I Hear Your Voice (2013): The Superpower of Empathy

Korean Drama "I Hear Your Voice" Review

"I Hear Your Voice" is a popular Korean drama that aired in 2013. This drama is a unique drama that combines elements of romance, comedy, and mystery. The drama follows the stories of Park Soo-ha, a high school student with the ability to read people's thoughts, and Jang Hye-sung, a public defender who can hear people's thoughts. The two meet after a traumatic incident in their past and form an unlikely partnership to solve criminal cases. The drama was a huge success, both in Korea and internationally, thanks to its gripping storyline, talented cast, and themes of empathy and justice.


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Theme : Empathy and Justice

One of the key themes of "I Hear Your Voice" is empathy. The drama explores the power of empathy to bridge the gap between people from different backgrounds and experiences. Soo-ha and Hye-sung come from different worlds, but they are able to connect with each other through their shared experiences of trauma and injustice. As they work together to help the victims of crime, they learn to understand and empathize with each other's perspectives. 

Another important theme of "I Hear Your Voice" is justice. The drama portrays the criminal justice system as flawed and imperfect, but it also highlights the importance of fighting for justice and holding wrongdoers accountable. Soo-ha and Hye-sung are both motivated by a sense of justice and a desire to help those who have been wronged. While previous legal dramas have portrayed the justice system as flawless, this one is refreshing in its depiction of it as flawed. Still, it's a deeply thoughtful work about justice because it's about why justice should be upheld. 


Writer and director

"I Hear Your Voice" was written by Park Hye-ryun, an acclaimed screenwriter known for her work in the romance and legal genres. Her famous works include "Dream High" and "Pinocchio," both of which have been well-received for their engaging storytelling and well-drawn characters. "I Hear Your Voice" is considered one of the most story-tight of her works. It's been a while since it aired, but it's still talked about. 

The drama was directed by Jo Soo-won, who has also worked on other popular K-dramas such as "49 Days" and "Doctor Stranger." Jo's direction in "I Hear Your Voice" is notable for its use of color and visual storytelling. In particular, many of his works including "I hear your voice" feature Lee Jong-suk, who is considered to be his persona. 


What makes this drama Unique?

Characters

"I Hear Your Voice" is notable for its portrayal of complex and nuanced characters. Soo-ha and Hye-sung are not perfect heroes, but flawed and relatable individuals with their own strengths and weaknesses. Soo-ha's ability to read people's thoughts is both a blessing and a curse, as it allows him to help others but also exposes him to their darkest secrets and desires. 

Hye-sung, on the other hand, is a fierce and independent woman who has overcome many obstacles in her life, but also is traumatized by events in her past. The drama's supporting characters are also well-written and fleshed out, adding depth and richness to the story.


Cast

"I Hear Your Voice" has been praised for its strong performances by its cast. Lee Bo-young, who plays Hye-sung, won the Best Actress award at the 2013 Korean Drama Awards for her portrayal of the determined and empathetic public defender. Lee Jong-suk, who plays Soo-ha, also received critical acclaim for his portrayal of the troubled and sensitive high school student. 

The two actors are actually 10 years apart in age, but many commented that they worked surprisingly well together. The chemistry between the two leads has been a highlight of the drama, with their banter and bickering adding humor and charm to the story.


Events

The drama also tackles sensitive topics like the death penalty, corruption in the legal system, and the treatment of juvenile offenders. Most of these incidents are based on real-life events in South Korea, according to the creators. What's great about the drama is that it presents a balanced view of these issues. This level of nuance and complexity is not often seen in K-dramas, making "I Hear Your Voice" a standout drama in terms of its storytelling.




Interesting Facts

  • The subtitle of each episode is the title of the song in Korean, this title implies the content of the episode.
  • Jung Ung-in, who plays Min Jun-guk, was hastily cast two days before the script reading. However, he delivered a sophisticated villainous performance in this production.
  • Initially, many broadcasters declined to air this drama due to its complex genre.
  • The writer reportedly spent two years observing the courtroom for this drama


Overall, "I Hear Your Voice" is a must-watch for fans of K-dramas and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted and thoughtful story. Its unique blend of genres, complex characters, and powerful message make it a standout series that deserves all the praise it has received. So why not give it a chance and see for yourself the magic of the superpower of empathy?