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Connecting life & death: The untold stories from K-Drama ‘Move to Heaven’

Apart from birth and change, death is one of the three things in life that are certain. Some people embrace this thought while others fear it. Whether we like it or not, death is everyone’s fate. But even after people die, their stories will still linger on the things they left behind.

Netflix’s Move to Heaven, starring Chungmuro actor Lee Je Hoon and rising star Tang Joon Sang, is a heartwarming story of a 20-year-old with Asperger’s Syndrome and his ex-convict uncle who work as trauma cleaners—someone who cleans the home and belongings of the dead. Released on May 14, 2021, the plot is inspired by a nonfiction essay, Things Left Behind, by Kim Sae Byul, a first-generation trauma cleaner in South Korea. 

Warning: Minor spoilers ahead.

Unseen facets of life

In the eyes of Han Geu-ru (Tan Joon Sang) and Cho Sang-gu (Lee Je Hoon), we see the sincere and unrestrained stories of the dead—balancing the concept of life, love, and death. 

Move to Heaven will surely hit close to home with its realistic and poignant episodes, unveiling different social issues, including job security, adoption, suicide, violence, and same-sex relationships.

move to heaven death

The beauty of empathy 

Han Geu-ru has Asperger’s syndrome, which is why Sang-gu finds him difficult to understand. Likewise, Geu-ru sees his uncle as chaotic and filthy. But because they are required to share a home, they gradually overcome their differences and accept each other for who they are.

This beautiful drama shows us the importance of genuine connection and kindness to make a difference in someone’s life.

move to heaven death

On healing unclosed wounds

This character-driven drama created a world for the audience to understand the stories of regret and grief. 

Sang-gu had a difficult childhood which is reflected in his personality and decisions over the course of his life. He also tormented himself with regrets and sorrow, making no space for others.

After he meets Geu-ru, he begins to see colors and starts healing from his painful past. Meanwhile, Geu-ru had to accept the death of his beloved father. The drama does not only recalls the story of the dead, but also explores the trauma of the characters and how they deal with it

Heartbreak and regrets make us human, but healing from our trauma will shape us into what we will be in the future. Above all, Move to Heaven prompts us to live a life while understanding people and creating beautiful memories with our loved ones.

There are plenty of K-dramas to stream online, but this masterpiece deserves to be on top of everyone’s list. Move to Heaven will be a diamond that you would want to keep in your heart forever.

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