Triple

Triple is a delightful, heart-warming 20-episode South Korean drama presented by MBC America that originally aired from June through July in 2009. The show is predominantly set in the alluring world of ice skating and revolves around the lives of its primary characters as they navigate personal growth, challenging career paths, and evolving relationships. Broadly, the show is a fusion of romance, comedy, sport, and drops of drama, all masterfully woven together, creating a captivating storyline that keeps viewers on their toes.

The show primarily follows the personal journey of Lee Haru, a young, burgeoning figure skater with dreams of carving her name in the history of the sport. She aspires to become a national champion and, eventually, a world-renowned figure skater. Haru had been living in Canada with her adopted family, but relentless in her pursuit, she decides to move back to South Korea.

Upon her return, she joins forces with her former coach, Shin Hwal, who had first spotted her potential as a young aspirant. Hwal is an ex-speed skater who runs a sports agency, and their relationship is complex and filled with emotional undercurrents. Once engaged, broken circumstances led them to part ways, following which Haru was adopted by a Canadian family.

Haru also shares a deep bond with kang Hyun-tae, a genius copywriter, and his brother Poong-ho, a cycling athlete, who help make her journey less burdensome. Hyun-tae falls for Haru, and thus begins a love triangle that adds romantic depth to the narrative. Poong-ho, while dealing with his own life choices, serves to bring several comedic moments, lightening the overall mood of the show.

The show introduces the idea of a 'Triple' – a trio of roommates – embodied by Haru, Hyun-tae, and Jo Hae-yoon, a kind-hearted doctor who treats Hwal after an accident. Hae-yoon is a warm, compassionate professional who is inherently selfless and harbors feelings for Hwal, adding another layer to the complex web of relationships.

Throughout the show, these primary characters, along with a supporting ensemble cast, tackle their own set of challenges both within and away from the ice rink. Be it family issues, career obstacles, or the daunting task of confronting their emotions, each character embarks on a journey of self-discovery. With the dynamic backdrop of ice-skating that not only serves as a sport but a metaphor for the characters' twisting, arabesque lives, the show smartly combines personal narratives and professional trials.

The drama's success can be attributed to its well-crafted characters accompanied by intricately woven plotlines. Each character is distinctive, with strengths and flaws, aspirations and fears. Whether it's Haru's struggles with her career or Hwal's internal battle with past regrets, every character wrestles and shines in their unique ways. This depth adds authenticity and relatability to the show's narrative, making it an enjoyable watch.

Additionally, the solid performances by the cast add to the overall appeal of the show. Lee Jung-jae, as Shin Hwal, is perfectly cast, across all his angular, brooding charm onto the screen. Min Hyo-rin, as Lee Haru, is equally compelling, reflecting the precise blend of innocence and confidence that defines her character. Yoon Kye-sang and Lee Sun-kyun, as Han Hyun-tae and Jo Hae-yoon respectively, also deliver noteworthy performances, adding their distinctive charisma to the ensemble.

While the figure skating and sports agency setting lends the show its unique flair, the writing presents an authentic slice of life. It tastefully combines professional challenges, personal struggles, and relationship dramas without overshadowing one another.

The show also weaves in bits of humour, with witty dialogues and underlying sarcasm, providing necessary comic relief. The cinematography is a visual treat, with the grandeur of ice skating scenes standing out, and the picturesque backdrops of Korea making for a delightful watch.

To sum it up, 'Triple' is a nuanced exploration of life lessons beautifully wrapped under the umbrella of sports and personal relationships. It offers a compelling watch for those who enjoy a mix of romance, sports drama and family dynamics. Seasoned with comedic elements and a hearty dose of everyday relatability, 'Triple' is a show that will appeal to a wide range of viewers.