Yeo-reum, the 28-year-old protagonist of the 2022 K-Drama “Summer Strike,” finds herself at a crossroads. Overwhelmed by her toxic workplace and increasingly toxic relationship, she makes a radical decision: to leave it all behind. Boarding a bus to a destination unknown, she finds solace as she takes in the sight of cherry blossom trees and the tranquil sea. “From this moment on, I’m not doing anything. I’m going on a strike from life,” Yeo-reum declares, embodying the yearning many of us have felt to abandon our burdens and find peaceful solitude.
Have you ever wanted to quit your job and move to the countryside? Dreaming of leaving behind the endless worries about career trajectories, nonexistent love lives, and relentless burnout of city life? Korean dramas have recently perfected a genre that captures this very longing — healing dramas, centering on protagonists who are desperately in need of a break from the oppressive weight of modern life.
Years ago, Julia Roberts’ character in “Eat Pray Love” captured audiences as she embarked on a journey across Italy, India, and Bali, seeking a life filled with more significance and meaning. Closer to home, the Tamil web series “Sweet Kaaram Coffee” depicts a similar desire for freedom, as three women embark on a spontaneous road trip, seeking fresh air and escape from their everyday routines.
“Summer Strike,” however, offers a more immediate form of escape. For Yeo-reum, liberation is just a short bus ride away. She selects a small, unassuming town simply because it boasts a charming library, an idyllic retreat for nourishing her mind and soul. Her new life soon becomes intertwined with the library’s sweet librarian, hinting at a budding romance that promises even more emotional healing.
In the currently airing “Love Next Door,” another protagonist, Seok-ryu, is visibly exhausted and disheartened. Facing the ire of her mother for quitting her job, she looks forward to the simple joys of turning off her alarm and sleeping in. To escape from the high-stress environment of a big tech company abroad, she returns to her family home, finding comfort in the routine of her overbearing parents and a slower, more peaceful life. We observe her leisurely days unfold as she creates an ‘unemployment schedule,’ devours comic books, reconnects with childhood friends, and indulges in making delicious green onion pancakes.
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But are these decisions to step back from the chaos of reality easy? Certainly not. For many, societal and familial pressures make such choices appear not only difficult but almost impossible. This is poignantly highlighted in “Doctor Slump,” where the protagonist’s achievements are the primary source of pride for her parents. Her mother stubbornly refuses to acknowledge her daughter’s depression, burnout, and desperate need for a break.
Despite these challenges, these healing dramas assure viewers that a break is not only possible but necessary. There’s something profoundly heartwarming about watching these journeys unfold on-screen. Whether it’s in the peaceful isolation of countryside towns or amid quaint seaside villages, these stories feature characters whose lives are starkly different from our own hectic realities.
In “Hometown Cha Cha Cha,” a massive career failure drives the protagonist to move to a charming seaside village. While the series doesn’t delve deeply into his journey, the setting and its endearing inhabitants provide a comforting background that envelops the woman he grows to love, offering viewers a sense of solace by proxy.
The appeal of escapist shows has grown significantly over the past few years, particularly in times of mounting stress and uncertainty. While some might view these shows as overly idealistic and aspirational, the refreshing sight of cherry blossoms and the calming sound of sea waves, even on-screen, provide much-needed relief and a mental break.
These tranquil tales offer a soothing balm for weary souls, reminding us of the importance of taking a step back and finding peace, even if only for a 60-minute episode. From the well-scripted journeys to the serene settings, healing dramas present a refreshing diversion and an emotional reprieve, resonating with anyone desperate for a break from the unrelenting pace of life.
World cinema and Indian cinema enthusiasts alike will find themselves enchanted by these narratives, which blend excellent storytelling with a therapeutic sense of calm, helping us all dream of simpler, more fulfilling times. As we continue navigating through our everyday chaos, shows like these provide the perfect antidote, highlighting the need for and the beauty of a well-deserved break.
