Diva à Deriva (2023)

Regret watching this

Pros:
- soundtrack
- the strong love between the Kang parents and sons
- the strong love between the Kang brothers
- the kids escaping abuse
- the endearing and comedic moments with Woo-Hak
- 90% of the dialogue is foreshadowing, not just filler
- metaphors with the island
- extremely caring and selfless characters
- interesting concept for the plot

Cons
- the love triangle
- infinite plot holes:
- doesn't make sense that Ki-Ho's attempts to run away fail for months. not that expensive to buy a ticket and hide on a ferry to get away
- doesn't make sense why Ki-Ho and Mok-Ha didn't just hide on the boat
- they try to play it off that abuse was seen as more acceptable, but doesn't make any sense to have a guy beating a kid senseless in public, then chasing daughter like maniac, and no one does anything
- should have explained how the dad got on a boat that already left
- made no sense how she could have washed ashore some random remote island when they're so close to populated areas
- made no sense how all that trash ended up on the island, yet no boats or Ki-Ho could find her for 15 years
- can definitely still recognize people after only 15 years, especially your own sons
- the Kangs endangering Mok-Ha and Woo-Hak by not telling them there's a psychopath
- Bo-Geol is supposed to love Mok-Ha, yet literally causes his brother to fall in love with her
- doesn't make sense for Bo-Geol to pine over Mok-Ha for 15 years and then cruelly hide his identity, "protecting her" puts her in way more danger, if she resented him that would be an understandable excuse, but she clearly doesn't. no matter how good his intentions, he acts undeniably cruel
- Bo-Geol being adamant on concealing their identities and preventing Mok-Ha from getting famous, then out of nowhere changing his mind, stairway reveal was the worst scene in the show
- the childhood lovers trope feels out of place here, shouldn't romanticize two kids trying to escape abuse
- Mok-Ha's mannerisms feel out of place, no hate for autism, but living in isolation doesn't make you act autistic

For me, the cons outweighed the pros, so I regret watching this. I can even forgive some aspects, but overall I just can NOT recommend it. What would have made it good:
- cut any romantic feelings until the present day, don't romanticize kids running away from abuse
- cut the love triangle, make either Kiho's or WooHak's feelings platonic
- cut the secrets
- cut the amnesia trope
- add an episode towards the beginning showing her time on the island
- add an episode with her readapting to society to create more comedic moments
- fix at least some of the plot holes mentioned above

Leia Mais

Should have been 16 episodes but I will forgive them since they gave us a good ending.

Since the first episode, there hasn't been a moment that I have not been in love with this drama. I watched every single episode within hours of release which is a feat for me who likes to watch both of the week's episodes at once.

No character was twisted to fit the plot or their circumstances. Everyone lived to their wishes even the villains of the story didn't just serve the purpose of the villain but were their humans, from Mok-ha's father down to Ki-ho's.

My favorite part has to be the siblings. In all K-dramas with a love triangle, not a single "brother couple" was as beautiful as Wohak & Bogeol. Love isn't everything, sometimes some things are more important, and some confessions can be left unconfessed.

If you like picking flaws in dramas, I am sure you'll find a couple here and there. In my case, I can turn a blind eye to the unreal things as a favor to all the beautiful emotions they showed me. Great acting on everyone's part (besides a few very minor characters). I wished that Mok-ha's accent became a little lighter at some early point but it was inevitable given the short time the drama covers.

Leia Mais

A story about a young woman who dreamt of becoming a diva.

The idea of the story itself is very unique in my opinion. Though there are some illogical point (regarding her survival in the deserted island), but the whole visual is super great. And the story is not merely highlighting the romance between the main leads couple. But it showed us friendship, hope, resilience, and persistence.

The actors and actresses really did a great job in portraying their character. Park Eun Bin with her quirk, Chae Jong Hyeop with his talking eyes, Cha Hak Yeon with his wit, and Kim Hyo Jin with her clumsiness. I really enjoyed their acting here. So did the supporter character. Everyone was equally doing their best to portray their character.

Though the focus of the series itself is not romance, but I can feel a great chemistry between the ML and FL. They portrayed pure love. And it feels so sweet and sincere.

Leia Mais

Wait, who is the main lead here?

Castaway Diva stars one of my favorite K drama actresses Park Eun Bin as Mok Ha. However, I am a "story first" kind of watcher. The fact that one of my favorite actors is included is just a bonus to me.

When I initially envisioned Castaway Diva, I envisioned it as a story about overcoming trememdous odds. Overcoming enormous mental and physical suffering intertwined with loneliness and personal suffering, while still maintaining the vision, persistence and inner drive to pursue your dreams of becoming a famous singer/diva. It is possible to achieve one's goals even when facing the most adverse circumstances, with determination. Even with the psychological effects of years of isolation and loneliness, and how having a dream can help keep a person motivated even in the most difficult situations.

In reality, we got a story about child abuse on two fronts, one involving Mok Ha, and the other with Kang Geol. Both grew up in hardship caused by their fathers. Mok Ha escapes on a ferry. But after her father miraculously appears on the ferry she jumps off not far from the mainland and ends up on a deserted island where no one finds her or the island for 15 years.

In her now adult years, the time quickly passes past her teenage years (where many definite trials of survival were omitted). An abundant supply of washed up trash, combined with a variety of items that are good enough to get her by, eases the perceived hardship. She looks a little dirty and her clothing is worn. That's all the evidence we have of 15 years. A flashback shows her attempt to end her life, only to be saved by seeing a floating...cooler. Her mental state is worn a bit.

I'm not being overly critical here, these are things that actually happened. In EPISODE 1, she is rescued. My first thought was that they might be able to fill in many things through flashbacks. Furthermore, I felt the studio did not want to lose audiences to a drawn-out survival story and it would press Park Eun Bins' range once again, but I think her fans would like to see her in a different, more fairytale setting. Anyhow...

Adopting back into society is a breeze. The doctor has marked her health as good. Her skin, hair, and teeth are all in excellent health. In terms of body weight, she is in proportion to any other woman her age. It's all going well! It would have been better to just have her run away instead of having her be a castaway. With an abusive father and his death, her isolation and loneliness on a deserted island at 15, Mok Ha has been through a lot mentally. Despite this, she immediately finds strength to support her idol, Ran Joo, and launches a campaign to encourage HER comeback. It's not the other way around. In this story, Ran Joo takes center stage with Mok Ha supporting her as Ran Joo overcomes odds.

Wrapping up, overall it was a good production. Of course we have Bo Geol and Wook Hak's loving friendship and the psychotic father story. The main disappointment for me was not all the little issues as mentioned, but the fact that the ML took the role of the support person. Those who think otherwise would be fooling themselves. I just wish most of the focus was on ML.

Leia Mais

Overall bland

Should have been story of stranded girl finding her own way into stardom. But viewers got all the other things instead.
Cons:
1) Drama has too many plotlines and almost each supporting characters had a backstory. As a result, i wasn`t invested in each story.
2) Character consistency or logic
Characters changes suddenly without much logic or explanation.
3) It was supposed to be Rom Com but it didn`t do both of these well. Romance was not swoony and comedy was not funny.
Pros:
1) I loved Park Eun Bin`s performance. She sold this endearing character
2) OSTs were good.
3) I loved some of the messages writer was trying to tell

Leia Mais

We're all Castaway Divas

Castaway Diva weaves an extraordinary tale of resilience and the pursuit of dreams that left me emotionally invested from the very beginning.

Mok Ha's narrative unfolds as a poignant journey, transcending the conventional boundaries of survival stories. From enduring the solitude of a deserted island during her formative years to re-entering a society that has drastically transformed in her absence, Mok Ha's character resonates with an authenticity that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking.
What struck me the most was her unwavering determination to fulfill her lifelong dream of becoming a singer despite the immense challenges that stood in her way. The series adeptly explores the complexities of social dynamics in the contemporary world, highlighting the stark contrasts between Mok Ha's isolated existence and the bustling, interconnected reality she faces upon her return. As she navigates this unfamiliar terrain, the show skillfully captures the essence of her struggles and triumphs, delivering a powerful narrative that tugs at the heartstrings.

Castaway Diva is not merely a story; it's an ode to the indomitable human spirit and the boundless pursuit of passion, leaving viewers with a resonant message that dreams, no matter how deferred, can be realized with unwavering perseverance.

Really, a must watch – I laughed, I cried, and above all, I found myself deeply inspired by the journey of these castaway divas.

Leia Mais

Very shiny but without much charm

Honestly, I think 7.5 might be too generous?? idk
I genuinely had so many hopes for this drama. I’m a big fan of PEB and was holding my damn breath until this drama would be released because it sounded soo interesting. Unfortunately, at least in my opinion, this drama ended up giving too much screen time to subplots that I did not care about whatsoever (RJ shares, Ran Joo’s mother, and most of all the stupid abusive dad storyline) and not nearly enough to the parts that actually mattered and most of us came here for (helloooooooooo? romance? literally where).
This is a drama that genuinely had so much potential and had all the right tools to become successful, but it completely fumbled the execution and left me feeling quite disappointed. Couple of upsides: love love LOVE the SML, honestly he had more chemistry with PEB than CJH and was honestly just the best boy all around. So devoted to Seo Mok Ha from the very beginning, was literally fantasizing about being her childhood first love to have an excuse to be with her like cmon the flag doesn’t get any greener than that. Music was simply amazing, no doubt about that. My Spotify playlists will be blessed with many new additions. Park Eun Bin slayed as always, I will always watch her in anything and everything.
Now for biggest pet peeves: Although I enjoyed the character development of the ML, they just didn’t give him enough time to develop as an individual and then as a love interest for Seo Mok Ha, they just kind of slapped them together at the end and called it love (even when we get past how insta-lovey their childhood story was). Because of this the chemistry was just so off and I couldn’t root for the main couple since they gave them nothing to work with besides a crush from 15 years ago. Like I said before, the inclusion of many uninteresting (to me) plotlines made the plot drag so much and genuinely just made for a very dull viewing experience. I quite frankly didn’t come here to watch a batshit crazy police officer chase his family across all of Korea, I came to watch Park Eun Bin become a singer and maybe fall in love, so the fact that such a large portion of the story was focused on stalker daddy disappointed me pretty immensely.
All in all, not a terrible drama and may be a worthwhile watch, just maybe not for me. Blame my sky-high expectations or the marketing, but this drama just didn’t live up to what I had imagined in my head. If you must, at least stay for Park Eun Bin’s music. Or find the Spotify playlist, that works too lol.

Leia Mais

"Castaway" Diva

Castaway Diva has 'castaway' only in the name. Most of the characters she encounters don't care how she survived on that island all alone. The castaway situation was just reduced into some throw away lines between the characters. Her being a castaway provides nothing to the story after 2 episodes. It becomes completely irrelevant. There is no sign of psychological issues from spending all those years alone in that island. There is no struggle for her to get accustomed to the society. That also was fixed easily through some throw away lines. There is no struggle for her to overcome inorder for her to become a singer. Everyone just accepts that her easily without any conflict no questions asked. If you know anything about korean entertainment industry and media, that's not how that work.

The story was more focused on the ML's story rather than the title character. The main plotline is sidelined by the ML's traumatic home life which was much more interesting than whatever going on with Mok Ha (FL) and Ran Joo (SFL) for sure. But thats where the title of this drama comes in as extremely misleading. Everything here felt so rushed and cut short.
And for there are some extremely good actors playing there characters really fantastic. Most actors did a wonderful job, especially the actors who played young Kiho (ML) and Mok Ha.
The OSTs were really remarkable.
Cinematography and direction was superb particularly the visuals.
And this drama had one of the best pilot episode I have ever seen in tv.
All things considered, the only things that I feel is indifference rather than disappointment with this one.
I'll give it 8.5 only because I could finish it and I am often generous with ratings.

P.S :- Ran Joo is not a good or reliable person. The CEO guy and Eun Morae was 100% right about her and had very good reason to abandon her. (my unpopular opinion)

Leia Mais

Drama not what I expected... and that's not a good thing

When you watch the trailer, or even read the title "Castaway Diva" - you expect a drama about a plucky and talented teen girl dreaming of stardom who gets crash landed on a deserted island. You expect to see her adjust to modern life after being rescued and all the ups and downs that come with that.

Unfortunately, that is not at all what we get.

Mokha's story is sadly placed on the backburner completely in favor of Kiho and Ranjoo. She is nothing but a background character. We get hardly anything about Mokha "adjusting" to life off the island. She seems to do miraculously well, despite having only a 10th grade education and being emotionally stunted at age 15. She is able to essentially become Ranjoo's manager immediately (again, despite having nothing but a middle school education) and seems to have no problem with modern technology. If she has trauma from the experience (which, frankly, she SHOULD) this isn't shown to us and plays no part in the story. After being alone on an island, she should be a little quirky and odd and unable to interact with other people well, but she has absolutely no problem whatsoever. I was looking forward to seeing all of those things portrayed on this drama but we got none of it.

So let's talk about what we did see.

The drama really wanted us to question, "Which brother is Kiho!?" but it was pretty obvious from the start. It also got pretty convoluted in the explanation of a certain brother losing his memory and not knowing about them changing their identities and so on. I was also so frustrated by their father. Of course, that is the point. But good god, it dragged on.

A positive note on this - the found family aspect with their step dad was magical. Truly, the greatest dad in kdrama award goes to him! What an absolute gem. We love to see it.

The other thing we saw - Yoo Ranjoo and company, which was arguably the worst part of this drama. No aspect of her story was interesting to me and there was absolutely NO resolution. I'm not sure if we are meant to view the CEO as a villain or if he was meant to be redeemed, because they didn't go 100% on either end. Especially the storyline at the end of them finding the receipt of album purchases (I won't get too into it), he gives us some complete bologna excuse that has no evidence or backing and we're just supposed to be like "Oh, OKAY!" and it is never brought up again.

All in all, the drama wasn't BAD. It was enjoyable for the most part. I just can't shake that this drama was not advertised correctly and that hindered my enjoyment tremendously. In fact, anything that was supposed to make this drama unique wasn't even there, and instead was just cliche.

Leia Mais

mokha is a special character. the most generous and wholesome.

amazing cast and great, memorable characters. from mokha, to kiho, to ranjoo to woohak to their father. the pilot was the best part of the show. with this and startup - the writer really has a knack for it. although it's not an all time fav, the quotes and life lessons in this drama fr. it will stick with me.

and eun bin is tremendously talented. what's that voice and singing range! wow!


even the domestic violence was handled in a very realistic way. with all the hatred and revenge and everything we see in life, sometimes forgetting and moving on is the biggest punishment and revenge you can give to someone who has no consideration for your life and feelings.

Leia Mais

Why it's not perfect?

To answer to my own question, I have no idea!

How should I describe Castaway Diva in a simple way? It's a show about people whom are fighting for their family, their love, their dreams, and never give up! Mokha is probably the most inspiring character I've seen for a long time. Park Eun Bin and the whole cast and crew deserve every award! I don't know if I should've given 10/10 or 9/10 for this show. It feels like I'm nitpicking, but honestly, there were a couple of things in the story that could've been a LITTLE BIT better. IN MY HEART, THIS IS A PERFECT DRAMA, but as a more critical person, it's "ONLY" 9/10! It would be surprising if Park Eun Bin and the crew won't win anything next year. Amazing show, masterclass acting, one of the best written show in 2023, the entire production was top-notch, and probably had THE Best OST too. I don't even remember when was the last time a Kdrama had a perfect OST, not just the songs, but the score too.

Here comes the long part!?

What I LOVED about the Castaway Diva, is that on the surface it's about a girl who idolize a singer, and she wants to be a singer too, just like her Idol. But if you watch the whole show, and you pay attention, you'll see, it's about finding your own path, finding happiness, and that's not fame or money, it's LOVE and FAMILY! Nowadays, these words became cliché, thanks to the souless movies. This show is about REAL PEOPLE with REAL STRUGGLES. Most Kdrama creator don't even dare to put half of what the Castaway Diva creators put in this show. In the past 6 weeks I saw so many comments from people, complaining, when will we see Mokha as an Idol. The sad part in this fandom is that most Kdrama fans aren't used to the real world stories. They want fantasy, and that's okay, but for me, there's nothing more important than learning something meaningful from a show, movie, or a book. A story can be fun, even if the story doesn't make sense at all. Marvel movies proved it for years, but if you're watching the same thing over and over, it will become boring eventually. This Kdrama showed everyone, you can write a fun show even if it's realistic and dealing with many real world problems like, domestic abuse, depression, alcoholism, toxicity, prejudice, or insecurity. Why is it so hard to be an Idol in Korea (especially if you're older than 30) or just being an average person who can't even ask help, because the Korean legal system is messed up so much. What I liked the most, is that there wasn't a single character who was one dimensional or boring.

I'm sure, for most of you, Mokha and Kiho were the best couple, and it's not like I don't love them. Easily one of the best romantic couple of all time, probably! They really fought for each other, especially Kiho, but like Park Eun Bin said in an interview: "That's a fantasy!"? I love fantasy, but what I LOVE THE MOST is when two women don't hate each other, they're not perfect, and don't want to kill each other for the most ridiculous reason.

THE BEST PART in Castaway Diva were Mokha and Ranjoo's sisterhood. Even if some people didn't understand it sometimes, they fought for each other like real sisters, NEVER wanted to betray each other for fame or money. I honestly don't want anything else, but seeing Park Eun Bin and Kim Hyo Jin winning "The best couple" award, because this year, there's no one who deserve it more!

I don't think anyone can write a review about a show with Park Eun Bin being the main lead, without mentioning the fact that she proved over and over for more than 20 years now, her versatile skills as an actress. Every time she's on the screen, the viewer is either crying or laughing, or both.? I honestly think that there's nothing she can't do. She was a wife and mother who fought for her family in a Joseon dynasty in 'Hur Jun, the Origin Story'. She was a troubled young adult in 'Age of Youth', a fierce warrior "King" in the 'The King's Affection', and a brilliant lawyer with ASD in the 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo', and now: She's literally debuted as an Idol, and proved to everyone that she can win a Grammy for her singing skills too. If someone only watched Castaway Diva from her, I'm 110% sure, they will think, Park Eun Bin was an Idol first and became an actress later.

I have to mention the other actors too, especially the two young actors: Moon Woo Jin (as the young Kiho) and Lee Re (as the young Mokha), because without them, I don't think this show would be this good. They're THE MAIN REASON the 1st episode was PERFECT! Having acting skills like they have at a young age is probably a talent they were born with. Being kid actors is always hard, especially in Kdramas, but being in the same level with the adults is a talent that not everyone has.?

Chae Jong Hyeop and Cha Hak Yeon proved again, they're not just pretty boys. The nuances in their acting, not something you can learn easily. A writer can write the best script in the world, but if the actors are not good enough, it's going to be a disaster.
The same goes for Kim Hyo Jin and Kim Joo Heon. Like I said, the characters aren't one dimensional, that's why sometimes you can hate them and a couple of minutes later you love them again. Especially after you realize why they're doing what they're doing.

I'm glad Hyo Jin's Ranjoo wasn't just a simple mentor or a finished article who's jealous of Mokha or Eun Morae. There's a good reason, Ranjoo was my favorite character after Mokha. I love characters with flaws, with real problems, and Ranjoo had everything. She proved that she's not a finished article, she was the best mentor and friend that a real fan like Mokha could ask for. Her story with her mother and with her mentor, and to be honest, a second dad, was the cherry on the top. Like I said, masterclass acting and writing! I don't think I will forget the scene where Ranjoo singing for her mother.

If we say, Kiho is the best boy that a girl can ask for, or as kids say it nowadays, a walking green flag, Daddy Kang was a whole forest with his forest fairy, Song Ha Jung. ? Daddy Kang (Lee Joong Ok) and Song Ha Jung's (Seo Jung Yeon) love story could probably top even Mokha and Kiho's. I don't think there's too many people who can endure the amount of pain and misery that they had to deal with. Living in fear for more than 15 years, raising two kid, dealing with judgmental people and still love each other and don't run away, instead fighting for their family. There's nothing harder than that.

Lee Seung Joon as Jung Bong Wan won't go down as the best person in the history of Kdramas, but the fact is that he's one of the best written antagonist. He wasn't a typical evil person who would do everything to achieve his goal. I don't think there will be a single person who will sympathies with him, but his character is a great example, what happens when you have too much power and freedom to do whatever you want. Even tho, he loved his family in his own way, it was one of the best representation of a toxic relationship, and they showed us why is it hard to leave people like him, even after so many years.

I have to mention the director and the writer too. Park Hye Ryun (writer) and Oh Choong Hwan (director) worked together once, but this time, in my humble opinion, they made something really SPECIAL that people won't forget for a very long time. I hope they will win something for their work, because they deserve it, BIG TIME!

I could talk about the Castaway Diva for a week, why everyone should watch it, but I don't want to waste your time with reading my novel, so just go, and watch Castaway Diva!?

I'll end my review with my favorite line from the show. There were MANY, but this is probably the most meaningful of them all!

"- I guess it’s true that givers create takers. You were the one who was the giver, and I was the taker.
- Why are you a taker? You’re a gift."

Leia Mais

Do you believe in destiny? Do you believe that destiny can changes the direction of your tale? Destiny holds the immense power of changing everything you have been hoping and putting you in a complete different atmosphere.

2023 has been a year of short yet sweet dramas and the latest Casteaway Diva gives a sweet tale while dealing with serious issue of domestic violence.

The first episode opens with Mok Ha dreaming to become singer and share the stage with her idol Ran Joo. She seeks help from her fellow classmate Ki Ho who even takes charge for sharing his bike with others. Life in Chunsam Island does not seem like a dream as violence erupts in the life of these kids anytime.

Mok Ha gets lost in ocean while trying to run away from her abusive father. She lands up in a deserted island and her wait to meet her dreams starts.Pen behind the lovely story has gifted us beautiful tales like Pinnochio, While You Were Sleeping and the recent Start Up. Park Hye Run always makes a strong girl but holds her back with an unprecedented weakness. Mok Ha is no exception. She sings like a diva. Her talent earns her a spot with Ran Joo when she was sixteen, but destiny betrayed her mercilessly.

The biggest twist is the confusion of Woo Hak and Bo Gyeol. Audience were waiting eagerly to meet Ki Ho, but the twist with the entry of Woo Hak in the frame who has forgotten his childhood memories puts us in dilemmas too. As we try to read eyes of Bo Gyeol, our heart gets drawn to innocent Woo Hak who tries to bring in his memory. The sweet revelation at the end will tear your heart.

Love, a small yet such an important emotion which rules our life. Why has been divorce increasing this days, is it because life has become tough or we are changing into worse? The answer is varying from one to other. But definition of violence has always been the same. People who hurts their own person does not deserve a second chance in life. They are responsible for causing emotional damage and nothing can explain that.

Director Oh Choong wan, who previously helmed tales like Big Mouth or While You are Sleeping always reflects on a major social trouble while sketching a heart warming love behind. Casteaway Diva, glammer through the light of stars that shines across stage. But he did not limit himself in the light. The lens brought alive the darkness that fades the singer as they cross the age bracket. People do not stop living because failure but the darkness eats them through and makes them feel hopeless.

The Director brings in a musical satire with the viciousness of entertainment industry that tends to forget talent over age. But is age everything and even dominates over talent. What if you are a great singer and you find your stage at the age of thirty? Why it is said that audience will not resonate with you because you are old now.

We are living in 2023, isn't it time to tell the world to put the bracket away and give warm embrace to the talent or the abilities?

Leia Mais