Do I even need to name the show? A jinxed show which was only talked about due to its casting troubles and inability to secure main lead, an underdog which was expected to fade away against a strong competitor with a somewhat similar theme. And yet this turned out to be a show which took everyone by surprise and became one of the most appreciated and talked about shows of 2015. For many people it became one of their favorite shows, while for some, like me, it became that Ultimate K- Drama, the Absolute Best... So lets take this opportunity to celebrate 1 Year Anniversary of the show that Killed us and Healed us in turns.
Actors/ Characters
Ji Sung - Cha Do Hyun/ Shin Segi/ Ahn Yo Na/ Ahn Yo Sub/ Perry Park/ Nana/ Mr X
Actors play an important part in making a show work, but for Kill Me Heal Me, the performance of lead actor was not just important, it was going to be the most crucial factor in making or breaking the show, thanks to the peculiar nature of its script which required the lead actor to portray not 1 but 7 characters. And this show couldn't have gotten any luckier than securing Ji Sung to play the pivotal role. Ji Sung was the glue that held the show together. Ji Sung breathed life into each personality, and turned them into distinct characters rather than mere extensions. No wonder our heart grew heavier with the departure of each personality. It is to his credit that leave alone the appearance, mannerisms, gestures or dialogues; most of the times we are able to differentiate between personalities just by their gaze.
Cha Do Hyun: The main personality. The gentle man who took responsibility for actions of every other personality and tried to fix the damage they did to the best of his ability. His world is scary indeed. His body and time can be steeled any moment, but he tries to survive every day battling his inner demons as well as the loneliness it brings along. I liked Cha Do Hyun initially, but didn't fall for him completely. But as the show progressed, you couldn't help but love and respect his strength, dignity, forbearance, warmth and kindness. It was so satisfying to see him being rewarded with love and happiness after years of suffering and loneliness.
Shin Se Gi: He is aptly described as the most wounded piece that fell out of Cha Do Hyun. The one who needs to be cared for and embraced most for his pain and suffering. He was born out of agony, and his whole existence revolves around protecting the girl he loved. No wonder he gave Second Personality Syndrome to many. I am heavily biased towards this character. Out of all personalities Shin Se Gi had the most range. His style,charm and antics( which can be ridiculously funny or absolutely petty), set him apart. He could be terrifyingly dangerous at times and achingly vulnerable at others. Tormented by his rage and his pain, his farewell was the most bittersweet, coz he was the one who wanted to survive the most, not for himself, but to remain by the side of the women for whom he created his existence, in the first place.
Ahn Yo Na: Perhaps the most popular of personalities, and for good reason. A troublemaker and idol stalker, she surely was the girl with a one track mind, and completely unapologetic about it. Her manners, expressions and reactions do every teenage fan girl proud. And to top it her philosophy in life is equally priceless. Sample this : If you are handsome, you are my Oppa or Give and Take OUT or Let's share... Peace!... No wonder she has achieved almost a cult status. Special props to Ji Sung for pulling off this character so flawlessly and credibly.
Ahn Yo Sub: He has comparatively lesser screen space, but he was the reason I connected with Cha Do Hyun completely. Before his entry I was actually rooting for Shin Se Gi more than Cha Do Hyun. But Yo Sub showed actually how defeated and how close to giving up CDH was. Yo Sub's melancholy and pessimism makes you want to comfort and protect him. He has no desire to fight or survive, his only desire is to end the pain, suffering and loneliness, even of it means ending his existence. You cant help but root for Yo Sub to gain a little hope and give a chance to himself.
Perry Park : He believes in living life simply and joyfully. Fishing and Beer are all he needs to turn him into a very happy man. The fact that he was the manifestation of how CDHs father could have been had he not turned into a monster, lends a surprising poignancy and depth to Perry Park. His carefree nature and Joie de vivre turn him into one of the most endearing personalities. His farewell conversation with Oh Ri Jin is to watch out for.
Hwang Jung- Eum as Oh Ri Jin:
I have to admit that I was not a fan of Oh Ri Jin's portrayal in initial episodes. In fact I was close to almost giving up on the show after 2 episodes coz the female lead was so screechy and OTT. It was only my curiosity regarding Shin Se Gi that somehow kept me going in initial episodes. But as episodes passed I grew to be more comfortable with the character and actress. Her character was toned down a bit and while her comedy may not have been best, but HJE completely aces it in emotional scenes. And I am thankful for that. She was very good in the second half of the show. Even her funny scenes with Ahn Yo Na and Shin Se gi in later episodes were completely on the spot, perhaps because these two personalities too didnt believe in playing subtle just like Oh Ri Jin. And then there is her chemistry with Ji Sung which more than makes up for other flaws. The fact that Ji Sung and HJE had already a successful show and were appreciated for their chemistry perhaps gave them a lot of confidence. They were signed barely a month before the show went on air, so it would have helped a lot that they already knew and were comfortable with each other. So yes while HJE may not have been perfect in every scene, she delivered beautifully when it mattered the most, and I think that pros far outweighed the cons as the show progressed and ended.
Park Seo- Joon as Oh Ri On:
I have absolutely no complaints with this one. Park Seo- Joon was spot on from scene 1. His character was interesting, and the sibling scenes between Oh Ri On and Oh Ri Jin was one of the most endearing aspect of this show. And a lot of credit for that goes to Park Seo- Joon's portrayal of Oh Ri On. He is the brother that any sister would be proud to have. And his chemistry with Ji Sung was equally good. Ahn Yo Na wouldn't have been so hilarious, had she not got those terrifying reactions from her Oppa. No wonder they got the Best Couple Award!
Script/Story:
I liked the story a lot. The pace may not have been perfect in every episode, and the story might have had some loop holes, but it delivered when it came to the most crucial aspects of the show. The backstory regarding splitting of personalities was logical and convincing, the mystery was drawn out well and managed to surprise more than once. I esp remember being dumbfounded for a few minutes at the end of epi 16 when it was revealed that Cha Do Hyun was actually Oh Ri Jin's real name đ˛. Yes the pacing suffered a bit in later episodes, and things got too heavy and emotional at times, but it was necessary for the story. I was really afraid that the backstory would fail to live up to the expectations coz in most of the K Dramas I have watched, the backstory often turns out to be anti-climatic and unsatisfying. So I was was very relieved and happy when it was not the case in this show. The process of amalgamation of personalities too was handled quite credibly for a fiction show.
Music
A special mention to the OST of this show. While I have heard many OSTs , I cant think think of any other which comes so close to imbibing and uplifting the spirit of drama. I didnt understand a word of Auditory Hallucinations and yet I was hopelessly addicted to its melody. And when I searched for its lyrics I fell in love with it even more. Its is angsty, melodious, soothing and haunting all at the same time. Just the perfect song that blends both, the angst and pain of suffering as well as the hope of finding love which would heal it all. Violet was another song which was quite meaningful and beautiful, and was used effectively in the show.
Signature Credit - .Golu./Aesthetic Arts
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
