What happens when AI advances to the point of being indistinguishable from human beings?
This gripping story revolves around the arrogant and reckless heir to a technology empire and his lookalike — a lifelike AI android programmed to be a caring companion.
The drama really ramps up when some circumstances result in the robot having to pose as his human counterpart, imitating his personality and behavior. Seo Kang Joon’s talent really shines here. Playing a double role, he makes each character completely distinct — from their speaking cadence and facial tics to body language and walking style. During certain scenes where it’s uncertain who’s who, observant viewers will be able to pick up on some clues thanks to his impressive acting skills. If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was two different people.
SKJ also puts his distinctive good looks to good use for both characters, convincingly pulling off both the wealthy bad boy and the gentle android with a moody smirk or an innocent smile. It’s a brilliant performance that’s worth watching closely — don’t miss his microexpressions and subtle changes as the android develops increasingly human-like behavior.
I haven’t seen Gong Seung Yeon, who plays the female lead, in anything else, but she also does a great job with her role as a compassionate and brave bodyguard and former professional MMA fighter who gets caught up in the family drama.
In fact, there are a lot of compelling and layered performances from this cast, even for supporting roles. The “good” characters aren’t perfect; the “bad” characters aren’t irredeemable (with perhaps one exception); and watching their motivations and secrets come to light kept me glued to the screen. Lee Jun Hyuk as the loyal but conflicted personal assistant also gives a standout performance. There are a few irritating side characters, but their screen time is fairly limited.
The series doesn’t get too philosophical about its AI subject matter, but the plot does raise some interesting questions: When an entity develops independent thought and something similar to emotions, should it be treated any differently than a human being? Is its existence any less valuable than a human’s? Various characters struggle with these questions, but the series makes it easy to empathize with its non-human main character.
Despite its sci-fi trappings, this drama is a love story at heart, and not just a romantic one. Familial love — particularly love (and love lost) between mother and son — is a big focus and drives much of the show’s emotional impact.
The first time I watched it and was nearing the final episodes, I had some doubts about how the series would conclude, but it does come to a satisfying ending.
I don’t give out 10-star ratings easily, but after multiple viewings, this series continues to be one of my all-time favorite K-dramas. Its bingeable 30-minute episodes are fast-paced, have some killer cliffhangers, and keep the twists and turns coming between the family tension, corporate power struggles, and tangled relationships. “Are You Human Too?” is serious (but not humorless), exciting, and thought-provoking all at once — both the plot and the performances make this drama a must-watch.
This gripping story revolves around the arrogant and reckless heir to a technology empire and his lookalike — a lifelike AI android programmed to be a caring companion.
The drama really ramps up when some circumstances result in the robot having to pose as his human counterpart, imitating his personality and behavior. Seo Kang Joon’s talent really shines here. Playing a double role, he makes each character completely distinct — from their speaking cadence and facial tics to body language and walking style. During certain scenes where it’s uncertain who’s who, observant viewers will be able to pick up on some clues thanks to his impressive acting skills. If I didn’t know better, I’d think it was two different people.
SKJ also puts his distinctive good looks to good use for both characters, convincingly pulling off both the wealthy bad boy and the gentle android with a moody smirk or an innocent smile. It’s a brilliant performance that’s worth watching closely — don’t miss his microexpressions and subtle changes as the android develops increasingly human-like behavior.
I haven’t seen Gong Seung Yeon, who plays the female lead, in anything else, but she also does a great job with her role as a compassionate and brave bodyguard and former professional MMA fighter who gets caught up in the family drama.
In fact, there are a lot of compelling and layered performances from this cast, even for supporting roles. The “good” characters aren’t perfect; the “bad” characters aren’t irredeemable (with perhaps one exception); and watching their motivations and secrets come to light kept me glued to the screen. Lee Jun Hyuk as the loyal but conflicted personal assistant also gives a standout performance. There are a few irritating side characters, but their screen time is fairly limited.
The series doesn’t get too philosophical about its AI subject matter, but the plot does raise some interesting questions: When an entity develops independent thought and something similar to emotions, should it be treated any differently than a human being? Is its existence any less valuable than a human’s? Various characters struggle with these questions, but the series makes it easy to empathize with its non-human main character.
Despite its sci-fi trappings, this drama is a love story at heart, and not just a romantic one. Familial love — particularly love (and love lost) between mother and son — is a big focus and drives much of the show’s emotional impact.
The first time I watched it and was nearing the final episodes, I had some doubts about how the series would conclude, but it does come to a satisfying ending.
I don’t give out 10-star ratings easily, but after multiple viewings, this series continues to be one of my all-time favorite K-dramas. Its bingeable 30-minute episodes are fast-paced, have some killer cliffhangers, and keep the twists and turns coming between the family tension, corporate power struggles, and tangled relationships. “Are You Human Too?” is serious (but not humorless), exciting, and thought-provoking all at once — both the plot and the performances make this drama a must-watch.
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