Mr. Plankton Review: Love Begins on a Road of Goodbyes

Title: Mr. Plankton

Episodes: 10

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Main Cast: Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Oh Jung-se, Kim Hae-sook 

Streaming Platforms: Netflix 

Image Credit: Netflix

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What happens when you’re given just months to live and you decide to drag your ex along on your last journey? Mr. Plankton is an emotionally charged K-drama about facing mortality, rediscovering love, and making peace with who you are. As Hae-jo and Jae-mi navigate heartache, identity, and unexpected connection, the series reminds us that even the smallest lives can make the biggest impact. 

“Mr. Plankton” is a South Korean television series released on Netflix on November 8, 2024. Written by Jo-young and directed by Hong Jong-chan, this dark romantic comedy series is available to watch on Netflix. 

Plot Summary 

Hae Jo is a charming and bold man who is diagnosed with a terminal brain condition, which gives him very little time to live. Being an orphan, he decides to find his biological father, whom he has never met due to an error in artificial insemination. To accompany him on his last journey, Hae Jo kidnaps his ex-girlfriend Jo Jae-mi on her wedding day. 

Jae-mi is an orphan who wants to have her own family and experience motherhood. Her fiancé Eo Heung is the only heir to the Eo clan and son of Bum Ho-ja, who runs a successful food company. 

Ho-ja is very conservative and disapproves of Jae-mi marrying her son, but Eo Heung, who is madly in love with Jae-mi, lies that she is pregnant, which makes Ho-ja accept Jae-mi as her daughter-in-law. 

However, Jae-mi's bad luck finds her again, and she hits premature menopause, causing her to be infertile at the age of 28. Hae Jo accidentally discovers Jae-mi's condition while Jae-mi continues to pretend to be pregnant to secure her marriage. 

After knowing that Jae-mi is taken by Hae Jo, Eo Heung starts pursuing them and joins their road trip to find Hae Jo's father. To bring back her son, Ho-ja takes help from an underworld gangster. 

Meanwhile, Hae Jo's co-worker, Yoo Ki-ho, nicknamed Kkari, is threatened by gangster Wang Chil-seong, who is determined to catch Hae Jo as a result of one of his odd jobs. Bong Suk, known as Ju Ri, who raised Hae Jo from his teenage years, also starts searching for him after his sudden disappearance. 

On this unexpected road trip, Hae Jo, Jae-mi, and Eo Heung confront many dramatic events where Hae Jo longs for love and connection, Jae-mi struggles between her past and future relationships, and Eo Heung pursues self-discovery.

My Thoughts 

The show tells the story of a dying man who sets out on his last journey with his ex-girlfriend. The cinematography captures an amusing road trip of a crazy trio while exploring the places and people around Korea. It delves into the themes of life, abandonment, and the pursuit of love, accompanied by dark comedy and raw emotions. 

The best thing about the show is the cast, especially the characters played by Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, and Oh Jung-se are excellent, and the other supporting cast also delivered great performances. 

The chemistry between charming Hae Jo and cute yet crazy Jae-mi was exceptionally good! They will captivate your heart through their chaotic energy and dark humor. Between these toxic lovers, an innocent man stands out, and that is Eo Heung. His unwavering devotion toward Jae-mi and evolving character toward self-discovery are beautifully executed. 

Despite its serious plot, the show is filled with dark comedy, bold romance, confusing emotions, and sometimes unnecessary vulgarity. Specifically, Hae Jo's relationship with Bong Suk was absolutely vague, and many such parts of the story weren't addressed properly. 

Also, what's with romanticizing the kidnapping and toxic behavior? I think towards the end of the show, writers lost their way and rushed the ending by abandoning the actual storyline itself. 

The series skillfully blended a variety of genres, including romance, comedy, action, drama, and heartrending emotions. The fast-paced storyline, infused with dark humor and charming characters, makes the show incredibly engaging. It explores the fleeting nature of life and emphasizes the importance of acceptance in the face of loss. 

The show encourages viewers to find fulfillment in each moment rather than wasting time on resentment. Ultimately, this emotional rollercoaster concludes on a bittersweet note, leaving a lasting impression behind.

Mr. Plankton isn’t just another rom-com; it’s a reminder of life’s fragility, the value of belonging, and the courage it takes to live fully even when time is running out. If you’re looking for a K-drama that makes you cry, reflect, and appreciate the ordinary, this one will stay with you long after the credits roll. 

Have you had a chance to watch Mr. Plankton? What are your thoughts on the ending? Let’s discuss in the comments section below. Feel free to leave your topic suggestions or any feedback.

Need more recommendations for rom-com dramas? Check out my review of Business Proposal.

My Rating: 8/10 

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