Yeo-reum, the 28-year-old protagonist of the 2022 K-Drama *Summer Strike*, makes a monumental life decision to break away from her toxic workplace and equally toxic boyfriend. She boards a bus to an unknown destination. As the bus meanders through scenic routes, Yeo-reum sticks her head out of the window, relishing the scent from a canopy of cherry blossom trees and squeals in delight at the sight of the sea. “From this moment on, I’m not doing anything. I’m going on a strike from life,” she declares passionately.
Have you ever felt the urge to quit your job and move to the tranquility of the countryside? Maybe you’ve desired to cast away worries about your career path, confront the void of a non-existent love life, and escape from the constant stress and burnout that seems to overwhelm daily existence?
Korean dramas over the past few years appear to have perfected a new genre that taps into this very desire—healing dramas. These stories focus on protagonists desperately needing a break from their tumultuous lives. Years ago, the world was captivated by Julia Roberts’ travel escapades in *Eat Pray Love*. In her quest for a more meaningful and significant life, viewers traveled with her to Italy, India, and Bali, watching her nourish her mind, body, and soul. Closer to home, the Tamil web series *Sweet Kaaram Coffee* narrates the story of three women from the same household who embark on an impromptu road trip seeking freedom and fresh air.
In *Summer Strike*, however, Yeo-reum’s escape is merely a short bus ride away. Keeping it simple and wholesome, she chooses to settle in a small town, captivated by its charming library. What better way to nourish the heart and soul than through books? Adding a sweet librarian as a potential romantic interest certainly doesn’t hurt.
Currently airing, *Love Next Door* presents the story of a weary, visibly exhausted Seok-ryu.
. After quitting her job, she confronts her glowering mother, who is frustrated with her decision. Seok-ryu yearns for the simplicity of switching off her alarm and indulging in restful sleep. Escaping the chaos and stress of working at a big tech company abroad, she returns home to the familiarity of her overbearing parents and a slower, peaceful life. Audiences follow her through the next few days as she creates an “unemployment schedule,” lazes around, devours comic books, hangs out with her childhood friends, and makes herself delicious green onion pancakes.
Are such decisions to take a break from the chaos of reality easy? Not at all, especially when parents consider their children’s achievements their sole source of pride and joy. This is a significant source of frustration for the female protagonist of *Doctor Slump*, whose mother refuses to acknowledge her depression, burnout, and dire need for a break.
Fortunately, these shows progress quickly, providing something truly heartwarming about witnessing the unfolding healing journeys on screen. Often set in places far removed from the cities we inhabit, these stories present days starkly different from the lives we lead. In *Hometown Cha Cha Cha*, the protagonist relocates to a quaint seaside village following a significant career failure. While his journey isn’t extensively detailed, viewers get to see the impact of the village, its people, and its charms on the woman he loves.
Escapist shows have remained beloved staples of the binge-watching culture over recent years. Despite appearing aspirational and perhaps a bit idealistic given the current times, the scent of cherry blossoms and the spray of sea water, even if just on screen, is rejuvenating enough and provides a great healing break within the length of an episode.
From The Hindu cinema team, these fortnightly columns recommend films and shows tied to a specific mood, theme, or popular cultural event, offering viewers a sense of therapeutic escape.
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