The Sound of Magic is directed by Kim Sung-youn and written by Min-jung KIM. The Netflix Korean musical fantasy drama stars Ji Chang-wook as Lee Eul, Choi Sung-eun as Yoon Ah-yi, Nam Da-reum as young Lee Eul, and Hwang In-youp as Na Il-deung, Kim Bo-yoon as Kim So-hee, and many others. Also known as Annara Sumanara, the Kdrama is based on the Naver webtoon of the same name by Ha Il-kwon.
There are 6 episodes of 62-77 minutes. The music is by Park Seong-il. The show is available in the Korean language with English subtitles and dubbing. The synopsis reads, “Student. Caretaker. Breadwinner. Life is nothing but a series of challenges for Ah-yi. But one person hears her cries and lights up the world with magic.”
The Sound of Magic Review Contains No Spoilers
In Netflix Korean show The Sound of Magic, we meet Yoon Ah-yi, a high school student whose life is full of hardships. Ah-yi lives with her younger sister and has to study and look after the house. Ah-yi is fed up with being a teenager and wants to grow up as soon as possible. She believes that once she becomes an adult, she won’t have to deal with so many challenges in life.
One day, she comes across a magician named Ri-eul. With his magic and friendship, Ri-eul makes Yoon Ah-yi’s life a little less painful. Ri-eul wants to be a child again. The two help each other understand life in ways no one could have imagined. However, is everything Ah-yi and we see true, or it’s just an illusion or a trick to divert attention from the dark past and secrets? We find answers as the show proceeds.
As a kid, many of us must have wished to grow up as soon as possible. Like Yoon Ah-yi, we believe that being an adult means dealing with less stress and problems and having a convenient and carefree life. As an adult, most of us wish to travel back in time and be a child again. Many people hope for some magic to happen that would make them a child/adult again or make their problems disappear. The characters in The Sound of Magic on Netflix are just like us.
The Korean musical drama beautifully conveys that life is not about escaping problems. Unfortunately, some people have to deal with tougher crises compared to others. But troubles are a part of everyone’s life. All we need is someone to comfort us or believe in us. In the show, every time Ri-eul asks, ‘Do you believe in magic?’ it seems like he’s asking us ‘, do you believe in yourself?’ As the show ends, we realise that’s actually what Ji Chang-wook’s character meant.
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Along with Yoon Ah-yi, her wealthy friend Na Il-deung is also unhappy with life. Now, one may wonder what issues would someone so rich have in life. But as I mentioned earlier, everyone’s life is tough. The first two episodes have many light and mesmerising moments full of magic. However, from episode 3, the narrative becomes intense and dark.
The last two episodes are emotionally-driven, have less magic scenes and few songs. They are full of twists, revelations and heartbreaking backstories. The Sound of Magic sounds like such an adorable title. But the show is more than just about fascinating magic. It depicts how sometimes we lose ourselves when people around us stop noticing and understanding us. So we build your own beautiful world where things are magical. However, is that truly going to help usbout? That’s something the Kdrama wonderfully attempts to tell.
Ji Chang-wook as magician Ri-eul makes us smile the moment he appears on the screen. He’s charming, has a great style and gives a fantastic performance. Often when he speaks to Yoon Ah-yi, it seems like he’s talking to us. Choi Sung-eun as Yoon Ah-yi is incredible throughout. Her friendly chemistry with Ri-eul is a delight to watch. Actor Hwang In-youp is also good as Na Il-deung. The rest of the cast plays their part well.
The Sound of Magic Review: Final Thoughts
Overall, The Sound of Magic is a poignant drama that will touch you. It is an eye-opening story with which many people will relate. The performances are brilliant, the music is enjoyable, and the story is engrossing. The trailer is just a small glimpse as the show is packed with great magic and sentiments.
Watch the show here on Netflix.
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Would have been better if the music lyrics was in English also, I love the series except for the music lyrics, I fast forward through it and that is a shame because I love the music
Actor Hwang In-youp did a good job being a student. He looks so young for his age. Even better than other young actors. Love him and support him.