Before cell phones, watches were popular for timekeeping.
K-dramas have a way of getting under your skin, but Mr. Plankton takes things to another level. It’s not just a story, it’s an emotional ride that will have you laughing one moment, crying the next, and questioning why life has to be so cruel sometimes.
At the heart of this drama is a mismatched trio: Hae-jo, the ultimate rebel who can’t help but cause trouble (and make you want to punch him sometimes); Jae-mi, the gentle, hopeful soul who reminds us that light exists even in the darkest times; and Eo Heung, whose struggles with anxiety and overbearing parents feel all too real. Together, they stumble through life’s challenges, trying to survive and find themselves, and maybe each other, along the way.
Let’s start with Hae-jo. Woo Do-hwan absolutely owns this role. He’s brash, complicated, and endlessly frustrating, but he’s also vulnerable in a way that makes you root for him, even when he’s his own worst enemy. One minute, you’re laughing at his sharp comebacks; the next, you’re tearing up over his pain. And yeah, there are definitely moments when you’ll want to yell at the screen because of him.
Jae-mi is the heart of this story. She’s the kind of person you want in your corner when everything feels like it’s falling apart. Her quiet strength and optimism make her a natural anchor for the group—and honestly, for the audience, too. Watching her navigate the chaos around her feels like a gentle reminder to hold onto hope, no matter what.
Then there’s Eo Heung. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by life, his journey will hit close to home. His anxiety and struggles with living up to expectations feel so raw and honest that you can’t help but see a bit of yourself in him. He’s the character that makes you want to say, “Same, buddy. Same.”
The real magic of Mr. Plankton is how it brings these three together. Their dynamic is electric, messy, heartfelt, and deeply human. Watching them navigate their ups and downs is a reminder that family doesn’t always mean the one you’re born into. Sometimes, it’s the people who stick by you, even when you’re at your worst.
And the lessons? Oh, they’ll hit you hard. Forgiveness, resilience, hope. Every episode feels like a masterclass in what it means to be human. Just know that you’ll probably cry at some point in every episode. It’s unavoidable.
When it’s all said and done, the ending feels right. Everyone’s arc comes full circle in a way that’s satisfying but not without its heartbreak. It’s not one of those neatly tied-up endings where everything’s perfect, but it feels real—and that’s what makes it so powerful.
If you’re thinking about watching Mr. Plankton, go for it—but prepare yourself. It’s not just a drama; it’s an experience. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you might even have your heart broken—but in the best way possible. It’s a show you’ll be thinking about long after the final episode. And honestly? It’s worth every second.
