“On Air” (온에어) is a Korean drama about TV drama production… behind the scenes, the challenges, struggles, teamwork, scandals and relationships.
The drama is directed by Shin Woo-chul and written by Kim Eun-suk, the team behind popular dramas “Lovers in Paris” and “Lovers in Prague” etc. Leading the cast are Lee Beom-soo, Kim Ha-neul, Park Yong-ha and Song Yun-ah.
On Air synopsis
Popular Oh Seung-ah (Kim Ha-neul) is often criticised for her poor acting skills. Her relationship with Jin Sang-woo, her bullish talent manager, is turning sour as her contract is approaching the end… and to the surprises of many, she signed her new contract with a relatively unknown and near broke agency, managed by Jang Gi-jun (Lee Beom-soo).
Seo Young-eun (Song Yun-ah) is a popular writer who has written many top rated dramas, but is hoping for a change to write something with more depth. Her effort is not supported by her peers… uprising director Lee Gyeong-min (Park Yong-ha) however shows strong interest to direct her earlier scripts.
The quartet shares an unusual relationship among each other, but somehow is brought together to film a drama, and is forced to work with Sang-woo who has an agenda of his own…
The drama achieved pretty nice ratings in Korea, and I like the drama too… for the fact that it’s showing something more insightful rather than the usual Korean melodrama, and it gives some basic ideas on how a drama production works.
The beginning of the drama is pretty intense, and the first 4-6 episodes were very well made. To be frank it got a bit boring at the mid-episodes, but it managed to bring back some sparks as the drama is nearing the end.
The actors and actresses have done a pretty good job. While the spotlight seems to be focusing on the performance of Kim Ha-neul, I actually think that Song Yun-ah is making a breakthrough with her witty role. The guys are outshone by the ladies imo.
Another selling point for On Air is the cameo appearances of various A-list stars, including Lee Hyori, Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Seo-jin, Kim Jung-eun and Kang Hye-jeong etc.
Overall a good drama, especially for K-drama fans who are looking for something more refreshing rather than abundance of tears and romances.
i like the picture, the actors and actress looks very natural. btw, is the middle guy the one from winter sonata? i haven’t seen him acting since ws.
Yupe it’s Park Yong-ha from Winter Sonata. He is focusing his singing career in Japan for the past few years… this would be his first Korean drama in six years if not mistaken.
i don’t even know that he can sing lol. is he famous in Japan?
I am not really sure how famous he is… but considering that he has released 4-5 albums over the years, I guess he is doing fine.
the chic in the black top is cute. :)
That’s Song Yun-ah… sometimes known as Song Yoona.
Just watched the last ep. It felt like they were trying to squeeze in too many things into limited time frame. It would have been awesome if they had a couple of more ep to really tell a fuller story instead of putting out finish that felt like it was rushed (I know their schedules didn’t allow extra ep). All in all, great drama until ep 20.
smk… haven’t watch the final two episodes yet; will share some thoughts after doing so.
[...] Miyazaki’s Oscar winning anime movie “Spirited Away” in 2001. Korean drama “On Air” also filmed some scenes in this small town in 2008; in fact I just watched that episode a [...]
i must admit i watched this drama for the cast. i especially enjoy park yong ha and song yoon ah’s complicated/professional relationship and kim ha neul’s secret love for her manager. the storyline is unlike any other korean dramas — it’s perplexing and it keeps you guessing at every episode. overall, love the couples and the plot, it keeps you going.
[...] Lee Eun-sung in “New Heart”, played by Ji Sung 2. Lee Kyung-min in “On Air“, by Park Yong-ha 3. Hong Gildong in “Hong Gil-dong”, by Kang Ji-hwan 4. Song [...]