Crash Landing on You follows a North Korean man (Captain Ri Jung-Hyeok) and a South Korean woman (Yoon Seri) as they traverse through each others countries as fugitives; each harboring the other and slowly falling in love. It is a beautifully cast and filmed 16 episode show directed by Lee Jeong-hyo and starring Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-hyun, and Seo Ji-hye.
With lovable characters, compelling production design, and remarkable emotions that bleed off the screen, CLOY constantly keeps the audience wanting more.
There’s no porkies about it,* Crash Landing on You needs to be your next watched k-drama!
*Spoilers*
Crash Landing on You is a Netflix original k-drama set both in North Korea and South Korea. In addition to these main locations, Switzerland becomes a prevalent location: a symbol of hope, love, longing, and a forever escape from the realities the protagonists’ face. This is where our lovers first meet after-all, both walking different journeys of life; and this is where they meet their end.
In regards to production design, it is excellently executed. The brilliant scenic planes of awe and beauty of Switzerland, the modern and chic mise-en-scene of South Korea, and the 1950’s period feel of the militant North Korea. The blend of these various settings and mise-en-scenes lead to a very compelling juxtaposition of content and story.
It enriches the narrative and provides a distinct differentiation of lifestyle and comfort. The contrast these environments exude bring beliefs, security, and values to a subconscious forefront. The most compelling scenic display is that of North Korea. Although set in modern day, the costuming and lifestyle appears like a 1950’s war film.
It was beautifully created and portrayed. This was my favorite contrast, use of production design, and costuming in the show. The risks were also at an all time high, adding a definite intrigue to the show. To put it simply: the unpredictability of the environment heightened the viewers’ engagement with the film; definitely well executed. Sources say that the village was made specifically for CLOY, how cool is that?!
Setting is one thing but the CLOY relationships are in a league of their own. The emotion, camaraderie, and affection the characters had for one another just seeps off the screen. At certain points I couldn’t help but wish our female protagonist could stay in North Korea.
How bizarre is that?! To wish for our lead female to stay in the hostile environment of the North?
Sadly, that is the only way and reality in which she could continue her various friendships and continue her relationship with North Korea’s captain.
With the lovable band of happy-go-lucky men that fall under Captain Ri Jung-Hyeok’s command, a group of close-knit gal pals that know how to beat the suds out of their laundry, a prevalent villain, an honorable hero, a courageous and transformative protagonist, even politics to boot … CLOY has everything a compelling story needs, and that is just in its cast of characters!
It has been quite-a-while since I have cried during a k-drama. Even so, I couldn’t help but cry throughout this one. It was so beautifully executed. The emotion was so raw in this episodic series and the realities that the character’s face were so astounding. Yoon Seri and Ri Jung-Hyeok face so much more than any typical relationship. 
Although reminiscent of Romeo and Juliet, their romance exceeds even this notorious tragedy. Not only are they limited by the stigma of their births, but their births designate their forever homes. Yoon Seri belongs to the south and Ri Jung-Hyeok belongs to the North.
The conflict throughout the series, at times, is comical, and at other times, it’s devastating and gripping. From mild jealousy, to implications of harm, and even to death … CLOY is not afraid to do the unthinkable. Not only do the filmmakers veer away from implying “risk,” they show it.
This deserves the highest of respect. They let their characters’ experience the magnitude of the low moments, the devastation that comes with them. These filmmakers want you to feel, and I respect the hell out of them for it. Anymore. storytellers avoid this, but not CLOY. Plus, they don’t take advantage or play with the viewers’ emotions! They strategically include it all, and they have to … otherwise the film would fall flat, and it would not have the weirdly satisfying ending that it does.
At the conclusion of the 16 episode series, the CLOY lovers meet once again, after many years of separation.
They meet in Switzerland.
It’s such a sweet reunion … until the audience is met with a devastating truth bomb … our lovers, from this point forward, will meet every year for only two weeks before going their separate ways once again; one back to the north and the other back to the south. Presumably, this happens for the rest of their lives … unless a reunification happens … which at this point seems unlikely.
Such a bitter sweet ending, yet strangely very satisfying. Definitely not a “happy-ever-after,” but not exactly a tragic or sad ending either. These two characters love each other so much that they will endure anything and bare any separation for the benefit of the other. Rather than berate their circumstances, they appreciate what they can get, and they are so happy to have the time they do. This puts a lot in perspective … I think everyone can be encouraged by this and apply it to life. I know I will.
Cheers to the Cast and Crew
for creating such a compelling, emotive, and engaging series that encourages lovers to keep fighting. With excellent conflict, character development, set design, and writing, “Crash Landing on You” will sit at the top of my list. Keep working diligently and thank you for your hard work.
You can watch Crash Landing on You on Netflix
*porkies / porky - a common word used in a phrase throughout the drama. It is written to be North Korean slang, typically used like: "Don't be telling no porkies now!" or "That's a big fat porky!." This slang is often associated with the common colloquial term: "jokes" or "lies."
And lastly, this is how you know you’re the true winner at the lunch table:
#truefoodie #winning #CLOY #enjoyingthecuisine #amongstfriends
Randi Orr 