Heavenly Ever After? Heavenly break amidst Lives.
"Heaven isn't a destination, it's just a resting place in the wheel that turns for eternity"i enjoyed this sooo much omg. sooo good! even enjoyed the terrible headache i had after ep11 with all the tears lmao. god han jimin acted out of her body in that episode. it was intense. infact, the entire cast is amazing, not a single miss. even the supporting characters all well casted, well acted. Haesuk & Pastor's relationship and banter has my entire heart. ❤️
I cried with Hae suk's pain and Eun Ho's misfortune so so much. I wish they met again in another life and spent the best as mother and son 🥺❤️
The message is beautiful. Heaven and hell ain't the end of all, just a temporary resting place where you overcome your past regrets and grudges and pain, and continue the journey - I don't necessarily consider the drama religious, whatever religious subtext there is, is mellowed down too so that helps.
The drama isn't perfect definitely, but the last few episodes moved me so much I really can't be bothered about the slower pace or drag in the earlier episodes, or sudden switch in tone from serious to comedy at certain parts.
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differently beautiful
sad and happy at the same time. we need to face the demons locked in our subconscious in order be free and at peace.wasn’t expecting this. from start to end this series has surprised me. different from the rest and yet beautiful. giving voice to animals was a plus. as a dog owner I truly wish for heaven to be like that in order to reunite with both of my girls 🐶🐶. those scenes broke me. hope the man looking for his husky at the beginning found him, that part would’ve been nice to watch…🥹❤️🩹
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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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Happy to have started and to have finished, some of these reviews are way too harsh...
this drama was amazing at the start, and while i really enjoyed watching it till the end - there were some things that knocked it down a ton for me in the end. i went into this pre-episode 10 thinking i'd rate this drama a ten, but ended up being thoroughly disappointed with the direction of the writing in episode ten. while i'm satisfied / happy with how they tied up each and every character i find myself dissatisfied with a huge piece of the ending. there were times my wife and i find ourselves too confused for words, blubbering from tears, or just simply smiling due to the good feelings. this drama encapsulates a lot of complex and wide array of emotions, but ultimately fell over itself with confusing writing nearing the end. happy to have seen this drama through to the end, but can happily say i won't ever watch it again. nakjoon's actor gained a fan in me, and i'll happily look forward to his future works. hyeja and jimin have always been top tier actresses for me, so i was really satisfied with them in this..! simply amazing. great beginner or intermediate drama for a firs time watcher for sure.Was this review helpful to you?
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The importance of life.
i don’t know if its just me but the kdrama seemed to emphasize the importance of life, the way that they delivered it makes it alot more emotional, episode one made my eyes already red and ep 2 made my eyes swollen, i might be sensitive but it made me cry alot, the story was nice, and the reason i dropped it is because i just can’t handle the emotions i WENT THROUGH WATCHING IT, the casting is great, they chose the best actresses and actors to portray comedy especially the emotional parts. i might say for someone who wants to watch kdramas again, this might be a new start to watch?Was this review helpful to you?
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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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Une balade céleste un peu trop brumeuse pour moi.
Pour être honnête, c’est un drama qui sort des sentiers battus. C’est contemplatif, c’est poétique, c’est doux.Mais alors… est-ce que j’ai vibré ?
Pas vraiment... 😅
C’est une romance ultra mature, un peu mélancolique, pas du tout dans le trip classique. Ici, c’est plus du genre “je t’ai aimé toute une vie, et maintenant on va se regarder avec les yeux humides” 😶🌫️
Et même si l’idée est belle, j’ai eu du mal à m’embarquer émotionnellement 🤷🏼♀️
Le couple Hae-suk / Nak-jun ? Franchement adorable 🥰
J’avais PEUR que ce soit cringe vu le décalage d’âge visuel, mais non : c’est doux, c’est sincère, c’est bien amené 👌🏻
Et Hae-suk, avec son franc-parler et ses punchlines de queen, elle m’a bien fait marrer parfois 💥😂
MAIS…
Là où j’ai décroché, c’est tout le reste...
Som-i et Yeong-ae ?
J’sais pas… trop chelou pour moi, c'est allé trop loin d'un coup 😵💫
Il y a des scènes amusantes, parfois touchantes, mais d’autres fois j’étais en mode WHAT 😱 mais pourquoi😬
Et le délire avec les animaux de compagnie… là encore, je capte l’intention, mais j’ai trouvé que ça partait un peu trop loin aussi 😵💫🐾
Le Président du centre par contre ?
GÉNIAL !!! 🥰
Ultra bienveillant, toujours dans l’écoute, il m’a réchauffé le cœur. Et le pasteur ? Idem.
Mais là aussi, j’aurais préféré que ça reste léger, parce que quand ça devient trop “lié karmiquement”, j’avoue que j’ai levé un sourcil... ou deux 🧐
Gros + pour les acteurs, qui sont exceptionnels. Rien à dire. C’est sincère, c’est propre, c’est poignant 👏🏻👍🏻
Mais voilà.
C’est trop long !
Des longueurs, des scènes inutiles, des digressions...
À mon goût, le drama aurait gagné en impact avec un format plus court. J’ai parfois trouvé le visionnage… ennuyant (oui, j’ai failli piquer du nez 🥱)
Je pense qu’il faut être dans un mood précis, un peu planant, prêt à te laisser porter.
J’ai regardé, j’ai trouvé ça joli… mais j’ai rien ressenti de profond.
Je suis restée sur le banc de touche avec ma boîte de mouchoirs encore pleine 😅💔
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MARAVILHOSO
Acabei e posso dizer roteiro maravilhoso!! Conta a história de um casal comum que já viveu uma vida toda juntos e seus conflitos no pós morte, conhecendo várias pessoas no paraiso eles começam a conviver com conhecidos da vida passada e uma misteriosa mulher acrescenta uma pitada de ciúmes nessa relação, por esse motivo nossa protagonista conhece um padre que se torna um confidente e amigo. Resumindo conto a importância de resolver os conflitos da vida pra termos paz de todos os erro q cometemosWas this review helpful to you?
Heaven Ever After: Amor Genuíno
Heaven Ever After é aquele tipo de Drama que chega de mansinho, como quem não quer nada (eu, sinceramente, não dava nadinha por ele), e de repente toma conta do coração. Comecei esperando apenas algo bonito de se ver... Son Suk Ku, claro. Mas o que recebi foi uma experiência profunda, delicada e surpreendente.A fantasia que transita entre céu e terra entrega muito mais do que se imagina: emoção verdadeira. Em cada situação – da dor silenciosa à ternura mais pura – me senti presente, como se vivesse tudo com os personagens. Foi um turbilhão de sentimentos: surpresa, encantamento, tristeza, esperança… e amor. Amor genuíno.
Todos os personagens somaram. Ninguém ali foi à toa. Cada um trouxe sua dor e sua beleza, e juntos construíram algo comovente.
Heaven Ever After não foi o dorama perfeito. Mas foi, sem dúvida, o que eu precisava. E foi bom demais.
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Not bad
The story is fun and refreshing, full of mysteries to unravel. I’m enjoying, it’s a great companion while I eat, thank you for actors and actress in this drama, and thank you for screenwriter.
Episode 10 left me eager to see what happens next, but I really miss Sonya, she barely showed up
I love dramas that have some comedy in them, because watching feels like a fun escape — almost like a mini vacation for me ............................................................................................................................
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