The WONDERfools

"No place on Earth is more screwed up than here"

WONDERfools was wonderfully quirky, silly, and fun. That’s not to say it wasn’t flawed, but I was able to overlook the more egregious issues I had with the drama for the Super Friends sake.

Eun Chae Ni was born with a bad heart and is deteriorating fast. It's 1999 and all she wants is to live long enough to witness the end of humanity on December 31st as is being predicted. She’s never been out of Haeseong and is determined to take a trip in defiance of her grandmother’s orders. Chae Ni aka Trainwreck develops a scam to make money for the trip which goes very wrong, implicating her two best friends, Ro Bin aka the Sap King and Son Ahjussi aka Nightmare. City Hall clerk Lee Un Jeong aka Mr. Oddball finds himself dragged into their madness as a nefarious force lurks in the shadows hoping to bring about the apocalypse.

This drama felt like the writer had watched old reruns of Dark Angel (2000-2002) and pitched the story like this, “What if we use the Manticore concept only make it more of a comedy? With the female lead and her friends having the emotional maturity of seven-year-olds?” I also saw strong resemblances to Guardians of the Galaxy, Super Friends, and name whatever zombie movie you prefer. There were times the super trio’s antics and emotional outbursts could be exhausting. I’m not a fan of slapstick comedy but I actually laughed frequently throughout this drama though there were times it drew eyerolls as well. The acting varied widely. Park Eun Bin and Choi Dae Hoon have some serious acting chops and Im Sung Jae held up his end of the super triangle as well. I was happy to see Kim Hae Sook have a substantial role as the boss grandmother who wasn’t afraid to tangle with the dark forces of Manticore, I mean Wunderkind, to protect her grandchild. The biggest problem I had with the drama was the romance, I’ll note why in a spoiler section under the date of this review.

WONDERfools had deaths in it and characters had suffered childhood traumas, but none of the losses carried any real weight to them as the comedy rode roughshod over most of the darker elements. I’m a sucker for friend stories and though they were the oddest ducks in town, Chae Ni, Ro Bin, and Son Ahjussi strengthened their bonds and also grew as people. They even went from a triangle to a square by adding in Mr. Oddball Lee Un Jeong---whether he liked it or not. If you enjoy super hero friends that lean toward the humorous offbeat end of the measuring stick, WONDERfools might be one to try.

25 May 2026
Trigger warning: Worms coming out of the skin of one character---I had to skip over a few short scenes. *shudder*

Spoiler comment follows---


















***SPOILER COMMENTS***
Jeong attempted to kill Chae Ni to test her powers which could have ended in her death if he was wrong. But most troublesome was when he handed her over to Dr. Ha and his chamber of death knowing what awaited her. And then strongly resisted agreeing to help rescue her. These two actions, regardless of his motivations and rough childhood were not romantic lead actions for me. He was far too easily forgiven by the other main characters, especially Chae Ni. I don’t care how emotionally stunted and lonely Chae Ni was, two attempted murders make for an enormous red flag and huge NO for romance. Maybe in a second or third season when he had truly earned that forgiveness and trust I'd accept it.

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The WONDERfools (2026): The Most Lovable Chaos of the Year

If you told me a K-drama about a group of ordinary misfits gaining superpowers in 1999 would become one of my favorite shows of 2026, I probably wouldn't have believed you. Yet The WONDERfools completely won me over from the very first episode. Blending comedy, mystery, action, heart, and nostalgia, the drama creates a world that feels both wonderfully absurd and surprisingly emotional. Set against the backdrop of Y2K panic and small-town life, every episode feels alive with personality. The story never forgets that its greatest strength isn't the powers or the villains, but the people behind them. The chemistry between the cast is simply magical, making every conversation, argument, and heartfelt moment feel genuine and memorable.

Park Eun-bin once again proves why she's one of the finest actresses working in Korean television today. As Eun Chae-ni, she delivers a performance overflowing with charm, energy, vulnerability, and humor. She effortlessly carries the emotional weight of the series while still making me laugh countless times. And then there's Cha Eun-woo, whose portrayal of Lee Un-jeong was everything I hoped for and more. His reserved personality, subtle expressions, and natural screen presence create a perfect contrast to Eun-bin's vibrant performance. Watching these two share scenes was one of the biggest highlights of the drama for me. Their chemistry never feels forced, and every interaction adds something meaningful to the story. The supporting cast, including Kim Hae-sook, Choi Dae-hoon, Im Sung-jae, and Son Hyun-joo, also deserve enormous praise for making Haeseong City feel like a living, breathing place.

Without revealing any spoilers, The WONDERfools delivers some of the most entertaining ensemble scenes I've seen in a long time. Whether it's the team's chaotic attempts to understand their strange abilities, the hilarious group dynamics, the heartfelt family moments, or the thrilling confrontations that raise the stakes, the drama constantly balances fun and emotion. It reminded me why I fell in love with K-dramas in the first place. By the time the final episode ended, I wasn't ready to say goodbye to these characters. The WONDERfools is funny, touching, creative, and endlessly charming. As a huge fan of Park Eun-bin and Cha Eun-woo, this felt like a dream collaboration, and it exceeded every expectation I had. A truly wonderful ride from beginning to end.

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Marvel-esque superhero comedy with Korean twist

Prefacing that i binge watched this cause i was pretty sure i wouldn't come back to it if i didn't just out right watch everything at once.

I'm pretty sceptical of superhero stories in general but this had good cast and it sounded very funny from eveything i saw. It definitely delivered at some parts and failed at some.

Positives
- Park Eun Bin delivered, she was superb as always and one of the main reasons i continued to watch it in first place.
- Duo of comedic relief characters acted by Choi Dae Hoon and Im Sung Jae were good too, they brought up the comedy up multiple levels.
- All in all, this was good comedy and i enjoyed the comedy very much.

Negatives
- The whole superhero story is very reminiscent of the mutant storyline from Marvel, and i don't think Marvel does it well and neither does this. Powers are scaled by the moment, not by actual writing and i hate it about superhero slop in general.
- The serious story was very predictable overall and i think this could've worked more if it was full on comedy rather than try the marvel route of superhero comedy action.
- As the serious story was a meh, it inevitably means that the villains are too, they were okayish to forgettable.

Conclusion
It was decent watch for it's comedic parts and for Park Eun Bin showcase of acting but fell flat on the serious parts. I wouldn't have watched this without her doing superb job and it was pleasure to see. If you like comedy and marvel-esque superhero story, i'd say must watch otherwise it is okay one time watch for most people.

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The chaotic team I didn’t want to say goodbye to

I knew the day would eventually come when I’d genuinely enjoy a character played by Cha Eun-woo, and here we are! He can absolutely pull off a superhero role. His laid-back, introverted, and quiet personality was perfectly balanced by the female lead’s chaotic energy and enthusiasm. Their dynamic worked because it felt natural & he didn’t need to be overly expressive or do anything over the top to make his character stand out. That said, I do wish other MLs’ Ro bin and Son Un had gotten more screen time. Since they’re an important part of the team, it felt like there was still so much more to get out of their characters.
I do have to say Eight episodes weren’t enough for me to fully connect with the characters.. It felt like the show ended just as it was hitting its stride, leaving me wanting a lot more.

Plus I also have to say I’m glad romance wasn’t the main focus of the story. While there were a few romantic moments here and there, I never really felt the chemistry between the leads as a couple. They worked much better as teammates than as a romantic pairing, so I was happy the show didn’t force a bigger romance storyline.THANKGOD 🙏

The comedy, however, was a solid 10/10. These wonder fools had me laughing out loud in every single episode. The humor landed perfectly, and the group dynamic was easily one of the show's strongest points.

One thing I couldn't help noticing was how similar the backstory felt to Stranger Things. The whole concept of scientists experimenting on orphaned children, followed by a lab accident caused by the main character, immediately reminded me of stranger things. At times, the parallels felt a little too obvious to not mention.

Overall, this was a fun, lighthearted watch with plenty of laughs, lovable characters, and just enough action to keep things interesting. And honestly? I think this is exactly the kind of show that deserves a Season 2. There’s still so much potential left, and I’d happily watch another season with this crew.

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Supernatural with the mix of other genres at its best.

The narrative of the plot doesn't attend only to the supernatural; it draws on other genres to create a mix of something clearly binge-worthy.

When family relationships, friendship, teammates, and comedy blend with something supernatural in a natural and likeable way.
Each of their relationship was impactful and touching.
Eunie and her grandma's relationship was a gem.
Mr Seo and his daughter's relationship was gold.
Mr Seo and his wife's relationship was silver.

The villains were an interesting one, they had bonds, sorta of familiar relationships, and love for each other, and I just gave that to the secondary villains, to the primary villains, they made my blood boil, their calm and all-assuring performance was well done, I give them for that.

A drama where the sources tell you mostly supernatural, but the in-depth tackles something more than supernatural snd villain arcs, it tells there is even a quiet family bond, that can create a villain

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warning: a sarcastic review

I really wanted to like Wonderfools. The cast had all the ingredients for a memorable series, but what I got instead was an epic collapse in storytelling.
Watching this drama felt like raising a funny, charming stepchild only to discover eight episodes later that there was a dark psychotic personality hiding underneath the entire time. I kept trying to understand the writers’ intentions. Were we supposed to laugh, cry, feel suspense, then laugh again five minutes later? The show swings emotions around like a drunk DJ changing playlists at a wedding reception.

It wants to be quirky and dark at the same time, almost like Heath Ledger’s Joker wandered into a neighborhood sitcom. The difference is that Ledger’s Joker was brilliantly consistent. Wonderfools has the emotional stability of Batman after three espresso in shots and a nervous breakdown. It wants to Korea’s version of DC’s Suicide Squad.

Slapstick comedy only works when the tone commits to it. The Three Stooges knew exactly what they were. Here, the trio feels more like Dumb and Dumber… and their sister, Dumbest.

And somehow, in only eight episodes, the show still manages to drag while never fully developing anyone. Every character feels assembled from leftover K-drama tropes:
* the guilty grandma with a dark secret
* the handsome Clark Kent drowning in emotional confusion
* villains who are somehow more interesting than the heroes
* and of course, the obligatory cult-like church leader, because apparently Korean dramas now believe every church leader is one sermon away from becoming a supervillain.
* even squeezed a slow-motion scene using Radiohead’s “I’m a Creep…I’m a Weirdo” playing in the background.

But there is a bright side: it’s only eight episodes. And yea the good guys win. But you have to survive the uber-long final two episodes that looked like a scene from Batman vs Superman. This really is turning into a DC comics trope. And if the stars all align, there won’t be a season 2.

Just like Disney mishandled The Perfect Crown, Netflix seems equally determined to turn Korean dramas into disposable content. What happened to the days when dramas made you genuinely feel something long after the ending? Now it’s just emotional fast food, quickly consumed and forgotten before the next algorithm recommendation appears.

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The Four Fantasists

Although the script is 100% Korean, its genesis traces back to the “The B-Team” concept developed by Stan Lee’s studio in 2018. Directed by Yoo In-sik (Dr. Romantic, Vagabond, Extraordinary Attorney Woo), this K-drama takes us to 1999, at the dawn of the Y2K bug, in the small town of Haeseong—marked by a dark incident dating back over twenty years. The WONDERfools naturally evokes Marvel or DC-style heroes, but it leans more toward a mix of works like Cashero, Hi-Five, and even The Boys, in the sense that these characters are not born as heroes but are the result of laboratory experiments or accidental contamination. In terms of atmosphere, they also carry a touch of Guardians of the Galaxy. So between satire and superhero deconstruction, do these late-20th-century “wonder kids” (in truth, broken misfits) succeed in delivering both spectacle and escapism?

At the end of 1999, Eun Chae-ni (Park Eun-bin), in fragile health, is expected not to survive into the new century due to a weak heart. She is a 27-year-old woman with a childish streak—likable but stagnant. Her only family is her grandmother, who runs a large restaurant. Her high school friend Kang Ro-bin (Im Sung-jae), somewhat intellectually limited, and her neighbor Son Gyeong-hun (Choi Dae-hoon), a lazy, compulsive liar of sorts, are her only companions. A new civil servant arrives at the town hall and surprises them with his rigidity: Lee Un-jeong (Cha Eun-woo) is a mysterious figure who takes a particular interest in Chae-ni. One night, after a tragedy, the trio accidentally acquire superpowers through an unfortunate chain of events. In reality, this awakens Chae-ni’s latent abilities while also granting her new ones. Elsewhere in the city, a diabolical figure returns: Professor Ha Won-do (Son Hyun-joo), released on parole after 20 years in prison. He is the source of the misfortunes awaiting the group and is directly tied to parts of their past.

From the very first minutes, the tone is set. The series opens with Radiohead’s iconic Creep, immediately immersing us in the melancholy and existential gloom of the late century. This temporal and musical contrast perfectly establishes an atmosphere that constantly oscillates between nostalgia and modernity. The retro aesthetic brings a carefully crafted vintage feel. It offers a fresh take on the superhero genre—far from standard blockbusters—focusing instead on humor and the clumsy, deeply human side of these “Wonderfools.” At its core, they stem from the “Wunderkinder Project” (yes, the German reference is deliberate), echoing the idea of scientific experiments reminiscent of World War II-era experimentation narratives. In keeping with the Y2K setting, the series leans heavily into nostalgia, portraying flawed heroes with limited lifespans whose already broken lives are further shaped by physical or psychological damage. The core idea is to show how ordinary, slightly dysfunctional people deal with overwhelming responsibility. They gradually discover strengths they never knew they had, especially courage and self-sacrifice.

In this kind of drama, the appeal is not in an unpredictable plot. The main strength of The WONDERfools comes down to one name: Park Eun-bin. Once again, she delivers an outstanding and compelling performance—an absolute showcase without ever overdoing it. She practically owns the screen. Credit is also due to Choi Dae-hoon and Im Sung-jae, both highly respected actors in Korean cinema and television. As for Cha Eun-woo, while I’m not particularly a fan, he delivers a surprisingly solid performance alongside his Clark Kent-like physique. The chemistry between the team members works well: they support each other, motivate one another, and grow together. Another smart choice is that their powers are unstable—they must learn to trigger and control them, often leading to comedic or chaotic action scenes. Their energy is contagious; it’s pure dopamine entertainment. You’re not here to think—you’re here to have fun. The direction is polished, the CGI solid, and the production design effective. The soundtrack also elevates key moments; the ending of episode 6, for instance, evokes a Guardians of the Galaxy-style sequence with a long tracking shot centered on Park Eun-bin.

The downside is that while the heroes are well-developed and the series entertaining, it somewhat misses the depth of its central conflict. Even though the danger is present, it never feels truly threatening. The antagonists are often too soft, lacking real menace despite having interesting abilities on paper. They are not cruel enough, and somewhat improbably, some even display empathy. The use of a cult as a cover for their actions feels like an overly familiar narrative shortcut. Moreover, Son Hyun-joo, a major figure in the industry, is underused and drifts through the story like a ghost. It’s a shame, as there was real potential to intensify the threat and raise the stakes in certain action sequences. That said, I understand Yoo In-sik’s intention to keep the focus on the “Fantastic Four” of misfits and their emotional journey. The entire moral arc revolves around what they choose to do with their flawed abilities—their decision to turn defect into altruistic sacrifice.

One final note: I’ll leave the discovery of the protagonists’ superpowers to the viewer, some of which, despite being seemingly “useless,” turn out to be crucial at key moments. It’s also worth noting the director’s clever handling of historical context, avoiding lazy flashbacks. While not particularly groundbreaking, the series delivers an enjoyable, feel-good yet occasionally darker story—a blend of burlesque comedy, human drama, and thriller elements. With solid production values, it is clearly a Netflix export-oriented project. The overall package is strong, even if sometimes chaotic, though viewers should be careful of occasional emotional overindulgence. The redemption arc of a certain character also feels somewhat too easy by the end. Ultimately, what remains is a high-energy series with a clean tone and highly likable, relatable heroes. Yes, it lacks consistency and rigor at times, but it never feels frustrating because the entertainment is clear and effective. As with many shows of this kind, the ending remains open. I initially planned to give it a 7, but Park Eun-bin alone earns it an extra point—she absolutely dominates the game.

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Stayed for those WonderFools!

Going into this show, I had a different idea of what it was going to be. The trailer was fantastic showing chaotic superhero adventure where a group of ppl with powers would be uncovering mysteries around their town. While the show did have those elements, the actual story took a very different direction than what i anticipated. Instead of focusing primarily on superhero antics, the plot was much more centered on the origins of the powers, the scientific lab experiments behind them, and the mystery surrounding the "Child of eternity” .
Nevertheless I still had a great time with it.

The biggest highlight for me was undoubtedly the Wonderfools themselves. As a group, they were endlessly entertaining. Their chemistry felt natural, and so many of their interactions had me laughing. Even during the more serious moments, their dynamic kept the show fun and engaging. They truly carried the heart of the series.

I still have a few thoughts and questions about certain aspects of the story, which I'll get into below.👇🏻

One thing I found strangest was how the story handled its antagonists. While there were definitely people doing terrible things, I never really viewed the Wonder Kinder kids as villains. To me, they felt more like victims, ultimately used as pawns by people with their own agendas. Their actions caused harm, but they were also being deceived and exploited. Because of that, I couldn't help feeling sympathetic toward them.

And HoRan, my girl, deserved the world!!! She was hands down one of my favorites. A complete badass yet also the biggest lover girl at heart. I was rooting for her the entire time, and honestly, I felt so sorry for her.

This is also why I wish they had received a more hopeful ending. Since the series is ultimately a feel-good fantasy comedy, I think it would have been more satisfying if everyone had found a way to work together in the end rather than being forced into conflict.
Plus why was the FL’s grandmother part of those scientific experiments? What was her agenda doing that in the past ?

Overall, even though the show wasn't what the trailers led me to expect, it still managed to win me over with its lovable cast, humor, and surprisingly emotional story. It was an enjoyable ride nonetheless.

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