Healer is the rare and perfect combination of a charged thriller and a sweet romance packed into one taut show with a sprinkling of comedy that makes all of it better. Released all the way back in 2014, and starring Ji Chang-wook and Park Min-young, it is a K-drama classic that you must definitely catch up on.
Plot Pot
Chae Young-shin (Park Min-young) is a struggling reporter who is keen to make a mark. She idolises Kim Mun-ho (Yoo Ji-tae), a renowned reporter and is deeply interested in Healer (Ji Chang-wook). A “night courier” by profession, Healer is a messenger of largely illegal items and hides his real identity behind his alias. However, the intricate plot runs much deeper than just this as all three realise that they are related in more ways than one and a connection that can be traced back to five friends who ran an illegal pro-democracy radio broadcast during the Fifth Republic in South Korea. In the midst of discovering more about their roots, Chae Young-shin also finds romance with Healer, a love that is thrilling as well as sweet.
Healer has multiple plotlines that neatly tie up together, making it a wholesome watch that is never too messy. The backstory is certainly an intense one, including tragic moments but the brilliant writing of the show makes it worth watching till the very end as more than one character gradually reveal their true identity.
There are several pertinent comments made as well, especially regarding journalistic integrity. At the heart of it all is also a sweeping romance that runs the risk of getting ruined by the past. The stellar performance by the entire cast also adds on to the charm of the drama that makes it reign supreme even all these years later. Its story revolves around its multifaceted protagonist with an intensity that could have been overpowering but instead, gives more colour to the many side plots.
Genre: Thriller, romance
Where to Watch: Netflix
You Will Love it if You Love:
- Secret identities
- Thrillers
- Spunky heroines
- Engrossing plots
The Telegraph rating: 4/5
Characters We Treasured
Ji Chang-wook as Healer: Suave and swift, Healer is undoubtedly one of Ji Chang-wook’s best characters. We love the action sequences when he traverses through the city’s buildings and even as his shy and stuttering alter-ego. His romantic gestures are also worth watching and can make your toes curl.
We also loved him in: K2, Suspicious Partner
Park Min-young as Chae Young-shin: Equal parts cute and spunky, Chae young-shin with her fluffy hats and mittens, is determined to make a difference as a journalist. Her relationship with her father is adorable as well.
We also loved her in: What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, City Hunter
Yoo Ji-tae as Kim Moo-ho: Yoo Ji-tae’s brilliant acting skills are a right fit for the stoic but caring Moo-ho. There are a lot of secrets that he keeps and doesn’t let on, but his intentions are out of care as is eventually revealed.
We also loved him in: Old Boy, Money Heist: Korea- Joint Economic Area
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