One More Time

One More Time is a South Korean web drama series, first premiered in 2016, that gracefully straddles the boundary between fantasy and reality and gives it a compelling time loop twist. This fascinating drama comprises eight episodes, each about 30 minutes long, providing echo chambers of emotion, passion, love, music, choices, and the overwhelming beauty and cruelty of fate in a remarkable package.

The series follows Yoo Tan, the lead vocalist of an indie band, played by the skilful L (Kim Myung-soo) from K-pop group INFINITE, who possesses the strange ability to travel back in time. This time-travelling is not something fun or voluntary but is imposed upon him in the form of a curse. On the stroke of midnight, he continually finds himself repeating the same day over and over again. Each day ends with the death of the woman Yoo Tan loves, and each new day begins with Tan trying to change the impending doom that awaits him at the end.

The woman at the heart of Yoo Tan's life is Da-In, a captivating character played by the talented Yoon So-Hee, an accomplished viola player. Da-In is not just Yoo Tan’s love interest but also a critical entity around which the story orbits. She is seductive, innocent, musically inclined, adored by Tan, and tragically destined to expire at the stroke of midnight.

One More Time is often compared with Groundhog Day for its repetitive time loop narrative, but its distinct soul searching and emotional burden sets it apart. As Tan struggles with his inexplicable predicament of repetitive, inevitable events, viewers are privy to a deepening exploration of the fragility of life and love, the urgency of time, and the disastrous impact of choices made.

One of the defining aspects of One More Time is the music. Given Yoo Tan’s vocation as a singer, the series not only vibrates with physical music portrayed through his character but also abstract music weaved into every facet of the story. Several soulful, haunting melodies pervade throughout the series, reflecting Yoo Tan's heartfelt yearning and struggle to break free from his cursed cycle.

Beyond the plot, the show is a visual treat. The cinematography is exceptional, immersing the viewers in the vibrant backdrop of Seoul's metropolis and its indie music scene. The color grading switches between pastel-toned day scenes filled with light-hearted banter and music to contrastingly intense, romantic, serious nighttime sequences.

In terms of characters, besides Tan and Da-In, the show is populated with diverse characters like Tan's band members, a rival music group, and mysterious figures influencing Tan's time-loop predicament. Each character has a unique personality and role to play in the unfolding drama and makes a significant contribution to the overall narrative.

Thematically, One More Time delves into some poignant issues like the value of time, inevitability, and choice. Each repeated day gives Tan the opportunity to see his world from a different paradigm, make better choices, and appreciate the meaning of life in its entirety. The series explores these themes with depth and sensitivity, leaving the audience with crucial contemplations about their own lives.

In conclusion, One More Time is a dazzling blend of romance, drama, music, and fantasy, with a time-loop device adding a novel twist to the tale. Heartwarming, at times heartbreaking, and beautifully filmed, the series packs a punch with both the storyline and the performances. Whether you're a fan of K-Drama, an admirer of complex narratives, or a follower of Korean indie music, One More Time promises an unforgettable journey.