Netflix is no stranger to producing binge-worthy K-drama, like “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” and “Was it Love?” They are also known for adapting webtoons into live-action K-drama, such as “Cheese in the Trap” and “Itaewon Class.” Their latest project is the K-drama adaptation of the popular horror webtoon series “Sweet Home” which premiered on December 18, 2020. 

Synopsis

The “Sweet Home” K-drama adaptation of a webtoon that revolves around the residents of an apartment complex. Cha Hyun Soo, played by Song Kang, moved into his apartment after his family died of a tragic accident. He keeps to himself by playing video games. One day, monsters began showing up with the goal of wiping out humanity. People who get attacked by a monster will eventually turn into one. Those in the apartment complex have to find a way to work together before the monsters take them out one by one. There are a few subplots that explore the people who live in the complex. 

“Sweet Home” is streaming now on Netflix with 10 episodes, each episode running at one hour. The “Sweet Home” webtoon was written by Youngchan Hwang and illustrated by Carnby Kim and was published in 2017. 

You can watch the trailer below. 

The Main Cast of “Sweet Home”

Cha Hyun Soo – Played by Song Kang

Cha Hyun Soo is the protagonist of “Sweet Home.” He is a teenager and moved into the apartment complex by himself after his family died in a car accident, one that he blames himself for. As the series progresses, Hyun Soo learns a dark secret about himself. 

Song Kang made his television debut in the K-drama “The Liar and His Lover” alongside Joy of Red Velvet in 2017. In 2019, he landed the leading role in “Love Alarm,” another webtoon adaptation by Netflix. This makes “Sweet Home” his second Netflix original show. 

Pyeon Sang Wook – Played by Lee Jin Wook

People tend to mistake Pyeon Sang Wook as a gangster because of his mysterious nature and the scar on his face. In reality, he is a vigilante who punishes those who have done evil deeds. 

Lee Jin Wook began his career in 2003 as a model for Panasonic. His first TV appearance on the 2004 short film, “My New Boyfriend.” He layered starred in other K-drama, such as “I Need Romance 2012,” “Nine,” and “The Three Musketeers.” Lee Jin Wook also made an appearance in the movie, “The Beauty Inside.”

Seo Yi Kyung – Played by Lee Si Young

Seo Yi Kyung is a formal firefighter who is on the search for her fiance, two days prior to the wedding. Her fiancé is a scientist who kept a few secrets from her, making her less trusting of other people. She is a skillful fighter and problem-solver. Netflix added her to the show as she is not an original character in the webtoon. 

Lee Si Young’s fighting skill is due to her training as a former amateur boxer. She debuted in acting in 2008 with a guest appearance in “Urban Legends Deja Vu.” Her most infamous role was in the hit K-drama “Boys Over Flowers” as Oh Min Ji, the frenemy of the show’s protagonist. She also has a Tik Tok where she posts fun videos with her husband and the page has 6.8 million followers. 

Lee Eun Hyuk – Played by Lee Do Hyun

Lee Eun Hyuk is a competent medical student but is disliked by his younger sister, Eun Yoo. When the monster apocalypse begins, he is in charge of the survivors due to his calm and rational nature. On the outside, he appears cold and empathic, but deep down, he cares about everyone. 

Lee Do Hyun made his acting debut in 2017 with the K-drama “Prison Playbook.” He was nominated for “Character of the Year” category at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards for his role in the K-drama “Still 17.” He also was part of the wildly popular K-drama “Hotel Del Luna,” starring IU and Yeo Jin Goo. 

The Supporting Cast

Lee Eun Yoo – Played by Go Min Si

Lee Eun Yoo is the little sister of Lee Eun Hyuk. She lives with him at the apartment complex and was a former ballerina. 

Yoon Ji Soo – Played by Park Gyu Young

Yoon Ji Soo plays the bass guitar and moved into the apartment complex after her boyfriend’s untimely suicide. She has a minor role in the K-drama adaptation in comparison to the “Sweet Home” webtoon. 

Jung Jae Heon– Played by Kim Nam Hee

 

Jung Jae Heon is a Korean Language teacher who lives in the complex. He is a devout Christian and keeps a Korean martial arts sword to protect himself from the monsters. In the show, Jae Heon and Ji soo are involved romantically after Jae Heon saves her. 

Public Reception to “Sweet Home”

Upon its release, “Sweet Home” landed on Netflix’s Top 10 in the U.S. A month after it premiered, a total of 22 million unique subscribers viewed the show. What the audience loved the most was the distinctive and direct portrayal of strong female characters. They are not weak and they don’t have to rely on a man to save them. They also loved the action and show-worthy visual effects. It’s a perfect monster fight. 

Some critiques were about the soundtrack, particularly overusing Imagine Dragons’ “Warrior,” and the lack of monsters later in the series. However, director Lee Eung-bok explained that he decreased the number of monsters to focus on developing characters and their relationships with each other. 

“Sweet Home” Season 2?

Season 1 ended on a clip-hanger and the audience are wanting more. As of right now, Netflix has not released any official statements regarding the continuation of “Sweet Home.” But due to how well it was perceived, it shouldn’t be long before Netflix greenlight a second season. 

To learn more on Netflix Kdrama, watch the video below!