[HanCinema's Drama Preview] "Mother - Drama"

You can love or hate the remakes of Korean drama, but they are here to stay and they have the potential to evolve into solid works of their own. Choosing a critically acclaimed Japanese drama to do an adaptation of is not an easy decision, but "Mother - Drama" has a lot going for it. Will this manage to meet the great potential it has built up so far?

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Premise

Originally an Ornithology specialist, Soo-jin (Lee Bo-young) becomes a substitute teacher at an elementary school. It is there that she meets Hye-na (Heo Yool) and quickly discovers the little girl's life of abuse. Soo-jin decides to run away with Hye-na in order to spare her from domestic violence.

The Worrying

Remake Risks

From the practical, such as the episode number, to the cultural, such as changing tones and approach, there are a lot of elements to consider here. For one, Lee Bo-young and Heo Yool have to form great chemistry and match some hefty performances. The creators need to capture the heart of the original without making a carbon copy.

Drama Vs. Film

Writer Jeong Seo-kyeong's long-time film collaborations with Park Chan-wook are quite the credentials and while I do not doubt the writer's talent, the difference in media and the last-minute nature of Korean drama filming are tricky things to tackle, I imagine even more so for the first time. Can the writer adapt to and keep up with this environment?

The Reassuring

Capable Creators

Worries over time and production management aside, writer Jeong Seo-kyeong and director Kim Cheol-gyoo have some mighty impressive titles between them. Their content is diverse in genres and it is unique enough in its respective industries that they could bring a fresh type of drama content together.

Leading Duo

While the chemistry and Heo Yool's acting skills are unknown factors at the moment, a powerful make-believe mother and daughter duo is the very core of "Mother - Drama". If those things work and we have a solid effort from the supporting and guest cast, this drama will be a great ride.

Closing Thoughts

Handling abuse takes a lot of tact, great respect and solid writing chops. It is a topic which is sadly too simplified in Korean drama at times, but one which is as timely as ever and everywhere. My hope is that this will be a drama like no other, because this is what it needs to be for the sake of its subject matter. I am nervous, but I love what I see and know so far.

"Mother - Drama" begins its run on January 24th and will air every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:30 KST, on tvN. It is directed by Kim Cheol-gyoo, written by Jeong Seo-kyeong and features Lee Bo-young, Heo Yool, Lee Hye-young-I and Lee Jae-yoon.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'