2
SunOh
Together today, tomorrow, till the end.
A poignant and philosophical take on the end of the world. "Together today, tomorrow, till the end."
*Sorry for the length and thank you for reading but I intended to write a lengthy, honest review from the bottom of my heart whatsoever.
This is a drama I wanted to watch since the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC0DNl82Cgg) came out. I've had the OST on loop for months and finally I watched it. I was scared by the reviews, but I still went in with high expectations. And rightly so, because it was even better than I thought. Consistently from the beginning too. Then it somehow dethroned THE work that I thought could never be dethroned... That's how much I loved it.
"HOW we are living being more important than surviving" this is from the headline of the top reviewer, who's been my favorite for a long time, and for good reason. "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." I did read her review before watching and was even more intrigued than I already was. Anyway, let's start with mine, shall we?
Goodbye Earth is a beautifully crafted drama that offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of human emotions in a dystopian setting. While the English title is fitting and I do like it, I personally prefer the Korean one, inspired by the Japanese novel The Fool of the End (or The Fool at the End of the World), on which the drama is based.
The story is unique and has countless layers, serving as an eye-opener to the reality of the situation, politically and beyond. Of course, with a drama like this, a critique of society and human nature is to be expected. However, the difference lies in that Goodbye Earth has the most reflective and realistic approach to the apocalyptic scenario. The drama's atmosphere is distinctive, adding to the believability of its chaotic, end-of-the-world premise. The unique color grading further enriches the visuals, giving the story an added layer of depth. The characters' emotions are raw and complex, making the narrative deeply resonant.
The drama strikes a compelling balance between hope and despair, portraying a range of human responses—chaos, greed, and altruism—that feel both authentic and unsettlingly accurate. What some might perceive as unresolved plotlines, I view as a deliberate choice. Despite the wide range of events depicted, the narrative remains focused on following the lives of the city's residents, emphasizing their stories amidst the chaos. It is their POV, and Se Kyung is still our protagonist.
The direction is top-notch, with excellent cinematography, clever symbolism, a stellar cast, and a powerful soundtrack. The epic introduction, which gave me goosebumps, sets the tone perfectly. The drama requires patience, as its narrative isn't strictly linear. It begins with a foreshadowing of the characters' final day (February 22, 2026) before transitioning to the present timeline, which starts at D-201. From there, it often circles back to earlier events, such as the announcement on D-300, creating a layered and intricate storyline. Additionally, the drama introduces a wide array of characters, each with unique connections and roles. The way these characters, along with the main cast and storylines, are developed is truly remarkable. While it required patience to connect the dots, this only made it more satisfying, with it portraying such a vast world.
Yoo Ah In’s role was reduced due to his recent controversy (drug charges - Korea is strict about that and it's badly seen...), but this didn't detract from the viewing experience. Instead, there was a bigger focus on Ahn Eun Jin's character, which didn't hurt, as most of the scenes with Yoo Ah In were still present and they didn't seem to have removed anything problematic. With such a richly developed world, the drama might have been even better with a longer runtime, but overall, it delivered a satisfying story. For a single-season, 12-episode Netflix series, it truly stood out. Another problem might be the translation... I watched it in French (maybe even worse than English) but people have been pointing out the questionable translations in many dramas lately. Then, maybe a lack of knowledge as well, especially as a foreigner.
While the drama is classified as a sci-fi thriller (and it does deliver on that front, I was even more than pleasantly surprised), it feels more like a psychological slice of life. It follows the residents of a city as they navigate their final days and as we learn to know them (and ultimately connect with them emotionally), focusing less on action and more on emotional and philosophical reflection. Fans of fast-paced dramas may find the slower pacing challenging, but personally, I never wanted to pause. And I am the kind of viewer who never skips a single second or uses the speed function. In fact, I even binge-watched the drama in two days because of how immersed I was.
This drama is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, brimming with heart and soul. It stands as a groundbreaking achievement in its genre. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, it is destined to connect deeply with its audience. This is the kind of story that speaks to the present and remains relevant for the future. The best work on humanity in my opinion. Many people expected something like "Deep Impact" but this is totally not it.
Also, "Voices hidden by those eyes, can you hear a ray of light? A shout that breaks through endless pain, only have a moment left." (every OST has such beautiful lyrics) What an accurate description of human civilization now. This reminds me how the first episode ended so fittingly and represents the very reason why I love this drama so much. The tension is there, the chaos is there, yet it is so quiet and sentimental. One of the few that's so quiet and yet so amazing. From the beginning it is already so intriguing because you don't know how many secrets people may be hiding.
I've already mentioned how it starts, but I didn't go into enough detail—it's absolutely mind-blowing. From the very first moment, I was completely hooked. There were many elements presented already, and that’s exactly what I loved about it. When the opening sequence began, it was so seamlessly integrated that it took me a few seconds to realize it was actually the opening.
Just a tip: Rewatch the introduction of the first episode after the finale ;)
On a personal note, I’m not particularly religious. However, I occasionally accompany my grandmother to mass, where she enjoys the company of her many friends. Watching this drama made me reflect on her and the sense of community she cherishes.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a drama that blends human connection, existential themes, and stunning visuals, Goodbye Earth is more than worth your time.
P.S: Don't end Episode 11 too soon and let the credits roll to hear the different version of the main theme. The lyrics are different but I couldn't transcribe them well enough. I uploaded it anyway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mJeiiQcQBU.
* Ending spoiler and more in the comments
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Side note :
For those hesitant to start this drama because of its low rating on MDL, here’s some context. This drama was unfairly bombed with 1/10 ratings right from the start by people who hadn’t even watched it (or pretty much skipped to the end). Of course they had to appease the tensions. Drug charges are so badly seen in Korea and many people would have felt uncomfortable by watching him apparently. It’s true that the drama isn't everyone’s cup of tea and most likely won't cater to many people's expectations from this genre. However, adding a negative mindset and zero willingness to understand the narrative or appreciate the drama as a whole only worsens the perception. Even without this context, ignore the ratings or reviews online and just watch what you want.
The claim that the chronology is extremely confusing in the first episodes is baffling to me. Along with obvious enough context clues, the timeline is literally written on the screen every time it shifts, or you get a black and white effect after short flashbacks, there is no way you can say that unless you skipped or ignored those parts. Also, many things are conveyed subtly and not always through dialogue. Additionally, the story's structure is not entirely conventional, which made it more interesting to me from both an ambitious and narrative perspective. However, it’s not so unconventional as to feel shocking or bewildering. In today’s world, where it’s common for people to multitask or lose focus easily while watching something, I strongly recommend giving this your full attention. If you choose to watch it, commit to the experience. Of course, if it doesn’t captivate you, that’s perfectly fine—no one’s forcing you.
As for the boycott, it’s counterproductive and, frankly, ridiculous (don't know if there were that many but, that's MDL community for you). The drama was already delayed from 2023 to 2024 and almost didn’t get released. If the goal was to support Yoo Ah In, boycotting the drama—like what happened in Korea—achieves the exact opposite.
Don't place all the blame on the director. He and everyone involved went through a lot to bring this project to life. I’ve read several articles on the matter, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned to provide more context and, hopefully, foster some empathy for what went on behind the scenes.
First, the original work is an omnibus novel with an unusual setting. In an interview, the original author shared his perspective, stating that while the adaptation had a uniquely Korean touch, the characters still felt true to his creations. However, the director had concerns from the outset that the drama’s complex worldview might confuse viewers, especially given its limited 12-episode format. This constraint made it challenging to fully explore and explain the intricacies of the story. To add to the challenges, the writer of the adaptation persevered despite battling an illness, underscoring the dedication and passion put into this project. And then, following Yoo Ah In’s case, significant re-edits were required. Ultimately, the drama underwent over 20 versions, with the director continually rethinking and revising it, even seeking feedback from outsiders unconnected to the work. The final version, as he explained, was chosen because it was the most effective in conveying the story within the constraints they faced. Thankfully, the director has clarified that he didn't remove anything that would affect the story, so I’m inclined to trust his judgment. If anything, we’ll never know, and it’s not as if we can accurately infer the missing parts. The only option left is to treat them as if they don’t exist.
Coming back to the subject matter, the director did his best under extremely difficult circumstances. Also, let’s not overlook Netflix’s role. If they had been more proactive and less concerned about political correctness, they might have been able to provide more support. In fact, it appears to be mostly their fault, because otherwise, why wouldn't they allow the director to release the drama when it was supposed to, in its original state? Well, Koreans can be such psychos with their cancel culture that I would be worried for the director, too... It's understandable either way. I also believe many Koreans today (mostly the young) no longer care as much about these issues, however, the system remains unchanged and Netflix isn't doing anything to improve the situation.
Removing scenes from a work as intricate as this one was far from ideal, and no one involved found it an easy choice. Ultimately, the director expressed that if viewers could 1. recognize that this story is different from others involving an apocalypse and 2. resonate with the message—shifting their focus from merely surviving to reflecting on how they would truly live in such a situation—it would be enough. I wholeheartedly agree and it clearly worked, the drama is indeed a success. He also knew that it wouldn't please everyone because of the nature of the story, and therefore the lack of action.
Here are the articles I've read:
- https://news.zum.com/articles/90526272
- https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/Amp/A2024050317530001691
- https://no1ceo.tistory.com/m/31
- https://m.news.zum.com/articles/89821643
From the second article: (Aside from the fact that Yoo Ah-in appears in the series, opinions on The Fool at the End of the World remain divided. Director Kim stated, "While creating it, I did consider that viewers might find it difficult to fully grasp. The original work is structured as an omnibus, but our drama weaves those stories together to tell the tale of a community within the city. I thought it might feel complex if viewers didn’t watch several episodes."
He added, "Some viewers might find the unfamiliar settings disorienting, as they’re elements not often seen in dystopian works. I believe that this unfamiliarity may have contributed to a sense of confusion. While these aspects pose a risk, I think they also highlight that this is a dystopian story distinct from conventional ones.")
I can’t deny wishing we could have experienced all the content as originally envisioned, especially being such a big fan of the drama. However, I cannot understand those who never even attempted to appreciate the rest of the cast and the story (some just skipped to Yoo Ah In's scenes...), and I'm saying that as someone who also loves Yoo Ah In. I’m forever grateful especially for the opportunity to discover the incredible talent of Jeon Sung Woo. But whatever, they are the ones missing out on a lot, not me.
The drama is indeed not perfect and I'll talk about it more in spoilers, but I already didn't intend to rate it below 10 before knowing all this.
It’s disheartening to see a drama so amazing receive a 6.4 rating when compared to so many others on this site. The score clearly doesn’t reflect the effort, quality, or storytelling delivered here.
In short, this drama deserves a fair chance, free from bias and preconceived negativity.
This is a drama I wanted to watch since the trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC0DNl82Cgg) came out. I've had the OST on loop for months and finally I watched it. I was scared by the reviews, but I still went in with high expectations. And rightly so, because it was even better than I thought. Consistently from the beginning too. Then it somehow dethroned THE work that I thought could never be dethroned... That's how much I loved it.
"HOW we are living being more important than surviving" this is from the headline of the top reviewer, who's been my favorite for a long time, and for good reason. "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." I did read her review before watching and was even more intrigued than I already was. Anyway, let's start with mine, shall we?
Goodbye Earth is a beautifully crafted drama that offers a unique and thought-provoking exploration of human emotions in a dystopian setting. While the English title is fitting and I do like it, I personally prefer the Korean one, inspired by the Japanese novel The Fool of the End (or The Fool at the End of the World), on which the drama is based.
The story is unique and has countless layers, serving as an eye-opener to the reality of the situation, politically and beyond. Of course, with a drama like this, a critique of society and human nature is to be expected. However, the difference lies in that Goodbye Earth has the most reflective and realistic approach to the apocalyptic scenario. The drama's atmosphere is distinctive, adding to the believability of its chaotic, end-of-the-world premise. The unique color grading further enriches the visuals, giving the story an added layer of depth. The characters' emotions are raw and complex, making the narrative deeply resonant.
The drama strikes a compelling balance between hope and despair, portraying a range of human responses—chaos, greed, and altruism—that feel both authentic and unsettlingly accurate. What some might perceive as unresolved plotlines, I view as a deliberate choice. Despite the wide range of events depicted, the narrative remains focused on following the lives of the city's residents, emphasizing their stories amidst the chaos. It is their POV, and Se Kyung is still our protagonist.
The direction is top-notch, with excellent cinematography, clever symbolism, a stellar cast, and a powerful soundtrack. The epic introduction, which gave me goosebumps, sets the tone perfectly. The drama requires patience, as its narrative isn't strictly linear. It begins with a foreshadowing of the characters' final day (February 22, 2026) before transitioning to the present timeline, which starts at D-201. From there, it often circles back to earlier events, such as the announcement on D-300, creating a layered and intricate storyline. Additionally, the drama introduces a wide array of characters, each with unique connections and roles. The way these characters, along with the main cast and storylines, are developed is truly remarkable. While it required patience to connect the dots, this only made it more satisfying, with it portraying such a vast world.
Yoo Ah In’s role was reduced due to his recent controversy (drug charges - Korea is strict about that and it's badly seen...), but this didn't detract from the viewing experience. Instead, there was a bigger focus on Ahn Eun Jin's character, which didn't hurt, as most of the scenes with Yoo Ah In were still present and they didn't seem to have removed anything problematic. With such a richly developed world, the drama might have been even better with a longer runtime, but overall, it delivered a satisfying story. For a single-season, 12-episode Netflix series, it truly stood out. Another problem might be the translation... I watched it in French (maybe even worse than English) but people have been pointing out the questionable translations in many dramas lately. Then, maybe a lack of knowledge as well, especially as a foreigner.
While the drama is classified as a sci-fi thriller (and it does deliver on that front, I was even more than pleasantly surprised), it feels more like a psychological slice of life. It follows the residents of a city as they navigate their final days and as we learn to know them (and ultimately connect with them emotionally), focusing less on action and more on emotional and philosophical reflection. Fans of fast-paced dramas may find the slower pacing challenging, but personally, I never wanted to pause. And I am the kind of viewer who never skips a single second or uses the speed function. In fact, I even binge-watched the drama in two days because of how immersed I was.
This drama is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, brimming with heart and soul. It stands as a groundbreaking achievement in its genre. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, it is destined to connect deeply with its audience. This is the kind of story that speaks to the present and remains relevant for the future. The best work on humanity in my opinion. Many people expected something like "Deep Impact" but this is totally not it.
Also, "Voices hidden by those eyes, can you hear a ray of light? A shout that breaks through endless pain, only have a moment left." (every OST has such beautiful lyrics) What an accurate description of human civilization now. This reminds me how the first episode ended so fittingly and represents the very reason why I love this drama so much. The tension is there, the chaos is there, yet it is so quiet and sentimental. One of the few that's so quiet and yet so amazing. From the beginning it is already so intriguing because you don't know how many secrets people may be hiding.
I've already mentioned how it starts, but I didn't go into enough detail—it's absolutely mind-blowing. From the very first moment, I was completely hooked. There were many elements presented already, and that’s exactly what I loved about it. When the opening sequence began, it was so seamlessly integrated that it took me a few seconds to realize it was actually the opening.
Just a tip: Rewatch the introduction of the first episode after the finale ;)
On a personal note, I’m not particularly religious. However, I occasionally accompany my grandmother to mass, where she enjoys the company of her many friends. Watching this drama made me reflect on her and the sense of community she cherishes.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a drama that blends human connection, existential themes, and stunning visuals, Goodbye Earth is more than worth your time.
P.S: Don't end Episode 11 too soon and let the credits roll to hear the different version of the main theme. The lyrics are different but I couldn't transcribe them well enough. I uploaded it anyway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mJeiiQcQBU.
* Ending spoiler and more in the comments
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Side note :
For those hesitant to start this drama because of its low rating on MDL, here’s some context. This drama was unfairly bombed with 1/10 ratings right from the start by people who hadn’t even watched it (or pretty much skipped to the end). Of course they had to appease the tensions. Drug charges are so badly seen in Korea and many people would have felt uncomfortable by watching him apparently. It’s true that the drama isn't everyone’s cup of tea and most likely won't cater to many people's expectations from this genre. However, adding a negative mindset and zero willingness to understand the narrative or appreciate the drama as a whole only worsens the perception. Even without this context, ignore the ratings or reviews online and just watch what you want.
The claim that the chronology is extremely confusing in the first episodes is baffling to me. Along with obvious enough context clues, the timeline is literally written on the screen every time it shifts, or you get a black and white effect after short flashbacks, there is no way you can say that unless you skipped or ignored those parts. Also, many things are conveyed subtly and not always through dialogue. Additionally, the story's structure is not entirely conventional, which made it more interesting to me from both an ambitious and narrative perspective. However, it’s not so unconventional as to feel shocking or bewildering. In today’s world, where it’s common for people to multitask or lose focus easily while watching something, I strongly recommend giving this your full attention. If you choose to watch it, commit to the experience. Of course, if it doesn’t captivate you, that’s perfectly fine—no one’s forcing you.
As for the boycott, it’s counterproductive and, frankly, ridiculous (don't know if there were that many but, that's MDL community for you). The drama was already delayed from 2023 to 2024 and almost didn’t get released. If the goal was to support Yoo Ah In, boycotting the drama—like what happened in Korea—achieves the exact opposite.
Don't place all the blame on the director. He and everyone involved went through a lot to bring this project to life. I’ve read several articles on the matter, and I’d like to share what I’ve learned to provide more context and, hopefully, foster some empathy for what went on behind the scenes.
First, the original work is an omnibus novel with an unusual setting. In an interview, the original author shared his perspective, stating that while the adaptation had a uniquely Korean touch, the characters still felt true to his creations. However, the director had concerns from the outset that the drama’s complex worldview might confuse viewers, especially given its limited 12-episode format. This constraint made it challenging to fully explore and explain the intricacies of the story. To add to the challenges, the writer of the adaptation persevered despite battling an illness, underscoring the dedication and passion put into this project. And then, following Yoo Ah In’s case, significant re-edits were required. Ultimately, the drama underwent over 20 versions, with the director continually rethinking and revising it, even seeking feedback from outsiders unconnected to the work. The final version, as he explained, was chosen because it was the most effective in conveying the story within the constraints they faced. Thankfully, the director has clarified that he didn't remove anything that would affect the story, so I’m inclined to trust his judgment. If anything, we’ll never know, and it’s not as if we can accurately infer the missing parts. The only option left is to treat them as if they don’t exist.
Coming back to the subject matter, the director did his best under extremely difficult circumstances. Also, let’s not overlook Netflix’s role. If they had been more proactive and less concerned about political correctness, they might have been able to provide more support. In fact, it appears to be mostly their fault, because otherwise, why wouldn't they allow the director to release the drama when it was supposed to, in its original state? Well, Koreans can be such psychos with their cancel culture that I would be worried for the director, too... It's understandable either way. I also believe many Koreans today (mostly the young) no longer care as much about these issues, however, the system remains unchanged and Netflix isn't doing anything to improve the situation.
Removing scenes from a work as intricate as this one was far from ideal, and no one involved found it an easy choice. Ultimately, the director expressed that if viewers could 1. recognize that this story is different from others involving an apocalypse and 2. resonate with the message—shifting their focus from merely surviving to reflecting on how they would truly live in such a situation—it would be enough. I wholeheartedly agree and it clearly worked, the drama is indeed a success. He also knew that it wouldn't please everyone because of the nature of the story, and therefore the lack of action.
Here are the articles I've read:
- https://news.zum.com/articles/90526272
- https://m.hankookilbo.com/News/Read/Amp/A2024050317530001691
- https://no1ceo.tistory.com/m/31
- https://m.news.zum.com/articles/89821643
From the second article: (Aside from the fact that Yoo Ah-in appears in the series, opinions on The Fool at the End of the World remain divided. Director Kim stated, "While creating it, I did consider that viewers might find it difficult to fully grasp. The original work is structured as an omnibus, but our drama weaves those stories together to tell the tale of a community within the city. I thought it might feel complex if viewers didn’t watch several episodes."
He added, "Some viewers might find the unfamiliar settings disorienting, as they’re elements not often seen in dystopian works. I believe that this unfamiliarity may have contributed to a sense of confusion. While these aspects pose a risk, I think they also highlight that this is a dystopian story distinct from conventional ones.")
I can’t deny wishing we could have experienced all the content as originally envisioned, especially being such a big fan of the drama. However, I cannot understand those who never even attempted to appreciate the rest of the cast and the story (some just skipped to Yoo Ah In's scenes...), and I'm saying that as someone who also loves Yoo Ah In. I’m forever grateful especially for the opportunity to discover the incredible talent of Jeon Sung Woo. But whatever, they are the ones missing out on a lot, not me.
The drama is indeed not perfect and I'll talk about it more in spoilers, but I already didn't intend to rate it below 10 before knowing all this.
It’s disheartening to see a drama so amazing receive a 6.4 rating when compared to so many others on this site. The score clearly doesn’t reflect the effort, quality, or storytelling delivered here.
In short, this drama deserves a fair chance, free from bias and preconceived negativity.
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