Despite the great controversy surrounding one of its main actors, Netflix’s new Korean original series The Wonderful Ones demonstrated the power of strong storytelling and quality production, quickly captivating viewers around the world.
Released May 15th The Wonderful Ones is a supernatural adventure comedy set in 1999, in the last days of the century. The story follows a group of unlikely neighborhood outcasts who suddenly gain superpowers and must join forces to protect the world from dangerous criminals who threaten the peace.
The series has raised huge expectations even before its premiere thanks to director Yoo In Sik, who has previously directed successful productions, including Lawyer extraordinaire Woo and the Doctor Romantic series. Known for creating memorable characters and emotionally rich narratives across genres, Yoo’s latest project generated considerable interest from the start.
The drama also brought together several stars of Lawyer extraordinaire Wooincluding Park Eun Bin, Choi Dae Hoon and Im Seong Jae, further raising expectations among viewers.
However, before the drama’s release, the production was suddenly hit with a major risk after lead actor Cha Eunwoo was embroiled in allegations regarding a massive tax revaluation reportedly worth billions of won. Concerns quickly spread online that the controversy surrounding the actor – who currently serves in the military band during mandatory military service – could have a negative impact on the drama’s reception.
During the production press conference, director Yoo In Sik addressed the issue directly, noting that the production team prioritized the quality of the series and the hard work of the cast and staff above all else. He also stated that Cha Eunwoo’s scenes would remain intact without changes.
That decision appears to have paid off. According to global OTT rating platform FlixPatrol, The Wonderful Ones entered the Top 10 of Netflix charts in 28 countries/regions upon release, including South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Brazil.
In Korea, the drama debuted at number 3 on its first day before rising to number 2 within two days. On its third day, the series officially took the top spot on Netflix Korea.
Viewers particularly praised Park Eun Bin’s detailed emotional performance along with Cha Eunwoo’s dramatic character transformation, which produced unexpectedly strong on-screen chemistry.
Another important reason behind the drama’s success is its compelling villains, which significantly increased the tension and immersion of the story.
Among them, actress Jung Yi Seo attracted particular attention for her chilling portrayal of the villain Seok Ju Ran.
In the series, Seok Ju Ran is one of the three “Prodigy“subjects who gained supernatural abilities after being experimented on by the mysterious leader of the Ha Won Do project. Having lost his hearing due to traumatic conditions in a care facility during childhood, the character possesses the terrifying ability to disable other people’s hearing and manipulate them like puppets.
Jung Yi Seo received praise for playing the character with uncanny restraint, using cold expressions, intense eye contact, and subtle breathing rather than exaggerated actions. His calm yet haunting performance became one of the highlights of the show.
Critics and viewers also praised the actress for convincingly portraying the emotional conflict of Seok Ju Ran, a woman who willingly agrees to become a monster to protect her younger brother. The multi-layered performance led many viewers to call the role she”career-defining character.”
Actor Bae Na Ra also gained attention for his charismatic villain performance as Kim Pal Ho. Known for building a solid acting foundation through both musicals and television projects, Bae Na Ra exuded intense energy throughout the series.
His cold gaze and commanding presence amplified the character’s menacing aura, while his supernatural confrontations with Cha Eunwoo’s character, Lee Un Jeong, created some of the drama’s most suspenseful scenes.
Bae Na Ra also impressed viewers with emotionally detailed acting that explored her character’s psychological pain and complicated relationship with her father. Combined with high-octane action scenes and explosive physical performances, the actor has once again expanded his acting range following previous works, including DP Season 2 AND Weak Hero Class 2.
Despite major obstacles, including controversies over its lead actor and military enlistment issues, The Wonderful Ones successfully turned crisis into opportunity through a strong script, Yoo In Sik’s refined direction, and powerful performances from both the main and supporting cast.
As praise for the drama’s memorable scenes and acting performances continues to spread across online communities, many believe in the film’s global success The Wonderful Ones it’s just the beginning.
Sources: Daum
