Tomorrow

An absolute consistent gut-wrenching series!

It's been a while since a series made me bawl my eyes and cry like a little baby. In each episode, I cried tears after tears (I did not even know I could cry that much). Each story was beautifully written and told that I find myself easily lost in the series. As a person who was also in a dark place, this series was like a big warm hug to me. I was comforted and consoled by the characters. It even felt like they were talking to me directly. There was no dull moment in this series and despite its heavy themes, the production really outdid themselves to make it 'light' yet serious at the same time. Not once did they make fun of the situation and made it feel like such a small issue, and I respect them for that.

Each major plot was neatly wrapped up and the series remained consistent all throughout its run. The ending did not feel rushed nor cheap, in fact, it even felt earned and leaves you satisfied. Just want to commend all of the actors and actresses who participated in this series. They gave the series the justice that it deserves! Everyone acted so brilliantly that having empathy with the characters that they play is not an issue.

From start to finish, this series has remained consistently good and I really want to praise them for it.

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No wealth in the universe can ever equal a single human life

The planning is amazing. They timed episode 11 and 12 to coincide with Mother's Day and wrote a two-part episode about a mother and her son. Not only that, if I remember correctly, this was the first two-part episode story in the series.

While the series is about death, suicide, pain, and learning ways to comfort people (and possibly prolong their lives), they do not forget to write stories about the living and how hard yet still beautiful life is.

In a way, they are using death to make a statement about life and why we should continue living despite the bad things that we encountered and will encounter. If we look at each story, it is actually inspiring. As most say, "healing".

This is the kind of shows I love to watch. Not only because it is rare these days but more because it is not about entertaining the audience rather it is about piercing our souls, to make us think, to analyse, to learn to put ourselves in other people's shoes, to look at things from different perspectives, and experience it without literally going through it.

Maybe, and hopefully, it shapes us, the audience, in becoming better people and learn value every single life, even those who hurt us. No wealth in the universe can ever equal to a single human life.

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my review

I am addicted to Korean dramas/movies, whether they are romantic/action/fantasy/history.
Usually I just rate them but don't write a comment, this time I feel the need to write that even though it is a fantasy, this drama managed to activate the whole range of emotions in me, the drama is made in a sophisticated way, the music is great, and the actors are talented... so many messages about the value of life . I enjoyed every episode that brought a new story about the challenges we encounter in life.
The drama is worth watching both because of the content and because of the actors and the music

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Great Drama To Watch

I was captivated by this drama. Some of the episodes really hit home. I love the explanation of the stress and anxiety that some feel about themselves that makes them want to end their life. I totally understand. Each episode brought a new story with great new characters and actors. The belief that suicide is a sin, to me is what I have been taught. Even dough I have been there were you do not think of what happen at the afterlife, I now think differently because there is someone I want to see when I get there. So even when my mind goes their I will not do it because of that someone I want to meet. I love every character in this drama and how the story were brought together. The actors performance made the story more realistic. Great drama to watch.

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It Actually Is A Wonderful Life!

The last Korean series I finished was “Missing the Other Side” which I thought was one of the most heart-warming, thoughtful, and provocative series I’d seen yet. It tugged at the heartstrings in a very profound and meaningful way. I had no idea I would get more of the same here with “Tomorrow.”

Someone recently asked me why I watch Korean shows and not much else. I used to watch American shows, but I’ve dropped all of them. I said, “Because Korean stories are character and plot driven. And most of these shows always have food for thought, or a message to make you think about how we can make this world a better place.”

“Tomorrow” is about Grim Reapers who exist in a different plane of existence. They are broken up into various departments, but the department that is the focus of this story is the Risk Management Team, comprised of two members (soon to be adding a third). Their job is to seek out souls who are high risk for committing suicide and to try and prevent that from happening. The team is led by Goo Ryun, a woman with a mysterious and troubling past. Im Ryung Goo is her partner, another member also tied to a soul from the past. They soon add temporary member, Choi Joon Woong, a young man full of life, whom the Reapers accidentally put into a coma while trying to prevent a suicide. Woong is given the choice to join and help the Reapers for six months or stay in a coma for three years. Naturally, he chooses the former. Of course, being absolutely “green” Woong has a hard time initially fitting in and doing his job, but he brings two distinctive qualities to the team that the other two senior members lack: empathy and compassion. Woong is a young man who wears his feelings on his sleeve. He has a difficult time understanding the coldness of Goo Ryun, and the two often clash.

People may not realize that Korea has one of the highest suicide rates in the world. And the series addresses the most common causes of suicide. Bullying, the loss of a loved one, someone who views their own life as a failure, people suffering from things like eating disorders, assault victims, guilt, or drowning in a wave of public criticism. Each case spans 1-2 episodes, and each one is just as profound and thought-provoking as the last. This is another series you want to keep a box of tissues handy!

Of course, as in most cultures, suicide is against the law and in most religions, a mortal “sin.” It really doesn’t matter if you buy into the somewhat religious belief system that governs the Reapers. That isn’t what is important. What is important is helping anyone to see what a beautiful life they have, and why suicide should never be a last resort. Suicide only brings more suffering and pain than what you are already experiencing. It follows you.
The cause of suicide is unhappiness, and the feeling of being trapped in a reality you feel you cannot escape from. But the root cause of all unhappiness is this: lack of love for yourself. If you love yourself, you will not allow bullies to persecute you. You will stand up for yourself, no matter what. If you love yourself, you will grieve but feel immense gratitude for those loved ones who have moved on. If you love yourself, you will never see your life as a failure, but as a success. You will realize the truth: a single life touches so many. If you love yourself, you will never mistreat your body with eating disorders or unhealthy ways of living. You will take care of yourself as best as you can. If you love yourself, you won’t feel guilty about anything you do to others or anything you do to yourself, for you hold the tool for letting go: forgiveness. If you love yourself, even if someone beats and torments your body, you know that the body is not who you are! You will be able to say the most powerful words ever spoken: forgive them, for they know not what they do.

There is a lot of love in this series that cries out for people to see just how wonderful and valuable their lives are. They are not something to be callously thrown away. But perhaps the central theme of this show is this: there is only one person you ever need to save, and that is yourself. It also speaks to not giving up on yourself. Life is a battle, and you have to keep on fighting. Life will knock you down. Pain in inevitable but suffering is optional. How much you suffer is determined by nobody else but yourself. I’ve used this quote in several reviews, but it’s so powerful given the subject matter of this series. “The world ain't all sunshine and rainbows. It's a very mean and nasty place and I don't care how tough you are it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. How much you can take and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done!”—Rocky Balboa. Anyone who is contemplating suicide should really look long and hard at this quote.

And while we are not responsible for what others do, we do have influence. People really need to stop and think about how they treat each other, whether it be through words or action. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think about how what you say or do might affect them.

This show has some of the most powerful scenes I have ever seen in ANY show! The Korean War vet being escorted by ALL of the Reapers was incredibly powerful and eye-opening about how war veterans are treated. Such people deserve our undying respect and gratitude. The story of the Comfort Women of World War II was especially poignant. People tend forget about the atrocities committed during that war. It’s always so much easier to lay blame upon others without knowing the facts or circumstances. If you don’t believe that, READ the quote above! Those women had undeniable courage and deserve the highest accolades for what they had to go through. That episode had me in tears at the end when the three women are there to comfort each other (thus, the comfort women!) and remind each other that no forgiveness is necessary.

Performances all around in this series were impeccable. The cast was tremendous, and the storyline between Goo Ryun and Park Joon Gil from their previous life in Joseon is very intriguing, as we unravel the mystery of the connection between these two, and why they both have opposing views regarding suicide victims. Goo Ryun believes they must be helped. Park Joon Gil believes that it’s pointless to help anyone who already has their mind made up, especially when it comes to suicide. And the bridge between them is none other than Choi Joon Woong. Because what is sorely missing from both is empathy and compassion. Judgment and criticism are counterproductive.

This series should be required viewing—and not just by Koreans—but by everyone. Perhaps you know someone who’s down and unhappy. Whether they might be contemplating suicide or not, use your own empathy and compassion to give them a smile, a kind word, your company, or anything to remind them that they are valuable and loved. For what other job is more important than that?

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They really made me look forward to my tomorrows

10/10 might be too much of a praise, but I really think that they deserve it. The topic they brought up about suicide and mental health. The different types of people with different lives and background, no matter who they are, in the end everyone is the same. They're just humans. And I really really appreciate the original webtoon writer, the drama writers, directors, all the staffs, and the actors and actresses for taking on this drama and pulling it off successfully in all aspects. The story of the drama, though based on the webtoon, it still has some if not a lot of differences with the webtoon, and though I've only read the webtoon a little, I think them differing the drama and webtoon is really their best decision., though some people might not like it, I think it's nice to have unexpected and different aspects. The amazing cinematography and cg is done very very well. The OSTs are all so amazing and beautiful. Amongst all the ballads, Red Light is especially my favorite because of how nice it sounds, and the lyrics really fit too. I also really love Yoo Hweseung's solo version of Still Love You. I expected them to have it be the same song as the original one sung by Lee Hongki and Yoo Hweseung, but I actually really like the different instrumental sound. And though I was a bit taken aback because they removed Hweseung's iconic 6 octave high note, I think it goes well with the instrumentals, and honestly more fitting to the drama too.

Every single actors, from the main leads to supporting all really did so well. But for sure, I really have to say this, they hit the jackpot with the 4 main leads. I have never seen Kim Heesun's projects ever so this is my first and I think she really did so amazing. Even just from seeing her have the short pink hair, her charisma is overflowing, and when I got to see her in the drama, she's really cool. For Rowoon, I knew him from SF9 and I did watch Extraordinary You though I haven't finished, but I remember he was mostly silent in his scenes, I think I was still pretty early in the drama but already stopped. But, to see that his character here is WAY different from Haru was interesting and I actually really appreciate his acting so much more now. The youthful, energetic, feeler type of character that is Choi Junwoong really suits him so much. I've seen Lee Soohyuk in Pipeline and he was really cool there (and here too of course) and is it because of his visuals? But he really seems to fit fantasy themed projects. I really think he's much more charismatic here and it's really cool to see. Last but not least Yun Jion, who I've seen in Memorist, and though back in march I only re-discovered him through mbc's instagram when they released his teaser picture as Lim Ryunggu, now it's safe to say he's one of my ults, probably my number one currently. Because of his teasers showing his mullet with his two toned hair, I decided since then that I'm going to tune in to this show, and I really want to thank him for having his iconic look. He really stood out to me and I am so glad I decided to watch Tomorrow even if at first it was just because of his visuals. Cause I ended up loving the drama too much, and ended up being Jion's fan too. As I watched Tomorrow on going, I slipped some of his other filmographies like Be Melodramatic and Breakup Probation to watch in between as I wait for Tomorrow's episodes every week, and I really really admire him. The diversity of his character and how he always pulled it off so well, especially as Ryunggu which is so far my favorite character he played, he's just amazing. So far he's mostly played supporting roles, some main roles slipped in, and I hope after this, he will get more offers to be in the main lead lineup. But main or supporting, I'm sure he will do his best, as he always does.

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The Importance of Challenging Moral Narratives Around Suicide

For those looking to start Tomorrow there are a few key points to bear in mind. Mainly, despite moments of lighthearted comedy for catharsis, this is a heavy show. It does (thankfully) have a happy ending but it will make you angry, frustrated, and cry at the awfulness of society and the harmful individual choices that people make.

While I think that the pacing in the first five episodes and episodes 9/10 is too slow, leading to a bit of a rushed ending, I'm willing to overlook it in my general rating because of all of the rare things that the show does right (only knocking off half a star)

My top positives:
1) Chemistry between ML and FL but no forced romances for side characters (both also had incredible acting)
2) Great Found Family Dynamics in the Risk Management Team (the main trio)
3) Promotes Understanding that one doesn't need a tragic backstory to empathize with those with suicidal ideations
4) A happy ending in a story about suicide prevention (it shouldn't be rare but it really is)
5) Good challenge to the "red string of fate" idea and the reality that it can be instrumentalized to make people stay in abusive relationships ('i.e. they're my fated one I have no choice')
6) Great soundtrack (opening credits)
7) Amazing fashion

My Top Negatives:
1) Rushed story arc for ML and FL that should have been spread out across a few episodes/better integrated earlier
2) Too many flashback montages for characters who only premiered in one episode, at times verging on trauma porn
3) Overdramatic acting by Rowoon's character that occasionally pulls one out of being immersed in the scene
4) Final villain needed to be integrated better throughout the story since their existence actually drives the overarching plot of the drama

Overall, I can totally understand if the show is not some people's cup of tea and can agree that magically 'solving' suicide/mental health crises , if it was the point of the show, (spoiler: it's not) is pretty simplistic.

However it is important to bear in mind that the entire premise of the show is that the main leads aren't really "people" but grim reapers who change the thoughts people have about themselves. Notably the Red Light doesn't mean people won't ever commit suicide again or fall back into old harmful patterns it just means they are not in immediate danger.

Rather than the aftermath, the show's focus is on what drives people to suicide and is a social commentary on stopping the prevalence of those things (the root causes) rather than outlining a proper mental health intervention. So it's more a show against bullying, structural debt, sexism, sexual harassment and assault, fatphobia, mistreatment of pregnant women, etc, than a show about how to "solve" trauma, insolvency, anorexia, and the psychological trauma of miscarriages (among other issues.) That, in and of itself, is incredibly subversive.

SPOILERS FOR FINALE BELOW:

This isn't a show about interventions and its not a show romanticizing suicide like 13 reasons why. Its a show about changing the prevalent negative moral narrative around suicide as 'something a weak person or sinner brings upon themselves,' because such narratives make it impossible to ask for help. This is something the show, for all its flaws with pacing around the character development of the main characters, does incredibly well.

It is super crucial that ultimately the person that Koo Ryeon has to save in the end is herself: it's her process of reconciling that all of the horrible things she said to herself (that she internalized) were not her fault and that she has nothing to make up for (isn't going to hell again). The fact that Joong Gil apologizes for making her think her suicidal ideations were selfish and acknowledges that he acted more to preserve his pride than to protect her is an incredibly subversive depictions of suicide in popular culture. I am also incredibly satisfied that Koo Ryeon and Joong Gil reconcile but they are not automatically "married" or lovers because of their past lives. While I think they have clear romantic tension, and are close by the end, they have to build their relationship from the ground up and neither she nor Joong Gil have to keep reliving their past lives for all eternity. If they enter into a relationship its because they CHOOSE each other, not because they had no alternative.

I am content with the ending of Ryung-Gu and Choi Jun-Woo (and how much their relationship has progressed) and like the hopeful ending that the RM team will be reunited in the Afterlife.

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I literally cried every episode :)

I can’t really believe this I finished this masterpiece of a series! It was so heartwarming, heartbreaking and so freaking emotional! At the end I really liked it to get to know the past of the rm team members and it was really interesting and heartbreaking!!!! Overall I liked the characters so much and also the individuale storylines of each episode were so unique and wonderful, because you could thought about the pain that some people have to carry with them and idk but for me this drama is such an comfort drama because it felt somehow good to cry with those people!!!!!

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FOR A BETTER TOMORROW

Words won't be able to describe the impact this show has had on me. This show really showcases the versatility and uniqueness of Korean dramas, and I say this without any exaggeration, that is is one of the best shows I have ever watched. Every episode had a unique story which showcased and spoke about important and sensitive topics. Each and every episode struck a chord within me and I absolutely loved every second of it. There were times my blood boiled due to the injustice, there were times I was on the verge of tears due the pain, but there was always light at the end of the tunnel and hope and love prevailed. I also loved the momentary comedic innuendos and jokes which helped to freshen up and produce a laugh amidst the heavy show that this is. I didn't binge watch this show, and I really took my time with it. I let the episodes and the messages sink in. This is a piece of art and a masterpiece, and I heavily suggest you give it a go. This is not a rom-com, so if that's what you're looking for then this isn't it, but I sincerely believe that everyone need to watch this show at least once in their life.

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So many interesting side stories, shines positivity ✨

No doubt, this is not like all the other dramas you watch as it touches and covers the most sensitive topics and throws light to often ignored struggles. This concept was definitely something different and I was excited to watch it everytime it came.
For a person who is validating if this drama is really worth a watch or not, I would say that does live upto a fair satisfaction, giving a tour of all emotions like kindness, love, thrill, action, suspense and a few unexpected twists!
Do give it a watch if you're looking for something new, slice of life and filled with action and many aspects of daily life.

ACTING (9/10)
The acting was top notch. Almost every main character in each episode made it feel as if I could feel their pain and understand it from their perspective. Beautiful!

FASHION (9.5/10)
Okay but hear me out the stylists of this show did an absolute flabbergasting job for every actor. The makeup, the outfits and especially the FLs cause they were so to the point and mouth-opening!

BGM (8.5/10)
Kdramas OSTs are never disappointing, for every scene the right track to set the moods were pretty great.

Still reading? Just give it a watch, I'm sure it would be something fresh!

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I need a season 2

Tomorrow is a must watch the acting was great everyone played their characters sensationally and i loved the plot we need a season 2 this is one of my favourite kdramas and this drama definitely without a doubt deserves another season if it doesn’t has one i might cry this dram is so underrated Netflix and MBC we need another season with the same cast pls give us one 🥺🙏

p.s: I personally think that Tomorrow handle the aspects of suicide and hardship in life respectfully and beautifully they presented one’s pain in life realistically and showed how hard and unfair life can be but at the same time happy and joyful to wrap it it Tomorrow taught us to keep going no matter what we face don’t give them what they want and prove them wrong

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keep the tissues near

So this drama... its a funny one. I cannot say I enjoyed it . It did not make me feel good or lightened my mood, this was not light entertainment. It was hard to watch and some of the episodes total tearjerkers but nonetheless I had to keep watching . The theme is suicide and I think if you decide to watch it you need to go in prepared. This is not a fluffy romance drama, this is heavy and real and at times super sad. The trailers did not really give the right impression of what this drama is about dont be fooled.

However I would recommend people to watch it. My main take after the 16 episodes - I am so glad I was born not too long ago and in a peaceful European country were women `s rights are well established and that has a good social care system! My god how hard it must be to live in Korea in the past and even now it seems to be a real struggle. Especially if you are a woman or old or poor.
The drama shows lots stories of (mainly) women in different times and every time the poor women are treated so badly it breaks your heart . And the most disturbing thing is that they were treated so badly by their own people and even worse - other women. Rape and torture in wars by enemy forces seem to always have been part of warfare but what happens after women went through all that was the most shocking to me. And these are not storys they made up that story about the `Comfort Woman` (I had to search that up straight away) is real and really.. not that long ago. I cried so much, its all so unfair and horrible.

But back to the rest of the drama, so the acting I thought was excellent and I did like Rowoons character, a guy with heart of gold, empathetic, passionate, guileless and forever optimistic. His character brought that lightness that was needed otherwise this would have been too dark and depressing for me. I think he did a great job and I can see why he would act this sort of character after that Period drama he did before (cant remember the name). So different the characters, kudos to him just for that! The female Grim Reaper was great, she is just beautiful and can express so much just with her eyes. I was not so keen on the other two male Grim Reapers/main characters. It was not the acting I think it was just that I didnt like their characters that much.

I did like how they used the 3 main characters to tell some of the backstories and mixed it up with `new cases`from the present. There were some great sentiments and some memorable lines. I did not like the phyiscal violence by the reapers though. I mean really, do they have to beat up people all the time to get results? Beating and slapping people also seem to be quite a normal thing in Korea (seen that in many dramas) and it always sits really wrong with me.

So thats it. I seldom spend so much time and effort on a review so yes, this drama did affect me a lot. I will not watch it again but it will stay with me for a while.

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