SunOh

Difficult (such as the writer persevering despite an illness) and unusual (due to the setting which isn't common SF) production adapted from a Japanese novel, but hate-bombed because Netflix wouldn't release it so they had to cut a few of Yoo Ahin's scenes. For me it was a great drama despite its flaws. I think it would have benefited from a longer duration and possibly a better translation other than not editing out anything, but it's such a complex and philosophical drama that's more than worth watching. I myself felt like I lacked knowledge on the setting at times and that being Korean might have helped but some things cleared themselves for me and aside from one storyline I didn't get on my first viewing, it might be better or worse for you, but not enough to be completely lost. An example of a drama like that for me was The Untamed and this was very far from it, since I was mostly not lost. Goodbye Earth is one of the realest fictions out there and is beautiful in every way, so if you like something emotionally resonant and intellectually engaging, it's a must-watch.

I've seen the criticism but I can't agree with most of it. Why: 1. Tensionless? First, it was so damn immersive. Second, the tension was already in all these quiet moments, which constitute most of the drama. The mystery part was also really cool. And don't say the genre is misleading. It is mainly psychological/slice-of-life SF with crime thriller. 2. It wasn't directionless, the focus was on Ahn Eunjin, the protagonist (which is why cutting Ahin's scenes wasn't really a problem, you'll know what they removed and it's not much), what the actual catastrophe represents to her, and the perspective of these ordinary people you follow in their now extraordinary lives. People bashed it but the way it starts and ends made sense and actually proved them wrong. The editing wasn't bad at all either, not that different even. It only took patience to get to know the characters and connect the dots, which was satisfying. Even if it only comes across as messy and confusing to haters who exaggerate the flaws as if they hadn't actually watched it (since they act like it's pure garbage with no redeeming quality except YAI), it will remain a masterpiece in my eyes. Literally some people act like they watched it even though all they did at most was watch the clips of Ahin shared on Twitter. I understand why he chose this amazing drama. 3. You can't skip anything, there is a lot in every episode (subtle) and you have to pay attention to every scene so don't even think about fast-forwarding or using the speed function. How funny some viewers who obviously did that go to MDL to then rate it low (usually a 1) and comment about how bad it is, especially the ending. If it's not your thing just accept it. I personally loved replaying scenes, especially ending scenes. But the hater mindset everyone seemed to have taken here even before the drama was released, is just insane. Like so many who rated it a 1 didn't even watch it.

Also, "Goodbye Earth" sadly doesn't grasp the meaning of the original title, which means "The Fool of the End". This drama is eye-opening and progressive. It is the best work on humanity (giving hope amidst the chaos) and religion, in my opinion. They can find all the flaws they want, it won't change much.

-- Ending note in the comments

-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mJeiiQcQBU (unreleased ost from episode 11 - read the description for lyrics)
-- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5q4F99v8bQ (goodbye earth ost - danny koo x hwang sangjun / spoiler episode 12)
-- https://www.instagram.com/p/ChwxoAEPJuL/ (ahin on goodbye earth set)

-- Added to my list of the most technically interesting dramas with unique storytelling: https://kisskh.at/list/LZ8wpJa4