“Why Her?”, a compelling South Korean drama, has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plot, stellar cast, and Seo Hyun Jin’s mesmerizing portrayal of the complex protagonist, Oh Soo Jae. For those just discovering this series or seeking a deeper understanding of its allure, let’s delve into what makes “Why Her?” a standout KDrama.
At its core, “Why Her?” initially presents itself as a power struggle within the cutthroat world of a top law firm. However, it quickly evolves into a gripping revenge narrative, meticulously crafted to expose deep-seated injustices. What truly elevates “Why Her?” above typical revenge dramas is its central character, Oh Soo Jae, portrayed with exceptional nuance by Seo Hyun Jin. She isn’t a stereotypical virtuous heroine; she’s flawed, ambitious, and at times, morally ambiguous. This complexity is what makes her so compelling and relatable, drawing viewers into her tumultuous world. Seo Hyun Jin’s performance is nothing short of brilliant, conveying a spectrum of emotions through subtle facial expressions and powerful delivery, even in moments of silence.
Oh Soo Jae begins the series as a formidable partner lawyer, on the cusp of reaching the pinnacle of TK Law Firm. Her world crumbles when she is abruptly demoted to a law school professor following a scandal involving accusations of threatening a client to death. Initially, we see her as a force to be reckoned with – a woman who has clawed her way to the top, embodying the firm’s ruthless ambition. Her declaration, “I’m TK and TK is me,” encapsulates her dedication and self-identification with the firm’s power. She is the ultimate fixer, amassing wealth for TK Law Firm by any means necessary and cleaning up the messes of the elite. Betrayal at the hands of the TK chairman sets her on a path of calculated vengeance, aiming to dismantle his empire and expose his corruption. While her methods are often questionable, it becomes clear that she operates on a higher moral ground than the chairman and his cronies. Her intelligence and manipulative prowess are tools for survival and retribution, honed from past betrayals. A pivotal backstory reveals that Chairman Choi Tae Guk (referred to as TK from this point) previously betrayed a younger Soo Jae, sending her away during her pregnancy and falsely claiming her child was stillborn, only to marry his son to someone he deemed more suitable. This deep personal wound fuels Soo Jae’s ambition and her relentless pursuit of justice.
The narrative takes a poignant turn with the revelation of Soo Jae’s daughter. In a heartbreaking twist, she loses her child twice – first through TK’s deception regarding the supposed stillbirth, and tragically again when her daughter is killed in a truck accident. This double loss adds another layer of emotional depth to Soo Jae’s character and intensifies her resolve for revenge. The question of whether this plot point was narratively necessary arises, highlighting the drama’s penchant for high stakes and emotional impact.
Initially, the law school setting and the burgeoning romance with Gong Chan felt somewhat disjointed. The age gap and the student-professor dynamic created a perceived lack of chemistry for some viewers. Gong Chan initially seemed like an immature love interest, out of sync with Soo Jae’s hardened professional persona. However, as the story unfolds, Gong Chan’s significance to Soo Jae’s past and her revenge plot becomes apparent. His connection to a decade-old case, intertwined with Director Baek Jin Ki/Yoon Se Pil’s case, becomes crucial in dismantling TK and his network of corruption.
The brilliance of “Why Her?” lies in its intricate weaving of seemingly disparate storylines and characters. Initially confusing, the connections gradually emerge, fitting together like pieces of a complex puzzle. The initial episodes are packed with information and a multitude of characters, making it challenging to grasp all the connections immediately. However, patience is rewarded as the narrative threads converge to create a cohesive and satisfying whole. The drama starts exceptionally strong, maintaining high tension and intrigue. The middle portion experiences a slight dip, primarily due to the somewhat underdeveloped romance, which, for some viewers, felt like a distraction from the central revenge plot. Despite this, the drama rebounds powerfully in its final episodes, delivering a compelling and satisfying conclusion.
The ending of “Why Her?” deviates from typical KDrama resolutions. While the trope of villainous characters committing suicide can sometimes feel anticlimactic, in “Why Her?”, it feels thematically fitting. Chairman Choi Tae Guk’s suicide, after declaring to Soo Jae that he will never accept her superiority, is a powerful culmination of his character arc. It underscores his pride and refusal to concede defeat, even in the face of utter ruin. His final act is consistent with his character – choosing death over acknowledging Soo Jae’s triumph.
Overall: “Why Her?” is a compelling revenge KDrama distinguished by Seo Hyun Jin’s exceptional acting and a complex, morally gray protagonist. While the pacing may falter slightly in the middle, the strong beginning and end, coupled with intricate plotting and satisfying character arcs, make it a highly recommended watch for fans of the genre.
Rating: 4/5 – A Gripping Revenge Drama Anchored by Spectacular Performance.
