K-Drama Review: Chicago Typewriter

Naveena Nair, Vadodara, Gujarat

Filled to the brim with romance, bromance, patriotism, and betrayals; Chicago Typewriter, released in 2017, gives you a glimpse of 1930s South Korea’s struggle for freedom from the clutches of Japan. It was written by the famous writer, Jin Soo-wan; well-known for his works such as Moon Embracing the Sun (2012) and Kill Me, Heal Me (2015). Weaving a storyline between a famous writer with celebratory looks; Han Se-joo played by Yoo Ah-in, a veterinarian with a sad past; Jeon Seol played by Im Soo-jung, and a literal ghostwriter trapped in a typewriter in search of the reason for his death; Yoo Jin-oh played by Go Kyung-pyo who were friends and freedom fighters in their previous lives in the joyful pub of Carpe Diem, this drama keeps you on your toes till the very end!

Plot

With a total of 16 episodes, this drama keeps going back and forth between the 1930s and 2017, but with the help of wonderful directors and storyline, it is not hard to keep up with this flashback technique used in the show. The casting as well does not fail to amaze you with their great acting skills; be it the main leads or the supporting cast. Kwak Si-yang’s acting as Baek Tae-min, the antagonist, is one of the most noteworthy points. The melodious OST of the drama is another fine point as it perfectly suits the scenes’ emotions. The few starting episodes mainly focus on the present, trying to establish a relationship between the main leads with some major events taking place in the life of all the characters. Even the girl group, Cosmic Girls, make a cameo in the third episode as themselves in the drama! The drama picks its pace after the 8th episode. The mysterious past and the thrilling plus the suspenseful present and the nicely planned cliffhangers at the end of every episode are for sure a delight to the viewers. The writer has made sure that each episode ends in a way that the viewer is eagerly waiting for the next; making it all very exciting. Although the storyline of the present life is engaging, as a viewer, it is the past life of the protagonists which keeps you watching the drama. The way the drama has served looks, fashion, and great sceneries in both time periods is also to be appreciated.

Why Should You Watch this?

The drama may seem like just another love triangle filled with bromance, but this drama will make you believe that life is all about timing. Although the romance presented in the protagonist’s present life is low, the past life gives you much satisfaction with both romance and bromance scenes. The last three episodes are definitely the highlight episodes of this drama because it keeps you on your toes with a high climax. The way the mystery has been revealed without letting go of the suspense until the end is a praiseworthy point of the drama. Although the drama didn’t receive much attention at the time it was being aired, it is to be noted that it is one of a kind and an underrated gem! It is the kind of drama that unconsciously stays with you for a long time; like a comforting story, you go back to on days when you feel gloomy. If you want to watch a drama with a smile and some tears rolling down your cheek, Chicago Typewriter is what you are looking for!

Have you watched the drama? Did you love it like us? What is your favorite part about the drama? Let us know in the comment section below!