Whereas psychological sickness is not thought of taboo in media, dissociative id dysfunction (DID), generally referred to as cut up character dysfunction, is a lesser represented situation in Ok-dramas. And even when mainstream media presents a narrative about an individual with DID, the style is extra usually motion, thriller, or horror, so it’s a uncommon incidence to return throughout a romance drama the place the feminine lead has a number of personalities.
Airing each Monday and Tuesday, “Expensive Hyeri” tells the story of Joo Eun Ho (Shin Hae Solar), a information reporter who developed DID after a mysterious traumatic occasion involving her sister. Following her breakup along with her boyfriend of eight years, Hyun Oh (Lee Jin Uk), Eun Ho has been dissociating once more. From 4 a.m. to 4 p.m., she is Eun Ho, however because the solar units, she turns into Hye Ri, a dreamy 28-year-old with childlike innocence who works at a car parking zone.
The premiere week of “Expensive Hyeri” was close to excellent, however listed here are the 4 issues we significantly beloved about episodes 1 and a pair of.
Warning: Spoilers for episodes 1-2 forward!
Shin Hae Solar’s phenomenal appearing
One of many largest challenges an actor faces whereas portraying a personality with DID is taking part in a number of personalities and making them look distinct. With out ample ability, these characters can simply mix collectively, making it troublesome for the viewers to distinguish between them. Happily, with over a decade of appearing expertise, viewers anticipated nothing wanting perfection from Shin Hae Solar—and perfection is strictly what she delivered!
Each of Shin Hae Solar’s characters, Joo Eun Ho and Joo Hye Ri, have identifiable wardrobes and hairstyles to assist viewers inform them aside, however it’s her top-tier appearing that really brings these characters to life. Not solely does she ship every character’s dialogue with a singular tone, however her total physique language shifts when the personalities change, making each characters really feel equally actual and distinct.
No exposition dump
An data or exposition dump is a typical pitfall in pilot episodes of tv reveals or the opening acts of flicks, the place creators select to elucidate the characters’ and world’s historical past verbatim reasonably than displaying it naturally. That is usually a priority for reveals like “Expensive Hyeri,” which characteristic complicated storylines.
Some viewers had been frightened that “Expensive Hyeri” may over-explain the backstory of Joo Eun Ho and Joo Hye Ri, making the premiere episodes really feel sluggish. Fortunately, the present’s premiere week averted this lure efficiently. As an alternative of over-explaining Eun Ho’s sickness, the story throws viewers instantly into the motion, permitting the characters to unfold organically. This lack of exposition made the characters really feel extra real.
Two love tales and three love pursuits
Strange love triangles will be cliché, however two simultaneous love arcs for one particular person with two personalities? Now that’s entertaining!
First, now we have Eun Ho, who was in an eight-year relationship with Jung Hyun Oh. After he rejected her marriage proposal, they broke up, leaving Eun Ho heartbroken. Nonetheless, since they work on the identical information channel, they see one another each single day. Whereas Hyun Oh acts detached towards Eun Ho, he clearly nonetheless cares for her, usually giving her tasks to assist advance her profession. Eun Ho additionally pretends to be over him, however her lingering emotions make it arduous for her to maneuver on.
Eun Ho’s coworker, Moon Ji On (Kang Sang Joon), additionally has a crush on her and appears keen to assist her transfer on, creating the potential for each a love triangle and a second-chance romance between Eun Ho and Hyun Oh.
In the meantime, Eun Ho’s second character, Hye Ri, has a crush on information announcer Kang Joo Yeon (Kang Hoon), who works at a unique channel. Joo Yeon matches the basic “tsundere” (chilly on the skin however heat and caring on the within) archetype, however he’s additionally coping with his personal emotional trauma involving his brother’s loss of life. Though there’s potential for a romantic subplot, the present hints that he could be gay, suggesting that Hye Ri and Joo Yeon might in the end bond as shut buddies, supporting one another by their therapeutic journeys and bonding over their trauma.
Presence of logic
Media usually glamorizes DID, turning the sickness into one thing fantastical. For instance, within the Hollywood film “Cut up,” the principle character affected by DID beneficial properties superpowers because of his situation. As solely two episodes of “Expensive Hyeri” have aired to this point, it’s nonetheless too early to find out whether or not this Ok-drama will present an correct illustration of DID. Nonetheless, primarily based on the primary two episodes, the present appears grounded in logic and actuality.
Sometimes, DID develops attributable to excessive childhood trauma, and it seems that Eun Ho developed her second character after being separated from her sister Hye Ri, with whom she was very shut. One other reasonable facet is how Eun Ho experiences fatigue regardless of sustaining a considerably common sleep schedule—a typical symptom of DID.
Whereas the plot has been logical to this point, a number of mysteries are conserving viewers on the sting of their seats. If Hye Ri has a job, does that imply she additionally has a government-issued id card, which is critical for employment? She lives in a separate residence—who purchased it for her, and the way is it conveniently positioned in the identical constructing as Eun Ho’s? Lastly, why is there a 10-year age distinction between Eun Ho and Hye Ri? Was Hye Ri suppressed when Eun Ho began courting Hyun Oh, inflicting her age to freeze throughout these eight years, or is there one more reason?
Begin watching “Expensive Hyeri”:
Good day Soompiers! Did you benefit from the premiere episodes of “Expensive Hyeri?” What do you suppose is the rationale behind Hye Ri and Eun Ho’s age distinction? Tell us within the feedback part beneath!
Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring total Ok-dramas in a single sitting. Good screenwriting, stunning cinematography, and a scarcity of cliches are the way in which to her coronary heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to a number of artists throughout totally different genres however believes nobody can high the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You’ll be able to discuss to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.
At present watching: “Expensive Hyeri,” “Love Subsequent Door,” and “What Comes After Love.”
Wanting ahead to: “Squid Recreation Season 2,” “Good Boy,” and “Reborn.”