Watch Our Blues

Our Blues is a 2022 South Korean drama series directed by Kim Kyu-tae and starring Lee Byung-hun, Shin Min-a, Cha Seung-won, Kim Woo-bin, Han Ji-min and Uhm Jung-hwa. Set on the beautiful island of Jeju, the series follows the interconnecting lives and romantic relationships of various characters.

Lee Byung-hun stars as Lee Dong-seok, a truck driver working on Jeju. He grew up in an orphanage and has a gruff exterior but is good-hearted underneath. Shin Min-a plays Min Seon-a, a woman who came to Jeju from Seoul to open a small cafe. She is prickly and mistrustful of people but has her own warmth deep down. Cha Seung-won portrays Park Jeong-joon, a businessman who returns to Jeju after years away to search for a woman from his past.

Other characters include Kim Woo-bin as Lee Young-ok, a young fisherman who falls for Min Seon-a. Han Ji-min plays Choi Hye-won, a ceramic artist struggling with creative block. Uhm Jung-hwa stars as Gu Mi-ja, a loud, fun-loving diver searching for abalone. The lives of these characters intersect in surprising ways, revealing hidden connections and bringing out new emotions.

Romance is a major theme, as various couples get together and break up over the course of the series. The show explores different facets of love - young passion, rekindled affection, unrequited crushes, deep friendship leading to more. The idyllic island setting contrasts with the tumultuous relationships.

Another key focus is the characters' relationship with their hometown and origins. Some have returned after years away, harboring regrets and seeking lost connections. Others have stayed put but still feel adrift. Their attachment to Jeju influences their bonds with each other. The show also delves into the island's culture, traditions and famous seafood cuisine.

With high production values and meticulous writing, Our Blues skillfully weaves together its disparate storylines into an insightful ensemble drama. The talented cast brings warmth and nuance to their flawed but appealing characters. Directors make use of gorgeous Jeju scenery to create an atmosphere both peaceful and melancholy.

The series premiered in April 2022, comprised of sixteen episodes. It represents a change of pace for Lee Byung-hun known for intense action roles and Shin Min-a known for romantic comedies. Our Blues earned praise for its realistic emotional portrayal and fully-realized characters dealing with relatable struggles. With poetic visuals and resonant themes, the show lingers in the heart and mind.

Our Blues is a series that ran for 1 seasons (20 episodes) between April 9, 2022 and on Netflix