KDrama Club: Healer
Welcome to our weekly KDrama Club Meeting! It’s a KDrama-style whisper the password, give the secret handshake, fangirling club. Just like a book club, everyone is encouraged to freely join in with their thoughts and ideas. This week we are discussing Ji Chang Wook’s classic KDrama “Healer.” If you love talking about Ji Chang Wook, Park Min Young, Healer, or our favorite topic…Korean Dramas! then you are right at home.
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How to participate in “Healer” Club:
Step 1. Take a look at the list of questions below. If one, some, or all spark your interest then…
Step 2: Pop down to the comments section and leave your response. (Please include the question number so we know which question you are answering.)
Step 3 (optional): We’d love it if you’d choose to respond to other fans’ comments. This is the perfect place to have meaningful KDrama conversations…or just fangirl like crazy. Either way, please remember to “choose kind” when you respond.
Bonus: If you have a comment about “Healer” that isn’t an answer to one of our questions, please feel free to say it anyway. Think of our questions as conversation starters, not limiters.
Let the commenting games begin!
Note: Spoilers are not only rampant, but they are encouraged. We want this to be a free, open chat where you can feel safe talking about any part of the drama.
Discussion Questions for “Healer”
Click to jump to my response or the comments section
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- How did you like “Healer?”
- What did you think of the chemistry between Seo Jung Hoo(Ji Chang Wook) and Chae Young Shin(Park Min Young)? What do you think drew them together?
- If you could change something about “Healer” what would it be?
- In the beginning, Seo Jung Hoo(Ji Chang Wook) lived a very isolated life. What do you think caused him to live like that?
- Which scene(s) stood out as your favorite(s)?
- The editing and sound effects of “Healer” were fast-paced and edgy. How did they affect the feel of the story for you?
- Why do you think “Healer” has become a KDrama Classic?
- How do you feel about the ending? Was it the ending you wanted?
1. How did you like “Healer?”
My Comment:
It wasn’t that I “liked” Healer. I LOVED Healer. Although many have disagreed with me (and that’s okay), I believe Healer is the best Korean drama I have ever seen — and my watch list proves it. It is the only drama I have seen at least five times and STILL keep finding new reasons to love.
2. What did you think of the chemistry between Seo Jung Hoo(Ji Chang Wook) and Chae Young Shin(Park Min Young)? What do you think drew them together?
My Comment:
The romance between Seo Jung Hoo and Chae Young Shin definitely sizzled, but in a way that was softer than the romances in Ji Chang Wook and Park Min Young’s other dramas. Their love story came gradually as he learned to reveal himself and she slowly discovered that he could be her support. I could be cliche and say that they were drawn together by fate, but it was really so much more than that. Yes, they were connected by their shared history, but they were also the perfect compliment to each other.
3. If you could change something about “Healer” what would it be?
My Comment:
The ending. I wanted more from the finale of this show. It felt like we had gone so far with everyone, but the payoff was rushed. Maybe if they had had another episode the writer could have given us a smoother finish, and a few more “after the story” type scenes.
4. In the beginning, Seo Jung Hoo(Ji Chang Wook) lived a very isolated life. What do you think caused him to live like that?
My Comment:
It was painful to see how isolated Seo Jung Hoo lived. For all his parkour perfection, his only desire was to be left alone. I suspect the reason was part introverted personality and part coping mechanism. Everyone in his life had abandoned him: his dad, his mom, his mentor, his grandmother. Everyone (well, except Ahjumma.) So perhaps in his subconscious, he had reasoned that if there was no around him, then there was also no who could leave him. It is a beautiful counterpoint to this that in the final episode Jung Hoo tells us his new dream: to be with the woman he loves.
5. Which scene(s) stood out as your favorite(s)?
My Comment:
There were so many scenes that could be considered my favorites that to list them all would take forever. But there were a couple moments that stood at as the best of the best; like when Chae Young Shin “rescued” Park Bong Soo from the brutal pimp and his Double S guards. Even though she was terrified to the point of collapse, the instant “Park Bong Soo” asked for her help she became superwoman to protect him. Of course, it was also smart of Seo Jung Hoo to realize that she could be stronger to save him than she could be to save herself.
More favorite moments are the small scenes and voiceovers as we hear Jung Hoo’s thoughts and see his looks of astonishment watching Chae Young Shin. At first, he looks at her like an alien scientist come to investigate Earth’s “humans.” She is a marvel to him in everything she does, from her quirky singing to her fearless boldness. We watch as he mentally catalogs her every expression and action as a new marvel to be deciphered. It is cute beyond words but also shows just how disconnected he has been from the real world
But the two moments I always replay are when Young Shin goes into the “Healer Batcave” to save Jung Hoo, and when Jung Hoo reveals his true self to Young Shin’s Dad at their coffee shop. The first is a beautiful moment when we see Jung Hoo truthfully really open up to Young Shin, the second is hilarious awesomeness. I will always laugh uncontrollably at gangster minion speaking chondaemal (formal speech) to Seo Jung Hoo out of respect for his awesomeness. Gangster minion is all of us.
6. The editing and sound effects of “Healer” were fast-paced and edgy. How did they affect the feel of the story for you?
My Comment:
Parts of it I LOVED, others not so much. The use of side-by-side frames to show the conversations between Seo Jung Hoo and Ahjumma were clever and often humorous, as we got to instantly see the reactions between them. I feel like if they had gone the traditional route and switched back and forth between locations then we would have missed SO much comedy gold.
Also, the use of the quick zoom in along with the camera zoom sound effect was fun. It really brought to life how Healer thought and acted like a machine when he was on the job.
The part that annoyed me though was the camera shake. I don’t mind a little for effect, but there was some camera shake involved in almost every scene. After a while, it was just overkill.
7. Why do you think “Healer” has become a KDrama classic?
My Comment:
I can’t speak for the rest of the world, but there are a few reasons why “Healer” has nestled more deeply into my heart than most dramas. First, it is a perfect symbiosis of everything I love about KDramas: tender romance, impressive action, intriguing mystery, adorable humor, and two leads who make me smile uncontrollably when they’re together.
Next, the story is fast-paced and clean cut. I hate when I have to dig through two episodes of people saying things will happen before anything ACTUALLY happens.
But most importantly, the strength of “Healer” is in its cast. Ji Chang Wook is the prince of KDrama action and pulls off each astonishing parkour move like he’s just rolling out of bed. Then Park Min Young gives us a Chae Young Shin who is both weak and strong. The moments when she is scared to the point of passing out and yet musters the courage to face her attacker were moments of acting genius. Yoo Ji Tae, too, gives us a heart-rending version of Kim Moon Ho. Could we really have loved his character so much if his eyes didn’t wordlessly convey every regret or pain he felt? And then Kim Min Kyung’s Ahjumma kept us laughing for days. I’m convinced no one else could have played her so well. Kim Min Kyung OWNED this role.
8. How do you feel about the ending? Was it the ending you wanted?
My Comment:
If I’m really honest, the ending was not quite enough for my fangirl heart. I didn’t just want a hint that Jung Hoo and Young Shin would get their happily ever after. I wanted proof. Where was the proposal? Or the wedding ring? Or the LONG kiss? We needed another kiss. Seriously.
And I was disturbed when Moon Ho said that Jung Hoo would slowly adapt to ordinary living. WAE!? Why would you change all his awesomeness and badassery? I prefer to envision Jung Hoo continuing to leap up to the second story landing so Young Shin won’t know he stayed out late with Moon Ho again. Or maybe Jung Hoo teaching his son how to walk noiselessly so that they can prank “Mommy” together. Who wants him to be ordinary??
Please leave your comments about “Healer” below. Don’t forget to add the question number to your answer, so we know which one you are answering. Happy Commenting! ~Unni
We hope you can also join us for our next KDrama Club Meeting: So Ji Sub’s “Terius Behind Me” on Saturday, November 17, 2018. Can’t wait to chat more with you then!
Other KDrama Club Meetings:
Drama Unni
Drama Unni is a Korean Entertainment Journalist and blogger based out of the US. She enjoys late night kdrama binges with her two dogs. Email: unni@dramacurrent.com
14 Comments
Fall For It: An Asian Drama Pod (@FallForIt_Drama)
Regarding question 4 and his isolated life- I really think Seo Jung Hoo had some mommy issues (a very common trope) that caused him to seek out an isolated life. He put himself and his skills above any human interaction. The only women in his life were digital- AI “perfect” women and a woman who basically acted as a surrogate mother to him (Ajumma), but with whom he never had any real interaction. The only Male figure in his life abandoned him and he just stayed in the place he was abandoned, realizing his fate was to just be “Healer.” Cause that’s the only direction he ever had.
Cue a woman who’s struggles paralleled his own. It was nice to see that Jung Hoo’s first realization that he liked this woman was due to her talking about her scars and how she overcame them, but they are with her every day. Here we have a guy who is trying to run away from his scars (trying to buy his way out of his past) seeing hope in a woman who is living through her scars every damn day. That’s so beautiful.
I think that’s also why it’s such a classic. It’s a very simple premise, but done in a very modern and clever setting. (Btw, I still havent finished it completely but I don’t mind spoiler talk!)
Pearl
A1 : Healer got my attention because of ji chang wook other than that Healer is that special drama that manages to combine action, romance, and some nice spots of comedy, all in one tight show . Sure, the backstory was little bit melodramatic and may not appeal to everyone, but heartfelt OTP, a deeply melty – yet flawed and believable – hero, and a courageous, strong heroine, makes excellent combination of feels that just sends my heart in multiple directions all at once.
Anne
#2 Superb Chemistry!!!
TessLAUSKD (@LauskdTess)
Q1- 8 I agree with your comments and more, what I would change at the end JCW character would be on the couch sleeping and he would have three small children (his kids ) crawling all over him it would go with his theme about his life didn’t he compare himself to the Jungle life I remember he was smelling her in the kitchen. It is a good story and actors are great in it !
TessLAUSKD (@LauskdTess)
Am going to try one more time with my comments 😫Q1-8 I agree with and more, the ending they could of had him sleeping on the couch and his three kids crawling all over him. He keep Referring to the jungle animals I just thought it would be fitting if his cubs were crawling all over him
Maybelyn duhilag
Q1
i dont know how to explain this drama for me, i watch many drama but this one is my favorite😍😍😍
PumpkinMinYoung
Q1:
Actually,Because of What’s Wrong With Secretery Kim I begin to watched K-Drama. I Really Love Park MinYoung that’s why I search her name and her past projects. To be honest, I don’t really watch action coz I’m not really interested to that genre. But because I Supported And Love MinYoung,I watched it and Healer Proved Me That Action Genre Is Worth Watching For.
Nicolette Dizon
Healer is definitely my favorite K-drama! I would have loved it if Chae Yeong Shin introduced Seo Jung Hoo as her boyfriend to her mother. And Yeong Shin, Jung Hoo and their mothers would also have a moment with Kim Mun Ho, who must be given credit for trying his best to rectify the wrong that everyone did to Yeong Shin, Jung Hoo and their families.
Gi CaiVel (@gicaivel)
Q1
I liked Healer firstly because of JiChangWook I am a big fan so anything as long as he is there I would love to watch it
Q2
Chemistry is fine… Loved how he looked at her while trying to analyse if all of it is true
I would probably be like that too if he would be in front of me
Q3&8
The ending… would love it to be more specific like… if they were able to go to his dream island; because that was his first dream after all
Q4
He felt outcast after his mom got married and his teacher taught him the isolated life so consequently we can expect him to live alone
Q5&6
Am just truly a fangirl of JiChangWook so I can’t choose one that stands out… as long as he is there it’s fine with me…. even if the sound effects would not be that great as long as it does not interfere with the scene… so fine with me… LOL
Q7
Classic films also becomes one because of the following the film receives. So base on JiChangWook followers;fan base… all his films could become classic hahaha
maria victoria (@JmMantra)
i really love Healer.. i’ve watched it several times actually.. sometimes i just replay my fave episodes.. but yes, i agree with previous comments that the ending was a bit rushed.. it would have been great if there was a scene showing Moon Ho with both moms, Young Shin’s dad and our lead couple looking at the old pics… or a wedding scene with dad’s ex-convicts & ahjumma all dresed up! .. or a scene with JCW & kids feeding a goldfish.. but still, Healer delivers! love you, ji chang wook!😘
maddymappo
#4 thought he was autistic, some unusual mental thing, which also helped him to do those perfect calibrated defense moves.
maddymappo
#8 I thought the ending was too rushed as well. I will add that there was flashbacks of her hiding in a closet, and a man with a cane. And also that story about her on the highway and hiding behind the garbage cans. I always thought that there would be a full explanation, bringing the bits and pieces together, but it never happened.
Stinna_Sim (@stinna03)
I watched healer just bcz of #JiChangWook, i started watchng kdrama and my 2nd drama was suspicious partner i liked him sooo much so why not watch all his drama
I really liked it. And m a sucker for action n gadgets and cuteness 😁😁
Aline
I first noticed Ji Chang Wook in Empress Ki because he looks like Shim Changmin, but I fell in love with his charm. Heard Healer was good so decided to watch it and fell in love with it! He was so cool and loved the mystery. Regularly kept in suspense which made me want to watch it more.
男人不坏 女人不爱 (the girl won’t love a bad boy) hahaha. To me, it’s how he is mysterious that made her more curious about him, and how he is always protecting and watching over her.
Loved the whole show! But perhaps his mentor didn’t have to die. That was so heartwrenching!
Agreed. And after being alone for so Long, he didn’t realise he needed people around. Also because of how dangerous being around Healer can be.
I keep rewatching a few scenes I remember. Their first meeting in the toilet, how he saved her from the thugs swinging on the bars and giving her her meds, their scene in the movie theatre, when he was being chased by the thugs in the carpark while fighting the tranquiliser and her finding him on the roof, her finding out he is Healer, his reaction to his mentor’s death because you see a vulnerable side of him, her finding him in his batcave and cooking him dinner and breakfast, the last part at the airport when they were all walking towards each other then together until he was ‘killed’.
Found it ok.
I just love the show, mainly because of him! Maybe i’m Just biased as I already liked him when I watched it hahaha!
I liked how they ended up together but Healer was the part of him that I liked, though it’s dangerous and he was wanted. Perhaps a family of superheroes like the incredibles or the prank part hahaha!