“Crash Landing on You” is the best Korean drama in terms of its aesthetic appeal and the best cinematography amongst the K-dramas. The show has received praise for its visually stunning shots and breathtaking scenery. The series was filmed on beautiful locations from Switzerland to South Korea and Mongolia, which added to the authenticity of the show and provided a unique opportunity for viewers to see the contrasting landscapes and cultures of the two countries(South Korea & North Korea).However, the show’s aesthetic elements, such as its set design, costumes, and makeup, have received praise from many viewers and critics.
The show’s production team paid great attention to detail in creating an immersive and visually pleasing world for the characters to inhabit. The show’s stunning locations, from the bustling streets of Seoul to the beautiful mountains of Swiss Alps, provide a beautiful backdrop for the story. The characters’ outfits and hairstyles are carefully crafted to reflect their personalities and social status. The show’s aesthetic elements work together to create a cohesive and memorable viewing experience.
It is one of the most watched K dramas.Here are some of the major awards won by the show:
- Baeksang Arts Award for Best TV Drama
- Seoul International Drama Award for Best Drama
- APAN Star Awards for Best Actress (Son Ye-jin) and Best Supporting Actor (Kim Young-min)
- Korean Association of Film Critics Awards for Best Screenplay
- Asia Contents Awards for Best Creative
- Brand of the Year Awards for Best Drama
- The Fact Music Awards for Best OST
The show was streamed on Netflix, which contributed to its global reach and popularity. Its ratings on Netflix are not publicly available, but it was one of the most-watched Korean dramas on the streaming platform in 2020.
Themes
The show explores themes of love, family, identity, and patriotism. The love story between Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok is a central theme of the show, but it is also about the love and loyalty between friends and family members. The show also examines the differences and similarities between North and South Korea, and how those differences can create misunderstandings and conflict. The characters’ struggles with their sense of identity and their place in the world add depth to the story.
Beautiful Backdrops
Crash Landing on You, (CLOY), is known for its stunning filming locations that span across different countries. In Switzerland, the show features the charming town of Grindelwald, nestled in the Swiss Alps. The picturesque mountain views, the quaint village streets, and the wooden chalets create a postcard-worthy backdrop for the romantic scenes between the main characters.
The bustling atmosphere of Seoul, the towering skyscrapers in the background offer a beautiful contrast of urban and natural landscapes.
Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea, is another stunning location that features in the show. The island is home to a range of natural wonders, from the volcanic Hallasan Mountain to the crystal-clear waters of Seopjikoji Beach.
The train scene from Mongolia was filmed on the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the longest train journeys in the world. The sweeping landscapes of the Mongolian steppe, with its vast plains, rugged mountains, and nomadic settlements, create an awe-inspiring backdrop for the show’s climactic scene.
CLOY offers a visual feast of breathtaking locations, from the majestic Alps to the tranquil beaches of Jeju, showcasing the beauty and diversity of different cultures and landscapes.
Best Scenes
The paragliding scenes, which were filmed in Switzerland, provided breathtaking views of the Alps and added a sense of adventure and excitement to the show. They also served as a metaphor for the characters’ desire to break free from the constraints of their respective worlds and soar to new heights.
The piano scenes, which featured Yoon Se-ri playing classical music on a grand piano, added a touch of elegance and sophistication to the show. They also served as a way for the characters to express their emotions and connect with each other on a deeper level.
The scene in “Crash Landing on You” where all of the main characters go for a picnic is a lighthearted and heartwarming moment in the show, which serves to highlight the camaraderie and affection between the characters.
In the scene, Yoon Se-ri, Ri Jeong-hyeok, Seo Dan, and Gu Seung-joon all go on a picnic together in the countryside. They enjoy the beautiful scenery, share food and drink, and engage in playful banter and conversation. The scene is full of warmth and humor, and it is clear that the characters are all genuinely enjoying each other’s company.
Contrasting Careers
Yoon Se-ri, played by Son Ye-jin, is a successful businesswoman who runs a fashion company. However, it is revealed throughout the show that her true passion is paragliding. Despite her love for the sport, she gave it up to pursue a career in business, which was expected of her as the heir to her family’s conglomerate. Later in the show, when she crash-lands in North Korea, she is able to reconnect with her love for paragliding and finds a new sense of purpose.
Ri Jeong-hyeok, played by Hyun Bin, is a North Korean soldier who is tasked with protecting the country’s borders. However, it is revealed that he was originally a talented pianist who had to give up his dream due to his father’s disapproval. He then chose to join the military to honor his father’s wishes and protect his country. Despite his dedication to his duty as a soldier, he still harbors a deep love for music, which is seen throughout the show when he plays the piano for Yoon Se-ri.
The contrasting careers that Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok chose despite their true passions highlight the sacrifices and compromises that individuals make in their lives. The show suggests that sometimes people have to put aside their dreams and passions to fulfill other responsibilities, whether it be societal expectations, family obligations, or duty to their country. However, the show also emphasizes the importance of rediscovering and pursuing one’s true passions, as seen in Ri Jeong-hyeok’s love for music.
The Rivalry
The rivalry between North and South Korea is a significant theme in “Crash Landing on You.” The show highlights the cultural, political, and ideological differences between the two countries, which have been in a state of conflict since the Korean War in the 1950s.
The show portrays North Korea as a closed-off and heavily regulated society, where individual freedoms are limited and the government controls all aspects of life. South Korea, on the other hand, is depicted as a modern and democratic society, where individual rights are respected and there is greater freedom of expression.
Through the characters of Yoon Se-ri and Ri Jeong-hyeok, the show explores the human side of the conflict, showing how ordinary people from both sides of the border can connect and empathize with each other despite their differences. Yoon Se-ri’s experiences in North Korea help her to understand the challenges faced by North Koreans, while Ri Jeong-hyeok’s time in South Korea gives him a new perspective on the Southern Korea.
“Crash Landing on You” portrays the rivalry between North and South Korea as a complex and multifaceted issue that goes beyond politics and ideology. The show emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding in bridging the divide between the two countries, and highlights the potential for human connection and reconciliation despite the ongoing conflict.
That’s true for CLOY but there are many other beautiful K-dramas !