Why Netflix's K-drama About An International Dormitory 'So Not Worth It' Is Definitely Worth It
Many K-pop and K-drama fans have long been anticipating Netflix's So Not Worth It, but its appeal also reaches globally to others - some who are proud of the cast variety or just want a good laugh. It stands out as a series never seen before. Why? What drew my attention to it and many other people to it was that the cast and characters are ethnically diverse.
Netflix's K-drama, So Not Worth It, was directed by Kwon Ik Joon and Kim Jung Sik. It premiered on the 18th of June 2021 and is a sitcom about the adventures and relationships of students living in an international dormitory in Seoul.
With Korean culture excited to expand overseas more and smoothly achieving that through K-pop (like BTS), their entertainment industry is growing more inclusive of other countries. Now, the representation of other races in media is making more people interested and satisfied.
Seen as the first K-drama to do justice in showing diverse nationalities and the LGBT community, Itaewon Class (directed by Kim Sung Yoon) is the seventh highest-rated drama in the history of Korean TV. It featured Chris Lyon, an African-American, in the show and So Not Worth It includes Han Hyun Min, an African-Korean model, to make the black community proud once again.
Indeed, this new Netflix series seems to be the next best hit following Itaewon Class' footsteps with an ethnically strong cast, hopefully getting just as popular with the attention it already has.
It's a great watch for all ages, genders, and people around the world. Moreover, if you're not a K-drama fan, I recommend this funny, ethnically diverse sitcom to get you started as it's light and almost relatable.
The Plot
The story follows the lives of university students living in an international dormitory in Seoul as they experience friendships, love, and other drama. The teaching assistant Se Wan (Park Se Wan) takes care of the dormitory students, such as the new boy from America, Jamie (Shin Hyun Seung).
Sam (Choi Young Jae) comes from Australia and his father is the owner of a tteokbokki restaurant chain. Minnie (Minnie) is a Thai student who enjoys watching Korean dramas. Finally, Hyun Min (Han Hyun Min) can't stay at the dorm since he's Korean but he wants to stay there as he has to travel five hours to class.
Reasons to watch So Not Worth It:
1. There's great diversity and cultural inclusion
As mentioned above, cultural inclusion is a large part of the show and what makes people from around the world want to watch it. The actor Han Hyun Min is of African descent but was born in Korea and has a Korean mother. Not to mention, its lovable characters feature a Korean-Australia, an American citizen, and a Thai student.
The cast even has an American actor and a Swedish actor. With the global appeal of its ethnic diversity, it makes you feel included and proud. Truly, the relatable, heart-warming mix of characters shows how South Korea is doing it right. Another thing that helps our trust is the fact that Minnie is Thai and she plays a student from Thailand.
2. It has an amazing cast
The large anticipation was largely noticed by fans of the K-pop groups (G)I-dle and GOT7. First, its great cast that was loved for its performance includes Minnie, the Thai main vocalist of one of CUBE's female girl groups, (G)I-dle. It marks her acting debut and she's joined in the sitcom by the support role of CLC's Yujin, who's from the same company as her.
Additionally, the drama is starring Choi Young Jae from GOT7 and after solo activities by the other group members, fans are excited to see him acting as a funny character that's a different side to him. From most of the comments on the trailer on Youtube and elsewhere, fans are clearly going crazy over Minnie and Young Jae and their hilarious relationship in the drama.
The other cast may also be familiar. Park Se Wan's acting career includes School 2017 of the popular series and I'm Not a Robot before she later took on lead roles of more dramas. Second, Han Hyun Min also has acting experience but is more known for being the first Korean model working in South Korea who is of African descent. Although Shin Hyun Seung's acting debut was earlier in the year with the main role in Be My Boyfriend, he did fantastic for this being his second drama and we're hoping for his rise in popularity.
It's also easy to remember their names as most characters use the same name as the actor. And while some personalities might be completely different, some characters have a resemblance that makes us feel closer to the real them.
3. They have a lovable cast relationship
Days before its release, videos of behind the scenes and meeting the cast were uploaded. It showed their real personalities and I loved watching as they talked and teased each other, making us get to know them better. So with the sweet, genuine friendship, we're even more attracted to them and the show.
Since it was revealed before the K-drama, it was a great way to introduce the fun, down-to-earth cast and if you haven't seen it yet, it's a good watch to see the people behind your favourite characters.
4. So Not Worth It's interesting story with romance and drama
Though it has the usual blurb of making friends, romance, and fun experiences, the different personalities, and backgrounds of the characters made me excited to watch it and see how they'll get along. The eight students go on entertaining adventures, make friends, and fall in love.
Straightaway, you'll be hooked on the characters' development and rooting for their love as they live their school life and you'll probably binge-watch it in a day, as many reviewers enthusiastically did. I loved the story, relationships, and I couldn't stop watching it.
While the meaning of the English title, So Not Worth It, isn't clear at first glance, it's quite attention-grabbing - just like the literal title, Hope That The Earth Collapses Tomorrow, which comes from Park Se Wan's character always wanting the world to end tomorrow, as she described.
So, that tells more about the story because she finds happiness with her friends and treasures those times - a message for young people that life may be tough at times but it's the small moments and friends that you should cherish to get by. The English title then probably comes from the idea that Se Wan thinks life is so not worth it - but you can guess that it will be at the end, or at least that's what I hoped before watching it. (No spoilers.)
5. It's a great laugh to make you forget your worries
As a sitcom, this series has proven to make people laugh - I know I definitely couldn't stop smiling from the funny, entertaining jokes and mishaps. It's a light and refreshing show where you can focus on positives instead of the negative problems you may have and relax.
Ultimately, these comedic features save the boring year as there hasn't been such a funny K-drama like this in a while - some viewers say it mostly resembles the good humour of Welcome to Waikiki back in 2018 and its season 2 in 2019.
6. There's a nostalgia for Western sitcoms
The laughter in the background takes you back to familiar, Western-style sitcoms that we used to love watching. Therefore, it connects well with people across the globe. Also, I think it's interesting and different from the usual K-dramas that don't have this so it was a new experience for me that reminded me of Western shows I used to watch on TV.
7. It makes you feel like you're in Korea
If you're sad about not being able to travel, this show is perfect to watch to immerse yourself in the story of people from around the world. The beautiful Korean setting and culture, it'll make you feel like you're there and it made me want to visit Korea.
8. It's perfect for a quick watch
Furthermore, it's great for people who are looking for a quick, short watch that's not heavy or serious like some K-dramas. In particular, it has 12 episodes around half an hour long each. This is good for people who might be new to K-dramas and aren't used to hour-long episodes.
9. It's good for all ages
Whether you're a teenager or adult, it'll get you excited for school with laughs and romance of student life or you'll be reminiscing your university years. It even makes me want to go to school and have fun with friends. Additionally, to make you feel less lonely, it's great to watch with others and I want to watch it with my family.
10. It's on Netlfix with many languages
All in all, the fact that it's all on Netflix hypes up the attention from fans and global watchers even more. It's accessible for many and it includes subtitles. Not to mention, it's dubbed in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and French. Though I always prefer sub as it's more natural and completes the Korean experience.
Why So Not Worth It is perfect for a fun watch
In summary, you should binge-watch it anytime you need a pick-me-up! With a great story that leaves you itching for the next episode and a wonderful performance from the diverse cast, multiple reviews recommend this refreshing, hilarious show and are already begging for season 2.
Curious how this ethnic mix develops their relationship? It's also curious as to why they chose the name So Not Worth It because this K-drama is definitely worth it.