I don’t usually comment on a drama’s scriptwriter, but here I am with my first talk with regard to the works of art delivered by Writer Park Hye Ryun. As you all might have already known, there was this mega-hit Start Up (2020) drama which had successfully created a ruckus all over the Internet during its release dates and became one of the most memorable Korean dramas in recorded history that even non K-drama fans were also highly familiar with the plot and actors. While Start Up was written in a way that brought oppositions for its questionable plot development in the second half of the drama, there were also Park Hye Ryun’s previous works that completely stole the heart of their viewers. You name it: Dream High (2010), I Hear Your Voice (2013), Pinocchio (2014) and also this drama. Putting aside the divided opinions that grew in her latest drama, Park Hye Ryun has always sailed her past dramas smoothly, just like what she did in While You were Sleeping.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING / 당신이 잠든 사이에 (2017)
The plot tells the story of Nam Hong Joo (Bae Suzy), a girl who foresees the future of other people through her dreams, and Jung Jae Chan (Lee Jong Suk), a newly-appointed prosecutor who moved to Hong Joo’s neighborhood. One day, Hong Joo dreamed about her mother’s terrible death and, unexpectedly, Jae Chan came across a dream relevant to the calamity that led to Hong Joo’s poignant suicide. He then attempted to change the future and managed to save a passerby who could have passed away in a sudden car accident. After coming across several incidents that brought light to their fateful coincidence, the two join hands to solve more cases together and prevent the foreshadowed mishaps that occur to people.
INITIAL IMPRESSION
Plot-wise, this drama is undoubtedly mind-blowing, enough said. The fantasy theme of foreseeing the future might not be brand new in Kdramaland, but the drama was well-executed from the beginning and stayed consistently enchanting until the end. While I have always had a very soft spot for Lee Jong Suk, I also believe that Park Hye Ryun is also head over heels with Lee Jong Suk’s persona that she has had him as her drama’s main lead three times already. Indeed, his acting never fails to put me in awe. The pilot episode came out so freshly that it got me seated enthusiastically waiting for what happened next.
Nam Hong Joo (Bae Suzy) is gifted with her ability to foresee what will happen in the future without being able to alter any of it before she met Jae Chan. Although she may come off as lunatic and wild at times, Hong Joo only opts to prevent misfortunes in other people’s lives. She worked as a SBC news reporter before she suddenly fell off the face of the Earth and ended up helping her mother at the restaurant.
After all those years, Suzy is also improving given her hardworking traits. She was very stiff in Dream High, and couldn’t give enough life to her character in Uncontrollably Fond, but I guess she acted well enough in this drama. Her changing expressions was subtle but still noticeable, and she suited the cheerful and wide Hong Joo character equivalently well. Lastly, Suzy was also stunning even in her bob cut and glasses given her milky skin and harmonious facial structures.
Jung Jae Chan (Lee Jong Suk) is a not-so-heroic young prosecutor who is presumably socially awkward and tries to survive the real world at its finest. This type of character can be easily found anywhere even without trying; the ones who only hover around the so-called comfort zone because they are afraid of getting hurt. His character deviates from the common male lead tropes who are pridefully righteous and stay on the right track till the end. Instead, Jae Chan plays safe when problems surface to keep himself from further troubles because he completely understands the consequences of acting out in the name of justice. Regardless, he is the type who will do things beyond the usual trajectory when given enough pressure.
I have noticed some netizens criticizing Lee Jong Suk’s monotonous acting in his previous works because of similar characterizations he was told to act out: young and righteous male lead with some captivating cheekiness that draws viewers in despite the sulkiness at times. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that his acting itself is any less exceptional given the way he emotes each feeling with detailed expressions. And not only Lee Jong Suk, it applies to Nam Da Reum too, the child actor of Lee Jong Suk here and in Pinocchio. Apparently it didn’t stop there, given that he also played the young version of the second male lead in Start Up.
Han Woo Tak (Jung Hae In) is a bright police officer whose life was saved by Jung Jae Chan’s first brave attempt to alter the dream. His life began to get entangled with Jae Chan and Hong Joo after the blood-tingling incident, in that Woo Tak also started having dreams that foresee the future like Hong Joo and Jae Chan. Later he also contributed a lot in giving a hand to prevent bigger misfortunes in the foreseen dreams. Despite the surrounding mystery behind his past, Woo Tak always manages to spark the vibes of nonchalant kindness.
As a relatively new actor at that time, Jung Hae In successfully cemented himself as a benchmark of a charming second male lead that doesn’t turn evil just because he can’t get the girl. His acting is relaxing to follow and there’s this nonchalant vibe he gives off whenever he appears on screen.
Lee Yoo Beom (Lee Sang Yeob) is a prosecutor-turned lawyer who has been depicted as as a bad guy from the start. He is self-absorbed with arrogance and crafty behaviors, yet still attaining all the good perks just because he is socially intelligent and great at surviving workplace politics. One of the most despicable kinds of co-workers you could ever meet in your life, and I’d say Lee Sang Yeob nailed the antagonist role well. He has played a lot of supporting roles and has become an actor whose acting you can count on.
STUFFS I LIKED
Allusive childhood story
Just like Park Hye Ryun’s previous works, it’s much likely that there is a strong underlying childhood connection between the main leads. [SPOILERS ALERT] The late fathers of both Hong Joo and Jae Chan passed away to save lives of other people from a runaway soldier with a killing weapon. It could have been prevented since young Hong Joo did foresee the horrible incident in her dream and warn her late father beforehand, but he chose to put others on a pedestal and ended up the way he did in Hong Joo’s dream. The same thing happened to Jae Chan’s late father who, as a police officer, was urged to keep other people safe that he ended up harming himself. To others, his choice meant justice. But to me, it was nothing but a foolish bravery, said young Jae Chan. [END OF SPOILERS] I like that the backstory serves as a solid foundation that explains their behavior and viewpoints in dealing with problems.
Interesting legal disputes
Law is always fascinating to learn since it creates boundaries between human beings not to cross the line and put the others at disadvantage. However, things turn out differently when money is involved. Having zero background in Law, I’m always thrilled to follow each case for there’s always something new to learn.
EP2. [SPOILERS ALERT] During a case involving Park So Yoon (Kim So Hyun)’s parents, Yoo Beom came to Jae Chan and confronted him to close the case as an assault and call it a day. [END OF SPOILERS] When somebody is harmed with violence, it is considered an assault case. If it results in physical injury, it is considered an injury case. While an injury case leads to criminal charges depending on the severity of the victim’s injury, an assault case brings over a civil lawsuit which aims to compensate the victim. That being said, if the victim doesn’t want to punish the assaulter, there’s nothing the prosecution can do and the crime will disappear.
EP6. [SPOILERS ALERT] During a case under the motive of a huge death benefit insurance, the prosecution indicted Kang Dae Hee (Kang Ki Young) guilty of falsifying a car accident to kill his younger sibling and obtain the death benefit. On the other hand, Yoo Beom pleaded innocence because there were no direct evidences which could be used against his client. As much as I despised the bad guy, I found it a a smart move that Kang Dae Hee confessed right after the accident to avoid autopsy and even cremated the body to remove any trace. In a confession case, it’s more likely that the prosecution would investigate less, which could put the defendant in advantage. Moreover, things became more complicated when Yoo Beom revealed that the victim might have died before the car accident occurred. Since the prosecution had already indicted him guilty of premeditated murder, the trial would state an acquittal in the end no matter how the victim died. [END OF SPOILERS]
EP12. The term homicide and murder carry different meanings albeit result in the same death. Homicide is used to define the killing of a person by another, which might or might not be illegal depending on the framework. On the other hand, murder is a homicide conducted with a malicious intent, or also known as an unjustified killing. [SPOILERS ALERT] During the case of Professor Moon Tae Min (Ryu Tae Ho)’s murder on his assistant, Lee Hwan (Moon Yong Suk), Jae Chan attempted to charge him with murder, a decision which triggered contradictions from fellow prosecutors. [END OF SPOILERS] In the trial, it’s much more complicated to charge the defendant with murder right off the bat since it might become a loophole to set him free if the evidences aren’t sufficient. While adding a preliminary charge emerges as a seatbelt to secure the charge, it only indicates the prosecution’s doubt and lack of confidence in the case.
Intriguing dream theories
There was no clear explanation whatsoever about the initial trigger of the dream that serves as the premise of the drama. Viewers were merely alluded to believe the fantasy as something gifted to the main characters. [SPOILERS ALERT] While Hong Joo had been gifted with the dream ability since she was young, Jae Chan only started to have such dreams after he met Hong Joo as an adult. On the other hand, Woo Tak also began having such dreams about Jae Chan after his life was rescued by him. Based on Woo Tak’s hypothesis, the dreams were essentially triggered by a genuine desperation to save a person. Unfortunately, it only remained an unsolved hypothesis till the end. The pattern kept changing that Hong Joo, who usually only dreamed about Jae Chan, also dreamed of Woo Tak in the second half of the drama. [END OF SPOILERS] I finally gave up trying to find out the answer behind the puzzling mystery after a while and accepted the dream as depicted and alluded by the main characters only. It didn’t matter, though. The fact that fantasy prevailed more didn’t make the drama any less wonderful, isn’t it?
Hilarious office politics
As much as my hatred towards office politics at workplace, I can’t deny its significance in determining one’s future career path. The drama tells a lot about it in an amusingly witty manner.
EP2. Being a junior in the prosecutor office, Jae Chan was still lacking social sensitivity required to get along with co-workers, be it seniors or even managers. When they gathered up for lunch for the first time, he was pushed to the corner with plentiful satirical remarks by the others during their prayer; about his agnosticism, his choice of restaurant, his lousy manner to a senior prosecutor who used to be his junior at college, his sluggish performance at solving cases and even his poor choice of attire. It’s so easy to nitpick even the slightest mistake when there is an ulterior motive.
While this kind of treatment feels aggravating to bear in real life, this is also something one should cope and adapt with for the sake of a flowery future career path.
EP3. I really loove the workplace gossiping in the prosecutor’s office where the prosecution clerks collude with one another to speak ill of Jae Chan through a group chat and relayed it to fellow prosecutors. Indeed, the word of mouth is the most powerful media to either elevate or deprecate someone.
EP5. And the lunch buzz continued while allowing Jae Chan to adapt to its environment that he, as an atheist, was preparing utensils when the others were praying in Christian. On top of that, they started dissing one another while disguising it as a prayer. I really can’t with them lolol
STUFFS THAT IRKED ME
Lee Yoo Beom’s superiority complex
There is only one term to describe Yoo Beom’s awful behaviors; a superiority complex. As a smart lawyer who has climbed all the way to where he is today, he would want to stay on top no matter what. It somehow explained his cocky behavior in front of other people, including Jae Chan, whom he patted in the ass in front of public just to express his superiority. He doesn’t hesitate to push people to the corner for his own gain and does everything he can, morally or immorally. [SPOILERS ALERT] Regardless, what still left like an unfinished puzzle was the fact that Yoo Beom got disgusted by defending trashy clients by the way he washed his hands continuously after shaking hands with a supposedly bad guy, but still proceeded with the cases no matter what till the end. I would understand if it were for money, but it was kinda off considering that he’s already a well-established private lawyer. However, his being well-off might only have been possible thanks to him playing dirty like that. [END OF SPOILERS]
LOVELINES ALERT
Jung Jae Chan & Nam Hong Joo
Never had I imagined seeing Lee Jong Suk and Suzy in one frame, but it turned out that they made a good couple together on screen. I like that both say blunt things to each other and show weaknesses in a way that makes viewers relate to them. To complement Jae Chan’s faint-heartedness, Hong Joo stands by his side and encourages him to confront the obstacles ahead. There are times that her support comes off too annoyingly overboard, but the intentions are still the same. It’s not a lengthy part since the drama itself doesn’t revolve around the romance, but fluffs of sweetness were still present.
EP4. [SPOILERS ALERT] When Jae Chan attempted to step out of his safe zone for the first time, he felt anxious and scared of not meeting the expectation of people who looked forward to what he’d do. It’s kind of soothing to hear that Hong Joo supports him no matter what and that he shouldn’t be afraid of walking ahead. [END OF SPOILERS]
“I won’t get disappointed. If you do well, I’d be grateful. If you fail, I’d be grateful that you tried. So don’t reject my support. You can do it.”
EP6. In return, Jae Chan also becomes a warm shelter for Hong Joo when she is having a hard time. Now that he has been naturally drawn to her, Jae Chan feels the urge to keep her safe and stand by her side. [SPOILERS ALERT] When she was beating herself up due to what happened to Woo Tak because of rescuing her, Jae Chan comforted her that time couldn’t flow backward and what had occurred could no longer be prevented. Instead, it’s only right to move on with a big heart. [END OF SPOILERS]
“So don’t cry too much. Don’t beat yourself up for too long, but never forget what happened. Regrets are pointless. There’s no use in crying over spilled milk. All you can do is slowly fill the glass up again.”
EP8. The feeling of love comes with the fear of disappointing the counterpart. [SPOILERS ALERT] When everybody was eager to put handcuffs on Do Hak Young as a prime suspect of Yoo Su Kyung’s death, Jae Chan also felt triggered and burdened at the same time because Hong Joo sincerely believed him to be the real murderer. Nonetheless, the results of investigation and autopsy didn’t fit right into one picture that the prosecution finally decided to release him. To Hong Joo, Jae Chan was genuinely apologetic that he couldn’t meet her expectations. “I like you so much that I hate the fact that I disappointed you, but I can’t charge an innocent man and destroy his life. My feelings are nothing compared to his entire life.” [END OF SPOILERS]
EP12. [SPOILERS ALERT] Amidst the hassles, it’s kind of expected that Hong Joo’s mother would grow weary of Hong Joo’s safety. Hong Joo had been blaming herself for her late father’s death, and was also miserable after she failed to prevent Jae Chan’s misfortune. As a mother, she was disheartened watching her daughter in immense pain. It eventually led her to push Jae Chan away so that Hong Joo might not get reminded of what happened to her late father. Ultimately, Hong Joo began to see the light when she realized that there were real culprits behind the incident instead of her, a fact of which she should not be confused with. I commend the reconciliation between Hong Joo’s mother and Jae Chan in the end, as well as her courage to admit her immaturity. [END OF SPOILERS]
Hong Joo and Jae Chan become the best shelter for each other and take turn in offering a shoulder to lean on when things went beyond control. Their relationship feels so genuine and heartwarming since one’s got the other’s back without defying the truth.
SPECIAL SHOUTOUT
The second lead who steals the heart of everyone
It’s a short appreciation for Jung Hae In, who looked hella fine in his police uniform. I honestly thought that he was just decent at being good side characters like in his previous works (I mean, everyone would obviously remember him as Tae Hee sunbae that Ji Eun Tak adored in Goblin). On another note, I believe that Han Woo Tak is one of the most interesting second male lead character in Kdramaland. He seems harmless and insignificant at first, but then viewers are shoved with his brightness and kindness despite some hidden mysterious side to him. Woo Tak bewitches us all with his all-smile face that emphasizes his warmth, and that’s what makes him undeniably captivating.
EP7. [SPOILERS ALERT] After Woo Tak got injured because of helping Hong Joo and Jae Chan, he foresaw the moments when both were blaming themselves for indirectly alluding to the incident. In return, Woo Tak cheerfully bossed them around as a way for them to repay his kindness. [END OF SPOILERS] It’s just how thoughtful he was being, isn’t it?
On top of that, what makes Woo Tak undeniably alluring as character is his utmost respect to whatever life throws at him. [SPOILERS ALERT] He trusted a friend everyone else pointed a finger at, expressed gratitude to people who rescued his life, enjoyed the burden of his occupation, and even befriended his crush and the guy who stole her heart. [END OF SPOILERS] I liked that his being second male lead didn’t take away his secondary character-like tranquility. He also has great chemistry with Hong Joo and Jae Chan in a natural way. Until the end, it’s only fair to say that everyone had successfully been smitten by his good boy image.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Side by side with I Hear Your Voice and Pinocchio, While You were Sleeping is actually rather pale in comparison. Nevertheless, I am enchanted with the tone and atmosphere the drama was going with; full of warmth and nonchalant vibes despite the suspenseful tense. I like that the OSTs put me in a good feeling upon listening to them, which definitely contributed to the good atmosphere in the drama. Literally one of the best things ever happened in the drama. Every interaction between the characters was naturally-woven in a way that didn’t leave any oddness to pinpoint. This is the kind of drama that makes you want to appreciate life better and become a warmer person for other people.
I am rightfully enticed by the messages conveyed throughout the drama. Unlike the commonly-spoken moral lesson about fighting for justice in the bravest way possible, this drama rather talks about making decisions that involve the livelihood of many people. One of the most memorable parts was deciding whether or not the prosecution should indict a man who indirectly abetted DUI despite not driving himself by handing a car key to a drunk person. “He could’ve saved lives had he taken his action seriously. He didn’t do what’s right knowing how easy it is. What he did was so trivial, and that’s what makes it a crime.” And that’s honestly a brutal truth we often overlook. Not committing a crime doesn’t necessarily make a good person, but the trivial things one does to help prevent a crime does. “Nevertheless, there are flashing moments that collapse the border between deception and truth that no one could see. There are brief moments when they’re revealed to the world. Let’s not close our eyes if we ever happen to face such moments. Don’t pretend you didn’t see it, don’t avoid it but face it squarely.”
Most importantly, the scripts cherished every moment in a humane manner, that, even for protagonist characters, there are times when a slight hesitation hinders their way from trying to make a wise decision, but what matters is what they opt to do in the end. Instead, those moments of slight hesitation only make them more humane than ever. Humanity isn’t black and white; there are also grey and many more colors in one palette. It represents countless facets of perspectives that we will often come across. Conflictions are always present in a way that trigger its viewers to turn judgement into empathy. Thus, it’s also unfair for us to view a problem only from a single scope and disregard the remaining facets based on a subjective presumption.
Finally, this will all pass. It may look like something big now, but when things pass, they are nothing. You won’t believe it, but you will talk about things as if they’re some jokes. So don’t worry about things too much. You will make difficult choices, and it will be hard for you. After a year, a morning like today’s will come. Trust those days and survive.
GRADE
9.5/10
The Scorching Heaven 
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