K-Drama Review: Hotel Del Luna

Khiroda Singh Khuntia, Rourkela, Odisha

Hotel Del Luna is a 2019 fantasy and comedy series that narrates the story of the residents of a mystical hotel located in the heart of Seoul. A place not meant for humans but ghosts and spirits preparing for their journey to the afterlife, the hotel is managed by a short-tempered woman who has been compelled to cater to the dead. Starring Lee Ji-eun (IU) and Yeo Jin-goo in the lead, Hotel Del Luna became the highest-rated tvN drama in 2019.

The story begins with a poor man (Oh Ji-ho) who promises Jang Man-wol (Lee Ji-eun) his son, Gu Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo), in return for his life and money. He promises that his son will return to work for her after 20 years. At the end of the period, the grown-up son returns but chooses to work for a multinational company instead. How does the short-tempered Jang Man-wol react to the situation? Does Gu Chan-sun fulfill his father’s promise? All these questions are answered in the story.

This drama is so engaging that it kept me on my toes. I enjoyed the performances of the leads. Lee Ji-eun, who plays a trapped soul acting as the owner of the hotel in present times, is a delight to watch. Condemned to an ill-fated life, she has to undergo excruciating pain and struggle to escape the curse that binds her to the human world. She plays each character journeying through different times and ages with such finesse that one cannot help but applaud her hard work. The male lead, Yeo Jin-goo, is a delight to watch. He plays the role of Gu Chan-sung, a wise hotelier who refuses to work at Hotel Del Luna and chooses to follow his dream by joining a 5-star hotel. Smart, highly determined with an eye for detail, he knows his work well.

Though the drama belongs to the fantasy and comedy genre, I love the romantic angle that adds to the storyline. Even though the chemistry between the leads enters the narrative at a later stage, it is something one cannot miss. Gu Chan-sung’s constant struggle to impress Jang Man-wol and her initial hesitation to give in because of her history is simply sweet.

Furthermore, the OSTs of this drama are melodic, soulful, calm, and truly romantic. The credit goes to the talented artists, such as Punch, Taeyeon, Heize, Chungha, Gummy, Rel Velvet, and IU among others, who leave us mesmerized with their voices. They play an important role in making the drama truly legendary.

The actors, the characters, and the unique story make this drama a must-watch. Even the supporting cast with their secrets will compel you to dig deeper. If you are a fan of IU, you’ll enjoy every moment of it. And there are a lot of surprises as many popular actors, such as Lee Joon-gi, Kim Soo-hyun, and late Sulli, make special appearances. You would not want to miss this drama! Hotel Del Luna is also available on Netflix. Let us know what you thought of it.