If you are hesitant to watch "Sell Your Haunted House" because you are not a fan of the horror genre, don't worry. Even though the ghost effects are really well done, they will likely do no more than startle you when you first see them. This is a show worth watching or at least try out because it checks all the checkboxes when it comes to great entertainment. It does a superb job drawing the viewers into each episode while keeping a good balance with the overarching mystery that ties the fates of the ML and FL together.

* STORYLINE
This series stands out from the large repertoire of supernatural K-dramas because of its unique premise and different take on the subject. The drama follows Hong Ji Ah, a real estate agent who makes a living by performing exorcisms to rid spirits from haunted properties, after which her office manager, Joo Hwa Jung, will then sell those properties. It is actually kind of a genius move.

The crux of Ji Ah's story is that she is unable to send her mother's ghost off since her tragic death 20 years ago, and it is during her attempt to do so that led her to cross paths with Oh In Beom. In Beom and his sidekick, Heo Ji Cheo, are conmen who set up fake apparitions to scare and scam people. However, the story drops hints that these guys are actually not that bad as they mainly target people with ill-gotten gains.

A temporary partnership is formed after Ji Ah discovers In Beom's ability as a special medium who could help her exorcise her mother's spirit. At the same time, Im Beom realizes that his past could be related to Ji Ah's mother. That is when the plot takes off.

Interestingly, as the drama weaves through the episodes, it touches upon social issues like problems affecting older people, the terror of stalking, and others more pertinent to real estate, like lives ruined and lost through real estate speculation.

Each vengeful ghost's story is compelling, some of them more poignant and sadder, but each exorcism rights the wrongdoing against the ghost and provides a sense of satisfaction for the viewers. I like how the show presents the exorcisms in different ways and views of the spirit world, preventing it from becoming formulaic and predictable.

This drama offers a little bit of everything, and it will even make you feel hungry as many episodes feature delicious-looking Korean food! There is light and dark comedy, mystery, drama, and fantasy. You will probably shed more tears than expected, feel sympathy, and relish the character growth of the leads as one learns more about the converging backstories of Ji Ah and In Beom. There is an underlying romantic current between the two, but the show is not obvious about it. Instead of spending too much time on the romance, the show focuses on the main narrative. The hints are there, though with the witty bantering, the glances and stares, and the definite awareness of each other's presence and importance.

What I appreciate the most is that, instead of relying mainly on "shocking" plot twists that end up being predictable, the show teases the viewers from the start about certain revelations while effectively keeping us guessing about what will happen next.

* CINEMATOGRAPHY & MUSIC
KUDOS to everyone that worked on this show, including the screenwriters, director, cast, set designers, stylists, CGI production team, music producers/editors, and songwriters. You can tell that everyone brought their A-game. The level of attention to detail is incredible - from the camera work and lighting, the set and the props, the characters' styling – everything is well-thought-out and results in masterful storytelling. Just the way Ji Ah performs each exorcism is done so meticulously, and in general, every detail is there for a reason.

The music track is terrific, and the background music appears to be carefully composed for effects and emotions. I particularly love the instrumental piece that plays during many of the emotional and dramatic scenes. Melancholic and sentimental, this is the most touching piece for the whole drama. The OSTs are also memorable, and I always like it when the actors contribute to the soundtrack. In this case, Jung Yong Hwa sang the opening credit song, "I Got Ya" and Jung Nara sang the catchy tune "Daydream". For posterity, I listed the songs from the soundtrack at the end of my review.

* CHARACTERS & CAST
The casting is spot-on, with the lead actors portraying their quirky characters well. For the cast who has a great rapport with each other, this drama provides an opportunity for them to show off or expand their acting abilities.

I love that the characters are shades of gray. There are the antagonists who feel justified in their actions, and we also have the protagonists who make bad decisions, say and do things they do not mean in the heat of the moment. The show scores points with dynamic characters who struggle with their actions, who are not always clear if they are doing the right thing or what the right thing even is.

Notably, the more recent dramas are undergoing a welcome shift to featuring more substantial and more admirable female leads. Jang Na Ra as Ji Ah is no exception; you should see her take down the living and dead. I read that she did Parkour training, and it shows - she looks amazing doing the stunts and fight scenes! Her personality is as caustic as it is endearing, especially when we know about her complex and dark past. Her online shopping habit, which constantly frustrates her mother, is a nice bit of comic relief. I love her black focused outfits and her make-up. Seriously, Jang Na Ra has proven her acting chops over and over again. Just watch her in "Fated to Love You" with Jang Hyuk (love that guy!), and you can see the contrast in characters. Even the way she grieves in each show is subtly different, or at least to me, it is. Hah! Perhaps my bias is showing.

Jung Yong-Hwa does an excellent job as the smooth yet goofy In Beom. I liked Jung Yong-Hwa's performance in "The Package", and in this show, he has shown that he can match up to Jang Na Ra's screen presence, except during the more emotional scenes. In all fairness, though, it would be hard for most to cry as amazingly as Jang Na Ra. He has fantastic chemistry with her, and the dynamic between them is captivating. The romance is not the main focus, but I find myself shipping them. However, if they do get together, that means In Beom cannot be a medium. Oh, the dilemma! If you are wondering what do I mean by that, watch the show!!! Minor spoiler - it's cute to see In Beom as Ji Ah's personal heat pack, warming her up not only physically but also mentally. Her character development is heart-warming as she slowly opens up to In Beom.

The supporting actors also deserve praise! Including Kang Hong Suk as In Beom's extremely loyal sidekick - Chief, Kang Mal Geum as Joo Hwa Jung, who pulls off being so gray that she stresses me out throughout the show, and last but not least, Baek Eun Hye as Hong Mi Jin, Ji Ah's mother. Baek Eun Hye did such a great job emoting as a ghost who is silent throughout the show.

The weak link for me is Do Hak Sung, the shady developer. He is rather lacking as the ultimate villain and his cronies pretty one-dimensional. That's the main reason why I did not rate this show a 10. That said, Ahn Kil Kang as Do Hak Sung really does present a physically imposing presence.

* OVERALL
"Sell Your Haunted House" is a show done right, one that manages to take a fresh approach to the supernatural genre. The writing is excellent, the story is interesting, entertaining, funny, touching, sweet - basically all the feels, the cast is commendable, the directing and editing is nicely done, and the music track is well selected. Give it a try, and who knows, you may get hooked onto it just like I was.

* Sell Your Haunted House OSTs
1- Jung Yong Hwa - I Got Ya
2- Jang Jung Hyuk - Don't cry
3- Shin Min Jung - Don't ask
4- Jang Nara - DAYDREAM
5- NIA - Only one
6- Jung Yi Han - Someday
7 - Damu - in Dream