K-Drama : Hotel Del Luna

Title : Hotel Del Luna

Released : 2019

Episodes : 16

Leads : IU, Yeo Jin-Goo

This is the drama I was not prepared for. It left a dent in my heart.

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Jang Man Wol played by IU is the owner of Hotel Del Luna. It is not your usual hotel. It is a place for wandering souls before they depart to the underworld. 

One day, a man who was not yet dead wandered into the hotel by mistake and found a garden. 

He saw a big tree. On one branch was purple flowers that has bloomed. Remembering his 8 year old son asking for flowers for his birthday, the man took the flower from the tree.

Now, this part of the plot reminds me of a scene from Beauty and The Beast. When Beauty's father took a rose from Beast's garden. In return he had to bring Beauty to Beast in exchange for the flowers. 

Now, back to the drama. 

The man who took the purple flower is Koo Chang Sung's father. 

When Jang Man Wol found him in her garden she made him promise that he will bring his son to work at the hotel after 20 years has passed. 

She allowed him to return to his body, gave him an amount of money to raise Koo Chan Sung (played by Yeo Jin Goo) and each year on his birthday, she sends him flowers as a reminder of their deal.

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This drama exceeded expectation.

Tales of sorrow and happiness are woven into each other so beautifully. It showcase what life is. 

Every story ties back to Jang Man Wol's own situation. The build-up was great. 

In each episode we are introduced to a  different soul with a different story to tell. 

Each about their own lingering feelings, resentment, embarrassment, hatred and regrets. 

Before moving on to the underworld, they first satisfy all their wants and leave in peace. 

Those still with attachments to the world wanders for a long time but if they take too long they may turn into evil spirits. 

This is where Jang Man Wol stands. Between wanting to get her revenge or allowing all to pass and leave in peace.

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I would like to also add that as someone who is not a fan of ghost stories, the first part of the drama was scary for me to watch. There were parts that I wanted to hide myself  but at the same time I didn't want to miss any part of the drama.

One night I got scared and couldn't sleep well because my mind went into overdrive with all the ghost visuals.

But, soon it got okay. After they explained about the ghosts and why they become that way. It put things into perspective.

This drama goes on my recommended list.

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We are beings without knowledge nor power

Our time is short

Our meet is brief

Goodbyes are imminent

What tears can swallow our sorrow when it is burrowed in the depth of our soul

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