Tomorrow (2022)

It Actually Is A Wonderful Life!

The last Korean series I finished was “Missing the Other Side” which I thought was one of the most heart-warming, thoughtful, and provocative series I’d seen yet. It tugged at the heartstrings in a very profound and meaningful way. I had no idea I would get more of the same here with “Tomorrow.”

Someone recently asked me why I watch Korean shows and not much else. I used to watch American shows, but I’ve dropped all of them. I said, “Because Korean stories are character and plot driven. And most of these shows always have food for thought, or a message to make you think about how we can make this world a better place.”

“Tomorrow” is about Grim Reapers who exist in a different plane of existence. They are broken up into various departments, but the department that is the focus of this story is the Risk Management Team, comprised of two members (soon to be adding a third). Their job is to seek out souls who are high risk for committing suicide and to try and prevent that from happening. The team is led by Goo Ryun, a woman with a mysterious and troubling past. Im Ryung Goo is her partner, another member also tied to a soul from the past. They soon add temporary member, Choi Joon Woong, a young man full of life, whom the Reapers accidentally put into a coma while trying to prevent a suicide. Woong is given the choice to join and help the Reapers for six months or stay in a coma for three years. Naturally, he chooses the former. Of course, being absolutely “green” Woong has a hard time initially fitting in and doing his job, but he brings two distinctive qualities to the team that the other two senior members lack: empathy and compassion. Woong is a young man who wears his feelings on his sleeve. He has a difficult time understanding the coldness of Goo Ryun, and the two often clash.

People may not realize that Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. And the series addresses the most common causes of suicide. Bullying, the loss of a loved one, someone who views their own life as a failure, people suffering from things like eating disorders, assault victims, guilt, or drowning in a wave of public criticism. Each case spans 1-2 episodes, and each one is just as profound and thought-provoking as the last. This is another series you want to keep a box of tissues handy!

Of course, as in most cultures, suicide is against the law and in most religions, a mortal “sin.” It really doesn’t matter if you buy into the somewhat religious belief system that governs the Reapers. That isn’t what is important. What is important is helping anyone to see what a beautiful life they have, and why suicide should never be a last resort. Suicide only brings more suffering and pain than what you are already experiencing. It follows you.
The cause of suicide is unhappiness, and the feeling of being trapped in a reality you feel you cannot escape from. But the root cause of all unhappiness is this: lack of love for yourself. If you love yourself, you will not allow bullies to persecute you. You will stand up for yourself, no matter what. If you love yourself, you will grieve but feel immense gratitude for those loved ones who have moved on. If you love yourself, you will never see your life as a failure, but as a success. You will realize the truth: a single life touches so many. If you love yourself, you will never mistreat your body with eating disorders or unhealthy ways of living. You will take care of yourself as best as you can. If you love yourself, you won’t feel guilty about anything you do to others or anything you do to yourself, for you hold the tool for letting go: forgiveness. If you love yourself, even if someone beats and torments your body, you know that the body is not who you are! You will be able to say the most powerful words ever spoken: forgive them, for they know not what they do.

There is a lot of love in this series that cries out for people to see just how wonderful and valuable their lives are. They are not something to be callously thrown away. But perhaps the central theme of this show is this: there is only one person you ever need to save, and that is yourself. It also speaks to not giving up on yourself. Life is a battle, and you have to keep on fighting. Life will knock you down. Pain in inevitable but suffering is optional. How much you suffer is determined by nobody else but yourself. I’ve used this quote in several reviews, but it’s so powerful given the subject matter of this series. “The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!”—Rocky Balboa. Anyone who is contemplating suicide should really look long and hard at this quote.

And while we are not responsible for what others do, we do have influence. People really need to stop and think about how they treat each other, whether it be through words or action. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think about how what you say or do might affect them.

This show has some of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen in ANY show! The Korean War vet being escorted by ALL of the Reapers was incredibly powerful and eye-opening about how war veterans are treated. Such people deserve our undying respect and gratitude. The story of the Comfort Women of World War II was especially poignant. People tend forget about the atrocities committed during that war. It’s always so much easier to lay blame upon others without knowing the facts or circumstances. If you don’t believe that, READ the quote above! Those women had undeniable courage and deserve the highest accolades for what they had to go through. That episode had me in tears at the end when the three women are there to comfort each other (thus, the comfort women!) and remind each other that no forgiveness is necessary.

Performances all around in this series were impeccable. The cast was tremendous, and the storyline between Goo Ryun and Park Joon Gil from their previous life in Joseon is very intriguing, as we unravel the mystery of the connection between these two, and why they both have opposing views regarding suicide victims. Goo Ryun believes they must be helped. Park Joon Gil believes that it’s pointless to help anyone who already has their mind made up, especially when it comes to suicide. And the bridge between them is none other than Choi Joon Woong. Because what is sorely missing from both is empathy and compassion. Judgment and criticism are counterproductive.

This series should be required viewing—and not just by Koreans—but by everyone. Perhaps you know someone who’s down and unhappy. Whether they might be contemplating suicide or not, use your own empathy and compassion to give them a smile, a kind word, your company, or anything to remind them that they are valuable and loved. For what other job is more important than that?

Read More

They really made me look forward to my tomorrows

10/10 might be too much of a praise, but I really think that they deserve it. The topic they brought up about suicide and mental health. The different types of people with different lives and background, no matter who they are, in the end everyone is the same. They're just humans. And I really really appreciate the original webtoon writer, the drama writers, directors, all the staffs, and the actors and actresses for taking on this drama and pulling it off successfully in all aspects. The story of the drama, though based on the webtoon, it still has some if not a lot of differences with the webtoon, and though I've only read the webtoon a little, I think them differing the drama and webtoon is really their best decision., though some people might not like it, I think it's nice to have unexpected and different aspects. The amazing cinematography and cg is done very very well. The OSTs are all so amazing and beautiful. Amongst all the ballads, Red Light is especially my favorite because of how nice it sounds, and the lyrics really fit too. I also really love Yoo Hweseung's solo version of Still Love You. I expected them to have it be the same song as the original one sung by Lee Hongki and Yoo Hweseung, but I actually really like the different instrumental sound. And though I was a bit taken aback because they removed Hweseung's iconic 6 octave high note, I think it goes well with the instrumentals, and honestly more fitting to the drama too.

Every single actors, from the main leads to supporting all really did so well. But for sure, I really have to say this, they hit the jackpot with the 4 main leads. I have never seen Kim Heesun's projects ever so this is my first and I think she really did so amazing. Even just from seeing her have the short pink hair, her charisma is overflowing, and when I got to see her in the drama, she's really cool. For Rowoon, I knew him from SF9 and I did watch Extraordinary You though I haven't finished, but I remember he was mostly silent in his scenes, I think I was still pretty early in the drama but already stopped. But, to see that his character here is WAY different from Haru was interesting and I actually really appreciate his acting so much more now. The youthful, energetic, feeler type of character that is Choi Junwoong really suits him so much. I've seen Lee Soohyuk in Pipeline and he was really cool there (and here too of course) and is it because of his visuals? But he really seems to fit fantasy themed projects. I really think he's much more charismatic here and it's really cool to see. Last but not least Yun Jion, who I've seen in Memorist, and though back in march I only re-discovered him through mbc's instagram when they released his teaser picture as Lim Ryunggu, now it's safe to say he's one of my ults, probably my number one currently. Because of his teasers showing his mullet with his two toned hair, I decided since then that I'm going to tune in to this show, and I really want to thank him for having his iconic look. He really stood out to me and I am so glad I decided to watch Tomorrow even if at first it was just because of his visuals. Cause I ended up loving the drama too much, and ended up being Jion's fan too. As I watched Tomorrow on going, I slipped some of his other filmographies like Be Melodramatic and Breakup Probation to watch in between as I wait for Tomorrow's episodes every week, and I really really admire him. The diversity of his character and how he always pulled it off so well, especially as Ryunggu which is so far my favorite character he played, he's just amazing. So far he's mostly played supporting roles, some main roles slipped in, and I hope after this, he will get more offers to be in the main lead lineup. But main or supporting, I'm sure he will do his best, as he always does.

Read More

The Importance of Challenging Moral Narratives Around Suicide

For those looking to start Tomorrow there are a few key points to bear in mind. Mainly, despite moments of lighthearted comedy for catharsis, this is a heavy show. It does (thankfully) have a happy ending but it will make you angry, frustrated, and cry at the awfulness of society and the harmful individual choices that people make.

While I think that the pacing in the first five episodes and episodes 9/10 is too slow, leading to a bit of a rushed ending, I'm willing to overlook it in my general rating because of all of the rare things that the show does right (only knocking off half a star)

My top positives:
1) Chemistry between ML and FL but no forced romances for side characters (both also had incredible acting)
2) Great Found Family Dynamics in the Risk Management Team (the main trio)
3) Promotes Understanding that one doesn't need a tragic backstory to empathize with those with suicidal ideations
4) A happy ending in a story about suicide prevention (it shouldn't be rare but it really is)
5) Good challenge to the "red string of fate" idea and the reality that it can be instrumentalized to make people stay in abusive relationships ('i.e. they're my fated one I have no choice')
6) Great soundtrack (opening credits)
7) Amazing fashion

My Top Negatives:
1) Rushed story arc for ML and FL that should have been spread out across a few episodes/better integrated earlier
2) Too many flashback montages for characters who only premiered in one episode, at times verging on trauma porn
3) Overdramatic acting by Rowoon's character that occasionally pulls one out of being immersed in the scene
4) Final villain needed to be integrated better throughout the story since their existence actually drives the overarching plot of the drama

Overall, I can totally understand if the show is not some people's cup of tea and can agree that magically 'solving' suicide/mental health crises , if it was the point of the show, (spoiler: it's not) is pretty simplistic.

However it is important to bear in mind that the entire premise of the show is that the main leads aren't really "people" but grim reapers who change the thoughts people have about themselves. Notably the Red Light doesn't mean people won't ever commit suicide again or fall back into old harmful patterns it just means they are not in immediate danger.

Rather than the aftermath, the show's focus is on what drives people to suicide and is a social commentary on stopping the prevalence of those things (the root causes) rather than outlining a proper mental health intervention. So it's more a show against bullying, structural debt, sexism, sexual harassment and assault, fatphobia, mistreatment of pregnant women, etc, than a show about how to "solve" trauma, insolvency, anorexia, and the psychological trauma of miscarriages (among other issues.) That, in and of itself, is incredibly subversive.

SPOILERS FOR FINALE BELOW:

This isn't a show about interventions and its not a show romanticizing suicide like 13 reasons why. Its a show about changing the prevalent negative moral narrative around suicide as 'something a weak person or sinner brings upon themselves,' because such narratives make it impossible to ask for help. This is something the show, for all its flaws with pacing around the character development of the main characters, does incredibly well.

It is super crucial that ultimately the person that Koo Ryeon has to save in the end is herself: it's her process of reconciling that all of the horrible things she said to herself (that she internalized) were not her fault and that she has nothing to make up for (isn't going to hell again). The fact that Joong Gil apologizes for making her think her suicidal ideations were selfish and acknowledges that he acted more to preserve his pride than to protect her is an incredibly subversive depictions of suicide in popular culture. I am also incredibly satisfied that Koo Ryeon and Joong Gil reconcile but they are not automatically "married" or lovers because of their past lives. While I think they have clear romantic tension, and are close by the end, they have to build their relationship from the ground up and neither she nor Joong Gil have to keep reliving their past lives for all eternity. If they enter into a relationship its because they CHOOSE each other, not because they had no alternative.

I am content with the ending of Ryung-Gu and Choi Jun-Woo (and how much their relationship has progressed) and like the hopeful ending that the RM team will be reunited in the Afterlife.

Read More

I literally cried every episode :)

I can’t really believe this I finished this masterpiece of a series! It was so heartwarming, heartbreaking and so freaking emotional! At the end I really liked it to get to know the past of the rm team members and it was really interesting and heartbreaking!!!! Overall I liked the characters so much and also the individuale storylines of each episode were so unique and wonderful, because you could thought about the pain that some people have to carry with them and idk but for me this drama is such an comfort drama because it felt somehow good to cry with those people!!!!!

Read More

FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

Words won't be able to describe the impact this show has had on me. This show really showcases the versatility and uniqueness of Korean dramas, and I say this without any exaggeration, that is is one of the best shows I have ever watched. Every episode had a unique story which showcased and spoke about important and sensitive topics. Each and every episode struck a chord within me and I absolutely loved every second of it. There were times my blood boiled due to the injustice, there were times I was on the verge of tears due the pain, but there was always light at the end of the tunnel and hope and love prevailed. I also loved the momentary comedic innuendos and jokes which helped to freshen up and produce a laugh amidst the heavy show that this is. I didn't binge watch this show, and I really took my time with it. I let the episodes and the messages sink in. This is a piece of art and a masterpiece, and I heavily suggest you give it a go. This is not a rom-com, so if that's what you're looking for then this isn't it, but I sincerely believe that everyone need to watch this show at least once in their life.

Read More

So many interesting side stories, shines positivity ✨

No doubt, this is not like all the other dramas you watch as it touches and covers the most sensitive topics and throws light to often ignored struggles. This concept was definitely something different and I was excited to watch it everytime it came.
For a person who is validating if this drama is really worth a watch or not, I would say that does live upto a fair satisfaction, giving a tour of all emotions like kindness, love, thrill, action, suspense and a few unexpected twists!
Do give it a watch if you're looking for something new, slice of life and filled with action and many aspects of daily life.

ACTING (9/10)
The acting was top notch. Almost every main character in each episode made it feel as if I could feel their pain and understand it from their perspective. Beautiful!

FASHION (9.5/10)
Okay but hear me out the stylists of this show did an absolute flabbergasting job for every actor. The makeup, the outfits and especially the FLs cause they were so to the point and mouth-opening!

BGM (8.5/10)
Kdramas OSTs are never disappointing, for every scene the right track to set the moods were pretty great.

Still reading? Just give it a watch, I'm sure it would be something fresh!

Read More

I need a season 2

Tomorrow is a must watch the acting was great everyone played their characters sensationally and i loved the plot we need a season 2 this is one of my favourite kdramas and this drama definitely without a doubt deserves another season if it doesn’t has one i might cry this dram is so underrated Netflix and MBC we need another season with the same cast pls give us one 🥺🙏

p.s: I personally think that Tomorrow handle the aspects of suicide and hardship in life respectfully and beautifully they presented one’s pain in life realistically and showed how hard and unfair life can be but at the same time happy and joyful to wrap it it Tomorrow taught us to keep going no matter what we face don’t give them what they want and prove them wrong

Read More

Tomorrow gets you think of today

This drama gets you care more about other people and what important in life.
Every episode has its own mening.
The actors are so great and play there role so good. I loved to see Rowoon in his role, it was so caring. I think a will color my hair pink :-)
Its a must kdrama !! But take your time on wvery episode beacause its so concerning. The music is well chosen for each episode and I loved redlight. The into to the episodes is one of the best I seen because its gos so well with the music and the fotos.
If you havent startded wat h this kdrama pu it on your list!

Read More

Good Enough

Korean Drama " Tomorrow " is based on the webtoon of the same name and is an anthology of short slice of life cases.

The drama does an excellent job of blending in different stories, while keeping the main story as the axis of the drama. And it doesn't simply present a few sample cases to whet one's appetite. Rather, the drama gives various short stories till the very ending, with a wonderfully interesting universe that is well explored.

As for the characters, they are equally interesting, with their own background stories and perks. The actors did a great job as well portraying them, especially the main ones.

The cinematography, finally, was impressive, with well-choreographed action scenes and elegant CGI.

So, my overall rating is 9 out of 10.

Read More

I think tomorrow is the best kdrama ever made so far.

The best kdrama ever the drama justify the stories of real life issues .It's not only the drama it's the reality of the world .The drama describes that sucide is never an option as long as you have tomorrow you can make each and every thing fine .The drama gives so many messages that at some point of life we needed .This drama was literally more than a masterpeice each and every person should watch it😩.The acting the story the plot everything was perfect not even single thing disappointe me ."We are the only person who can save ourselves"this line of the drama hits hard

Read More

live for a better tomorrow

"What saves people is not your powers, but the weight of your words."

This drama is the proof on how words can affect people so much, either in a good or bad way - they have so much impact and we often do not realise it.
This series made me rethink many of my past mistakes but also sad past moments that I went through; and i think they wrapped up some very serious issues such a good way.
What is to remember is that no matter how hard life may be, it is not the end - we have so much more to see, discover, understand, meeting new persons that will impact our life some ways. It will not always be just good moments, we may be sad, angry, mad, empty of feelings; but we will also be joyful, happy and full of hope.
Everything will get better, you just need some time and a bit of help.
This also do show that even when they helped people from committing, it does not mean they will be fine right after - they are still on the list and watched and will slowly recover and live a better life. You also get attached to each characters easily, each are unique in their own ways with different stories.
This show is definitely worth watching, prepare tissues as well - cried during each episodes.

The cast is powerful and talented
The OST has such great songs

Read More

One of the best kdramas I have ever watched

This is probably one of the best kdramas I have ever watched, no kidding. From the plot, to the cast, the acting, every little thing is absolutely praiseworthy, and over 16 episodes it has become one of my comfort dramas.

let's start from the beginning. Tomorrow is based on 3 grim repears who prevent people from taking their lives. The topic itself hit close to home for me. The topic of suicide and self-harm is often romanticised in a lot of movies and dramas, but the way Tomorrow dealt with it was absolutely astounding. It seemed like the characters were speaking directly to me instead of the victims in the scenes.

It covered different incidents in each episodes and showed how people are faced with the hurdles in their everyday lives, and how some people often fail to overcome those hurdle and take the ultimate decision of taking their own lives. This drama made me feel validated in my own struggles and showed that I am not weak for crying during difficult times.

Now I know, that any new watcher might be confused by the ratings on the google homepage but i assure you this drama is good. The ratings had gone down because of a scandal regarding a certain scene in the drama where apparently the birthdays of two famous kpop idols were used (I'm not korean so I will not be able to prove it), and their fandom was responsible for bringing down the ratings.

Now, if the scandal is true, I absolutely don't condone such behaviour, of course, but that doesn't mean that because of a mistake the props department had made we should punish the entire cast and crew who had worked hard for this show, but it's absolutely upon you to decide whether you will watch this drama or not, but if I am asked, I absolutely recommend it.

I have watched lots of kdramas, and this was probably one of the most beautifully devoloped, plotwise. The cast too did an amazing job at portraying the emotions of the characters. I cried in almost all the episodes here and I barely cry watching dramas or movies.

Although I am sad that the drama is now over, I am still hoping for a season 2, where I can watch my favourite grim repears again.

Read More