by This review delves into the life and career of Korean drama director Oh Choong Hwan, exploring his directorial style, key works (kdramas he directed), critical reception, and the behind-the-scenes aspects of his filmmaking process.
From star-studded dramas like “My Love from the Star” to the entrepreneurial world depicted in “Start-Up,” Oh’s impact on the Korean drama scene as a director is exceptional.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Oh Choong Hwan, born in South Korea, began his career in the broadcasting industry after securing a position through the 2006 SBS New Employee Open Recruitment.
His initial roles included working as an assistant director for notable directors Son Jung-hyun and Cho Young-Hwang.
One of his early contributions was to the 21-episode drama series “Temptation of an Angel” in 2009, under the guidance of writer Kim Soon-ok.
Key Works: Korean Dramas by Oh Choong Hwan
My Love from the Star (2013–2014). (co-directed with Jang Tae-Yoo)
“My Love From the Star” is a captivating Korean drama that unfolds the extraordinary love story between Do Min-Joon, an alien who arrived on Earth 400 years ago during the Joseon Dynasty, and Cheon Song-Yi, a charismatic and vivacious actress.
Despite Do Min-Joon’s near-perfect appearance and enhanced physical abilities, including heightened vision, hearing, and speed, he maintains a cynical view of human beings. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as Do Min-Joon finds himself drawn into the complexities of human emotions, ultimately falling deeply in love with Cheon Song-Yi.
Doctors (2016)
“Doctors,” also known as “Doctor Crush,” is a 20-episode Korean drama that aired from June 20 to August 23, 2016, on SBS. Directed by Oh Choong-Hwan and Park Soo-Jin, with writing by Ha Myung-Hee, the series earned an impressive user rating of 89% from 13,180 votes.
The plot revolves around Hye-Jung, whose challenging childhood involved both fighting and excelling academically. Despite her difficult circumstances, she transforms her life and becomes a doctor. The drama explores her journey from a troubled past to a successful medical career.
Note; Directed with help from kdrama director Park Soo-Jin
Hotel del Luna (2019)
The plot revolves around Jang Man-Wol (IU), the CEO of Hotel del Luna, a mysterious establishment in downtown Seoul with an ancient appearance. Trapped in the hotel due to a grave mistake made years ago, Jang Man-Wol is beautiful yet fickle, suspicious, and greedy. Koo Chan-Sung (Yeo Jin-Goo), a sincere perfectionist and former assistant manager at a multinational hotel corporation, becomes the manager of Hotel del Luna after an unexpected turn of events. The hotel’s unique clientele consists of ghosts.
Start-Up (2020)
He directed this with help from director Bae Hyun-Jin.
The plot revolves around Seo Dal-Mi, who, in pursuit of her dream to open her own business, drops out of university and takes on part-time work. Inspired by her ambition to become someone like Steve Jobs, she crosses paths with Nam Do-San, the founder of Samsan Tech, a struggling tech company. Despite Samsan Tech’s challenges, Nam Do-San becomes Seo Dal-Mi’s first love, and together, they support each other’s entrepreneurial journey.
All Korean Dramas/Movies by Oh Choong Hwan
- Temptation of an Angel (2009)
- The Doctors (2016)
- While You Were Sleeping (2017)
- Hotel del Luna (2019)
- Start-Up (2020)
- Big Mouth (2022)
- Castaway Diva (2023)
Directorial Style and Themes:
Oh Choong Hwan’s directorial style is marked by a keen sense of emotion and a focus on intricate storytelling. His works often explore a variety of themes, ranging from romance and fantasy to medical dramas. Notably, he co-directed the widely acclaimed “My Love from the Star” in 2013, showcasing his ability to navigate the complexities of star-crossed love with finesse.
Critical Acclaim and Awards:
Oh Choong Hwan’s contributions to the Korean drama scene have not gone unnoticed. His work on “My Love from the Star” earned him nominations at prestigious awards such as the 50th Baeksang Arts Awards. Furthermore, his lead directorial debut in “The Doctors” secured the Excellence Award at the Seoul Drama Awards in 2017.
Behind the Scenes: Filmmaking Process:
Oh Choong Hwan’s journey involves co-founding the drama production company Next Scene in 2021, showcasing his commitment to shaping the Korean drama landscape. The equity investment contract with Studio Dragon in 2022 emphasizes his dedication to producing quality content.
Audience Reception and Fanbase:
Oh frequently re-casts actors, building a loyal ensemble that enhances the emotional depth of his dramas. Stars like Bae Suzy, Lee Jong-suk, and Kim Soo-hyun have become synonymous with his directorial ventures, contributing to the creation of a dedicated fanbase that eagerly anticipates his projects.
Future Projects and Contributions:
With the establishment of Next Scene and the Studio Dragon partnership, Oh Choong Hwan’s future seems promising. As audiences eagerly await his upcoming work, such as “Castaway Diva” (2023), it’s clear that his artistic contributions will continue to shape the landscape of Korean drama.
Oh Choong Hwan’s remarkable journey in the Korean drama industry reflects a commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide. From his early career steps to his recent collaborations, he has consistently delivered compelling narratives, earning critical acclaim and building a devoted fanbase along the way. As he ventures into new projects, the future promises exciting developments from this visionary director.
