Plus Nine Boys

Plus Nine Boys is a thoughtfully crafted South Korean television series which aired on tvN in 2014. The engaging show unravels the convoluted intricacies of love, life, and relationships through the perspective of four male characters. The title "Plus Nine Boys" derived from a Korean superstition that believes in the curse of the ninth year, owing to the fact that nine (구 - gu) is homophonous with the word for "long-lasting" (오래 - orae). Concerned with the wordplay, the narrative is structured around characters who are 9, 19, 29, and 39 years old and are all deemed to be in the unlucky year of their lives.

The leading characters in the series are Kang Dong-gu, Kang Min-gu, Kang Jin-gu, and Gu Kwang-soo; each representing the different age phases with their unique stories. The characters are endearingly brought to life by the talented cast consisting of Yook Sung-jae, Choi Ro-woon, Oh Jung-se, and Kim Young-kwang. Each character in different stages of life is encountered with unique circumstances and challenges, largely having to do with their love lives, which they need to surmount and find solutions for.

At 9 years old, Kang Dong-gu (played by Choi Ro-woon) is a sweet and charming child who is fast maturing and striving to win the heart of his first love. As he embarks on the initial journey of understanding emotions and relationships, he grapples with his feelings towards an older girl. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Kang Min-gu (played by Yook Sung-jae) is a judo athlete who is juggling between his love life, sports career, and studies; a challenging phase in an adolescent's life.

29-year-old Kang Jin-gu (played by Oh Jung-se), is a tour planner dealing with his stalling career and an unexpected romantic breakup. Struggling amidst adversity, this character depicts the hardships faced in the late twenties. Lastly, the oldest of the lot, 39-year-old Gu Kwang-soo (played by Kim Young-kwang) is a producing director battling mid-life crisis, failed relationships, and career dissatisfaction.

The beauty of this show lies in the way it portrays problems germane to each age group. The issues faced by each character are relatable across demographics, thus reflecting the universality of human emotions and experiences. From childhood innocence to teen angst, from struggles of the unpredictable late twenties to dilemmas of mid-life crisis, the narratives are perceptively woven together.

Moreover, the connection between the characters is another highlight of the series. The three Kangs are brothers and they live together with their uncle, Gu Kwang-soo. The camaraderie they share adds value to the overall storyline, giving viewers more nuanced characters and relationships to invest in.

Plus Nine Boys goes beyond mere entertainment; it’s a heartwarming exploration of human emotions, relationships, and the significant role of age and time in shaping one's life. The series stands out from the crowd of South Korean dramas with its innovative narrative premise, relatable characters, compelling performances, and sincere storytelling.

While the show is an engaging romantic drama, it also provides viewers with insightful life lessons and reflections regarding the journey of human evolution. The storytelling carefully balances comedy, romance, and drama, offering the audience a blend of emotions. Plus Nine Boys has often been appreciated for its realistic and well-written script, thoughtfully reflecting common challenges faced in different periods of life.

The series is complemented by its remarkable visual presentation. The cinematography is distinctive and eye-catching which, in combination with the exceptional performances by the cast, forms an invigorating viewing experience. Undoubtedly, Plus Nine Boys is a show that leaves an indelible impression and evokes a sense of empathy in viewers by vividly encapsulating a slice of human life. Filled with warmth, humor, romance, and life’s wisdom, this show is a must-watch for those ensnared by the charm of Korean dramas and for those who appreciate profound and genuine storytelling.