On Air is a Korean drama series 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 actress 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… rising star-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 in the mid-episodes, but it managed to bring back some sparks as the drama is nearing the end.
The actors 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 A-list stars, including Lee Hyori, Jeon Do-yeon, Lee Seo-jin, Kim Jung-eun and Kang Hye-jeong etc.
Overall a good show, especially for K-drama fans who are looking for something more refreshing rather than abundance of tears and romances.