K-Drama Review : Mystic Pop-Up Bar

Smriti Lakra, Guna, Madhya Pradesh

Being a huge fan of actress Hwang Jung-eum, Mystic Pop-up bar was on my must-watch list and it didn’t disappoint me. The immersive storyline is worth watching. This series based on a popular Webtoon gives Hotel Del Luna’s vibes, but it stands out uniquely with its touching subplot and a mysterious storyline. Each episode holds a relatable issue and teaches a life-changing lesson. Mystic Pop-up Bar (쌍갑포차) is a South Korean fantasy series premiered by JTBC from 20th May to 25th June 2020 and is also available on Netflix. It has 12 episodes each of 70 minutes.

Cast

The main cast includes Hwang Jung-eum popularly known for her romantic comedy roles and her characters in High Kick Through the Roof (2009) & Kill me Heal me (2015); BTOB member Yook Sung-jae known for his notable acting in Who Are You: School 2015 and Choi Won-young is known for his acting in While You Were Sleeping (2011). The supporting cast includes Lee Jun-hyeok from Love in the Moonlight (2016) and Jung Da-eun from The Witch: Part 1 – The Subversion (2018). This drama marks the last project of BTOB member Yook Sung-jae before he enlists in the military. It is also Hwang Jung-eum’s first drama since 2018’s The Undateables. Yook Sung-jae also sang an Ost Love Resembles Memories for this series.

Plot

As the story is adapted from a popular Webtoon, Twin Tops Bar by Bae Hye-soo, the plot revolves around a mysterious outdoor bar opened only at night called the Ssanggab Cart Bar that is capable of travelling to the dream world. The pop-up bar is visited by both living and dead beings. The hot-headed bar owner Wol-joo, who can travel different worlds, is tasked to help 100,000 troubled souls by entering their dreams and healing them. The manager Gwi of the pop-up bar cares a lot about Wol-joo. He helps her in running the bar and accomplishing her tasks. They have an innocent part-time employee named Han Kang-bae who has an ability to make people pour out their heart with a simple touch, that is why he avoids situations like taking subways.

Why You Should Watch?

It was amusing to watch the growth of Han Kang-bae throughout the drama. Although his extraordinary ability makes him suffer a lot, his innocence adds bundles of undeniable humour to the story and not to forget the struggles of his lovelady. The amazing chemistry between the main leads and their funny fights are lovable in every aspect, including the OSTs of the drama. The past story of each character is intriguing. The mysterious part of the story connecting all characters is worth waiting for. The drama is light-hearted but also addresses societal issues like depression and loneliness. You can watch the trailer here:

I would highly recommend this drama, especially if you hold a keen interest in fantasy series. The outstanding visual effects (VFX) are truly remarkable. The drama is a perfect blend of excellent plot, amazing cast and charismatic chemistry between the characters under the genre of romantic comedy.

Have you seen this drama yet? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comments.