Wikipedia

Wonderful World (South Korean TV series)

Wonderful World (Korean: 원더풀 월드) is a 2024 South Korean television series starring Kim Nam-joo, Cha Eun-woo, Kim Kang-woo, and Im Se-mi. It aired on MBC TV from March 1, to April 13, 2024, every Friday and Saturday at 21:50 (KST).[10] It is also available for streaming on Disney+ in selected regions.[11]

Wonderful World
The poster features the two main actors side by side
Promotional poster
Hangul
원더풀 월드
Revised RomanizationWondeopul woldeu
McCune–ReischauerWŏndŏp'ul wŏltŭ
Genre
Developed byKwon Sung-chang (planning)[3]
Written byKim Ji-eun[4]
Directed by
  • Lee Seung-young[3]
  • Jung Sang-hee[3]
Starring
Music byGaemi[5]
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes14
Production
Executive producerHwang Chul-min[6]
Producers
  • Ahn Je-hyun[6]
  • Shin Sang-yoon[6]
  • Choi Hye-seon[6]
Cinematography
EditorSun Han-saem[7]
Running time70 minutes[8]
Production companySamhwa Networks[9]
Original release
NetworkMBC TV
ReleaseMarch 1 (2024-03-01) –
April 13, 2024 (2024-04-13)

Synopsis

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Wonderful World tells a story about an author and professor whose life falls apart after her son is killed in a hit-and-run accident. She seeks justice but ends up committing a crime herself and is sentenced to prison. The show explores themes of grief, guilt, and redemption.[1]

Cast and characters

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Main

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A successful and famous psychology professor and writer who loses her young son after he is hit by a car.
A mysterious person who grew up in a wealthy family, but lives a rough life after losing his parents due to a series of incidents.
Soo-hyun's husband who is a successful anchor.
The representative of Cheongdam Select Shop, and Soo-hyun's former manager who is like a real sister to her.

Supporting

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People around Soo-hyun

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Soo-hyun's mother who is a restaurant owner.
  • Kang Ae-sim as Jang Hyung-ja[14]
Soo-hyun's fellow inmate who is a long-term prisoner serving a twenty-year sentence.
  • Lee Jun as Kang Gun-woo[15]
Soo-hyun and Su-ho's son.

People around Seon-yul

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Seon-yul's best friend who has an easy-going and honest personality.
  • Kim Woo-hyun as Park Yong-gu[14]
Seon-yul's best friend and colleague.

People around Su-ho

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  • Jin Geon-woo as Kang Tae-ho[17]
Su-ho's younger brother who is a neurosurgery resident.
Su-ho's mother.
A former detective and owner of a jewelry store.

Others

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Former mayor of Seoul and the current representative of Korean Union Party.
Soo-hyun's neighbor and the director of Gold Gallery who lives with her son who suffers from epilepsy.
  • Jin Jae-hee as Yoon Hee-jae[14]
Hye-geum's son.
CEO of a construction company.
  • Lim Ji-sub as Gwon Min-hyuk[19]
A person who lives a rough life and does anything for money.
  • Jeon Hyun-ah as Kim Si-ra[14]
A professor of psychology department.

Extended

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  • Kang Myung-joo as Kim Eun-min[10]
  • Kim Cheol-gi as Choi Joo-seok[20]
A member of the National Assembly.

Release

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In November 2023, production company Samhwa Networks announced that it had signed a license contract with Walt Disney Korea for the broadcasting rights of the series.[9]

Reception

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Critical response

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NME's Hidzir Junaini praised Kim Nam-joo performance as Soo-hyun, calling it "powerful".[21] Film critic Jeong Deok-hyeon, one of the prominent judges at the prestigious Baeksang Arts Awards, praised Cha Eun-woo for his range of expression, from the perspective of a victim to that of a perpetrator, but he also maintains empathy as a fellow victim, a complex emotion to portray, but one that he manages to convey effectively in his role as Kwon Seon-yul. [22]

Viewership

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Wonderful World : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
1234567891011121314
10.9341.1161.4481.2251.6191.3101.4461.0701.8111.4561.9191.1761.9041.5851.430
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
Nielsen Korea[23]
Nationwide Seoul
1 March 1, 2024 5.3% (11th) 5.4% (9th)
2 March 2, 2024 6.1% (5th) 6.1% (4th)
3 March 8, 2024 8.0% (3rd) 8.0% (4th)
4 March 9, 2024 6.4% (5th) 6.2% (4th)
5 March 15, 2024 9.9% (2nd) 10.2% (1st)
6 March 16, 2024 7.3% (3rd) 7.0% (3rd)
7 March 22, 2024 8.5% (3rd) 8.3% (3rd)
8 March 23, 2024 6.3% (4th) 6.1% (3rd)
9 March 29, 2024 11.4% (1st) 11.7% (1st)
10 March 30, 2024 9.2% (2nd) 9.7% (2nd)
11 April 5, 2024 11.4% (1st) 11.2% (1st)
12 April 6, 2024 6.8% (2nd) 6.3% (2nd)
13 April 12, 2024 11.4% (1st) 11.6% (1st)
14 April 13, 2024 9.2% (2nd) 8.7% (2nd)
Average 8.4% 8.3%
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.

Awards and nominations

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Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee / Work Result Ref.
Blue Dragon Awards 2024 Best Actor (Half Year) Cha Eun-woo Won [24]
Brand Customer Loyalty Awards[A] Hot Trend Male Actor Won [26]

Listicles

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Name of publisher, year listed, name of listicle, and placement
Publisher Year Listicle Placement Ref.
Elle Japan 2024 5 Best Korean Suspense Dramas of 2024 4th [27]
Rolling Stone India Best K-Dramas of 2024 Placed [28]
Screen Rant 10 Best K-Dramas of 2024 5th [29]

Notes

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  1. ^ Co-organized by the Korean Customers Council and Brand Keys, this event recognizes the most influential brands in society and culture, as determined through consumer research.[25]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Kim Nam-joo to Make Small-Screen Comeback in Revenge Series". The Chosun Ilbo. June 6, 2023. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Jo Ji-young (May 30, 2023). "[공식] '시청률 퀸' 김남주, '원더풀월드'로 5년만에 안방 컴백" (in Korean). Sports Chosun. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Naver.
  3. ^ a b c d Han Hae-seon (December 19, 2023). "김남주X차은우 '원더풀 월드', MBC 금토드라마 편성[공식]" (in Korean). Star News. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Naver.
  4. ^ a b Lee Mi-ji (June 2, 2023). "김강우, '원더풀월드' 출연확정..김남주와 부부 호흡(공식)" (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Naver.
  5. ^ Yoo, Jeong-min (April 11, 2024). 김남주·차은우 '원더풀 월드' OST 음반 예약 판매 오늘(11일) 시작 [Kim Nam-joo and Cha Eun-woo's 'Wonderful World' OST album pre-order starts today (11th)]. enews.imbc (in Korean). Most Content. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 11, 2024 – via Naver.
  6. ^ a b c d "프로그램 소개" [Program Introduction]. MBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 1, 2024. Retrieved February 1, 2024.
  7. ^ a b c Wonderful World. Episode 1. March 1, 2024. MBC TV.
  8. ^ "Samhwa Networks" 원더풀 월드 [Wonderful World]. Samhwa Networks (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 20, 2024. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  9. ^ a b Kim Kyung-taek (November 7, 2023). "삼화네트웍스, 드라마 방영권 라이센스 계약" (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Naver News.
  10. ^ a b Choi Yun-na (January 18, 2024). "김남주X차은우 '원더풀 월드'. 대본리딩 현장 공개" [Kim Nam-joo X Cha Eun-woo 'Wonderful World'. Script reading site revealed] (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on January 18, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2024 – via Naver.
  11. ^ Rahman, Abid (January 30, 2024). "Disney+ Picks Up Korean Drama Series 'Wonderful World'". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on February 4, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  12. ^ Hwang Hyo-i (June 1, 2023). "차은우, 의대 자퇴생...'원더풀월드' 김남주와 호흡[공식]" (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Naver.
  13. ^ Yoo Jun-ha (June 8, 2023). "임세미, '원더풀월드' 출연 확정... 김남주·차은우와 호흡" (in Korean). E Daily. Archived from the original on December 19, 2023. Retrieved December 19, 2023 – via Naver.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h i "등장인물" [Characters]. MBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
  15. ^ Choi, Yun-na (February 6, 2023). "김남주X차은우, 의미심장 투샷...묘한 긴장감 (원더풀 월드)" (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024 – via Naver.
  16. ^ Lee Min-ji (January 17, 2024). "양혜지, 차은우 절친 된다...'원더풀 월드' 캐스팅 [공식]" (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved January 17, 2024 – via Naver.
  17. ^ Jang Soo-jeong (January 25, 2024). "진건우, '원더풀 월드' 출연...김남주·차은우 등과 연기 호흡" (in Korean). Dailian. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024 – via Naver.
  18. ^ Yoo Jeong-min (January 16, 2024). "차수연, MBC '원더풀월드' 출연...김남주·차은우와 호흡" (in Korean). MBC Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 16, 2024. Retrieved January 16, 2024 – via Naver.
  19. ^ Kang Seo-jeong (January 23, 2024). "임지섭, MBC '원더풀 월드' 합류..김남주·차은우와 호흡[공식]" (in Korean). Osen. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024 – via Naver.
  20. ^ 강, 민경. "[공식] 김철기, '원더풀 월드' 합류...김남주·차은우와 호흡". Naver (in Korean). Archived from the original on February 23, 2024. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  21. ^ Junaini, Hidzir (March 12, 2024). "'Wonderful World' review: overwrought and overlong". NME. Archived from the original on March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  22. ^ 정덕현의 네모난 세상 (April 11, 2024). 정덕현 평론가가 분석한 '원더풀 월드'가 진짜 하 려는 이야기 [The story that 'Wonderful World' is really trying to tell, analyzed by critic Jeong Deok-hyeon] (vid). YouTube (in Korean). Archived from the original on April 11, 2024. Retrieved October 31, 2024.
  23. ^ Nielsen Korea ratings:
    • "Ep. 1". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 1, 2024. Archived from the original on March 1, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
    • "Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 2, 2024. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 3, 2024.
    • "Ep. 3". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 8, 2024. Archived from the original on March 9, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
    • "Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 9, 2024. Archived from the original on March 10, 2024. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
    • "Ep. 5". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 15, 2024. Archived from the original on March 15, 2024. Retrieved March 16, 2024.
    • "Ep. 6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 16, 2024. Archived from the original on March 16, 2024. Retrieved March 17, 2024.
    • "Ep. 7". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 22, 2024. Archived from the original on March 22, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
    • "Ep. 8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 23, 2024. Archived from the original on March 23, 2024. Retrieved March 23, 2024.
    • "Ep. 9". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 29, 2024. Archived from the original on March 29, 2024. Retrieved March 30, 2024.
    • "Ep. 10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). March 30, 2024. Archived from the original on March 30, 2024. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
    • "Ep. 11". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). April 5, 2024. Archived from the original on April 5, 2024. Retrieved April 6, 2024.
    • "Ep. 12". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). April 6, 2024. Archived from the original on April 6, 2024. Retrieved April 7, 2024.
    • "Ep. 13". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). April 12, 2024. Archived from the original on April 12, 2024. Retrieved April 13, 2024.
    • "Ep. 14". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). April 13, 2024. Archived from the original on April 13, 2024. Retrieved April 14, 2024.
  24. ^ Jeon, Sang-hee (May 3, 2022). [청룡랭킹 상반기 결산]'역시 '넘사벽' 차은우, 변우석 제치고 1위 등극[Blue Dragon Ranking First Half Year] 'As expected,' Cha Eun-woo, who is 'a wall', beats Byun Woo-seok and takes 1st place. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved August 26, 2024 – via Naver.
  25. ^ Kim, Bong-goo (May 3, 2022). 잡코리아·알바몬 '2022 브랜드 고객충성도 대상' 수상 [Job Korea Albamon won '2022 Brand Customer Loyalty Grand Prize']. Korean Economy (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved May 3, 2022 – via Naver.
  26. ^ Kim Yang-su (May 7, 2024). 정우성·임영웅→TWS·키오프, '2024 브랜드 고객충성도 대상'. joynews24 (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 7, 2024. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
  27. ^ Atsumi, Byshiho (September 12, 2024). "韓ドラのプロが厳選！　のめり込見必至の韓ドラサスペンスBEST5【2024最新】". Elle Japan. Archived from the original on September 12, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  28. ^ Dutta, Debashree (August 7, 2024). "Breaking Down the Best K-Dramas of 2024 Thus Far". Rolling Stone India. Archived from the original on August 7, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
  29. ^ Davis, Giorgia (June 26, 2024). "10 Best K-Dramas Of 2024". Screen Rant . Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
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