‘My Lovely Journey’ Wonders What’s Next For An Ex K-Pop Trainee

Yeo-reum, played by Gong Seung-yeon, takes a journey of self-discovery.

Viki.com

Kang Yeo-reum has been on the same journey since she became a k-pop trainee at the age of 13, but that journey has ended, so she has to decide where she will go next. Yeo-reum, the main character in the k-drama My Lovely Journey, wanted to become a star so she could make her parents proud. But after her years in a girl group did not lead to success, she became a travel reporter for a show that explored Korea. Yet no matter how hard she tried to make that show a success, she was stymied by an annoying director and his choices eventually got the show cancelled.

Yeo-reum, played by Gong Seung-yeon (Karma, Are You Human, Flower Crew Joseon Marriage Agency), is one of the year’s most likable k-drama heroines. She works hard, remains optimistic and cheerful, but life keeps piling on the failures, including a failed relationship with a boyfriend who didn’t deserve her.

Her agent Oh Sang-sik, played by Yu Jun-sang (The Uncanny Counter 2, Alchemy of Souls, The Penthouse) is down to his last two clients and with the cancellation of her show, it seems the end of her career might lead to the end of his agency. Her sense of delight in the surrounding world is an untapped talent.

When things start to get desperate, she’s offered a fee to take a mystery trip and film the location. The concept is a little weird, but, out of options, she eventually agrees. For the first time in her life, she must make all the arrangements and call the shots. It’s an emotional journey of self discovery.

The drama explores what happens when the k-pop dream isn’t realized . An ex-trainee might be unprepared to deal with practicalities once they are no longer micro managed by an agency. In that way it’s a coming of age story even though Yeo-reum is old enough to take care of herself. She’s sure that her trip means the end of her career but it might be a new beginning.

Lee Yeon-seok, played by Kim Jae-young (Love In Contract, Reflection of You, Judge From Hell) is a TV editor connected with her show. Or he was until he spoke up to defend her. He’s been watching her from afar and he knows how she’s suffered. As a stymied film director he needs to change his life too.

The drama is based on the 2021 novel Oka no Ue no Kenjin Tabya Okeri by Maha Harada. It’s directed by Kang Sol and was adapted for the screen by Jang Hwee-hyun.

My Lovely Journey airs on Viki.com in the U.S.