The Great Show

"The Great Show" is a 2019 Korean drama that blends comedy, family dynamics, and political intrigue. The series stars Song Seung Heon as Wi Dae Han, a former politician who falls from grace and struggles to regain his standing. His life takes an unexpected turn when Han Da Jeong, played by Roh Jeong Eui, along with her three younger siblings, come to him for help, claiming to be his children.

Lee Sun Bin plays Jung Soo Hyun, a passionate reporter and Dae Han's former college sweetheart, who becomes intricately involved in his quest for redemption. Im Joo Hwan stars as Kang Joon Ho, a principled and earnest lawyer, and Dae Han's political rival. As Dae Han attempts to use his newfound "family" to rebuild his public image, he faces numerous challenges that test his resolve and character.

The drama delves into the comedic and heartfelt journey of Dae Han as he navigates his complex relationships with the children and his renewed political ambitions. The dynamic between the siblings, including Park Ha Na as Kim Hye Jin, and the struggles they face together bring both humor and emotional depth to the story. The series skillfully combines moments of levity with touching family themes, making it a must-watch for fans of heartwarming dramas.

Directed by Shin Yong Hwi and written by Seol Joon Seok, "The Great Show" offers a compelling narrative that highlights the importance of family, redemption, and personal growth. With its engaging storyline and stellar performances by the cast, the series has garnered a loyal following and critical acclaim, cementing its place as a standout drama of 2019.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 위대한 쇼
🌎 Also Known As: Widaehan Sho, Great Show
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Drama, Family, Political
🏷 Tags: Father-Daughter Relationship, Redemption, Single Parenthood, Political Campaign, Sibling Relationship
✍ Screenwriters: Seol Joon Seok
🎬 Directors: Kim Jung Wook, Shin Yong Hwi
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: August 26, 2019 – October 15, 2019
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 6 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)

Best Scenes

First Family Reunion: The heartfelt moment when Wi Dae Han (Song Seung Heon) meets Han Da Jeong (Roh Jeong Eui) and her siblings, leading to a touching family dynamic.
Political Rally: Dae Han’s energetic and dramatic political rally, where he uses his new “family” to gain public support, showcases the blend of comedy and strategy.
Sibling Bonding: Scenes depicting the bonding moments between Da Jeong and her younger siblings add depth to the family theme.
Romantic Tension: The tension-filled moments between Dae Han and Jung Soo Hyun (Lee Sun Bin), highlighting their complicated past and rekindling relationship.
Dae Han’s Redemption: The powerful scenes where Dae Han makes significant sacrifices for his new family, portraying his journey towards redemption.

Filming Locations

Seoul: Many scenes are filmed in various locations around Seoul, capturing the urban political environment.
Gwanghwamun Square: Key political scenes are shot here, reflecting the hustle and bustle of political life.
Apartment Complex: The family dynamics are often depicted in a cozy apartment setting, providing a stark contrast to the political scenes.
Han River: Several outdoor family bonding scenes take place along the scenic Han River, adding a touch of tranquility.
TV Studios: Political debates and media interactions are filmed in realistic TV studio sets, adding authenticity to the show.

Visual Design and Costumes

Political Campaign Attire: The show features realistic and professional campaign attire for Song Seung Heon’s character, reflecting his political ambitions.
Casual Family Wear: The siblings and family scenes are marked by casual and everyday outfits, emphasizing their ordinary lives.
Office Settings: Detailed set designs for offices and political campaign headquarters add a professional and authentic feel to the series.
Color Palette: The use of warm tones in family scenes and cooler tones in political scenes highlights the contrasting themes.
Props: Realistic props like campaign materials, banners, and media equipment enhance the political storyline.

Themes and Messages

Redemption and Forgiveness: The main theme revolves around Wi Dae Han’s journey to redeem himself and seek forgiveness.
Family and Responsibility: The drama emphasizes the importance of family and taking responsibility, even in unexpected situations.
Political Satire: It offers a satirical view of politics, highlighting the manipulation and media influence in campaigns.
Personal Growth: Characters undergo significant personal growth, learning about love, sacrifice, and integrity.
Hope and Resilience: The series portrays how hope and resilience can overcome adversity, both in personal and public life.

Interesting Facts

Real-Life Politician Inspiration: The character of Wi Dae Han is inspired by real-life political figures and their public struggles.
Behind-the-Scenes Camaraderie: The cast shared a close bond off-screen, often engaging in fun activities between shoots, which translated into their on-screen chemistry.
Director’s Vision: Director Shin Yong Hwi aimed to balance humor with serious themes, creating a unique narrative style.
Cameo Appearances: Several well-known Korean actors made cameo appearances, adding excitement for fans.
Cultural Impact: The show sparked discussions about the importance of integrity in politics and personal life.

Awards

2020 Korea Drama Awards:
- Best Actor: Song Seung Heon for his role as Wi Dae Han.
2020 APAN Star Awards:
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Lee Sun Bin for her performance as Jung Soo Hyun.
2020 Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Best Supporting Actress: Roh Jeong Eui for her portrayal of Han Da Jeong.
2020 Seoul International Drama Awards:
- Best Screenwriter: Seol Joon Seok for crafting an engaging and heartwarming storyline.
2020 Golden Bird Prize at the Korea Content Awards:
- Best Drama: Recognized for its outstanding contribution to Korean television.

These accolades highlight the critical acclaim “The Great Show” received for its performances, writing, and overall impact on the Korean drama landscape.

Real-Life Loves on Set

here have been no confirmed reports of real-life romances among the cast members of “The Great Show.” The actors have maintained professional relationships and mutual respect, focusing on their roles and delivering strong performances. The chemistry observed on-screen is a testament to their acting skills and dedication to their craft.