Introduction of "Born Again"
The KBS2 Monday-Tuesday drama "Born Again," which aired in 2020, features a rare Korean drama theme of reincarnation, a love triangle, and mystery. While the show's ratings weren't high due to its challenging subject matter, I was so impressed by the lead actors, Jang Ki-yong and Lee Soo-hyuk, that I even received a signed script as a gift from a staff member I knew who worked on the drama. The drama captivated viewers with its fateful story of three intertwined characters, traveling between past and present worlds.
As the title suggests, "Born Again" centers around the concept of "rebirth," intriguingly exploring the connections between past and present lives, love, guilt, and forgiveness. The series consists of 32 episodes (16 aired), each lasting approximately 30 minutes.
Plot Summary
In the 1980s, two men were involved in a relationship over a woman. Their fateful connection ends in tragedy, and decades later, they are reborn as completely different people. However, memories of their past lives resurface, reigniting past emotions and conflicts..
In the 1980s, Cha Young-bin (Jin Se-yeon) is a bright and warm woman who runs a bookstore. She is loved by two men: the righteous prosecutor Kim Soo-hyuk (Lee Soo-hyuk) and the mysterious Gong Ji-cheol (Jang Ki-yong), who grew up in a dark family environment. Their tragic love triangle ends in bloodshed.
Now, in 2020, Cha Young-bin has been reincarnated as archaeologist Jeong Sa-bin, Kim Soo-hyuk as the cold-blooded coroner Kim Hyung-bin, and Gong Ji-cheol as the medical student Cheon Jong-beom. These individuals, living different lives, are reunited by a mysterious murder case. As the tangled memories and emotions of their past lives resurface, they face a new crossroads of perilous love and choice.
Main Characters
Jin Se-yeon / Cha Young-bin – Dual Roles of Jeong Sa-bin In the 1980s, he was a bookstore owner, and now an archaeologist excavating artifacts. In both his past and present lives, he dreams of true love, possessing a sensitive yet strong personality.
Jang Ki-yong / Gong Ji-cheol – Dual Roles of Cheon Jong-beom He is a lonely man with a dark past. In his past life, he was the son of a serial killer and a tragic man accused of murder. In his present life, he is a brilliant medical student with latent memories and a tendency toward violence. He is portrayed as a character who resists fate and longs for love.
Lee Soo-hyuk / Kim Soo-hyuk – Dual Roles of Kim Hyung-bin In his past, he was a righteous and noble prosecutor, and now he is a cool-headed and logical medical examiner at the National Forensic Service. Obsessed with pursuing the truth, he lives with the scars of his past. He tries to suppress his feelings for Jeong Sa-bin (Jin Se-yeon), but as if by fate, he is drawn back.
Drama Characteristics and Atmosphere
"Born Again" is a genre drama that transcends mere romance, blending elements of suspense, mystery, fantasy, and psychological thriller. Because the story unfolds across two time periods—a past life and a present life—a certain level of concentration is required to maintain immersion. Past and present are seamlessly interwoven, and as each episode progresses, the characters' emotional shifts, hidden truths, and the true nature of the tragic incident are gradually revealed.
The directing is particularly delicate and sensuous, effectively conveying the differences between the eras through color and mood. The 1980s are portrayed with a warm, analog feel, while the present is depicted with a cold, modern style, further enhancing the drama's immersive quality. The background music is also impressive, effectively conveying the depth of the characters' emotions.
Message and Theme
While this drama begins as a love story, it ultimately explores profound themes of "fate and choice, guilt and forgiveness." It constantly questions what choices the characters must make to avoid repeating the mistakes of their past lives, and what true love truly means. Ultimately, this drama can be said to portray the fundamental human desire to overcome the past and live a true life in the present.
In particular, the premise of "Can wrong choices made in a past life be corrected in this life?" forces the characters to reflect on themselves and evokes empathy in the audience. Beyond simple romance, the drama's structure, which explores the inner shadows of humanity and redemption, creates a unique depth.
Reviews
While the drama's ratings were somewhat low at the time of its broadcast, it was deeply loved by a dedicated audience. The actors' delicate emotional performances, especially those of Jin Se-yeon, Jang Ki-yong, and Lee Soo-hyuk in their dual roles, were highly praised. Jang Ki-yong, in particular, left a powerful impression by simultaneously expressing the dark pain of inner suffering and the yearning for love. Because the past and present intertwine, it's easy to lose track of the story if you don't, so I remember paying close attention. All three actors masterfully portrayed their similar yet distinct past and present characters, and the confusion experienced while remembering their past lives was well-expressed. Personally, I was curious about whether psychopathic tendencies are truly inherited. I found it fascinating that all these tragedies weren't the fault of one person, but rather a result of the butterfly effect, a cascade of individual misfortunes. I think the ending is the most fitting conclusion for the drama.
While some critics were drawn to the complex plot and slow pace after the middle, the drama received high praise for its mysterious structure intertwining past and present lives and its emotional depth. With Lee Soo-hyuk and Jang Ki-yong gaining recognition through other projects, the drama continues to attract repeat viewers, making it a highly recommended drama for those seeking a compelling and engaging experience.
Thus, "Born Again" is not simply a romantic drama; it's a deeply emotional and philosophical work that delicately explores human memories, emotions, and how past choices impact the present. Even amidst a serious tone, it offers thrills and twists, and it remains a memorable drama that challenges viewers to view love from diverse perspectives.