Origin and release year: South Korea (2021 – You Raise Me Up)

Korean title: 유 레이즈 미업

Cast: Yoon Shi Yoon, Ahn Hee Yeon (EXID Hani), Park Ki Woong, Kim Seol Jin, Choi Dae Hoon, Seo Jung Yeon, Lee Myung Jun, Kil Hae Yeon, Lee Kang Wook, Lee No Ah, Lee Ji Won, Im Chul Hyung, Jeon Seok Chan, Han Ji Hyo, Kim Su Kyung, KCM

Director: Kim Jang Han

Screenwriter: Mo Ji Hye

Synopsis: A comedy-drama surrounding Do Yong Shik, who is experiencing decreased sex drive in his 30s, as he reunites with his first love Lee Ru Da, who is his urologist. (IMDb)

You Raise Me Up is definitely a new concept of K-Drama. It covers a topic that we never would’ve imagined seeing on a K-Drama screen.

In the series You Raise Me Up, the storyline revolves around three main characters, each with distinct and compelling roles.

Yoon Shi Yoon‘s character, Do Yong Shik is a man grappling with several personal and professional challenges. Struggling to pass the civil service exam, his confidence takes a nosedive, leading to low self-esteem and various mental health struggles. To add to his miseries, he is faced with erectile dysfunction. Despite his fears, Yong Shik bravely decides to pursue treatment, only to face an unforeseen complication.

Lee Ru Da (played by Ahn Hee Yeon, aka EXID’s Hani) is a successful urologist. Her life seems picture-perfect, marked by a thriving career and a seemingly ideal boyfriend. However, she soon encounters an emotional upheaval when she comes face-to-face with her first love, Yong Shik, now as her patient. Distressed by the changes in him, she is drawn into his complicated reality.

Finally, Do Ji Hyuk, brought to life by Park Ki Woong, is Ru Da’s boyfriend, a psychiatrist who works in the same medical building. Ji Hyuk’s arrogant demeanor becomes a source of tension. As he navigates his relationship with Ru Da, he finds himself entangled in the emotional turmoil surrounding Yong Shik, inadvertently stepping into a love triangle that challenges his perspective on love and rivalry.

Considering the taboo nature of such topics, we were a little taken aback by the synopsis, but the drama ended up being pretty interesting.

Yoon Shi Yoon’s Exceptional Acting in “You Raise Me Up”

Yoon Shi Yoon’s acting was exceptional. He portrayed his insecurities with such vulnerability that you’d think they were real. He did a great job of owning the idiosyncrasies written into his character, such as his obsession with the colour pink, too.

Ahn Hee Yeon (EXID Hani)’s Character Arc

We weren’t a fan of Ahn Hee Yeon’s character, but that tells you that she pulled off the role well. We thought she was a bit self-important, and her entire motive for helping him was self-centered. Her boyfriend/ex-boyfriend made matters worse with his cocky attitude. However, Lee Ru Da’s character arc showed her redeeming qualities well and had me rooting for her to get back together with Do Yong Shik.

Exploring Park Ki Woong’s Role in the Storyline

Park Ki Woong takes on the intriguing role of Do Ji Hyuk, a character who adds depth and complexity to the story. As Ru Da’s boyfriend and a dedicated psychiatrist, he shares a workspace with her, bringing both personal and professional ties into the narrative.

Ji Hyuk’s character finds himself entwined in unexpected circumstances due to the unfolding events around Yong Shik. His involvement not only adds tension to the storyline but also introduces a compelling love triangle, enriching the dramatic landscape of the plot.

In summary, Park Ki Woong‘s portrayal of Do Ji Hyuk weaves together personal relationships and professional responsibilities, making him a pivotal figure in the drama.

Balance of Comedic and Heartbreaking Moments

The drama had a lot of good, tension-filled moments. Some were heartbreaking, and some were comical, but it was a good balance of both.

Of course, they ended up together, and Do Yong Shik overcame his insecurities and other problems. It was a typical relationship progression over the course of the drama, which makes it a feel-good watch. If you’re into that kind of topic.

Realistic Portrayal of Life Challenges

What we really enjoyed about this drama was its realistic portrayal of trial and error when it comes to life. It showed that sometimes, despite desiring something and working hard for it, things just don’t work out. This is a stark reminder that we often don’t get because it’s an uncomfortable conversation. We enjoyed that this drama was willing to deal with so many uncomfortable topics.

In You Raise Me Up, Do Yong Shik encounters a multitude of challenges that deeply affect his life. Primarily, he struggles with repeatedly failing the civil service exam, a situation that shatters his confidence and dims his future prospects. This setback is compounded by the emergence of significant mental health issues, including low self-esteem, depression, and various anxiety disorders.

Yong Shik‘s mental health struggles manifest physically, further complicating his life with the development of erectile dysfunction. This condition, a source of additional stress, prompts him to seek medical treatment. However, even this path to recovery proves to be fraught with unforeseen obstacles.

In the narrative, viewers witness the profound effect these issues have on Yong Shik. His journey illustrates the complexity of living with mental health disorders and how they interconnect with physical challenges. Despite his desire to improve his situation, the process is portrayed as arduous and far from straightforward, highlighting the harsh reality of seeking treatment without instant results.

What Sets “You Raise Me Up” Apart from Typical Dramas?

You Raise Me Up distinguishes itself by embracing a more slice-of-life narrative, diverging from the usual dramatic tropes and clichés. This approach brings a fresh perspective that captivates audiences seeking originality. One of its standout qualities is the show’s ability to weave real-life scenarios with a touch of humor and poignancy, offering a more grounded portrayal of characters and situations.

Additionally, its narrative arc defies conventional expectations. The storyline takes unexpected turns, maintaining viewer interest with its distinct pace and style. The conclusion is also noteworthy, providing a resolution that is both satisfying and unconventional, steering clear of predictability. Overall, You Raise Me Up offers a refreshing experience, presenting a thoughtful blend of authenticity and surprise that keeps audiences engaged.

Overall, we’d give You Raise Me Up a solid rating of 8 out of 10. With just 8 episodes, You Raise Me Up is concise and easy to binge-watch. This limited episode count allows the main storyline to shine, maintaining steady momentum without unnecessary filler. Despite its brevity, there’s a sense that the narrative could have been extended, as the plot is engaging enough to support a longer series. However, the compact format ensures that the essential elements of the story remain in the spotlight, offering a well-paced and focused viewing experience.

What did you think of You Raise Me Up? Let us know in the comments below.