Castaway Diva

무인도의 디바 ‧ Drama ‧ 2023
Completed
DramaloverPanda
1 people found this review helpful
Dec 6, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Deeper than expected with great OST

This show ended up being much deeper than I expected when I first started this. I assumed it would be a light hearted rom com about finding your way to stardom and love but what it delivered was a poignant journey through pain while maintaining a radiant heart.

First can we talk about this string of dramas lately that have green flag men as the male leads? Because I am all for it and both the male leads in this drama are the type of men you wish you were surrounded by as a woman. This drama touches on domestic abuse and suicide which carries a hefty message throughout the drama. Watching these characters navigate these desperate and heartbreaking situations will make your heart ache right along with them.

Exceptional acting from the entire cast, and I'll specially mention the child actors here for their performance. Between the acting, production, and OST this will quickly become one of you favorites this year. And its heavy subject matter turns this from your typical rom com to a bit of a mystery while also delivering beautiful life lessons type of dialogue throughout. It is hard to not enjoy this or root for the characters.

The only things that I think took points away from this drama are the pacing in the first half of the show that made me a bit bored occasionally and the romance was a little lukewarm for my taste. The actors had chemistry but the story did rely heavily on the shared trauma and past to glue the pair together which did work but I would have liked to see some more actual romantic scenes. That is a minor complaint though since the trade off is the well balanced and lovely family portrayal that had plenty of time to capture your heart.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Layeeqa Samreen
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 7, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 7.5
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0

Both the Leads are my favorite.

Series is good, but we can not call it romantic comedy. There was only 1 or 2 romantic scenes among ML and FL and most importantly there was no chemistry b/w them.Chae Jong-hyeop ( Kee ho) is treated like second lead. I've seen his all other series ,he is a good actor and my fav actor and also he is so handsome, But in this series he was not not given much depth to his character . Child Actors did commendable job, there acting was very good. At some point i find script is draggy n have to skip some scene, Overall its a average story , one time watch.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Suzanne Atkinson
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 2, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 7.0
This review may contain spoilers

Fantasy

I did like this drama in spite of the inconsistencies of the story : a young girl surviving 15 years on a deserted island ! I could have put up with 3 / 5 years at the most . She seemed almost comfortable there , had a hammock , befriended a seagull , built herself a fire ( presumably rubbing two sticks together ! ) ate wild potatoes .... her castaway days do not hold scrutiny .
She is rescued by a drone and her life begins again or rather continues where she left off .
in spite of this , the second half is interesting , gripping at times , beautifully acted by all the cast , accompanied by lovely music and songs . All's well that ends well , and the future is assured and bright . Worth watching ( only once for me ) , but easily forgotten . However at times I thought Park Eun bin had forgotten which drama she was in and traits of Attorney Woo crept back in the way she walked , and in her awkwardness .

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Brogana Sunfrog
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 20, 2025
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Unexpectedly serious tone doesn't weigh it down. but also enjoyable & smile inducing

Park Eun Bin's perkiness & smile are infectious. Many times she believably radiates joy, which adds a great deal to the appeal of this drama. Considering that she did not train as an idol, It's impossible to be unimpressed by her singing. If you saw her in Extraordinary Attorney Woo, you will feel some similarity in the characters, but she was probably cast in this drama because of her ability to portray innocent yet scrappy. I had some annoyance at how there seemed to be storyline gaps, but the answers were doled out in little bits here & there as the drama progressed. It was unexpected & sad to see Kim Joo Heon & Lee Seung Joon as antagonists. The series has a happy ending in ep.11 but continues on with another episode , over coming the "hitch" in the happiness to give us a fully satisfying ending, with enough time to actually feel completely engulfed in warm fuzzies. The series was a lot more serious than I expected, yet the somber themes did not weigh it down. overall, I was pleasantly surprised at how enjoyable & smile inducing it was.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
qdon
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 31, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 7.0
Rewatch Value 4.0

Plot was GIVING

Plot was very good. First episode was a whole rollercoaster. Liked the plot more in the first half than the second.

MC and ML are likeable characters on their own but lack chemistry in my opinion as a couple. Felt more focus on plot-centered moments than relationship building. Still great given how only 12 eps.

Music was good, met my expectations since that industry is explored in this drama.

The (kindof) found family is adorable. Interesting how antagonists (biological father, CEO) are presented more as gray-area villains than entirely evil (altho father more so).

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
youjung
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 10, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.5
Rewatch Value 1.0
This review may contain spoilers

dream, jika kita bermimpi pasti akan terwujud dengan cara apapun.

Alur nya lumayan cepet, background ceritanya menarik banget bahas psikologis seorang anak. tentang mimpi dan cita2 motivasi, romance nya tipis tapisemua aktor nya act of service banget. jujur agak ngebosenin aja yang bagian, tapi akting eunbin bagus bangett vocalnya bener2 kayak singer beneran. Drakor ini ngajarin kita buat jangan pernah menyerah sama impian kita, lakukan sebaik mungkin, entah berapa lama akan terwujud yang pasti selama proses itu berjalan banyak hal yang bisa dipetik. Percaya sama kemampuan diri sendiri, omongan orang jangan dijadiin hambatan. Selagi mampu terus berusaha, karena apapun itu pasti akan terwujud dengan cara yang tidak pernah terduga sekalipun.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
sahiraac
0 people found this review helpful
Jan 29, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.0
Story 5.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 5.0

No tan diva

Siento que los guionistas no supieran manejar muy bien las dos tramas principales que planearon para la historia. Por momentos, era un drama de acción, de peligro, lleno de mentiras y secretos; hasta que recordaban que había que hacer cantar a Park Eunbin y volvían a hablar de que quería ser idol, aunque en la escena anterior había sido casi secuestrada. Además, en mi opinión, hacía mejor pareja con el hermano mayor. Me destruyó que terminara con el otro solo porque así tenía que ser. De todas formas, lo disfruté bastante.
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Little Joy
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 29, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 8.0

HEART-WRENCHING TALE OF ABUSE AND REDEMPTION

I just finished watching this amazing drama, and I'm still processing the intense emotions it stirred in me. From the very first episode, I was hooked, and I knew I was in for a treat. Castaway Diva is one with well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The drama follows the lives of two middle school classmates, Mok Ha and Jung Ki Ho, who are both victims of physical abuse at the hands of their fathers. Their story was incredibly heartbreaking.

Its ability to address weighty issues like domestic abuse, trauma and complex family relationships with sensitivity and skillfulness is what truly stands out for me. The writers did an excellent job of creating characters that are multi-dimensional and relatable, even in the face of what they had to go through. The actors who play the middle school versions of Mok Ha and Jung Ki Ho are phenomenal. They brought a level of depth and emotion to their acting that is truly remarkable.

You’ll be drawn into a world filled with secrets, complicated relationships, and surprising partnerships. It had a perfect pacing with just the right amount of tension and release to keep me invested in the characters' journeys.

Another standout aspect of this drama is the music. The soundtrack is incredible. It deepened my emotional connection to the story and made it more engaging and powerful.

If you're looking for a drama that will make you feel all the feels, then this is the one for you. Prepare to be deeply invested in the lives of these characters as they face their challenges and overcome them.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Plonek
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 23, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 5.0

!!

Maybe this drama isn't the best of 2023, but is for sure worth watching.


The storyline was addictive, but I thought the end would surprise me more. However it was still okay.


I can honestly say that I recommend this drama! xoxo
Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
ghina
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 26, 2023
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 9.5
Rewatch Value 8.0

kinda dissapointing (eps 11) but ok i gave it a 9...

sebenernya review ini lebih ke curahan hati gua selama nonton castaway diva sih.... gua tertarik dan lanjut nonton sebenernya penasaran sama nasib mokha yang terlantar di pulau terpencil, dan ooh ternyata ketemu sama drone nya woohak. jujur dari awal emg udah ngira kalo bogeol itu kiho. sempet puyeng sama timeline pas woohak lupa ingatan sama pas kiho tiba tiba tinggal di chunsam, tak kira dia bnr2 tinggal sm ayahnya doang.... tapi oalah ok problem solved, udah ngerti timelinenya setelah nonton eps yang ungkapin timelinenya gimana. pas pertengahan nonton tuh sedih bgt sama woohak karna kiho tuh sebenernya bogeol T____T bener2 sepanjang episode gua cuman mikirin jadi woohak sedihnya minta ampun, peluk jauh untuk woohak <3 woohak sm aku aja ya syg :p dan yg paling gua heranin tuh kok bisa anjrit si bogeol nahan buat ngga seneng atau excited pas tau kalo cewe di pulau itu tuh mokha, cewe yang dia cari selama 15 tahun terakhir???????? mana si woohak udah baik & ramah bgt sama mokha sampe jd naksir gitu 💔💔💔 tapi okelah proud of kiho yang effortnya buat nyari mokha ga main main, sampe bikin club buat nyisir sampah di berbagai pulau terpencil huhuhuhu kiho is the standard!!! kecewa bgt sama ending eps 11, kayak lu udah di pengunjung acara tapi muncul masalah lg jir???? let them be happy lah PLZ gw benci bgt sama ayahnya si kiho itu (bukan si lee uk) dasar anjing. sukaaaaa bgt sama jalan ceritanya, lagu2nya juga bagus2 bgt!!! ❤️_____❤️ kurangnya cuman di eps 11 aja wkwk endingnya such a party pooper anjrit tp gpp ok masih bisa di maklumin 👍

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
beatriz
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 18, 2024
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 7.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
This review may contain spoilers

Its not only about love

At first, I jumped on this drama when I saw that there was Park Eun Bin.
Everything she touches, usually, turns into gold.

But then, once I started watching it, I kind of felt a disappointment... Wait, wait... I felt that because, musical dramas are not my cup of tea (despite the dark scenes that made me very emotional). Yes, everyone, I jumped into the drama without seeing the trailer nor reading the synopsys, believe me.

Now, where do I start?

The end of episode 1 had shaken me so much so I said to myself: "You know what? You're gonna watch this damn drama! See where all this goes, hopefully, it'll be ok."

It was more than ok. It was a beautiful drama, filled with intriguing characters and let me tell you, I felt that the "musical" part was very secondary.
Beware that the domestic violence is literally the topic number 1, so this is not advised for people who get triggered by it.
This is not only about love and dreams, its about friendship, family, survival, hardship, insecurities, illness, grief, guilt... There's so much to add. The emotions every character displayed were truly felt.



There were some actors that I knew, since I have been watching dramas for so long (though, I might say that sometimes I have my *dramatic breaks*) and I had never seen Chae Jong Hyup on screen, or at least, I do not remember.
As soon as I saw him, I thought "nah, this is not it..." for the cast members (after episode 2 I went and searched on MDL the details) but I was so intrigued by the Ki-ho kid that I continued on waiting and see which one would be Ki-ho in the future... and oh, I was so wrong! Again!

He was amazing. I could even translate his eyes, damn, his eyes talked! So yes, this drama is worth watching and I loved every second that this guy and Park Eun Bin had on screen together.
I hope they work together again and I want to see more angst (I know we kind of suffered here, but I need something EVEN more serious), because they are able to pull it off.

As for Mok-ha, what an interesting character, might I add. A sunshine! She went through so much in life and was still able to keep her humbleness, her joy, her beauty... The list goes on.
Marvelous work from Eun Bin, per usual. She never fails to amaze me.

I loved the rest of the cast, they were so well chosen. Seo Jung Yeon, this woman deserves indeed her flowers and I am so glad to see her everytime on screen! Lee Seung Joon, he made me hate him so much. This man got immersed in that role and I have seen in him other roles, but this one? I won't forget, at all. Great job.
Cha Hak Yeon got my attention with this role, I look forward to dig in his projects, he was lovely. The biggest bouquet of flowers go mostly to Lee Joong Ok (made me the happiest), Kim Hyo Jin (I felt so empathetic towards her) and Moon Woo Jin, what an incredible work this kid did. He has such a bright future!


I believe the story could have been written a little bit different, I won't lie, I felt that the 15 years on a damn island WERE TOO MUCH... But it all worked out in the end, as I loved to see how dedicated Ki-ho was to find her. That is true friendship and love, everyone. True friendship and love...

I am sad that I did not watch this once it came out, but to be honest, I feel that there is always a certain time and place for us to find gems like this.

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Completed
Eeshall
0 people found this review helpful
Apr 4, 2025
12 of 12 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.5
Story 7.5
Acting/Cast 8.5
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

KIHO X MOK HA

" IT IS DIFFICULT TO BE TRULY HAPPY IN SOMEONES HAPPINESS WITHOUT GETTING JEALOUS" - MOK HA (epi 12 )


MOK HA and KIHO shared such a deep bond from the start of episode 1 . KI HO appeared to be a gentleman , helping mok ha to escape
They helped and healed each other throughout the series
JUNG CHAEHO was such a great friend to MOK HA , such a great brother to KI HO , such a great son to his step dad , HE was a very sincere character .
while their abuji I mean the step dad , was the perfect example that humanity still exist , he treats the sons like they are their real sons .
lastly , the real dad , only one word is enough , he was a psycho


ABOUT THE STORY :
It was going on well quite emotional, I got teary eyed until MOK HA went on an island and lived there for the next 15 year , unbelievable

Read More

Was this review helpful to you?
Castaway Diva poster

Details

Statistics

  • Score: 8.4 (scored by 30,331 users)
  • Ranked: #805
  • Popularity: #265
  • Watchers: 56,237

Top Contributors

226 edits
34 edits
31 edits
29 edits

Popular Lists

Related lists from users
All Time Favorite Dramas
797 titles 1986 loves 36
Short KDrama
2157 titles 530 loves 16
tvN Dramas
353 titles 229 loves

Recently Watched By