PLAY or SKIP? Does the K-drama "The Sound Of Magic" stand true to its HYPE? Let's Find  Out

PLAY or SKIP? Does the K-drama "The Sound Of Magic" stand true to its HYPE? Let's Find Out

"Do you believe in magic?"

All of us might have a different answer to this seemingly direct question, ranging from a practical dimension to a hopeful one. But it's the journey of discovery that the Sound of Magic is all about.

the sound of magic

The show starts with a refreshing narrative style for a K-drama: A song.

A melody of mysteries that surround a handsome (ofcourse) but creepy magician who makes people disappear. The extempore singing and everyone dancing to the rhythm of their hearts was not only a musical genius but also very Bollywood-like. It added a fresh vibe to the whole screenplay. It's like The High School Musical meets Extraordinary youThere is a celebratory group dance just like the opening sequence of  “What time is?"  From HSM 2, but instead of a swanky high school, we have gloomy corridors and 'spooky' nooks similar to the ones frequented by Eun Dan Oh and Haru. (IYKYK). 

The series has six episodes and is a fantasy fiesta. There is an emphasis on human emotion and how much we all wish for a spell to poof our despair away.

Sound Of Magic Yoon A-Yi

It shows us exactly how magical or un-magical life can be. The latter is seen through the eyes of our female protagonist Yoon A-Yi (played flawlessly by Choi Sung Eun), who bears the burden of being an adult while trying to provide for her younger sister and herself single-handedly. It's heart-wrenching to see her efforts and in moments, swallowing her pride. 

The sound of magic Na Il-Deung

Again in a school uniform (a reference to 18 again and True Beauty) is the cutie Hwang In Yeop playing the role of Na Il-Deung. We see him as a nerdy school topper who is a little sensitive about the fact that Ah Yi beats him at math every time. 

sound of magic kdrama

Their interactions are one of the best things about the show. There are subtle hints of both irritation and concern from Na Il-Deung's side and we see A- Yi being at ease around him. Those moments are calming and heart fluttering at the same time. It's however Ji Chang Wook's persona and screen presence that accelerates the show. He is a saviour to Ah Yi but leaves you guessing about his true intentions throughout the drama. The shimmer in his eyes spoke to us more than his words did and it truly was magical. His charming smile and Willy Wonka like outfits add to his aura. 

the sound of magic ji chang wook


What works and what doesn't…

  1. The mystery build-up is satisfying but could be tied a little better. 
  2. All three characters showcase the immense depth and are extremely well written. The helplessness drowning over each of them is depicted well, but again, takes time to establish.
  3. The screenplay is beautiful and the Seoul we've seen time and time again looks whimsical.
  4. The side characters are carved out well, and there aren't too many to spoil the broth.
  5. Conclusively, Sound of Magic is a visual treat with emotions running high. You may get creeped out at times, but that just adds to the journey of imagination you've signed up for. The background music compliments the extravaganza.

If you loved the dramas Extraordinary You or The Witch's Diner?  Then this is drama might help with the magical hangover, and if you are just looking to try something new, this magic of life and drama might hit the right strings of your heart.

The musical element and the screenplay has been nothing short of marvellous and considering the number of episodes was that less, we probably could have used more of these to satisfy our need for aesthetics in entertainment.

Do you think six episodes (each with a running time of approximately 1 hour ten minutes) did justice to the storyline? Should there be more shows following this trend? Let us know in the comments below! 

Starring: Ji Chang Wook, Choi Sung Eun, Hwang In Yeop

Episodes: 6

Where to find it: Netflix 

Click to watch the trailer

On that note, Annara Sumanara

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2 comments

It was a perfectly depicted drama that left viewers with an open ending (to be perceived how they understood the message that was displayed).

Too many episodes would have spoiled the fun and imagination (magical thoughts and beautiful perception that sometimes we want to be our reality). JCW has been my all-time favourite (My JCW watch list: Whirlwind girl 2, Empress Ki, Healer (absolute favourite), The K2, Suspicious Partner, Melting Me Softly, Backstreet Rookie, Lovestruck in the City, and added to this list The Sound of Magic).

Swati Jha

It was a perfectly depicted drama that left viewers with an open ending (to be perceived how they understood the message that was displayed).

Too many episodes would have spoiled the fun and imagination (magical thoughts and beautiful perception that sometimes we want to be our reality). JCW has been my all-time favourite (My JCW watch list: Whirlwind girl 2, Empress Ki, Healer (absolute favourite), The K2, Suspicious Partner, Melting Me Softly, Backstreet Rookie, Lovestruck in the City, and added to this list The Sound of Magic).

Swati Jha

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