Dhrumi Mayur Shah, Surat, Gujarat

Call it an intense, unpredictable and gritty plot, Penthouse is not your average K-Drama that usually follows a romantic plot! It’s not for people who are weak-hearted and sensitive. Penthouse directed by Joo Dong-min and written by Kim Sun-ok the plot of the drama revolves around the people of Hera palace, a famous luxury Penthouse apartment with 100 floors, the residence of the elite people, their secrets, ambition, and hunger for power. It showcases the different lifestyles of people and how the rich can get away with everything as long as they have money. This show was aired on SBS from 26^thOctober 2020 to 5^th January 2021 and consisted of three seasons. The drama is a rollercoaster of emotions. It will make you feel many emotions like joy, grief, disgust, anger all the same time! The plot twists of the drama will leave the viewer in shock and disbelief. The portrayal of characters by the actors is praiseworthy too. The fantastic depiction done by the amazing cast Eugene, Lee Ji-ah, Park Eun-seok, Uhm Ki-Joon, Kim Seo-yeon, and Yoon Jong-hoon will blow you away and make you feel pity, anger, disgust, hate, and joy for their characters. The direction of Joo Dong-min is quite impressive and brings out the many colours of the drama.

Another impressive element is the symbolism in the drama, whether it’s the green lighting over Joo Dan Tae’s mean demeanour or the colour red during the death of some characters. Everything is creatively incorporated in the drama. Even the acting of the younger children of the parent characters is portrayed well by the younger casts. The display of how children learn from their parents and adapt to the surrounding atmosphere is excellent. Everything from the storyline to characters can get you hooked. The suspense in every episode will make you crave more. The set designs are admirable too. The two eras and the story of three mothers and their daughters depicted are on point sharp and touches every subject with accuracy. The drama’s pacing may be slow to some and even frustrating at some point but the build-up is worth it. There are so many colours and sides to every character. The revenge plot is quite thrilling and done right, it’s like a battle for power, wealth and prestige at the cost of the lives of people in the most coveted place in Seoul, the penthouse.

The rags to riches plot may seem kind of cheesy but it’s not done in a clichéd manner. Some may call this show bonkers, with the number of twists and turns it takes. The mystery plot of who did it? contains solid twists and turns. The story follows Shim Sur-yeon to her road of revenge. Cheon Seo-jin, the prima donna of the residence, does all she can to give everything to her daughter. Oh Yoon- hee comes from not so well to do family background, but she strives to enter high society by becoming the queen of the penthouse. The parallels are unmatched. The given elements also show the situations faced by the general Korean public such as bullying, unemployment, poverty and many more. The drama mainly focuses on the dark secrets of the rich and their lavish lifestyle. Nobody is innocent but can be forgiven while some cannot.

The accuracy of the opera that has been depicted is quite well researched and modified to fit the actresses voice. Penthouse is one of those dramas that no matter how bad it gets one just cannot stop watching. It’s a very addictive show and the viewers seem to enjoy it. Penthouse may seem similar to the dramas of the same genre such as Sky Castle, The Extracurricular, or The World of the Married but it is quite different from them. It has a unique colour and flavour. The hard work and the efforts of the cast and crew are admirable. All the cast and crew nailed their responsibilities and the drama turned out top-notch and remarkable. 

Everything about the drama is praiseworthy and amazing. The drama may as well go down as one of the best works in the Korean entertainment industry. It’s a 10/10 recommendation. It’s like a gem in a cluster of stones. A rare find. I hope this article encourages you to check it out and let us know in the comment section about your views on this drama. Watch the trailer here: