[Funcurve Review] "Oh My Ghostess"
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Possessed by Love
A refreshing take on a taboo topic, 'Oh My Ghostess' has quickly emerged to become one of the most popular romantic comedies of the year with its superb cast and acting. The story centers around our three main characters, renowned chef Kang Seon-woo (Cho Jung-seok) of Sun Restaurant, his kitchen assistant Na Bong-seon (Park Bo-young), and a ghost with a virgin grudge Sin Soon-ae (Kim Seul-gi). Hilarity ensues when the ghost possesses Bong-seon, a normally reclusive and unconfident cook, causing her to suddenly transform into an outspoken, forthright maneater who begins to target the good-looking chefs in the kitchen.
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In addition to the sparkling chemistry among the actors and the dynamic supporting roles, the cinematography of 'Oh My Ghostess' is further brightened by the fast-paced restaurant kitchen where many memorable scenes take place. I also appreciate how 'Oh My Ghostess' deals with themes of identity, family loss, murder mystery, and of course food, which makes for a very full story.
Episodes 1-4 Review 
Already within the first few episodes, I have cried deeply, laughed hysterically, and fallen in love with the characters. I like that 'Oh My Ghostess' spends time developing the backstory of each of the leads. Although Bong-seon and the ghost seem to have vastly different dispositions, there is a deep sense of loneliness that emanates from both of the main female leads. Thus, the audience's anticipation builds knowing that somehow their lives will change for the better when their paths cross.
The ghost is perfectly cast with Kim Seul-gi. I had heard that she was hilarious in her previous roles. Indeed, her acting is refreshing, likeable, and funny, with just the right amount of sass so as not to be annoying. We learn that she has a virgin grudge: she never had the chance to be intimate with a man so her spirit can't leave until she has fulfilled this desire. Hungry for men, she possesses female bodies to seduce her victims, but unfortunately, none have been men of virtue (enter male lead). Unlike other Korean dramas, 'Oh My Ghostess' doesn't reveal how Soon-ae dies or dwell on how she copes with the shocking discovery of her shift to the spiritual world. Instead, our ghost is already a veteran spirit, which adds a sense of mystique and moves the storyline along much more quickly to the meaty parts.
As for Park Bo-young, I vaguely recognized her prior to this drama, but now I will be on the lookout for all of her future roles. Her interpretation of Soon-ae's character is so on point that it actually feels like Soon-ae has possessed her. Not only that, the switch from her original apologetic personality to her new feisty persona is so stark that you eagerly look forward to how her dynamics with the male lead will evolve. I am impressed by how Park Bo-young excels in her bipolar acting and how she does such a consistent job of exuding a vibrant energy without being too over the top.
Kang Seon-woo is equally loveable. Although he initially acts ruthlessly and seems to be an arrogant hothead, we quickly discover his softer, more charming side. He isn't easily lured by attractive women, he playfully flirts with ahjumma seafood vendors, he works hard to pursue his passion, and he's surprisingly gracious to his employees. The other assistant chefs at Sun Restaurant also add liveliness to 'Oh My Ghostess' with their own distinct personalities and constant bickering. Overall, the first few episodes are very engaging, with each of the main characters showcasing interesting narratives. The storyline is simple, clear, and well-written, and the restaurant theme jives very well.
Episodes 5-8 Review
After quickly establishing its premise and characters, 'Oh My Ghostess' becomes even more gripping thanks to an unexpected revelation in Soon-ae's death and the identity crisis between Bong-seon and Soon-ae. Although at first you take Soon-ae's death for granted (since she started out as a ghost), the drama starts to allude that Soon-ae wasn't kept on earth because of a virgin grudge but because there is a mystery to be solved regarding her murder. Little by little, clues and flashbacks are revealed that are not too obvious. I enjoy plot twists as much as the next person, and 'Oh My Ghostess' really had me gasping when I discovered the duplicitous nature of one of our characters.
At the same time, Bong-seon finally becomes creepily aware of Soon-ae's takeover of her body. As Soon-ae continues to take Bong-seon's body hostage against her will, she draws closer to Seon-woo, who subtly displays concern and interest towards Bong-seon. However, what intrigues me is that even when Bong-seon is not possessed, the chemistry between the leads is still there. The question we all have is: who does Seon-woo really like? Needless to say, there is never a dull moment.
Episodes 9-11 Review 
'Oh My Ghostess' spends time to cultivate the character depth of the main leads during this section of the drama. Bong-seon and Soon-ae eventually befriend one another when they realize that their goals are similar. Soon-ae can help Bong-seon expand her long-term crush towards Seon-woo into a real relationship as long as Bong-seon lets Soon-ae use her body to fulfill her grudge. I would've preferred if the drama had developed their friendship more and included more scenes where both Bong-seon and Soon-ae are interacting, as opposed to having only one of the female characters active at a time.
At this point, I am completely shipping the two main leads. The chemistry is unstoppable! I've never seen anyone smile the way Seon-woo does when he's with Bong-seon - it's just too honest and heartfelt. At first, I was really relieved when Soon-ae took over Bong-seon's personality and gave her a backbone, but now she is becoming a little too aggressive for my taste. Instead, I want to see how Bong-seon does by herself, as she's starting to build boldness and a voice of her own.
A shift occurs when Soon-ae starts to develop real feelings for Seon-woo. She realizes that her affection for him may lead her to hurt Bong-seon, whom she is jealous of but also cares for. So Soon-ae immediately retreats and lets Bong-seon live her own life. There is a palpable change in Bong-seon's confidence. I like how she is no longer the soft-spoken, clumsy kitchen assistant that she once was.
Episodes 12-13 Review
I've surrendered to the fact that every Korean drama has to include a time when the two leads are apart for some reason, however silly or unnecessary. So I am okay that Bong-seon starts to doubt whether Seon-woo truly likes her or Soon-ae, even though this inevitably slows down the advancement of the plot. In fact, I find it extremely understandable that she needs some time away, since she can't remember any of her interactions with Seon-woo. Bong-seon bravely announces to Seon-woo that she has been possessed by a ghost this entire time. I applaud that she's making choices for herself and speaking up, which shows significant character growth since the beginning of the drama.
Understandably, Seon-woo is extremely confused and incredulous. I feel like the span of time that he feels disillusioned by the whole ghostly possession is just the right amount. Seon-woo eventually decides, rationally or not, that he liked Bong-seon even before she was possessed. I love how Bong-seon's Sunshine blog connects them throughout the drama (otherwise, I would not be convinced).
Despite Bong-seon and Seon-woo being apart for most of these episodes, 'Oh My Ghostess' was not too monotonous because we see more of the backstory behind Soon-ae's murderer. Although he is so disturbing (kudos to the actor), the drama sheds more light to why he is the way he is. I appreciate that the bad guy is multi-dimensional rather than just being pure evil.
Episodes 14-16 Review
The last few episodes are dedicated to resolving Soon-ae's murder. As she infiltrates the police, we inch closer and closer to connecting how her death and Seon-woo's sister's hit-and-run accident are related. During the investigation, Soon-ae also possesses other characters and it's entertaining to see other actresses channel Soon-ae's quirky personality.
'Oh My Ghostess' finishes on a heart-warming note as Soon-ae is finally able to say goodbye to her loved ones. I do wonder if there was a better way they could have resolved the killer's storyline, which I felt was forced to end happily. Regardless, the cast is so strong that minor plot holes do not stifle the flow of the drama. Plus, a lovely cameo at the end just for laughs easily diverted my attention.
Although Soon-ae is able to peacefully leave, it is clear that her spirit is now carried on in part by Bong-seon. It leaves a deep fulfillment to know that Bong-seon's life has forever been changed for good because she knew Soon-ae, and vice versa. I'm sad to part with this diverse-themed, delightful drama, and I will really miss being part of the lively Sun Restaurant community.
Written by: Stephanie from 'Funcurve'
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