'FAW' has garnered praise from viewers in just two episodes. It topped Netflix's 'Today's Top 10 Series in Korea' on the 20th and 21st and ranked second in TV-OTT drama buzz for the third week of April (April 13-19) according to Good Data Corporation's FUNdex. Cast members Koo Kyo-hwan and Go Yoon-jung also made a strong impression, ranking third and sixth in actor buzz, respectively. This enthusiastic response is rooted in the perfect harmony of Cha Young-hoon's meticulous and warm direction and Park Hae-young's sharp insights.
At the production presentation on the 17th, director Cha Young-hoon expressed his desire to capture every line and nuance of Park Hae-young's script, aiming to express beyond what he felt. His sincerity breathed life into the script through precise mise-en-scène, capturing the characters' struggles and fleeting emotions. Park Hae-young's deep insights were brought to life, amplifying the emotional waves of the dialogue and drawing viewers deeply into the drama.
A prime example is the scene of running in a children's protection zone. Hwang Dong-man (Koo Kyo-hwan) tries to prove himself by running at full speed, but his speedometer shows only 22 km/h. Similarly, Byeon Eun-ah (Go Yoon-jung) struggles to escape the swamp of helplessness, reaching only 20 km/h. Their humanly speeds reflect their reality. The setting in a 'children's protection zone' offers viewers diverse interpretations.
The directorial charm extends into fantasy through the protagonists' setting as film directors. Hwang Dong-man, submerged in depression, creates a sunny scenario in his room with 'We Make Weather,' and Park Kyung-se's (Oh Jung-se) anger is genre-bent in the 'National Stress Management Team' sequence, twisting the heavy atmosphere into a warm and delightful catharsis. Hwang Dong-man's 'Billy Elliot' ending, soaring from worthlessness, became the most iconic scene of episodes 1-2.
Writer Park Hae-young's irreplaceable writing brings forth our unspoken worthlessness, confronting it sharply. Her insights pierce the painful corners of reality, yet paradoxically, the pain meets the relief of 'not being alone,' leading to deep emotional purification. The relationship between Hwang Dong-man and the 'Group of Eight' prompts viewers to reflect on whether they are part of the 'Group of Eight' or Hwang Dong-man.
Even with just two episodes, memorable lines have deeply resonated with viewers. Lines like "Why does my life have to please you?" and "How can I stay quiet when it feels like I don't exist?" quench inner thirst and deliver explosive satisfaction beyond conventional justice. Park Hae-young's dialogues, naturally emerging from the characters' lives, leave unforgettable emotional waves, heralding another life drama.
'FAW' offers solace to those living harsh realities instead of telling a typical success story. As director Cha Young-hoon said, "I want to offer a small comfort that today's frustration is not yours alone," the drama sends a powerful message that "existence alone is valuable," lighting a green light of comfort in viewers' hearts. The story of how Hwang Dong-man, at the bottom of worthlessness, will soar after meeting Byeon Eun-ah, who recharges his worn-out power, is highly anticipated.
'FAW' airs every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM on JTBC.
Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr