brother named Park Jung-woo (J eon No-min from Star In My Heart , and Bridal Mask ). He has traveled a long way, suffering frequent blinding headaches, to pick up his brother's remains and personal belongings. In flashback he remembers his last meeting with his brother in a coffee shop in Korea and his brother was wearing the same jacket when he died. He is also given an incense stick, which his brother had clutched in his hand when he died. Later, on a lark, he lights the stick and for a brief moment he finds himself on the bank of a snowy mountain in Nepal. He writes the experience off as a dream or hallucination, but he had actually time traveled and experienced a real arctic blast. Soon he acquires a bunch more incense sticks and he realize s they have the power to transfer him to the past.  After some time spent together in Nepal, Sun Woo returns to South Korea and Min-young remains in Nepal. Now Sun Woo can focus on what he really wants to accomplish before he dies: expose an evil businessman named Jin Chul Choi (played by veteran actor Dong Hwan Jung from I Hear Your Voice and too many dramas to count) whom he blames for his personal tragedies in life: the death of his father and the destruction of his medical clinic, the resulting mental illness of his mother, and now his brother's death. He gives his supportive boss Chul Min Oh (played by veteran actor Hyo Sup Um of My Love From Another Star and In Soon Is Pretty and Remember and Liar Game and Gu Family Boo k , among many other shows) a flash drive filled with incriminating documents against Jin Chul Choi - in the process of raising money for cell research and conducting that research he had killed and maimed many women in different countries and no one had ever called him out on it. Well, Sun Woo has the guts to -- on national TV, to boot! During an interview he starts to grill Choi off the script on his real business history, that he's not some great humanitarian at all, focusing on improving medicine, rather he's in fact a criminal through unethical business practices - and Choi concludes the interview vowing to get even with Sun Woo professionally and personally. Sun Woo traps and embarrasses Jin Chul Choi on a national broadcast, setting up a fantastic series of altercations in the future Then Min-young discovers the truth about Sun Woo's dire health diagnosis. In a memorable telephone scene between the two of them, when she expresses misgivings about getting married under such circumstances, he asks her, "Since you want to know why I want to marry you, I can give you the truthful answer, or I can give you the lie. Which do you want to hear?" and she says she wants to hear both. Wow, I LOVED that scene, and could watch it over and over again. When he gives her the lie, he says to her, "If any man asks you to marry him using these words then you will know he's a liar." "But the lie sounds so much better," she pouts. Brilliant writing, folks! It perfectly captures the differences between men and women. :) "Why does the lie sound better?" Such a priceless scene.  Through the use of the incense sticks Sun Woo is able to go back in time and solve his family's mysteries - he learns more about his brother and his father and his mother, especially, that he ends up wishing he had never learned, for the truth is too painful. In order to trap Choi his enemy in the past he has to convince the younger version of himself -- played well by Hyung Sik Park from Heirs -- to work with him to prevent the destruction of his family in the future, but is it even possible? Will he be able to prevent his brother from dying in Nepal? Sun Woo talks to himself when he was a teenager and has to convince the boy they are one and the same person and have the same goals One of my favorite moments occurs when Choi realizes that Sun Woo must be using supernatural means to uncover all his sins. At one point, in one of the most hilarious moments in the drama, he himself is thrust back in time, and instead of being a crack businessman worth millions in the bank, he finds himself a scruffy old poor man running a cheap medical supply outlet store and eating the same junk lunch everyday. Ohl his face at that moment had me howling with laughter! This actor tends to play such oafs anyway in the K-dramas that I kind of lumped all his cold selfish villainous characters into this one in my mind and enjoyed seeing him get his comeuppance. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! All through this drama you will be wondering: will that brain tumor really get Sun Woo in the end, or is there hope that when he goes back in time he might be able to solve the reason he started developing it in the first place, or get treatment early enough so that he won't have to die? What will happen when he runs out of incense sticks? Will there be any hope that his mother can come out of the sanitarium and live a normal life? Can he forgive people in his life who hurt him, most importantly his poor brother? Will all the time traveling hurt his relationship with pretty and patient Min-young, who still loves him? The questions will be answered, but the journey is the fun part of getting that crossword puzzle finished perfectly. This show is such a masterpiece, matched by few others. Enjoy this extraordinary Korean drama! ~~~~~~~~~~ Additional Review for Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013) Korean Drama Review written by Richard, Ireland Grade: A+ ~~~~~~~~~~ blockquote.cite { margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right:0px; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc } blockquote.cite2 {margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 0px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right:0px; border-left: 1px solid #cccccc; margin-top: 3px; padding-top: 0px; } .plain pre, .plain tt { font-family: monospace; font-size: 100%; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal;} a img { border: 0px; }body {font-family: Tahoma;font-size: 12pt;} .plain pre, .plain tt {font-family: Tahoma;font-size: 12pt;}
Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013) is one of the very best time-travel series I have seen; it's up there with the finest Dr. Who story arcs. In many ways it is different, of course. Dr. Who emphasizes an ironic edge -- sometimes humorous, sometimes sad. Nine doesn't have that, but instead puts the focus on emotional depth and character growth. Also as with the Dr. Who programs, it has an incredible, brilliantly original time machine -- but one that only an Asian could have thought of! This is not to say that it doesn't have action. It does. There are some incredible car chases and breath-taking fights and cliff-hanger conclusions to individual episodes.   The drama forms a nine section story arc which completes one set of incidents. In Episode 10 the process begins anew with certain loose-ends left from the first sequence becoming developed. It's a quite clever plot structure. One of the things I find very impressive is the great camera work, making marvelous use of unusual angles and split screen shots. Further, these are never simply gimmicky but are cinematically relevant to the themes and/or situations being screened. I watched the final disc sequence a couple of times. At first it seemed to me that the perfect ending had been achieved in that fantastic sequence when Min Young is suddenly transformed from a grieving daughter in black to a beautiful bride in white. We also see the changes that occur to the other characters including the evil doctor's demotion to the head of a seedy medical supply house. But that is not to be. And it really can't be, because the full Karma of the characters has not yet worked itself out, and cannot be until a dual cathartic tragedy is fulfilled. But that is not the end either. That wonderful final episode reveals what the incense time machine really is. It is neither the blessing nor the curse Sun Woo thinks it is. His attempts to use it as a tool to create the future fail and thus he gains humility. The painful journey is a road to self understanding that frees him from the chains he has forged on himself, as he learns that his love for Min Young is the key to his destiny. The hero becomes "new" and full of inner confidence. This is what makes the final scene so incredibly powerful. He radiates the power that comes from the new depth of understanding he has gained. Compare the rather self-absorbed character we see in the earlier sections with this dynamic man reaching down to save his brother.
~~~~~~~~~~ BUY NINE: NINE TIME TRAVELS ON DVD ON AMAZON ~~~~~~~ HOME TO KOREAN DRAMA REVIEWS ~~~~~~~ Nine Photo Gallery ~~~~~~~~~~~~

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Nine: Nine Time Travels

From dramawiki.

nine times travel kdrama

  • 3 User/Viewer Ratings
  • 5 Production Credits
  • 6 Recognitions
  • 7 External Links
  • Title: 나인: 아홉 번의 시간 여행 / Na-in: Ahop Beon-ui Sigan-yeohaeng
  • Also known as: Nine / Nine: 9 Times Time Travel / Nine: Time Travel Nine Times
  • Genre: Time travel, romance, fantasy, thriller, mystery, melodrama
  • Episodes: 20
  • Broadcast network: tvN
  • Broadcast period: 2013-Mar-11 to 2013-May-14
  • Air time: Monday & Tuesday 23:00
  • Nationwide: highest rating=1.9%, highest peak=2.1% ( AGB Nielsen Korea Pay TV Household)
  • Women in 30s: highest rating=4.4%, highest peak=5.1% ( AGB Nielsen Korea Pay TV Household) [1]
  • Original Soundtrack: Nine: Nine Time Travels OST

Park Sun Woo ( Lee Jin Wook ) is given nine chances to travel back in time to solve a crime that happened 20 years ago. However, this is not without consequences as his involvement in the past effects the lives of many including his.

User/Viewer Ratings

Production credits.

  • Production Companies: JS Pictures , Chorokbaem Media
  • Director: Kim Byung Soo
  • Screenwriter: Song Jae Jung , Kim Yoon Joo

Recognitions

  • 2013 2nd Daejeon Drama Festival - APAN Star Awards: Best Director ( Kim Byung Soo )
  • 2013 6th Korea Drama Awards: Top Excellence Actress ( Jo Yoon Hee )
  • 2013 Mnet 20′s Choice Awards: 20′s Drama Star - Male ( Lee Jin Wook )

External Links

  • Official site
  • English Wikipedia
  • Korean Wikipedia
  • News articles: (1) , (2) , (3) , (4) , (5)
  • Chorokbaem Media
  • Time travel

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The 35 Best Korean Time Travel Dramas

nine times travel kdrama

Korean dramas have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with their unique storytelling and captivating narratives.

One particular theme that has always had immense popularity is time travel.

These dramas skillfully weave together the complexities of the past, present, and future, inviting viewers on a thrilling journey through time.

The allure of time travel lies not only in the imaginative plotlines but also in the emotional depth it adds to the narratives.

Characters find themselves facing extraordinary circumstances as they grapple with the consequences of altering the course of history or attempting to rectify past mistakes.

This exploration of the human condition, accompanied by a touch of fantasy, creates a profound and thought-provoking viewing experience.

Moreover, K-dramas often infuse time travel narratives with elements of romance, heightening the emotional stakes and adding a layer of the dramatics that we’ve all come to know and love with K-dramas.

The intricate relationships that develop between characters across different time periods lend an air of mystery and longing, making these dramas all the more captivating.

In this article, we will delve into the world of K-dramas that feature time travel! So fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a thrilling journey through time and discover the enchanting realm of Korean dramas about time travel.

Mr. Queen, tvN (2020 – 2021)

nine times travel kdrama

Mr. Queen is a historical fantasy drama series that tells the story of Jang Bong-hwan, a womanizing, free-spirited chef working in the Blue House who gets transported back in time and finds himself inhabiting the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon dynasty.

Jang Bong-hwan must negotiate the complicated world of the royal court, where political intrigue and power struggles are common while coping with the confusion of being in a woman’s body.

In his role as Queen Cheorin, he is forced to rely on his resourcefulness and uncanny partnerships to survive after becoming embroiled in a plot to depose the king.

Queen and I, tvN (2012)

nine times travel kdrama

Queen and I is a fantasy romantic comedy-drama that revolves around Kim Bung-do, a scholar in the Joseon dynasty.

He is also one of the supporters of the rightful Queen In-Hyun, who had previously been deposed by a royal concubine.

A magical talisman somehow transports Bung-do to the present where he encounters the famous Queen In-hyun – who happens to just be a character in a new K-drama – and ends up falling in love with the actress who plays her, Choi Hee-jin.

However, their romance faces numerous challenges and Bong-gu must navigate the complexities of the unknown future, all while striving to find a way back to the past.

Splash Splash Love, MBC (2015)

nine times travel kdrama

Splash Splash Love is a Korean time-travel romantic drama that follows the story of Danbi, a high school student who, in a bid to escape a major mathematics exam, uses her time-travel abilities to transport herself to the Joseon era during a rainstorm.

Despite hating math in her own timeline, she becomes known as the smartest in this kingdom!

She and the King inexplicably fall in love, but Danbi makes the hard choice to return to her own time.

King Lee Do swears that he will find her again and once again during a rainstorm, the two are reunited through Lee’s reincarnation.

The King: Eternal Monarch, SBS TV (2020)

nine times travel kdrama

The King: Eternal Monarch is a fantasy romance drama that follows the parallel worlds of the modern-day Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Corea.

Emperor Lee Gon of Corea discovers a portal connecting the two worlds and crosses over to find detective Jung Tae-eul, who is a familiar face associated with his father’s murder.

As they navigate their differences and the political tensions in both worlds, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy and strive to protect their loved ones.

Love blossoms between them, but they face immense challenges, including a power-hungry villain who seeks to exploit the portal for his own gain.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, tvN (2023)

nine times travel kdrama

One of the most recently aired series on the list is Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 , which actually just recently wrapped up its 12th and final episode.

It serves as the second season of the popular supernatural fantasy drama Tale of the Nine Tailed , but the storyline is also somewhat of a prequel.

Following the events with Nam Ji-ah in the original series, protagonist Lee Yeon is transported back in time to 1938 and the then Japanese occupation of Korea.

Dr. Jin, MBC (2012)

nine times travel kdrama

Dr. Jin is a historical medical drama that follows the story of Jin Hyuk, a brilliant neurosurgeon in the present day who, because of his highly analytical mind, can sometimes be cold and indifferent.

After suffering from a personal tragedy involving his girlfriend, he gets transported back in time to the Joseon dynasty.

Struggling to adapt to the primitive medical practices of the era, Jin Hyuk uses his modern knowledge to save lives and make advancements in medicine and even medical devices.

He meets people who help him, but his actions soon start interfering with the course of history.

Rooftop Prince, SBS (2012)

nine times travel kdrama

In a complex story of intersecting fates and (possible) reincarnations across timelines and generations, Rooftop Prince weaves romance into comical misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.

Crown Prince Lee Gak and his three loyal servants time-travel from the Joseon era to present-day Seoul in a bid to solve the mysterious death of his beloved Crown Princess.

He poses as the lost grandson of a wealthy CEO – who he happens to resemble exactly – and encounters a woman who also looks exactly like his late wife.

Getting closer to her might help solve the mystery of her death back in their timeline, but he may end up hurting someone else along the way.

Live Up to Your Name, tvN (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

In the historical medical drama Live Up to Your Name , Heo Im is a respected doctor and acupuncturist in the Joseon era, tending to the poor by day and the nobles by night.

However, he is mistakenly charged with treason and supposedly killed. Instead he wakes up in present-day Seoul!

In the modern era, he meets and forms an unlikely partnership with Choi Yeon-kyung, a pragmatic and ambitious cardiothoracic surgeon.

Together, they navigate the clash between traditional and modern medical practices while overcoming personal obstacles and gradually developing a deep bond.

Faith, SBS TV (2012)

nine times travel kdrama

Also known as The Great Doctor , Faith begins in a historical setting where the King’s wife is fatally injured in an accident.

He orders his Captain of the Royal Guard, Choi Young, to enter a portal to retrieve the “Heaven’s Doctor” that they heard of in their legends.

Choi Young travels to modern-day Seoul and brings back Eunsoo, an actual doctor, who then saves the queen.

He had promised to bring her back once her duty was done, but they both soon get embroiled in schemes to keep Eunsoo in the past as more and more people become selfishly interested in her medical prowess.

Life on Mars, OCN (2018)

nine times travel kdrama

In a slightly different theme from the previous shows on the list, Life on Mars is a crime thriller series that follows a talented forensic scientist who also leads a crime investigation team.

After an accident, Taejoo awakens to find himself transported back to 1988 with no idea how he got there or why.

Now a detective in the past, he works with his current team to solve a serial murder case with the antiquated technology and methods of the era in order to also solve the mystery behind his time travel.

Signal, tvN (2016)

nine times travel kdrama

Signal is yet another crime thriller series that is less about actual physical time travel and more about a mysterious connection between past and present that stems from a seemingly innocuous object: a walkie-talkie.

Park Hae-young is a young criminal profiler from the present day who stumbles upon a mysterious walkie-talkie that helps him solve a murder cold case through its ability to connect him to a detective from the past, Lee Jae-han.

Through the walkie-talkie, they collaborate to solve cold cases and prevent crimes from happening, but consequences soon follow.

Times, OCN (2021)

nine times travel kdrama

Similar to Signal , OCN’s political thriller series Times connects the past and present, but this time through a phone and between two journalists : Jinwoo in 2015 and Jungin in 2020.

They work together at first to prevent the murder of Jungin’s father, who is the current president of South Korea.

Along the way, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving political corruption and manipulation of time and work together to fight against the forces that seek to control the future so they can preserve their nation’s tomorrow.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, SBS TV (2016)

nine times travel kdrama

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical drama series based on a Chinese novel.

Like many of the previous shows on this list, the series features the protagonist (named Hajin) traveling way back in time but this time, to the Goryeo dynasty to the year 941.

On top of that, she finds herself in the body of Haesoo, one of the many male princes of the current ruling family who are all fighting for the crown.

As she navigates political rivalries and intense love triangles, Ha-jin discovers her own destiny and the tragic fate that awaits those around her.

Chicago Typewriter, tvN (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

In the popular fantasy drama series Chicago Typewriter , viewers will meet three central characters whose stories unfold over the course of time – specifically, two different timelines.

There’s Sejoo, a handsome and renowned writer with many fans who suffers from depression; Seol, a veterinarian and fan of Sejoo; and Jinoh, a talented ghostwriter.

As their paths converge, a mysterious typewriter helps them discover how their past lives were connected during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s , and how their friendship then crossed decades into the present.

Manhole, KBS2 (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

If we could time travel, we’d always be tempted to go back in time to prevent the things that we don’t want to happen.

In Manhole , Bongpil does just that when he discovers a manhole that allows him to travel back in time.

What does he do when he gets to the past? Well, anything to stop his dream girl’s wedding from happening!

However, his efforts often lead to hilarious and chaotic consequences.

Alongside his loyal friends, he navigates the challenges of altering the past and learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of living in the present.

Hit the Top, KBS2 (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

Hit the Top is a combination of humor and nostalgia, and takes place primarily in the constantly evolving world of K-pop.

Back in the early 1990s, popular K-pop idol Hyunjae accidentally time travels to 2017, where he soon discovers that he had been in the news for mysteriously disappearing and subsequently presumed dead.

As he adjusts to his vastly different life in the future, he tries to investigate the cause of his time travel.

At the same time, an aspiring K-pop trainee crosses his path – one who he is more connected with than either of them expected.

My First Love, OCN (2018)

nine times travel kdrama

The South Korean romantic fantasy drama My First Love centers on Kang Shinwoo, a man in his 30s who goes back in time to his high school years.

Shin-woo runs into his younger self and his first love, Han Jisoo, when he travels back in time. Shin-woo makes an effort to rewrite their fate and win Jisoo’s affection in an effort to alter the tragic course of their history.

At the same time, Shinwoo discovers important lessons about love, regret, and the value of honoring the present as he wrestles with the repercussions of changing the past.

Tomorrow, with You, tvN (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

Tomorrow, with You is a romance series that follows the story of Yoo Sojoon, a time-traveling CEO of a real estate agency who can foresee his future through subway rides, and his wife Marin, a cheerful and optimistic amateur photographer.

To change his impending tragic fate that he accidentally glimpses, he marries Marin and together, they navigate the complexities of marriage while battling against their own personal struggles.

Eventually, Sojourn learns to truly love her amidst the consequences of altering destiny.

Marry Him If You Dare, KBS (2013)

nine times travel kdrama

Yet another romance drama on the list is KBS’ Marry Him If You Dare , which is set in the world of television broadcasting.

It follows the story of Na Mirae, a young woman who receives a mysterious opportunity to travel back in time to change her future.

The present Mirae is married to news anchor Kim Shin but travels to visit her 32-year-old self to prevent that from happening.

This causes her to go down a completely different path to really pursue the dreams she had always wanted.

Familiar Wife, tvN (2018)

nine times travel kdrama

The decisions we make impact the road our lives go down; one different decision could catapult things in a direction we never would have expected.

That’s what happens in Familiar Wife , a romantic fantasy drama that tells the story of Joohyuk, a married man who regrets the choices he made in his life.

One day, he encounters a mysterious opportunity to travel back in time and change his past.

In the blink of an eye, the life he knew with his wife Woojin and best friend Joonghoo is gone and his first love Hyewon comes back into the picture.

Go Back Couple, KBS2 (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

It’s complicated enough when a person goes back in time to change their previous decisions, but what happens when two people time travel together? Especially when these two people have a life together in the present?

Go Back Couple follows married couple Bando and Jinjoo, who are parents to a young boy and have become deeply unsatisfied with their lives – family, career, and relationship-wise.

Suddenly, the couple is transported 18 years back to when they were university students, where they make different choices and learn the enduring power of love.

The Light in Your Eyes, JTBC (2019)

nine times travel kdrama

The Light In Your Eyes is also known as Dazzling  and emphasizes the importance of valuing the people who cause the lights in our eyes to shine throughout our lives.

In the drama series, we meet a young woman named Hyeja who possesses a special watch that allows her to manipulate time. However, using the watch causes her to age rapidly.

After having used it one too many times, Hyeja is now passing the time at an elderly care center where she meets Joonha, an employee who looks like the young Hyeja’s husband.

Nine: Nine Time Travels, tvN (2013)

nine times travel kdrama

A news anchor named Park Sunwoo finds nine magical incense items that enables him to travel 20 years back in time in the fantasy thriller drama entitled Nine: Nine Time Travels .

Sunwoo makes numerous trips to the past in an effort to change the tragic events that have occurred in his life, changing both his decisions and the course of history.

He soon learns, though, that every change has unintended consequences both for himself and those he loves around him, and he is forced to deal with the moral dilemmas that follow.

Sisyphus: The Myth, JTBC (2021)

nine times travel kdrama

In the dystopian science fiction series Sisyphus: The Myth , engineer and brilliant quantum physicist Taesul crosses paths with a mysterious woman from the future named Seohae.

In Seohae’s present, she explores a war-torn Korea and travels back in time to both prevent Taesul’s death and his invention of the time travel device she used.

Meanwhile, Taesul is trying to investigate the strange circumstances around his brother’s death and a time-travel conspiracy where he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game where past, present, and future collide.

Tunnel, OCN (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

Some crimes can span decades, with the case passing through the hands of several teams and detectives without ever getting resolved.

In the crime thriller Tunnel , we begin the story in 1986 when Detective Park Gwangho is hot on the tail of a serial killer.

He chases the perpetrator through a tunnel and ends up in 2016 where the same killer is still on the loose and just beginning to continue his murder spree.

Gwangho teams up with Detective Kim Seonjae and criminal profiler Shin Jaeyi to race against time and apprehend the killer before they can commit further crimes.

Alice, SBS TV (2020)

nine times travel kdrama

Science fiction drama series Alice weaves a complex tale of love, fate, and the consequences of tampering with time.

The title is a reference to the time-traveling agency in 2050 that sends clients to the past in order to find peace and closure with dead loved ones and also makes sure these trips are done properly.

Viewers meet Alice agents Taeyi and Minhyuk as they travel almost 60 years to the past on a mission, but their personal lives get intertwined and affect the present – 2020.

My Perfect Stranger, KBS2 (2023)

nine times travel kdrama

My Perfect Stranger is one of the newest shows on this list, having just finished airing in June of this year!

The romance mystery tells a beautiful story of two strangers who time travel back to 1987.

Haejun is a seemingly aloof newscaster who is trying to seek the truth behind a serial killing case; Yoonyoung is an editor at a publishing company who wants to prevent the marriage of her parents.

They find themselves in the past and also discover that their goals are more intertwined than they think.

Kairos, MBC TV (2020)

nine times travel kdrama

Kairos is similar to a few other shows as the time travel occurs in parallel timelines that connect characters instead of actually traveling through time.

However, it is also a rare one as the timelines are only one month apart!

Seojin is a company executive whose daughter suddenly goes missing while Aeri is a young woman living one month behind and whose mother also disappears.

When Seojin and Aeri meet through a phone call, he asks the latter to help find his daughter while helping to find her mother in his future timeline.

God’s Gift: 14 Days, SBS (2014)

nine times travel kdrama

God’s Gift: 14 Days tells the story of Kim Soohyun, a distraught mother whose daughter is abducted and killed, who miraculously gets the chance to travel back to the two weeks prior to the tragedy.

Soohyun is in a race against time to find the kidnapper and stop terrible things from happening because she is determined to change the outcome.

She discovers that the truth is much more complicated and perilous than she had anticipated as she digs deeper into the murky secrets surrounding her daughter’s death.

365: Repeat The Year, MBC TV (2020)

nine times travel kdrama

If you could repeat the last year of your life, would you?

In the mystery thriller 365: Repeat The Year , 10 people are given the opportunity to reset their lives by going back one year in time.

They participate in a time-traveling experiment, hoping to change their fates and undo their regrets.

However, they soon realize that altering the past has dire consequences, and they must unravel the mystery behind the experiment to save their lives.

Reunited Worlds, SBS (2017)

nine times travel kdrama

In Reunited Worlds , a man named Sung Haesung mysteriously reappears 12 years after his untimely death.

While he hasn’t aged, he finds that everyone around him has changed and gone on with their lives.

Haesung reconnects with his childhood friends, including his first love Jung Jungwon, as he navigates the difficulties of his new reality.

Together, they learn the truth about his time travel and work to mend relationships, sever old wounds, and find happiness in the present.

See You in My 19th Life, tvN (2023)

nine times travel kdrama

See You in My 19th Life is based on the webtoon of the same name that was published on Naver.

It tells the story of Jieum, who has lived out several lifetimes through reincarnation and has the supernatural ability to remember all of her past lives.

Her 18th life is tragically cut short due to an accident, and as she lives out her 19th, she knowingly heads down a path that will lead her to reconnect with a man from her previous life.

A Time Called You, Netflix (2023 – present)

nine times travel kdrama

Then there is the romance drama A Time Called You , which premiered on Netflix relatively recently – on September 8th, 2023.

It is an adaptation of a Taiwanese series and follows Junhee, who continues to mourn her boyfriend Yeonjun’s death one year later.

Somehow, she finds herself transported back to 1998 and in the body of an 18-year-old named Minju, who meets Siheon, a boy who looks like her deceased partner.

Marry My Husband, tvN (2024 – present)

nine times travel kdrama

The newest series on this list is Marry My Husband , which premiered on tvN on January 1st, 2024.

Marry My Husband follows Jiwon, described as a “time-limited woman” who has the opportunity to go back ten years.

In her new present, she dreams of exacting revenge on her cheating, murderous husband who killed her after having an affair with her best friend.

The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract, MBC (2023 – present)

nine times travel kdrama

Finally, we come to the last show in this countdown – The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract .

The fantasy romance series tells the story of Park Yeonwoo, a beautiful woman from the Joseon dynasty who loses her husband on the first night of their marriage.

She suddenly finds herself transported to the 21st century and under a modern marriage contract with Kang Taeha, who looks exactly like her husband.

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Hi, thanks for the list. There is also “Perfect marriage revenge” 2023

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  • K-Drama Review

nine times travel kdrama

K-Drama Time Machine: “Nine: Nine Times Travel”” Notches A Clever Time-Slip Series With Lee Jin Wook & Jo Yoon Hee

A few years ago, tvn’s 20-episode nine: nine time travels ran a mind-blowing experience for its thrilling fantasy premise..

Achieving peerless cliff-hangers, Nine: Nine Times Travel  mocked all the time-traveling stories with seamless presentation of consistent timeline transitions and convergence, when the genre was predominant in that period of time.

Nine: Nine Time Travels

Title: Nine: Nine Times Travel Distributor: tvN Theme: Fantasy, Time Travel, Romance Length: 20 episodes Broadcast Date: 11 Mar 2013 – 14 May 2013 Main Leads: Lee Jin Wook, Jo Yoon Hee Overall Rating: Re-watch Value: Related Dramas: Tomorrow with You, Tunnel

Nine: Nine Time Travels

Nine: Nine Time Travels will excite your Sherlock veins through its incredulous hero’s journey. Chronicled with ample thrills, the series injected inconceivable trajectories using its supernatural premise.

It is the story of a man who obtained nine incense sticks that functioned as a time-trekking device. Utilizing the enchanted incense sticks, it helps him leave clues to his past self to escape his looming death in the future. His time warping adventure brings him to events of 20 years ago. Presenting the pieces of information that his future self uses to change the course of time in the past, it gave a riveting picture as he protects the people he loves and his life.

nine-nine-time-travels

Highlights & Drawbacks

Imaginatively conceived, Nine: Nine Times Travel paraded a stunning picture which will challenge your focus and deciphering skills. But the series has always emerged victorious in going different to how the viewers deconstructed the path and curves of where it was heading.

For a change, I witness a hindered love story that does not involve vengeance or inability of the couple to communicate thereby jumping into wrong conclusions. This time around, there’s no trusting blindly and no let’s leave it to fate resolution. Instead, we got a love tale fighting to survive the odds with the aid of nine incense sticks.

The fluidity of the characters from past and present helping each other to pin down the villain was depicted efficiently. On that note, the wicked villain was a more contrived worker than the joint protagonists.

nine-nine-time-travels

Leaving clues for his future self to pick up, the hero successfully left the last clue to the woman he loves. Therefore enabling him to save his brother’s supposed frost accident which started his awareness of changing the past.

True, this was a hard to follow drama as the supernatural kicks bordered to beyond impossible. But, that was also what made the series strong. It was not afraid to push its limit without abusing its metaphysical element.

The well linked conflicts and the focus on just one villain helped in drawing a clear flow on the main character’s battle. Instead of myriad problems coming incessantly with no basis, the hero-villain showdown was solid from beginning to the end.

nine-nine-time-travels

Series Afterthoughts

Leaving the audience decide what closure he wants for the series he religiously watch is always a challenging task. Nine ended on a calm emotion, like it was giving me a cranial massage for all the brain activity I had to out through.

For me, it was a satisfying ending that fulfilled the hard work of all those time sojourns for the male lead. I stuck to my preconceived notion that it will be the couple’s love that will resolve everything. Explaining that the hero’s unfortunate fate was bound to happen. It yielded unrealized warnings that he needed for him to survive and to make everything right.

Although, the connection of the sticks and the hero was not explained to the fullest, we can conclude that when he used it, its binding power can be luck or curse depending on how his mind works to process the incidents presented to him.

nine-nine-time-travels

Nine: Nine Time Travels  is one of my favorite K-dramas even now. It was an exceptional labyrinth themed story that banked on the coherent flow of its narrative while linking the timelines.

With its smart characters and nifty writing, it is one drama that would keep you on an addictive spree.

* Nine is streamed on Netflix.

*All photos from tvN

  • 100 Must-Watch Korean Dramas In The Last 20 Years

nine-nine-time-travels

ABOUT THE WRITER

abbyinhallyuland reads and sleeps a lot when she is not traveling. Her calendar reminders are mostly K-Drama broadcast schedules and birthdays of her favorite Korean actors. Promoting K-Drama watching as stress therapy is her life advocacy. She is fond of Spencer Reid, Gregory House, Kenshin Himura, Starwars saga, Haruki Murakami and Hunter x Hunter .

Recommended Korean Dramas: Reply 1988, Nine,  Misaeng , Gaksital, Discovery of Love, Because This is My First Life, Descendants of the Sun, My Love from the Star,  Healer , Punch,  You’re Beautiful, Coffee Prince, Princess Hours, The Greatest Love, Sungkyunkwan Scandal, City Hunter, Crash Landing on You and The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.

E: [email protected]

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  4. K-Drama Review: "Nine: Nine Times Travel" Notches A Clever Time-Slip

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COMMENTS

  1. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (2013)

    Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (2013) Nine: Nine Times Time Travel. (2013) Park Sun Woo works as an anchorman at a TV broadcasting station. He is in love with news reporter Joo Min Young, who is bright and honest. Park Sun Woo then obtains 9 incense items, which allows him to go back 20 years in time. Sun Woo travels to the past in an attempt to ...

  2. Nine Times Time Travel (2023)

    It is suspenseful and engaging. "Nine Times Time Travel" is a short web drama about time travel that is suspenseful and binge-worthy. The Synopsis: Brain scientist Shan Yu accidentally learns of the death of his first love, Min Ying, who was holding a birthday candle before she died. Shan Yu lit the candle, and a miracle happened with the light ...

  3. Nine (TV series)

    Nine (Korean: 나인: 아홉 번의 시간여행; RR: Na-in: Ahop Beon-ui Sigan-yeohaeng; lit. Nine: Nine Time Travels) is a 2013 South Korean television series starring Lee Jin-wook and Jo Yoon-hee. It aired on tvN from March 11 to May 14, 2013 on Mondays and Tuesdays at 23:00 for 20 episodes.. According to a news article released by Deadline Hollywood on October 25, 2013, an American remake ...

  4. Nine: Nine Time Travels (TV Series 2013)

    Nine: Nine Time Travels: With Lee Jin-wook, Jo Yun-hie, Jeon No-min, Hie-ryeong Kim. A TV anchorman discovers that a mysterious bundle of incense has the power to send him back in time, where he has the opportunity to alter the past.

  5. Nine: 9 Times Time Travel

    Profile. Drama: Nine: 9 Times Time Travel (English title) / Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (literal title) Hangul: Nain: Ahob beonui Shiganyeohaeng Revised romanization: 나인: 아홉 번의 시간여행 Director: Kim Byung-Soo Writer: Song Jae-Jung, Kim Yoon-Joo Network: tvN Episodes: 20 Release Date: March 11 - May 14, 2013 Runtime: Monday & Tuesday 23:00 Genre: Mystery / Romance / Time Travel

  6. Nine: Nine Time Travels

    Currently you are able to watch "Nine: Nine Time Travels" streaming on The Roku Channel, Pluto TV for free with ads. Newest Episodes . S1 E20 - Season 1. S1 E19 - Season 1. S1 E18 - Season 1. Synopsis. Park Sun-Woo works as an anchorman at a TV broadcasting station. He is in love with newsreporter Joo Min-Young, who is bright and honest.

  7. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1

    No. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel Episode 1; Nine: 9 Times Time Travel Episode 1; Nain: Ahop Beonui Siganyeohaeng Episode 1; 九回時間旅行; Park Sun Woo works as an anchorman at a TV broadcasting station. He is in love with news reporter Joo Min Young, who is bright and honest.

  8. Nine Times Travel Series Musings

    A few years ago, tvN's 20-episode Nine: Nine Time Travels ran a mind-blowing experience for its thrilling fantasy premise.. Achieving peerless cliff-hangers, Nine: Nine Times Travel mocked all the time-traveling stories with seamless presentation of consistent timeline transitions and convergence, when the genre was predominant in that period of time.

  9. Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013)

    Nine: Nine Time Travels. When a man burns incense imbued with mysterious powers, he is transported 20 years into the past. In a series of travels into various moments, the man tries to change the tragedies in his life, but soon finds himself in a web of fate, when each positive change he tries to make brings with it a chain of after-effects.

  10. Nine: Consequences, resolutions, and the ending

    Nine: Nine Time Travels. When a man burns incense imbued with mysterious powers, he is transported 20 years into the past. In a series of travels into various moments, the man tries to change the tragedies in his life, but soon finds himself in a web of fate, when each positive change he tries to make brings with it a chain of after-effects.

  11. Review: Nine [Nine: Nine Time Travels]

    That the circle of time travel that we've spent time with, is just one part of the bigger picture of this multiple-timeline universe. My favorite one is #5, coz I think the concept of there being many parallel timelines is intriguing and way cooler than thinking of these 20 episodes as a once-off split and re-joining of 2 timelines.

  12. 29 Binge-worthy Time Travel Kdramas

    Nine: Nine Times Time Travel tells the captivating story of Park Sun Woo, a devoted anchorman at a TV broadcasting station, and his love for Joo Min Young, another news reporter. ... Queen In Hyun's Man is a time travel Korean drama following Kim Boong Do, a scholar from the Joseon era who travels 300 years into the future.

  13. Nine : Nine Time Travels

    Korean Drama Review By Jill, USA. ~~~~~~~~~. Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013): Absolutely spellbinding! This is my number 2 show out of hundreds of K-dramas finished. Give your brain a workout with this one, instead of just your emotions! Never a dull moment! A story that's like working on a challenging crossword puzzle, where nothing is as it ...

  14. Nine: Nine Time Travels

    Details. Title: 나인: 아홉 번의 시간 여행 / Na-in: Ahop Beon-ui Sigan-yeohaeng Also known as: Nine / Nine: 9 Times Time Travel / Nine: Time Travel Nine Times Genre: Time travel, romance, fantasy, thriller, mystery, melodrama Episodes: 20 Broadcast network: tvN Broadcast period: 2013-Mar-11 to 2013-May-14 Air time: Monday & Tuesday 23:00 Viewership ratings:

  15. The 35 Best Korean Time Travel Dramas

    Mr. Queen, tvN (2020 - 2021) Mr. Queen is a historical fantasy drama series that tells the story of Jang Bong-hwan, a womanizing, free-spirited chef working in the Blue House who gets transported back in time and finds himself inhabiting the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon dynasty. Jang Bong-hwan must negotiate the complicated world of ...

  16. Nine Times Time Travel (2023)

    Editorials - Jan 9, 2021 This article is about translating forms of address into "Brother" in Dramas from China, South Korea and Thailand and what they can also mean. Cosmic Girls's Bona Becomes a Victim of Brutal Bullying in "Pyramid Game"

  17. K-Drama Time Machine: "Nine: Nine Times Travel"" Notches A Clever Time

    Title: Nine: Nine Times Travel Distributor: tvN Theme: Fantasy, Time Travel, Romance Length: 20 episodes Broadcast Date: 11 Mar 2013 - 14 May 2013

  18. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel Korean Drama

    Nine: Nine Times Time Travel is a Korean Drama. Plot: Park Sun Woo works as an anchorman at a TV broadcasting station. He is in love with news reporters Joo ... Korean Drama. 8.4. Total votes: 5511. Director: Kim Byung Soo. Screenwriter: Kim Yoon Joo, Song Jae Jung. Aired on: Mar 11, 2013. Total Episodes: 20. Network: tvN. Duration: 52 min.

  19. Nine : nine time travels is the best time travel kdrama ever ...

    It's another time travel kdrama and is remake of a British tv series with the same name. It was so good that the producer of the original BBC series praised it. I 100% recommend watching it Reply reply ... Life On Mars. though Nine is a time travel drama like them , I think they're completely different. ...

  20. EP1: Nine Times Time Travel

    Watch Nine Times Time Travel EP1: Nine Times Time Travel online with subtitles in English. Introduction: Neuroscientist Shan Yu discovers the sudden death of his first love, Min Ying. Before she died, she clutched a birthday candle in her final moments. Lighting the candle, Shan Yu miraculously travels back ten years, and attempts to alter their fate.

  21. Thoughts on Nine: Nine Times Travel Ending? : r/KDRAMA

    2) Towards the end of the series Sung-woo finally obtains his perfect ending. Him and his girl are together. His brother is not dead and goes to jail. Choi goes to jail. Yay! But, my problem with this is... I couldn't buy the happiness. The essential nature of people that caused all the problems hasn't changed.

  22. Best Time Travel Dramas

    Korean dramas, Chinese dramas, Taiwanese dramas, Japanese dramas, Kpop & Kdrama news and events by Soompi, and original productions -- subtitled in English and other languages. ... Just the best time travel dramas ever made. Read more . Follow Collection. Report as advertisement. Report as inappropriate content. Curated by swan5_283. Followers. 30.