Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m bringing you the latest news about the K-drama Way Back Love, which has just made its triumphant debut and is already winning hearts around the world!
Critically acclaimed premiere
Released last Thursday, April 3, 2025, the K-drama “Way Back Love” premiered to unanimous acclaim from specialized critics on the TVING platform. The South Korean production, starring Gong Myung and Kim Min-ha, has brought a refreshing approach to the growing category of supernatural dramas, combining elements of romantic fantasy with deep reflections on life, death, and second chances.
Critics highlight the sensitivity with which director Kim Sang-hyub, known for previous works such as “Run On” and “Nevertheless,” addresses delicate themes like depression and suicide, without falling into clichés or superficial treatments. Specialists from the K-Drama Chronicles portal described the series as “a visually stunning work that transcends the typical supernatural romance genre, offering a genuine reflection on the value of life.”
A plot that captures hearts
The story follows Jeong Hee-wan (Kim Min-ha), a young woman who has completely lost her will to live after facing a series of personal tragedies. Her monotonous existence takes an unexpected turn when she receives a visit from Park Min-joon (Gong Myung), her high school first love, who now works as a soul reaper. He brings devastating news: Hee-wan has only one week of life remaining.
Despite the somber premise, the drama has impressed with how it balances moments of humor, romance, and existential reflection. The first three episodes, already available on the platform, establish a tone that, according to the Korea Times, “manages to be simultaneously melancholic and hopeful, creating a unique experience in the current K-drama landscape.”
Praised performances
The lead actors’ performances have been unanimously praised. Kim Min-ha delivers what many consider the performance of her career as Hee-wan, while Gong Myung demonstrates versatility in portraying a reaper torn between duty and resurfacing feelings for his past love.
“The chemistry between the leads is palpable, creating a romance that feels simultaneously nostalgic and urgent,” wrote critic Park Ji-woo from Seoul Entertainment Weekly. “Kim Min-ha, in particular, manages to convey the emotional emptiness and gradual awakening of her character with impressive subtlety.”
International recognition
The impact of “Way Back Love” has already crossed borders. In a surprising announcement, the production was selected for the prestigious “On Screen” section of the 29th Busan International Film Festival, which will take place in October this year. This is rarely an honor granted to series still airing, highlighting the international film community’s confidence in the exceptional quality of the production.
“We are incredibly honored by the selection at Busan,” stated executive producer Lee Jae-wook in an official statement. “Our team sought to create something that not only entertains but also provokes reflection on universal themes of life and death. This recognition validates our artistic approach.”
Social media phenomenon
Just three days after its release, “Way Back Love” has already become a social media phenomenon, with the hashtag #WayBackLove accumulating over 2 million mentions on Twitter. Scenes from the third episode, especially the emotional confrontation by the seaside during a storm, have gone viral and generated intense debates among fans.
Viewers can follow new episodes weekly on the TVING platform, with releases every Thursday. The complete series will have 16 episodes, with the finale scheduled for June 2025.
If you’re a fan of stories that combine supernatural romance with emotional depth and reflections on life, “Way Back Love” promises to be one of the must-watch productions of 2025.
