Calling itself a “Time-Travel Mystery Romance,” you can be forgiven in thinking that A Time Called You is peak K-drama. So it may surprise you to discover that the series is actually based on a very successful 2019 Taiwanese drama called Someday or One Day, a show that catapulted its male lead, Greg Hsu into regional heartthrob status. (I now too stan for Greg!) A Time Called You does indeed deliver on all fronts, even elevating itself beyond its predecessor, to disastrous results on your tear ducts. For what is a good Korean romance without at least one box of tissues?
The story centres around Jun-nee, 27, in 2023, still mourning the tragic loss of her boyfriend, Yeon-jun, one year on. She mysteriously receives a Walkman and a cassette tape, and while listening to it, is transported back to 1998, into the body of 18 year old, Min-ju, as she is starting up a friendship with classmate Si-heon, who just happens to be a spitting image of Jun-nee’s deceased boyfriend. Hijinks and mystery ensue. Because of course it does.
A Binge-Worthy Watch
Where the original took 21 hours to unravel its complex story, A Time Called You does so with beautiful Korean efficiency, paring it down to a lean and even more impactful 12 hour run. A true testament to Korean media’s production skill level and prowess. Where original was unable to balance its tonal shifts well – whether from uneven, overwrought writing, or lacklustre then OTT performances from its actors (sometimes even bordering on farce) – the Koreans take a more earnest approach, drawing you in with their sincerity, groundedness, and of course, impeccable visuals.
The show has a slow burn start and, at first blush, comes off like your standard grief recovery fare. But do not let that fool you. Things start kicking into gear by Episode 3 and then goes right off the rails – in a good way – towards the end. I’m telling you all of this so you can prepare yourself, because I wasn’t, and I am still a wreck. The Koreans have made yanking at your heartstrings an art, and all with just a few choice vignettes in order elicit the services of those dreaded onion ninjas.
A good mystery should provide enough clues to keep the audience one step ahead of their characters for suspense, but still keep a couple of cards up their sleeves for the WTF factor. This show is no exception, constantly feeding you clues leading to potential red herrings, before sucker-punching you when you least expect it. The Koreans are truly the kings of cliffhangers, giving out last minute revelations that leave you gasping and immediately reaching for the next episode button. A Time Called You is very much a binge-worthy watch. (I finished all 12 episodes and 5 of the original in one day!)
A Roller Coaster Ride of Emotions
As it is with all wibbly-wobbly-timey-wimey-time-travel shows, getting your timelines straight might be a bit of a challenge, but stick with it and all will be revealed. But if the showrunners have done their jobs, and they have with this show, you will be absolutely invested in this bonkers rollercoaster.
One sore point for the Korean series though might be its use of the “Bury Your Gays” trope, something that, though present, is not told in the original in the same way. Its use might speak more towards Korean societal attitudes regarding LGBTQ than for its dramatic effect. Though the event does serve a purpose, its use overshadows said purpose and soured my enjoyment of the show a little. I really don’t want to get anymore into it so as to not ruin your enjoyment of the series.
Is it a masterpiece – not quite. Is it worth watching? If strong romances with a touch of intrigue are your jam, then absolutely. A Time Called You both is and isn’t your average K-drama romance. The love story at its core is actually pretty epic, but it does touch on some pretty dark themes, especially towards the end. So if you do decide to venture forth, buckle in, grab a tissue box, and brace yourself for the ride.
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