“Heavenly Ever After” is a new K-drama on Netflix that tells the story of an 80-year-old woman who reunites with her husband in heavenโonly to find him looking decades younger. The show mixes romance, fantasy, and comedy while exploring deep questions about life after death.
The series stars Kim Hye-ja as Lee Hae-sook, a tough loan shark who spent her life caring for her paralyzed husband, Ko Nak-joon (Son Suk-ku). After her death, she enters heaven but chooses to stay old because her husband once said she was most beautiful at that age. However, she is shocked to see Nak-joon as a 30-year-old.
The show has gained attention for its unusual story and strong performances. It also includes emotional moments, like a scene where pets reunite with their owners in heaven, which made many viewers cry.
“Thousands of netizensโmany of whom werenโt even previously aware of this K-dramaโcommented on its emotional impact. The scene itself is only a little over three minutes long, but it apparently reduced many viewers (including myself) to a puddle of tears.”
However, some viewers felt the later episodes lost focus. The story introduces side plots, like a mystery around a character named Som-i, which some found confusing.
“The show wants to be heartfelt, whimsical, profound, and funny, but rarely achieves more than one at a time.”
The show also shows a dark version of hell, with graphic punishments for sins like cyberbullying and corruption. Some viewers found these scenes too intense.
“Graphic scenes of the condemned being crushed to death, having their tongues ripped out repeatedly or falling into a boiling cauldron of molten metalโall of which are based on the major hells of Buddhismโare more gruesome and terrifying than Danteโs Nine Circles of Hell.”
Despite mixed reactions, many praised the acting, especially Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku. The showโs world-building and emotional moments made it stand out.
“Kim Hye-ja is just too darn good not to shout out here. She somehow manages to be both hilarious and heart-wrenching as she leads the show with her immense range and natural charm.”
The series is now streaming on Netflix in select regions.
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