Goodbye Earth (2024)

Slow paced & soulful slice of life - HOW we are living being more important than surviving

Beforehand: Anyone who expects "Goodbye Earth" to be a 12 episodes long doomsday blockbuster in the face of an impending apocalypse is completely wrong here. The KDrama has nothing to do with a fast-paced, action-packed and adrenaline-arousing desperate fight against an approaching asteroid.
Plus: Yoo Ah-in's lead role, due to a charge of illegal drug use, was reduced to a minimum during production. So somehow it had to be improvised in terms of content. But in my opinion, a stronger focus on the female lead (played by Ahn Eun-jin) didn't hurt.


I would say "Goodbye Earth" is a ´slice of life´ centering around a bunch of rather ordinary people in a rather ordinary residential area in the city of Ungcheon. The remaining city population is expecting the crash of an asteroid that is on a collision course with the Earth and, according to calculations, will hit the Korean peninsula. Other than that, people live their lives - which, compared to before, obviously are not quite the same... So this dystopian KDrama is not about averting disaster. It's about continuing with life - until the end. Together. But, now, what do all the noble, dutiful, corrupt, holy, street-smart, arrogant, simple, life-hungry, in love, pregnant, believing and criminal variations of human beings do with this knowledge of their collective death?

Significantly, the looming asteroid isn't the worst thing at all in “Goodbye Earth”. In this particular scenario, the political order had already largely collapsed. Those who could afford it, had tried to save themselves. Eventually, the power vacuum was filled in no time. But fortunately, "Goodbye Earth" does not medially exploit the dystopian scenario to gleefully indulge into man's cruelty, unscrupulousness and insatiable greed even in the face of the bitter end. In fact, the KDrama gives its time and space mainly to interpersonal dynamics of a certain community - a diverse collection of people, young and old, who know each other from their community life, from school, from childhood. Only over time, little by little, in interspersed flashbacks, do we find out how they are all related to each other and what actually connects them. We walk along with them - during their last days, which are unstoppably shrinking in number… until the collision with the asteroid. Thus, emotionally, episode by episode, we get to know the people and their neighborhood better and might even grow fond of them, too.

The people in Ungcheon are actually less concerned with the approaching asteroid itself than with why and where their priest had disappeared or what had happened to the church money. And then there is this gang of criminals who among others specialized in child trafficking. The pain, fear and hopelessness felt by the people of Ungcheon is more likely to be caused by the collateral damages beforehand of the asteroid collision, than by actually facing their end.

It is slice of life in the context of a rather bizarre, extraordinary life situation. While people have to process their traumatic, crucial life experiences, talking and sharing might actually help to overcome emotional alienation or even frenzy. Yet... This is beautifully demonstrated in several examples. Sooner or later, close to the end the question arises as to what really counts...

In my opinion, this is a quietly gripping and complex KDrama. So complex that a few questions might remain unanswered at the end. But for me they are not so important here, therefore I can leave it at that. I´d say “Goodbye Earth” is rather about the personal processes that all those different characters have to go through, while dealing with those obviously extraordinary challenges their ordinary life is confronting them with.

For all those who expected e.g. “Deep Impact” in a series format, "Goodbye Earth" is certainly disappointing. For fans of slice of life, however, an almost unique scenario opens up in this rare dystopian context. The focus is on a former teacher who had to helplessly watch the children of her mid-school class becoming the greatest collateral damage in the run-up to the asteroid collision. For her this is representing the actual catastrophe.

"Goodbye Earth" lives from subtle interpersonal dynamics, coping with everyday life in a state of emergency and the daily struggles for emotional balance, for humanity and structure, for law and order in the midst of chaos. The KDrama is primarily a soulful and slow-paced study about the people of a neighborhood in Ungcheon bravely continuing with their lives in the light of their definitive collective death date. Because it's not over yet. Well aware about day X, life goes on. Until then. Together.
Bottom line: In the end, HOW we are living is more important, than surviving no matter what.

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Awful show

I could tolerate the poor editing in ep 1 and 2 , and yoo ah-in had enough scenes that I'm not even sure his scenes were cut , but the writing was baaaddd, despite all the noise made about abduction and trafficking of children ,the adults somehow let them always wander off , the younger priest having his faith tested was meant to come off as deep ,but came off as boring , all the talk of the ML being this important person that the bad guys needed , reduced to him having a flash drive with all his work that he gave away willingly.
Did no one think of escaping by ship except the human traffickers. The FL had more chemistry with her female soldier friend than the ML. Despite that , the only thing the show had going for it towards the end was the ML and FL relationship and they butchered that with the stupid ending

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Make your own mind up - don't believe the negativity.

I'm genuinely surprised by the low scores and negativity so far about this show.
Perhaps it isn't as fast paced as an action movie on a similar subject, but as a series with character development a film doesn't afford, it's compelling spot on.
Given the pandemic the world experienced in recent history, the day to day experiences and less-than-perfect emotions and ideologies exposed in the show hit home, & are all the more watchable for it.
Watch for the first few episodes and make your own mind up prior to believing the short-sighted negativity.
This show compelled way me more than most highly rated dramas.

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Slice of life but world is ending

Unpopular opinion, i really liked this slice of life with an end of the world background. It's obviously not a massive action dystopia where the Earth gets destroyed (and the biggest mistake was probably to sell it as this) but you can't tell me there is nothing to keep here.

Chatacters are really interesting with deep struggles and emotions. They are well developed and complex. It's a philosophical show with a lot of themes portraying humanity and its duality. It questions power, religion, forces, family, relationships, loss, despair, love.

Construction is a bit ambitious (like the impossible heir) and I understand people can dislike when the storyline goes back and forth with different timelines and cuts but when the story makes sense and the acting is that good I personally find it ok. It's just different and I feel like ppl are too much used to do something else while watching so they can't handle changing povs.

I loved the girl soldier, the children, the relationships between ahin's and eunjin's character. It blends social constructions ( for example children behaving like adults bc they will never become one, marriage, pregnancy).

Love language and touch is this drama is BEYOND INCREDIBLE. I never saw such emotions pictured and it was heartbreaking (acting performance from the couple deserve an award). Once you detach from the apocalyptic movie you were expecting and if you focus on small things , you'll see there is a lot to take from this. The counting of days before the asteroid hit the ground is slow paced but I liked that it wasn't a story about a hero trying to save the world and escape his fate. Maybe they could have survived but the story is not about that.
There's a also a hard work both visually and musically. Ost are so good. From The last of us to The Leftovers, there's a beautiful story here about connection between human being.

One sad thing is that there are huge blanks in the story (we miss the whole yunsang's POV because of those cowards) so they probably had to fill in with length or side characters that can be boring from time to time BUT besides this i find the storyline makes sense and it's interesting unusual and beautiful.

I ache thinking of what they did with Yoo Ahin and that we won't see him anytime soon. But i'm also very surprised by the angle they chose here. The flashbacks show us a lot of the chaos that happened in the past and the greed of people which let the characters with big traumas. And we face their fear and surerending in the present. The last ep was very moving like others scenes throughout the show (the end of ep9 is so sad i could kms) The ending is questionable but overall this is an enjoyable story with impactful scenes. I hope some people will make their own mind and stop focusing on reviews and group effect

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A good philosophical show with a bad pilot

The first three episodes present a disorienting experience for viewers, with a narrative structure that lacks clarity and coherence. The plot jumps haphazardly between different timelines without clear indication, leaving audiences struggling to piece together the sequence of events. Flashbacks blend seamlessly with present-day scenes, further complicating the understanding of the storyline. This lack of a clear timeline detracts from the overall viewing experience, making it challenging for viewers to fully engage with the narrative.
Furthermore, the abundance of characters introduced in the early episodes adds to the confusion. While an extensive cast can enrich the storytelling by providing diverse perspectives, this show struggles to effectively develop each character amidst the chaos of its narrative. As a result, many characters feel underutilized or underdeveloped, diminishing their impact on the overarching plot.
Despite its shortcomings, it" begins to find its footing in the fourth episode, as the narrative begins to coalesce and the timelines become more discernible. The characters, once disparate and disconnected, begin to intertwine in meaningful ways.

So, is a philosophical drama with grand aspirations, marred by its initial confusion and lack of coherence. While the early episodes may leave viewers feeling adrift in a sea of disjointed narratives, the series gradually finds its footing and delivers a more cohesive and engaging experience.

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Let me explain

It's a very nihilistic drama about a neighbourhood as the end of the world approaches and, bad things start to happen. It is generally about human follies, there are few philosophical ideas but, none of coherent enough to leave an impact upon viewer. And, when this 12 hour long drama ends there is no closure.

This whole human follie drama could have been saved in the editing room by cutting at least 4 hours of stuffs. This series is just menander around from one point to another without reaching to the point. Simply, it’s all over the place.

I get it that they are trying explore if worlds get destroyed within 200 days what will happen to the normal people of a simple small town, how they will spent this 200 days with lack of food, faith, corruption, crime, how do they protect their neighbourhood and, most importantly how can they protect the children. As I said it’s a very nihilistic drama without any closure.

However, this drama does not deserve 12 hour long duration time. Like the main story of this drama begins at 6 episode which is baffling, how the editor and the director ignore such a big problem. Furthermore, none of the characters have any important goal that could engage the viewer, most of the characters are passive. Like the character of YAI is pointless, he just sits around and, follow the female lead. Nothing really happens in this drama, what we see in episode one to four, it’s just repeats itself in rest of the episode. And, no it didn’t happen because, YAI part was cut out, I think they really did not cut his scenes, they just wanted calm the viewer so, they can release it without any further controversy

What I learned watching this series is that not every story need to be retold using visual medium. I really don't understands how this series got green lit or how the actors signed it because, the writing is bloated with repeated things. I really wanted to like the show. I actually liked 60-70% of the series, I also liked the supporting characters too but, the problem is this there is no set up or pay off at the end, it begins and then it just ends. I am jealous of whom ever loved this series I wish I loved it too.

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It’s very disappointing

For me and possibly many others they were most likely hyped/excited for this show. And once the scandal of one of the actors interfered with the show I was quite worried, but when they released the trailer I genuinely thought everything would be fine… (I was wrong) The show’s storyline did not deliver and honestly felt a bit sloppy. And to be completely honest the ending was not what I was expecting. I think all of the actors gave their all in the performance but they storyline just wasn’t it. I truly wouldn’t recommend this to anyone especially people who like shows like this. So just to say once again the actors/actress did amazing acting rise the plot just fell short

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The world may come to an end, but it will never be in anyone's hands

I'm writing this review as I bawl my eyes out from this unexpected conclusion. I never saw that coming at all even though I've read countless of spoilers here. Heck, you guys should have told me.

Desperation comes for when you have everything you could lose, but it comes in the form of letting it all go and losing yourself. Goodbye Earth presents the bitter truth of our society within an apocalyptic dystopian setting. Although fictional, it says a lot about human nature and the innate drive to survive regardless of morality and dignity. We tend to sacrifice everything for what we thought was the greater good but we end up losing ourselves in the process. 

I figured the reason for the low ratings are either the disappointment about Yoo Ah In's reduced screentime or it's about how most of the people here expected a typical action-packed-end-of-the-world-series where people are crawling from the ground for their lives to be saved, yet this drama went deeper than that. It goes beyond natural disasters and people running for their lives. It went for the horrors of existence and the heart-wrenching reality. As for YAI, he is actually pretty much reduced to a side character despite being initially a lead role as well which is one of the biggest flaw of this drama. There were many unanswered questions regarding the story of Ha Yun Sang. It didn't ruin the drama per se, but there's certainly feels unfinished. But it made me happy that his screentime is pretty huge for someone who's character is already reduced. Ha Yun Sang is a key figure of the drama and I hope someday they'd release a director's cut version. Please don't let his hardwork go to waste.

The cinematography is superb and it was able to immerse the viewers with each scene. Fantastic color grading. The casting is chef's kiss. Each and every actors and actresses did a phenomenal performance that was able to tug my heartstrings. It's just that it felt a bit too rushed. I think it's supposed to be a 16-episode drama. Oktokki's character wasn't given enough backround and spotlight as well. Yet, I'm probably going to cry over the characters for a period of time and I probably won't be able to move on for awhile.

The plot is really something else. It was able to portray the harsh realities of life and circumstances that aren't far from truth if we ever get to be in such setting. It wasn't just a drama about a stupid asteroid. It was a wake up call. It was designed to open our eyes about the atrocities and injustices in the world we live in. But it also showed the heartbreaking fact that no matter what we do to change the world, as long as there are monsters in power, we are bound to fall unless we work altogether as one. One person may be enough to move so many, but one person will never be enough to put an end to everything. Jin Se Kyung and Kang In Ah are the proof. We, people, are inherently born with an instinct to survive. Yet, we are also born with rationality. We are not supposed to be monsters stepping over each other to survive, we're supposed to help each other hand in hand and it's not that hard to do. Yet we are blinded with money, power, and recognition. As if we are what the world revolves around with.

Will I watch it again? I'm probably going to rewatch the last episode just to cry about it again. The ending definitely feels like it's what the director planned as an ending, yet it felt really incomplete. It wasn't about the asteroid. It was never just about it. It's probably due to the many cuts they had to do due to the issue. Yet it feels like it's the ending that's really supposed to happen, and it doesn't help because we didn't get any closure. It left a very heavy feeling in my chest to watch the drama end just like that. It definitely wasn't something we'll ever expect.

In conclusion, "Goodbye Earth" is a haunting exploration of humanity in the face of impending doom, offering a philosophical take on life amidst an apocalyptic dystopia. While the narrative may not cater to those seeking action-packed thrills, it profoundly delves into the essence of human nature and survival. Despite its flaws, such as the underutilization of Yoo Ah In's character and the feeling of an unfinished storyline, the drama succeeds in presenting a stark, realistic portrayal of societal collapse and moral dilemmas. The superb cinematography and stellar performances elevate the series, leaving a lasting impact. Ultimately, "Goodbye Earth" challenges viewers to reflect on their values and the true meaning of survival, making it a compelling and thought-provoking watch. And remember, the world will never revolve around you.

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A reflection on human's behaviour when facing a known doom.

As someone else have wonderfully commented in their review, do not watch this show and expect a full on action and survival doomsday show. It is not. Goodbye Earth could be classified as a slice of life in certain aspects, with a huge focus on people. I would say it's a show made to get you to think and reflect. There is some action but it's not the focus.

How would people and society behave when you're faced with a certain doom and death. How will people, both in charge and "normal" ones, react and do? Those seemed to be the main focus of this show. The first episodes seemed quite chaotic, but it does the job of showcasing how chaotic the situation was. And the further you watch more of your questions will be answered. A lot of the focus would be in survival but not in the expected way. It would be in how day to day, you live your life. Do you keep up with your morals when others don't? What would you do to get food when there isn't much left? What would you do when most of the leaders and people in charge have left the country in their greed; do you succumb to your own greed?

One could question the show's focus on not the asteroid looming crash but instead of other "problems". I for one, really liked that. They were focusing on just living and make the best out of the little time they would have. At the same time, you could get the feeling that many hoped what Jin Seo's father was preaching were true even if they didn't really believe it. They all wanted to live, no matter what. And that felt like a reflection on human nature. People will want to live, even when you're faced certain death. Also what else could they do? Transport was heavy controlled and the food was scarce. So if you have to find random videos to sell just for a bit more food, you do it.

One fascinating aspect of this show is religion. The show manages to showcase both bad and good sides of someone's faith, something I've rarely seen in a k-drama before. Cults, brainwashing, corruption and homophobia are portrayed alongside the hope and community faith could give one. And if there's one thing people seek during a crisis, it's hope and a community.

Another big aspect of this I would say is it's ability to convey information non-verbal. There's a lot scenes who gives a lot information without a lot of dialogue. So watching on a higher speed or skipping through parts could make the show seem more illogical or confusing. Since the show assumes you've picked up on the scenes. Like a character could say they seemed fine but if you actually look at their behaviors they are far from it, so when they reach their tipping point the meltdown is expected.

And lastly the music and the score together with the cinematography was phenomenal. It really pulled you into the scenes and captivated. Especially during the more emotional scenes. So overall, I would say it's a really damn good show portraying people during a crisis and all the problems that could occur.

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Well, It Lives Up to Its Korean Title

If you're ever trying to guess what a show is about from just the title, in this one the Korean title "The Fool of the End" gives you a very accurate summary, and even more than what you bargained for at that, which I'll explain more later.

Its collection of pretty well-known cast kept me going throughout the entire 12 episodes. The acting was great, just as what you would expect. The story, however, is another matter. Two thirds of the way through I still only had questions about what it is that I'm watching, because the entire time nothing of essence was ever revealed. Instead the whole show just feels like a collection of moments of everyone involved that only shows surface level happenings instead of delving deep into character or motivation. After you finish this you'll probably relate to me saying: "uhh,, okay." which is deflating given the time I've just wasted on 12 episodes.

Its Korean title which I understand to actually mean Doomsday Fool pretty much summarizes the show, and extends the description to the viewers. One thing It does a great job at is making a point of how when faced with the reality of the world ending, people become fools and all the things they do, foolish. It even goes so far as making me feel like a fool for watching it, since in the middle of watching this I felt like I had been taken along for a ride without any clue what exactly is going on. Lucky I don't easily take offense to being taken as a fool for the whole duration of the show.

At least I do get they were trying to make us think that, given the limited life you have and seeing the end is near, in the situation you're in, what will you do, and is there any meaning to any of it, or is everything just a fool's errand? If it's nothing but futility, does anything even matter? Dare I say, is it as pointless as watching this show? Then again that may be the only genius of it- making the viewers feel exactly like what they intend to show.

My layman's opinion is that this lacks the depth needed to make me relate to any of the characters. Their backgrounds and what little was revealed do very little to justify the things they do, and in most cases they were not thoroughly explained and so at the end nothing and no one really gets any closure. I guess in other words, all rather pointless; Foolish people doing foolish things, making me feel like a fool for watching this.

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Not much happens in this show

Unlike the show, I won’t waste your time: after the first few episodes, it just drags on. It gets bogged down by (approximately) one thousand characters and long, pointless dialogue.

This meandering storytelling is in service of a weak, trope-laden narrative. Elites betraying the common people? Corruption in trusted institutions? Groundbreaking.

All this is set in a world that doesn’t make much sense. It is incredibly dangerous, except when it’s not. Goods are scarce and infrastructure is in disrepair, except when they’re not.

Save yourself: skip this.

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