Review: A Piece of Your Mind

A Piece of Your Mind is a Korean drama series written by Lee Sook Yun with a slow burn story that beautifully reinvents K-drama cliches. Ha Won, played by Jung Hae In, is an Artificial Intelligence innovator who lost his mother when he was a teen. Seo Woo, played by Chae Soo Bin, is an orphan and a musical engineer with an optimistic outlook on life. When their paths cross, Seo Woo develops an unrequited love for Ha Won who still has feelings for his childhood friend. Both characters have dealt with trauma in their life, but coped differently. Their encounter becomes a new chance at happiness for them. 

Starting with the calm soundtracks incorporating classical piano pieces to warm lighting, everything in this drama brings a sense of healing. It feels like a warm hug on a rainy day. No huge promises, no heroic acts and no dramatic turns. The love confession scene isn’t accompanied by music but rather a silence which makes it awkward yet sweet and realistic. The actors convey anger, pain, sadness in a calming yet convincing way, and their chemistry is undoubtful. The main characters’ relationship seems natural with their trust growing gradually. The story is at times confusing, but it sparks curiosity rather than frustration.

 Even though it is a romance drama, it tells you how different people grieve. Some hide their feelings, some try to move on and some hold on to the past. However, each person seeks comfort in some way. For Ha Won and Seo Woo, their interactions become a source of strength and comfort. 

  Lee Sook Yun has previously worked with Jung Hae In on a movie Tune in For Love which has a nostalgic and cosy vibe. But it seems like Lee has one mould for her characters. Both male leads are reserved, humble orphans who are dealing with trauma from the past. Lee shows how even men can be vulnerable and insecure, especially in a traditional, patriarchal Korean society. 

However, Jung’s excellent acting skills couldn’t save the drama from criticism as it received low ratings and had to be cut by four episodes. The story seemed too confusing and slow for the audience, and Jung hasn’t shown himself in a new role for a while. Although the drama was not well-perceived and popular, it was loved by the few.

 Lee knows how to show love in subtle ways without grand gestures typical to romance dramas. In this drama, the main characters find peace from the sound of the voice or a glimpse at someone they love, a simple hold of a hand or the word ‘stay’ that gives them the energy to carry on. In one scene, as Ha Won struggles with his haunting past, Seo Woo reminds him: “The world changes on its own. Rely on it. It was cold today but tomorrow it’ll get warm. It’ll get better”. 

In difficult times we all need a reminder that the life goes on and things get better. This drama is worth watching if you like calm, character-driven romance stories. It will wrap you around like a warm blanket and remind that all wounds heal. 

A Piece of Your Mind is available to watch on Viki app.