Even by K-drama standards pushing the boat out from “ first lovers meeting again ” to “ let me treat your erectile dysfunction” is definitely a bold and risky concept to work with. However screenwriter Mo Ji Hye and director Kim Jang Han’s ‘ You Raise Me Up’ is arguably one of the most “gutsy” dramas in recent years by focusing on a risky subject area, combined with an oddly heartwarming and profound tale also.

Do-Young sik (Yoon Shi Yoon) works multiple part-time jobs at a restaurant bar that he perceives as “ menial” work and being unable to pass the civil service exam. A self-proclaimed “ loser” ( made even more obvious by director Kim Jang Han’s choice of ‘ Creep-Radiohead’ being played briefly in the background of the main lead’s inner monologue in episode one), Young-Sik lacks self-confidence both within his life decisions and his manhood. When he decides to consult a professional about his erectile problem, he ends up unfairly running into his first love and now a urologist Lee Ru Da (Ahn Hee Yeon).

In an attempt to prove her ex-boyfriend Ji-hyuk (Park Ki Woong), a successful high-flyer psychologist wrong about misconceptions of her first love ( after bragging to him about Young-Sik), Ru Da decides to make it her mission to “ boost his self-esteem”. However Ji-Hyuk’s wounded ego gets the better of him as he enlists himself to “ help” Young-Sik in order to “ expose” him. However as Young-Sik and Ru-Da begin to spend more time together sparks once more begin to fly between them…

As far as the acting is concerned our main cast are fairly good throughout the drama. Of course Yeon Shi Yoon never fails to impress his dual balancing act of adding comical goofiness as well as a more profound note to his roles . As a character Yong-Sik fits very much into the category of the “ unconfident and antisocial” male lead. Aside from his evident sexual problems, Yong-Sik struggles with his self-image as well as his obsession over pink.

Yet whilst Yong-Sik’s initial struggle and sexually suggested scenes aim for more comic relief than melodrama, it is undeniable that the series does offer some opportunities to explore a more complex edge to Yong-Sik’s background and self-loathing ( stemming back from initial trauma). On the other hand whilst the direction of Yong-Sik’s character was taken in the right direction to explore his kindhearted and altruistic side over the course of episodes and revelations, the drama rarely devoted itself to more possibilities and depth surrounding Yong-Sik’s traumatic past and psyche. ( Especially considering his more serious actions in the first episode as well as his repressed attempts to hide memories and associations.) For example an evident source of regret for Young-Sik is consulting his mother about his current occupation and life. Whilst it is understandable where these anxieties might lie due to feeling rejected, it felt odd that the series didn’t offer many opportunities for Young-Sik to at least attempt to consult his mother or address hus anxiety surrounding this head-on.As a consequence it often felt as though Yong-Sik was often shoehorned into the role of the “ pitiful” main lead; easy to feel sympathy for and to root for, but rarely truly escaping or at least shown to struggle more with his journey by his emotions.

Naturally this moves onto our female lead Lee Ru Da. Ru Da is the epitome of the stock “ successful yet regretful” female lead. Yet whilst she is played played with a sweet charm by Ahn Hee Yeon during more heartfelt moments, her character is admittedly a little hard for audiences to truly be won over by. Of course the female lead isn’t necessarily a “ heinous person” per say and whilst her flaws help her to feel more human amongst later revelations, it is easy to understand how screenwriter Mo Ji Hye’s intentions for us to “ root” for Ru Da as a character were often harder than perceived due to ambivalent feelings for the female lead by viewers.

The main reason for this indecisiveness stems from the fact that whilst a lot of “ revenge” romance setups stem from the cliche of “ revenge upon my ex”, Ru Da takes it one further by taking advantage of Yong-Sik’s feelings and mental state initially. Perhaps it wouldn’t be too bad if we could have understood more about Ru-Da’s oppressed emotions, her interactions outside of her romantic relationships ( with family, friends or other patients), reasons for staying with Ji-Hyuk for so long ( aside from the brief flashback from their “ shared past”) as well as exactly how and why she lost contact with Yong-Sik ( especially after effectively saving her life) , but a lot of these “ details” are often brushed over. Whilst the series did attempt to offer some more sympathy for her character through her “ emotions rising to the surface”, it was a little hard to indicate exactly how Ru-Da grew or developed as a character by instead reverting back to her younger-self’s emotions rather than trying to make amends through a sincere apology to Yong-Sik.

As far as the romantic setup is concerned ‘ You Raise Me Up’ the creme de la creme of tropes; “ the love triangle”. This naturally brings us onto one of the most easily dislikable second male leads seen in a K-drama in a long time; Ji-Hyuk. It isn’t necessarily the case that merely because Ji-Hyuk is the “ jealous ex” that he can get under viewers’ skin. Instead it is rather the case that Hyuk is conniving and manipulative and would rather allow his biased emotions cloud his judgement, rather than remain professional in his line of work as a psychiatrist. Of course whilst Ji Hyuk is necessary in the series to acting as the “ antagonistic foil” for Yong-Sik and does help to drive the plot as a consequence, a lot of Ji-Hyuk’s reasoning, goals and feelings often felt and domed throughout the series.

Then of course there’s arguably Yong-Sik’s most loyal friend in the series, Jennifer ( Kim Seol Jin). Whilst some viewers have remained uncertain towards the show’s tropes and cliches surrounding the transgender woman shaman, Jennifer did remain an instrumental supporting character in the series by offering Do Yong Sik positive advice such as to seek professional help, as well as giving Yong Sik guidance towards his own feelings for Du Ra. Perhaps the only thing which would’ve been interesting to have explored with their friendship would have been Yong-Sik consulting Jennifer about his attempted act in episode one. Whilst it may have brought some pain and hurt into their bond, it would’ve certainly cleared some more evident uncertainty within their friendship after this action.

The ending was admittedly sweet yet expected- not bad per say and offering things on a happier as well as arguably a slightly more realistic edge within the main leads’ life decisions , but slightly predictable also.

Overall ‘ You Raise Me Up’ is arguably one of the most quirky romance dramas of 2021 with an impressive cast lineup. The sweet and lighthearted premise adds a more bittersweet edge and whilst certain characters felt unexplored or shoehorned into certain roles ( alongside cliches), the main leads’ later decisions and revelations did add a touch of character development in between. Overall whilst not a flawless drama, ‘ You Raise Me Up’ is certainly a decent watch for those looking for something a little avant-garde, or more risky within K-dramas.