Netflix's "Dopesick" has ignited a global box office signal with a highly Korean-themed story.
"Dopesick" (written by Lim Sang-chun and directed by Kim Won-seok) has captivated international viewers. The immersive performances by actors IU and Park Bo-gum, along with Kim Won-seok's delicate direction, resonated well.
The series depicts the lives of Jeju residents in the 1960s, reflecting a Korean society rampant with male superiority. It draws emotional connections through universal themes of love and parental bonds that transcend time.
There were concerns that global audiences might struggle to grasp the nuances of Korean sentiment. However, as the show aired, positive reviews from international viewers poured in, highlighting the common emotional threads.
"Dopesick" boasts a 98% viewer satisfaction rating on the film review site Rotten Tomatoes (popcorn score), with most viewers giving it a rating of 3.5 stars or higher.
Pierce Conran, a critic from Hong Kong's South China Morning Post, praised the series for beautifully unfolding a simple story, commending the subtle performances and vividly depicted backgrounds.
Shelryn Nicole from the American film website RogerEbert.com noted, "It's sweet yet bittersweet. I laughed and cried a lot while watching," encouraging others to view it.
The American movie review site IMDb also reflected high praise, achieving a rating of 9.3 out of 10. Viewers expressed admiration for the show's quality, stating, "I love every scene."
The glimpse into Korea's past reality was also refreshing. Viewers became invested in the characters of Aesun (played by IU) and Gwan-sik (played by Park Bo-gum). Even without knowledge of the historical context, their performances evoked empathy.
Global performance is also notable. The show ranked 4th in Netflix's weekly non-English TV shows worldwide. According to the FlixPatrol site, it secured the 8th position in the global TV show category (as of the 8th).
In Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Singapore, it hit the number one spot on the daily charts, while it ranked second in the Philippines and Taiwan. It started third in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Brazil.
Domestically, it is already a sensation. Since the 7th, it has maintained the top spot on Netflix's Top 10 chart. It has surpassed the opening score of the year's biggest hit, "Trauma Center."
Meanwhile, "Dopesick" has aired up to episode four, with the remaining 12 episodes released every Friday, four at a time.
<Written by Lee Ah-jin Intern Reporter (Dispatch), Photo Source: Netflix>
