What's Up

What's Up is a South Korean drama series produced by the MBN that aired from 2011 to 2012, integrating a unique blend of music, drama, romance and dance, which at once captivated the hearts of millennials and people who are in love with the vibrant genre of Korean drama series. Pioneering a captivating tale of youth, dreams, love, and growth, What's Up represents a remarkable narrative truly noteworthy in the sphere of Korean cinema.

Rhooped in the vibrant kaleidoscope of the Korean entertainment industry, the plot of What's Up unfolds in the context of a performing arts university where the focus remains on students as they scramble through the crucial phase of university life, dealing with their respective trials, tribulations and triumphs. The rich storyline gracefully intertwines a splendid display of young passion and aspirations with the harsh realities they encounter, ultimately presenting an enriching drama that is high on emotional value and one that stirs through the fundamental core of youth dynamics and human sentiments.

Aesthetically conceived with an intelligent layout of plot premise, What's Up is character-driven, portrayed through a vibrant succession of well-crafted characters that form the heart and soul of the series. Each character in the show reveals a deeply woven personality evolving through their respective narratives. The main cast of the show comprise students, each immersed in the pursuit of their dreams - paving their paths amid struggles, friendships, competitions, and romantic entanglements - making it phenomenally relatable to its young audience. These characters exhibit a diverse range of dreams, goals and interests - from singing, dancing to writing - which underscore the inherent theme of the series: the pursuit of passion and dreams in the face of realities.

An integral part of the series which elevates it from the spate of youth-centric dramas is the generous and brilliant infusion of music. The characters' stories are not only told through dialogues and events, but also their songs. The characters often break into song at key moments, invoking emotions that resonate with the narrative. This creates a refreshing artistic atmosphere, marvellously blending drama with musical. Hence, What's Up adds a fresh flavor to the MBN's drama lineup, seamlessly blending the drama and musical genres, creating the ideal backdrop for a narrative about young aspiring artists.

What sets What's Up apart is also its ability to strike a perfect balance between the characters' personal development, their dreams, and their love life. The series skillfully balances the romance aspect, ensuring that it neither overshadows nor gets swept away by the life of the aspiring arts students. This balance brings a rounded perspective to the series, ensuring it doesn't become too melodramatic or dismissive about the significance of their dreams.

The cinematography of the show is commendable; it beautifully captures the essence of the university environment, emotions, and performances of young artists. The show has been aesthetically shot, giving an extravagant cinematic feel to the drama, thus enhancing the overall viewing experience.

Furthermore, the clever balance of humor and emotional depth, woven with the finely crafted plot, makes What’s Up a significantly impactful series. The superb portrayal of friendship, camaraderie, mutual support, and rivalry among the characters brings a touch of realism that is deeply engaging. Additionally, the series shines for its heartfelt moments, poignant friendships, and the reaffirmation of dreams.

Overall, What’s Up is a must-watch if you are hooked onto Korean dramas and are a fan of music, dance, drama, and romance, all churned into one. The series, apart from its competent storyline, is marked with excellent acting performances. The execution of the music numbers is well done and the production value is top-notch. The show paints a substantial canvas, deemed to provide an enriching experience to the viewers, leaving them rooting for the characters and their dreams in the long run. What’s Up takes you on a delightful roller coaster of emotion, making you laugh, cry, and most importantly, believe in the charm of one's dreams and aspirations.