“Destined with You” Review: An Intriguing Blend of Romance and Horror

In the saturated world of Korean fantasy romantic comedies, “Destined with You” unfolds as an intriguing but not particularly original narrative. The series intertwines elements of fantasy, horror, and romance, although not always seamlessly.

Set in the imaginary town of Onju, Lee Hong-jo, portrayed by Jo Bo-ah (known from “Military Doberman Prosecutor”), is introduced as a bright, diligent civil servant. Despite her dedication, her presence often leads to challenges for her peers, an unfortunate trait that is evident as she embarks on her new role at the city hall. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Hong-jo stumbles upon a neglected shaman shack during a rainy excursion.

As the rain pours, Hong-jo finds herself lying on the damp ground, slowly regaining consciousness after a mysterious blackout. Out of the misty backdrop emerges a striking man, initially perceived by Hong-jo as a harbinger of death. Enter Jang Shin-yu, the character brought to life by Rowoon of the boy band SF9 (famed for “The King’s Affection”). However, contrary to Hong-jo’s first impression, Shin-yu isn’t a grim reaper but a competent lawyer from a prosperous lineage—ironically, the very lineage that possesses the old shack.

But Shin-yu is far from ordinary. A baffling curse haunts him, manifesting as a sinister red hand that occasionally creeps over his face, even at the most inconvenient moments, such as while driving. Although he is confident and skilled in his professional realm, Shin-yu’s personality often comes across as stiff and emotionally parched. This presents a departure for actor Rowoon, who has previously impressed with his dynamic roles, as he’s predominantly seen portraying a stoic demeanor.

The story picks up momentum when Hong-jo is assigned the responsibility of securing approval to raze the shack, following a tragic incident involving a YouTuber. Her quest for authorization leads her to shaman Eun-wol (played by Kim Hye-ok). To Shin-yu’s astonishment, Eun-wol not only consents but also entrusts Hong-jo with a centuries-old box containing a spellbook. With a potential solution to his curse possibly within its pages, Shin-yu suddenly finds Hong-jo indispensable.

As is typical in romcoms, there’s a secondary romantic interest—Kwon Jae-gyeong (played by Ha-jun of “Missing: The Other Side”). He is the quintessential charming superior at the city hall, attracting admiration from many, including Hong-jo. However, their budding romance hits a snag, pushing Hong-jo to contemplate resorting to the spellbook’s enchantments.

“Destined with You” does differentiate itself by incorporating horror elements. Gruesome events at the shaman shack, including tragic accidents and eerie deaths, amplify the show’s supernatural undertones. Nevertheless, the juxtaposition of horror and romance feels disjointed. Furthermore, the series introduces various intriguing plot threads, like Shin-yu’s family’s mysterious lineage tied to shamans, but these aspects often remain vague, leaving viewers puzzled rather than captivated.

Central characters, particularly Hong-jo, despite being inherently relatable, often feel isolated within the story, lacking depth and backstory. The portrayal of her solitude, exemplified by her exclusion from social gatherings with colleagues, seems forced and lacks context.

While it’s still the initial phase of “Destined with You,” it remains to be seen if the series can address these narrative gaps and evolve into a compelling watch.

READ MORE:

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