Get your tissues ready
I had to pace myself when I first started watching this series because I was boohing like a lost child I finally sat down and finished the show and I was a wreck by the time it was done. I cried far after it was over and the next day too then I binged and finished WLGYT and between the two I think i cried an ocean big enough for us all to swim in lol. The plot was phenomenal. I cried every episode and laughed out loud every episode. The twists and turns were truly unexpected.Was this review helpful to you?
Good Enough
Korean Drama 'Heavenly Ever After' is a fantasy comedy with a lot of drama elements.The story is original and interesting at first, with the comedy being mild and not a laugh-out-loud kind of comedy, but enjoyable enough. The characters were interesting as well, and they were endearing. The romance was lovely and sweet as well and there were a lot of emotional moments. The fantasy element was, moreover, entertaining.
However, the story was not handled well. It was tiring after a while, the ending was rushed, and the melodrama didn't blend well with the comedy part.
The performances, finally, were all great.
So, overall, six out of ten.
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This review may contain spoilers
I Cried, But Probably Not For What I Imagine.
I can't say that I went into this show blind, I had seen tidbits of it elsewhere at different times, and that had piqued my interest for a long time until I finally decided to watch it. Considering I was already privy to the story, and considering how I already knew that Somi was Hae-sook, the show still kept me plenty suspended. I got to give that to the writers, before this the show I had seen was Behind Your Touch, and now seeing two shows made by the same director and same writer, I can see the writer's quirks well. The writer is really good at building atmospheric comedy—where every factor needed is working together to create a well crafted comedy scene. Although it doesn’t have rolling on the floor laughing, it's generously funny enough. Apart from that I really like that the writer(s) are good at sustaining the suspense, like I said even though I already knew the major spoilers of the story the writing was solid enough to keep me hooked. I noticed that in Behind Your Touch as well, the writer(s) set up the anagnorisis of the protagonists—usually—right at the end of the episode and reverse that in the subsequent one. Which keeps the suspense alive, but gets a bit repetitive.My major criticism of this show would be about how they handled episode eleven. I understand that the climax had to be put somewhere and that had to be done within a 12 episode structure. I also understand that for the writer that must have been tough and having to restrain yourself so as to fit the story into only 12 episodes is a hard task, especially if you have established a world. With that said, episode eleven was handled like a hot mess. Somi really needed her emotional liberation from that guilt and shame of losing her son, by extension Hae-sook needed that more, yet, the characters were betrayed from rushed writing and from that the viewers were too. Somi disappeared too abruptly, we needed dialogues there, big laughs and tears of joy, but poof Somi vanished without any of that. If Somi was established as Hae-sook’s guilt of losing her son, then Somi had to be the one to get that catharsis by meeting her son. However that tearful reunion ended before it even properly began. Somi’s catharsis would have been Hae-sook’s catharsis, and that relief of suppressed emotions should have been what brought them peace. Yet, that entire sequence was written in such a way that everything was there on the scene at the same time. If I had to write that scene I would have let Somi have her moment, her rightful moment that she was denied.
We, the audience, were also denied our catharsis about Eun-ho’s death. We need at least one scene where we saw that corrupt keseki of a cop get his punishment. Of course Somi was denied that too.
There were also something that I quite didn't get, maybe I might have missed it while watching. I had a question as to why Hae-sook didn't realize that Somi looked exactly like her yonger self, especially since she is her younger self. I know that if a thought was ever proposed in Hae-sook's head, she wouldn't have cofused Somi for being Young-e, but this remains a question still.
Also, I think rather than Nak-joon saving somi because of some instinctual reaction, him saving her delibrately because he mistook her for being Hae-sook would have been a better choice. That would have also added to his intial confusion in the first episode, because his thought process could have been much more robust than what it was. Particularly since we find out that he always knew what and who Somi looked like.
Apart from that, I enjoyed all the other little vignettes. I really enjoyed the last episode, but I am unsure —or better put still unaware as to why. I cried by the end, when they met again in their new lives, but I suspect it was less about how good the show was and more because of my innate desire for a partner… as a Mo-tae-sol-lo myself, the desire for a partner and the fomo of their absence in my life must have accumulated into those moments and must have made its way into my eyes. Hehe (￣ω￣).
It was a good show, and my criticisms are few. The acting was great, and the premise was interesting. I can see that this writer is good at coming up with quirky stories.
( ´ ꒳ ` ) Ciao.
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i’m hooked with this drama!!
i had no idea what to expect since the plot line sounded pretty wacky but in a fun way to me lol but anyhow a brief summary: the drama is about hae-sook who reunites with her husband nak-jun in heaven not long after he passed away and he’s in his 30s while she’s in her 80s and i was pleasantly surprised because i didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as i did! it has funny moments but what i really like about this drama is it’s really heartwarming especially showing the scenes of the difficult life they lived as a couple until their elderly age and also both leads have great chemistry together sukku suits this role so well 😹 the story is unique and so refreshing, touching and quirky. i like how it presents things lightly, and gives perspective on elderly people, i definitely recommend it. the age gap isn’t weird at all if anything they’re so sweet and cute as a couple i love the acting of the ahjumma as well she’s amazing at acting 💕 i wasn’t bored whatsoever and now i regret starting bc i have to wait for new eps 😆 also don’t let the comedy tag fool you bc there’s some scenes that definitely made me tear up 🥹Was this review helpful to you?
Heavenly ever after.
I decided to watch this drama after seeing its trailer, which immediately intrigued me. The storyline felt fresh and unique, and I was excited to dive in. From the very first two episodes, I was hooked—the drama beautifully captured the struggles and pain of life on earth, yet also carried a profound message: if you live an honest and good life, you will find even greater joy after death. That’s what I believe the title "Heavenly Ever After" truly means.As the story progressed, it only got better. The characters were engaging and never felt dull. Although there were some parts, especially with Som-i, that felt a bit frustrating, I understand that this was the director’s and writer’s intention to highlight certain challenges. Honestly, this drama is a real gem. It will make you cry, but it will also make you smile your brightest smile.
The drama is filled with beautiful life lessons—about living well, about the connections we form, and about how those connections aren’t random. It suggests that every person we meet is part of our fate, and that even if it feels like a new encounter, it might be a bond carried over from a different lifetime.
Overall, it’s a must-watch drama that will leave you feeling moved and inspired.
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Paused for a few weeks then dropped
It was almost interesting during the first couple of episodes but after that I found myself unable to click on it to watch more. Today I decided to jump ahead to the most recent episode (10) and see if it could hold my attention. Nope. Sure, I missed a bunch of the storyline by skipping episodes 4-9, but there just wasn't enough there for me to care about. Lee Jung-eun was in Missing the Other Side and I enjoyed her performance there, as well as in Miss Day and Night, but even her involvement in this series wasn't enough for me to continue watching.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
No Ordinary Drama
This is a bit of a long review combining the first two episodes. I am thrilled with this drama. Its opening episodes have already made a strong first impression, introducing a unique and heartwarming fantasy romance premise. I didn’t expect the show's opening, featuring Lee Hae-Sook, a seemingly heartless businesswoman with a rugged exterior, yet a gentle way of speaking. But we quickly learn there's more to her than meets the eye. I keep saying this, but I didn’t expect Lee Hae-sook’s complex character. On the surface, she's a formidable debt collector, not afraid to face down tough individuals. Despite her initial coldness, Hae-sook is revealed to have a softer side, especially in her relationship with her husband. Their relationship is portrayed as both loving and tinged with a sense of sadness. Her husband’s gentle and affectionate nature and his admiration for her beauty at all ages are clearly a significant motivator for her decision in the afterlife. And I think this fantasy afterlife intrigues me about this drama.Who among us wouldn’t want to know or at least be in control of how and where they land in the afterlife? I know I do, so I am intrigued and decided to watch this drama. Yes, Son Suk Ku was a significant deciding factor, but the story's premise was an even bigger. I also love listening to Kim Hye Ja speak. She is such a classy and dignified actress, it's hard not to fall in love with her. As sweet as it was to watch the love between Lee Hae Sook and her husband in the present life, the way the show presents a unique vision of heaven is even more intriguing, the idea that Heaven is not necessarily the traditional paradise many of us believe, raises questions about what constitutes happiness and fulfillment in the afterlife. The Heaven Admission Counseling Office and the subway ride to heaven add a bureaucratic and somewhat mundane element to the fantasy setting. This idea introduces questions about what heaven represents and how it functions. The presence of characters who are still dealing with unresolved issues from their past lives also adds to the complexity, making me believe this is no ordinary drama.
However, I think the biggest twist and in just two episodes is that when Hae-sook arrives in heaven and is given the option to choose her appearance, she initially opts for her younger self but ultimately decides to remain in her current 80-year-old form, thinking that’s how her husband would probably present. However, Nak-jun chooses to present in his 30s in heaven, creating an interesting dynamic, and maybe he chose that period because it was when they were the happiest. Anyway, I think these first two episodes have set the stage for a compelling narrative, blending humor, heart, and fantasy. The performances by Kim Hye-ja and the rest of the cast are captivating, and the drama raises thought-provoking questions about life, death, and the afterlife, which is precisely how I like it.
Updated review now that I have finished the drama. 5/29/2025
Alright, let's dive into the emotional rollercoaster that was the final four episodes of Heavenly Ever After. After watching the initial setup of Hae-suk and Nak-jun's heavenly reunion and how they individually, together and other times with help from others who had some impact when they were alive, the last four episodes kicked things into high confusing and at times distracting gear, transforming it from a sweet fantasy romance into a profound exploration of grief, sacrifice, reflection and somewhat traumatic but true liberation.
The biggest revelation, and perhaps the most heart-wrenching, revolved around Som-yi (Han Ji Min was brilliant; I found myself alternating between feeling pity and hatred for her; this is a testament to her incredible acting for sure). What started as a mysterious woman suddenly appearing in heaven escalated into the discovery that she wasn't just anyone; she was a manifestation of Hae-suk's deepest, most suppressed trauma: the memory of their lost son, Eun-ho. It became clear that Som-yi's initial fury and even her attempt to erase Hae-suk were her misguided way of trying to take away a mother's immense pain and guilt over their son's death. This twist deepened the emotional stakes significantly, making Hae-suk's journey in heaven about far more than just reuniting with her husband for me. It was about confronting her past and finding a way to heal. Kudos to the writer for this complex yet strangely satisfying exploration of guilt, loss, shame, and unconditional love.
Then came the truly emotional moment when the Pastor (Ryu Deok Hwan) revealed himself as the grown-up Eun-ho. This was a stroke of genius, allowing Hae-suk and Nak-jun’s son to be a guide, a figure of understanding, rather than just a source of past sorrow. His presence provided the missing piece of the puzzle, clarifying Som-yi's existence and, most importantly, giving Hae-suk and Nak-jun a chance for a true, even if spiritual, reconciliation with their child. That was incredibly powerful when Eun-ho tells his mother that everything is alright and that he needs her to let go so he can find his own peace. It allowed Hae-suk to finally release the burden she carried, which in turn allowed Som-yi (that embodiment of her grief) to vanish. This whole arc was incredibly moving and provided immense closure. It was magnificently done.
And then there's Ko Nak-jun (Son Suk Ku), whose unwavering love and commitment were truly put to the ultimate test. We learn that his devotion to Hae-suk was so profound that he was willing to shoulder her pain, taking on the responsibility for their son's death even when it wasn't solely his. The drama then throws another massive revelation at us: Nak-jun and Hae-suk had been married not just once, but twenty-three times across various past lives. This cyclical existence was tied to Nak-jun's regrets, his inability to let go of their suffering. Son Suk Ku was excellent as I knew he would be. A strong, complex character for an equally strong and brilliant actor. I am in awe of him.
The final episodes truly culminated in Nak-jun's ultimate act of love and sacrifice. After seeing their countless past lives, he makes the incredibly difficult, heartbreaking decision to break the cycle. He chooses not to be reincarnated with Hae-suk but instead steps away, allowing her to live a life free of the "suffering he brings," free of lingering attachments and past regrets. His farewell to Hae-suk, where he carries her over the final bridge and expresses his desire for her to experience a life without him, is one of the most poignant moments of the entire drama. It's a selfless act proving his love was truly "more beautiful than heaven".
Hae-suk's reaction, quivering lip, tears, and eventual acceptance speak volumes about her growth. She honors his wish, walking through the gates to live her liberated life. The ending is bittersweet, but ultimately hopeful. We see Hae-suk giving an interview, desiring to be reincarnated as an actor embodying various lives, a beautiful, meta-commentary on Kim Hye Ja's own illustrious career and the show's message about embracing life to the fullest. The final shot of two strangers locking eyes and smiling, hinting at a possible future fated encounter or simply the continuation of life's beautiful connections, left me with a feeling of profound hope and the belief that true love, in whatever form, truly transcends all.
These last four episodes really elevated Heavenly Ever After into something truly special. It beautifully captured how “All” the characters, human or otherwise, weren't afraid to confront deep emotional scars. It offered a unique, philosophical take on the afterlife, ultimately delivering a powerful message about letting go, finding peace, and love's enduring, selfless nature. I was thoroughly impressed by how they brought everything to a satisfying conclusion. It started as a sweet, emotional fantasy drama but transcended into a profound human drama as it got closer to its ending. It delivered hearty laughter and heartfelt emotions and a thought-provoking exploration of love, identity, and the timeless connections that bind us, regardless of where or how we exist. Its stellar cast and innovative storyline make it a drama that truly stands out.
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When our souls...mate.
This is a spoiler-free commentary.I'm sitting here processing. My head hurts. My nose is running, my eyes ache, and my heart is full. Whew...when I tell you that the writers of this show did a thing, their big thing, and that I want to fight them for it! Starring three of my favorite K-actors: Icon Kim Hye-ja, as our FL, heartthrob Son Suk-ku, as our ML, and comedic genius Lee Jung-eun, as a supporting lead. Starting from episode one, until the final, you are giving a beautiful kaleidoscope about life, love, and relationship connections within...and even outside of human connections, and my goodness.
The layers this series gives you with brilliant twists, and the skilled juxtaposition to be able to make me laugh and box kick me in the eyeducts...whew. I highly suggest this watch, and once you settle in it, also think about the bts with the actors themselves. This is also a commentary within that, and the fact that in an industry that lauds putting up nothing but youthful things, we get a story with a female lead being loved, giving love, and having a full-bodied voice carrying a series. This is beautiful work here, extraordinary work here, something American writers need to sit down and study as well in our now-changing industry.
Check this out...I have nothing more to say. I need hugs for my favorite series of 2025.
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It gives a homely vibe
Personally when I started watching this kdrama I thought it would be weird single the ML and the FL have such a huge age gap, but so far there was no very uncomfortable scenes for me. The actors portrayed the characters really well.It felt warm to watch, especially when they introduced the pets into heaven.
If you like family funny but also sentimental kdramas I suggest this one (if you can get passed the age gap that is)
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Be Kind and Enjoy The Progress
The story is about how people will go to heaven or hell. It's the combination of Christianity and Buddhism on my opinion. There is a judgment for what they have done in their previous life on earth. A lot of people go into hell without knowing their reason, but they will get the answer after going into a screening section. But if they go into heaven, they will have a choice to stay in heaven or get reincarnated. It's become interesting to see how they can't change their age if already choose their age. Not only that, a lot of comedy things happened in their personal life and related to each other.Recommended to watch with your family!
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Life, Death and Choices!
One of my favourite female actors is in this series so had to watch it even though I didn't realise only one episode has been released.Just so you know - went in blind! Had no idea about this coming out at all.
So far (no real spoilers) it is about an elderly woman that seems to be a loan shark that looks after her disabled husband that was injured in their youth.
An elderly woman that is committed to a husband that is paralysed and bedridden.
She is a bit ruthless as a loan shark, but is also nice as well.
Bit of a spoiler, but nothing overly intrusive, is about the strategy she used with the first debtor which is in line with a scene from Dexter - that had me laughing. Poor guy!
The point is, I suppose, is that there is humour in this that is right up my alley.
We get to glimpse how she questions her choices a little bit as well as her conscience and we also get to see her deep devotion to her husband and who she cares about - even a cat that passed on.
Death is touched on in this first episode so be aware of that in case it is a touchy subject, but it isn't anything that cannot be handled nor in depth.
I really like the music in it and the acting is solid.
Am looking forward to the next episode and on and would recommend it unless you are looking for something like a rom-com perhaps.
Only one episode is out so it is difficult to say which way this will go although it does feel like a drama or slice of life!
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Imagination
Although there are things that are against my belief, we all know the heaven and hell events from religious teachings and holy books. Other than that, there is no such thing as seeing, coming and telling. Therefore, I just said it was the imagination of the scriptwriter, the writer. I watched it that way. In my opinion, it was a very good series. It especially satisfied me in terms of acting. I watched the other aspects with laughter, amazement, interest, sometimes anger, and sometimes saying, "Oh, how can this be?". I especially found the 11th episode great. It was a very emotional episode. I cried while watching this episode. In my opinion, the leading actors gave award-worthy performances. First of all, our veteran actress Kim Hye Ja, whose performance at her age, such a beautiful, fluent acting, made me say, "Bravo!" I congratulate her. Of course, she gave a superior performance in Son Suk Ku. She showed a very good harmony with an older actor, a superior acting, and a superior performance in emotional scenes. Well done. Han Ji Min also joined later, but she showed her talent. She made me say, "This is how it is." I liked it very much. The other actor I want to be given an award for is Ryu Deok Hwan. Exceptionally beautiful, simple but striking acting, perfect harmony with Kim Hye Ja and the play evokes a beautiful mother-son relationship. Also sweet quarrels. Well-crafted. I should also congratulate the director. These actors I mentioned played award-winning roles. I also liked Cheon Ho Jin's play, I especially liked his image of the hell president much more. Good acting. This role suits him very well. I also liked Lee Jung Eun's role very well. Congratulations. I watched it despite it being against my belief and liked it. I'm not saying I approve of it, but if anyone wants to watch it, I say watch it.Was this review helpful to you?
