Navillera

Navillera is a touching 2021 K-drama that tells the inspiring story of pursuing dreams against all odds. The plot centers on Shim Deok Chul (played by Park In Hwan), a 70-year-old retired mailman who harbors a lifelong dream of becoming a ballerino. Despite his age and opposition from his family, Deok Chul enrolls in ballet lessons to finally follow his passion, a decision that changes his life. Deok Chul meets Lee Chae Rok (played by Song Kang), a talented but struggling young ballet dancer. Chae Rok is grappling with the pressures of ballet and personal struggles, which have left him disillusioned. As the two form a heartwarming mentor-mentee relationship, they inspire one another—Deok Chul’s unwavering passion reignites Chae Rok's own love for ballet. Throughout the drama, the series explores deeper themes of age, identity, and the importance of following one’s dreams, no matter the obstacles. Deok Chul’s journey also brings him closer to his family, particularly his granddaughter Shim Eun Ho (played by Hong Seung Hee), and addresses the generational gaps that exist between them. With emotional performances from its lead actors, Navillera beautifully balances moments of personal growth, touching relationships, and the pursuit of long-held aspirations. This heartwarming series is a must-watch for anyone who believes that it’s never too late to chase after your dreams.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 나빌레라 (Navillera)
🌎 Also Known As: Like a Butterfly
🎭 Genres: Drama, Slice of Life, Sports
🏷 Tags: Ballet, Dream Pursuit, Mentor-Student Relationship, Age Gap, Friendship
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Eun Mi
🎬 Directors: Han Dong Hwa
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 12
🗓️ Aired: March 22, 2021 – April 27, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: tvN, Netflix
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teen Audiences)

Best Scenes

Deok Chul’s First Ballet Lesson – The moment when 70-year-old Deok Chul starts his first ballet lesson is filled with emotion, showcasing the theme of following dreams at any age.
Chae Rok’s Performance in the Studio – Chae Rok’s solo ballet practice, filled with grace and emotion, highlights his internal struggles and deep connection to ballet.
Deok Chul’s Surprise Recital – When Deok Chul performs in front of his family, it becomes a pivotal scene, demonstrating his dedication and their growing acceptance of his passion.
Chae Rok’s Encouragement – The heartfelt scene where Chae Rok encourages Deok Chul to keep dancing despite his age barriers is a powerful example of their mentor-mentee bond.
Final Ballet Performance – The climactic scene where both Deok Chul and Chae Rok perform together, signifying growth, perseverance, and mutual inspiration.

Filming Locations

Seoul Ballet Studios – Many of the training scenes were filmed in professional ballet studios in Seoul, adding authenticity to Chae Rok’s journey as a dancer.
Han River Park – Deok Chul and Chae Rok share some important conversations by the Han River, symbolizing the flow of time and personal reflection.
Traditional Korean Neighborhood – Deok Chul’s home and the local streets of Seoul add a warm, nostalgic feel, reflecting his humble and traditional lifestyle.
Ballet Theater – Several dramatic ballet performances take place in iconic theaters, highlighting the grand stage where Chae Rok dreams of dancing.
Street Cafes – The local cafes where Deok Chul and Chae Rok bond over coffee serve as cozy and relatable backdrops for their evolving friendship.

Visual Design and Costumes

Ballet Outfits – The clean, minimalist ballet costumes worn by Chae Rok and Deok Chul reflect the purity and elegance of their pursuit of ballet.
Deok Chul’s Everyday Clothes – Deok Chul’s simple, traditional clothing reflects his age and modest background, offering a contrast to the more modern ballet world.
Chae Rok’s Ballet Uniform – Chae Rok’s sleek, fitted ballet attire not only highlights his graceful movements but also symbolizes his professional aspirations.
Warm Lighting – The drama uses soft, warm lighting during family scenes and Deok Chul’s quiet moments, emphasizing nostalgia and emotional warmth.
Stage Lighting – The use of dramatic lighting during ballet scenes amplifies the tension and passion of Chae Rok’s performances.

Themes and Messages

Pursuing Dreams at Any Age – Navillera sends a powerful message that it’s never too late to follow your dreams, regardless of age or societal expectations.
Mentorship and Friendship – The bond between Deok Chul and Chae Rok emphasizes how much we can learn from one another, no matter the age difference.
Overcoming Obstacles – The series portrays the physical and emotional challenges faced by both characters as they strive for their goals.
Family Dynamics – Navillera explores the complex relationships within families, especially when loved ones pursue unconventional paths.
Resilience and Hope – Central to the story is the theme of resilience, as both Deok Chul and Chae Rok overcome personal hardships to achieve their dreams.

Interesting Facts

Based on a Webtoon – Navillera is adapted from a popular webtoon of the same name, which added to its anticipation among fans.
Song Kang’s Ballet Training – Song Kang underwent extensive ballet training to convincingly portray Chae Rok, impressing viewers with his graceful performances.
Park In Hwan’s First Dance Role – Despite being in his 70s, actor Park In Hwan took on his first-ever dance role, embodying Deok Chul’s determination.
Ballet Choreography by Professionals – Professional ballet choreographers were hired to ensure the dance scenes were both authentic and visually stunning.
International Popularity – The drama gained attention globally, particularly on Netflix, where it was praised for its emotional depth and universal themes.

Awards

It appears that Navillera has not won any major awards specifically for the series or its actors based on the current available information. Despite not winning awards, the drama has received widespread praise for its heartfelt storytelling, emotional performances, and universal themes. Song Kang and Park In Hwan‘s performances have been particularly lauded by critics and audiences alike

Real-Life Loves on Set

There were no confirmed real-life romances between the cast members of Navillera during or after the filming. While the on-screen relationships, especially the heartwarming bond between Park In Hwan and Song Kang, captured viewers’ hearts, their interactions remained strictly professional off-screen. No reports or rumors of romantic relationships have emerged from the production of the drama.