The Sand Flower (2023)

Transformation as its finest

A short drama with a big impact. I like this drama its mixed with friendship and romance. I like how Jang Dong Yoon's dedication in this drama because he really gained weight to portray his role of a wrestler and the cast are also dedicated on the language the intonation are perfect as if their are locals of the said town.
Its a story of group of childhood friends who grew up together. The only thing that separate them is when Du Sik decided to go far to avoi bad talks about her family. When she came back she is already an adult and disguise as a married woman she also changed her name, but Kim Beak Doo really noticed her as her childhood friend Du Sik. From then on he really not get off her eyes around her. And later on he realized that his instincts are really true and he found out that she's really not married. They found out that they are attracted to each other.
The reason why Du Sik came is to solve a case which is also involved his late father. She managed to solved the case with the help of her childhood friends.
The moral story of this drama is to never give up, you need to do that you loved to do not what others would want them you to do.

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Yet Another Great Narrative Being Ruined by A Murder Plot

Korean dramas are often praised for their ability to blend complex emotions, engaging characters, and cultural depth into compelling narratives. Like Flowers in Sand attempts to achieve this by intertwining the world of Korean traditional wrestling (ssireum) with police investigations. However, while the drama has its moments, it ultimately struggles to maintain a cohesive identity, leaving viewers with a mixed experience.

The standout element of Like Flowers in Sand is undoubtedly Jang Dong-yoon’s performance as Kim Baek-doo. As a ssireum wrestler contemplating retirement, Baek-doo is the emotional anchor of the series. Jang’s portrayal of a kind-hearted, optimistic character is both heartfelt and nuanced. Even though the ssireum aspect of the story is given limited screen time, these moments shine brightly, showcasing the drama’s potential to tell a unique and moving tale of resilience and community.

Opposite him, Lee Joo-myung delivers a strong performance as Oh Yoo-kyung, Baek-doo’s childhood friend and the drama’s leading lady. Returning to her hometown as an undercover detective, Yoo-kyung balances her professional seriousness with heartfelt interactions that capture her rekindled bond with Baek-doo. The chemistry between the leads is authentic, blending lighthearted banter with emotional depth to create a believable and engaging dynamic.

The supporting cast also contributes significantly to the drama’s appeal. Characters like Min Hyun-wook, Joo Mi-ran, Kwak Jin-soo, and Jo Seok-hee bring warmth and humor to the story. Their camaraderie and shared efforts to save the ssireum team add a layer of emotional depth. Despite some underdeveloped subplots, the ensemble’s chemistry helps keep the narrative moving.

One of the drama’s most compelling elements is its portrayal of ssireum. The traditional sport is beautifully depicted, highlighting its cultural importance and the human connections it fosters. These moments feel genuine and impactful, providing a glimpse of the drama’s potential had it focused more on this aspect.

Despite its strengths, Like Flowers in Sand falters due to its inconsistent storytelling. Marketed as a slice-of-life sports drama, it veers into police procedural territory, resulting in a tonal mismatch. The transition between the heartfelt ssireum narrative and the murder investigation is abrupt, leaving viewers disoriented and disengaged. Rather than complementing each other, these storylines compete for attention, with the less compelling murder plot ultimately dominating the narrative.

The murder storyline is predictable and poorly executed. By the second half of the drama, it takes center stage, sidelining the ssireum team’s struggles and the relationships that initially drew viewers in. The resolution of the investigation—revealing the rice cake shop owner as the culprit—feels like an afterthought. This twist lacks impact and undermines the tension built up over the episodes.

Another significant issue is the underutilization of side characters. While the supporting cast delivers strong performances, many of their subplots are abandoned or cut short to make room for the murder investigation. This lack of follow-through diminishes the emotional resonance of their stories and reduces their contributions to the overall narrative.

The drama’s pacing is another weakness. The initial episodes set up an engaging story, but the latter half drags as the murder plot takes over. This uneven pacing makes it difficult to stay invested, with the narrative losing momentum and coherence as it progresses.

It’s hard not to dwell on the missed opportunities in Like Flowers in Sand. The drama had the potential to be a heartfelt slice-of-life story centered around ssireum and the relationships it nurtures. Jang Dong-yoon and Lee Joo-myung’s stellar performances, combined with a talented supporting cast and the cultural richness of ssireum, could have created a memorable and meaningful series.

Unfortunately, this potential is overshadowed by the decision to prioritize the murder plot. The narrative’s lack of focus and its attempt to juggle multiple genres—comedy, thriller, romance—results in an identity crisis. Instead of excelling in one area, the drama spreads itself too thin, failing to leave a lasting impression.

Like Flowers in Sand is a drama that offers glimpses of brilliance but ultimately falls short. While it boasts strong performances, heartwarming moments, and a fascinating glimpse into the world of ssireum, these strengths are undermined by an uninspired murder plot, uneven pacing, and a lack of narrative focus. The result is a drama that’s both engaging and frustrating, leaving viewers longing for what could have been.

If the writers had chosen to focus more on the ssireum story and the human connections around it, Like Flowers in Sand could have been a standout slice-of-life drama. Instead, it’s a reminder of the pitfalls of trying to do too much at once.

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Beautiful Cinematography

Jang Dong Yoon is to be congratulated for how he literally threw himself into this role - so different from previous characters he's played. Every scene he does has a real authenticity to it. Personally I have no interest in wrestling, but the cinematography is absolutely stunning, whether landscape or interior shots of the matches or carefully color co-ordinated and filtered images of the community. The production really is beautifully made. The plotline is slowly introduced leaving us with continuing questions, so there is also a subtlety and air of mystery which isn't easy to unravel.

The only thing I didn't like was the f/l writing - nothing against the actor, but her adult personality was kinda dull set against all the others and what on earth with the continual head hitting ?!! They could at least have made her grow up and stop it!
Her detective skills also aren't that great!
That is the only reason I have marked it down.
It's definitely worth a watch for a gradually unfolding interesting story with skin.

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gradevolissima commedia supportata

da un attore che non conoscevo, o non avevo mai notato, e che qui fa la differenza: Jang Dong Yoon (Kim Baek Doo).
La sceneggiatura e la regia sembrano scritte per lui. La storia racconta uno sport il Ssireum - lotta coreana, con radici antiche a metà tra wrestling e lotta greco-romana - che possiamo tranquillamente non conoscere o non interessarci, ma è lo spunto per porre al centro della narrazione un intero paese, un microcosmo, nel quale sono messe in evidenza storie personali, familiari, di crescita personale e un mistero attorno a morti misteriose.
Gli attori sono tutti magnifici, anche le figure minori. C'è una storia d'amore con la protagonista femminile che è tutto tranne che la solita attrice bellissima e patinata, qui è piuttosto rozza e insignificante, ma densa di valore e assolutamente in linea per supportare il protagonista maschile che è bello, ingenuo, tontolone, buono come il pane e un po' stupidotto ... lei è diretta, forte, incazzosissima e gioca un ruolo di supporto incredibile a lui che con la sua bontà e talento non andrebbe molto lontano.
Mi ha ricordato tante storie di coppie che funzionano proprio così, con i due protagonisti per nulla melensi e appiccicosi, ma semplicemente consapevoli dell'unicità dell'altro nella loro vita.
I personaggi sono tutti - o in buona parte - simpatici e tenerissimi.
Devo dire che mi ha preso molto e senza bisogno di saltare scene (miracolo, qui lacrime poche e veloci) sono arrivata alla fine in un batter d'occhio.

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Dumb witted boy meets his feisty childhood crush again and both help each other in facing the world.

This funny sometimes chaotic show set in a small town is one nice ride with many heartwarming moments. A countryside bumpkin ML who has given up on his dream and is living a life with no goals ahead meets his child hood friend after years.

ML is kinda dumb witted and sometimes irritatingly childish but someone with a pure heart. He has some self esteem issues and rarely stands up for himself even being a doormat to his Ssireum buddies. Then there is FL a strong willed undercover cop with a sad and broken past returns to her hometown to catch a killer.
Both the leads meet and many hidden feelings emerge again.

The show has many genres mixed in it making it kind of a mess sometimes. It isn't too strong on romance but more on sports, crime and healing tropes. The leads and their friends help heal each other and in the process many bonds that were broken before strengthen.

So if you are looking for some good lowkey sports -romance show, this is a good one time watch.

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So wholesome

When I started Like Flowers in Sand, I didn’t think I would enjoy it, but I was so wrong!! Lately, I have been struggling with finding a kdrama that I would truly enjoy, something cute and lighthearted that isn’t too long or cringey. I am glad I came across LFIS.

I want to start by talking about the characters. Baekdu was super cute and likeable, he really grew to my heart! Jang Dong Yoon did an amazing job from the dialect and ssireum to the acting itself. That’s not to say others did a bad job! The entire group of childhood friends was too cute to dislike. Each character felt like an actual individual rather than just an archetype.
The synopsis didn’t really intrigue me, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved that it wasn’t unnecessarily long, and that the focus on romance was subtle. I think it’s great that many people can learn about ssireum this way, as well as life outside of Seoul.

I am glad to have watched Like Flowers in Sand and I highly recommend it to everyone!

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Kim Baek Du Swag!!

Wow, what an underrated gem! This show truly captured my heart and deserves so much more recognition. The storyline was incredibly refreshing and heartwarming, and I couldn't help but fall in love with all the genuine characters, especially our main character, Kim Baek Du. He reminded me so much of Kim Bok Joo from Weightlifting Fairy, which just added to the charm! We definitely need more dramas like this one. While the story may have been slow-paced, that's what made it so special and captivating. I'm usually not a fan of adding murder mysteries to feel-good shows, but this one was surprisingly okay. They didn't dwell too much on it, which I appreciated. Instead, I found myself completely engrossed in the adorable interactions between our two main characters. They were just too cute together! And let's give a big shoutout to Jang Dong Yoon for his dedication to the role, gaining weight to truly embody the character. I had never heard of or seen this sport before, but he portrayed it so convincingly that it piqued my interest. Kudos to the entire cast and crew for delivering such an unforgettable experience!

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I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WONDERFUL END ?☝️

This was one of the dramas that I started without any expectations and I thought it could have a futile and boring plot. I'm happy to say I was completely wrong.

The story and character development is wonderful!!!

I laughed and cried with pride as the drama unfolded. The development of the protagonists' relationship is not at all forced, but rather light and passionate.

The drama as a whole is very light and enjoyable to watch, the type of K-drama that you finish and don't even realize you've watched so many episodes lasting over an hour.

I loved the friendship of the characters, the discoveries of the drama and I loved the mystery brought in the drama much more.

It has definitely become one of the K-dramas that I will recommend to the wall lol.

I will miss you, I sincerely hope you get more recognition in the future!

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Feel good

March 2024
Great cast, great location, great story, great fun! This has everything. Family, community, enduring friendship, loss of purpose and mystery. It's all wrapped up in a more sedate coastal life, where the most exciting thing to happen, outside of the local ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) team's matches, is a local dog constantly slipping its leash and running off, hotly pursued by the 2 local police beat officers.

The warmth this drama exudes is so lovely. It's a small town, where everyone knows each other's business and when they don't, gossip takes over. In some cases small lives breed small minds, but as happens, many find it hard, or even impossible, to face up to their mistakes and mistreatment of others, when they should know better.

I loved that there was NO stupid, slapstick humour in this, even though it's a comedy-mystery-romance. There are plenty of laughs, generated by daily comings and goings; main character, Kim Baek Doo's, innocent, simple (NOT stupid though), contemplative personality (wonderfully interpreted by Jang Dong Yoon); and the often comicly mundane.

I really liked the coastal setting (filmed in a small area of Pohang, North Gyeongsang), which felt so normal, rather than picture-book pretty. It wasn't unpleasant, by any means, just normal, if that makes sense!

A serious incident leads to the lives of almost everyone in the heart of the town and connected to the ssireum team, being affected one way or another, as tensions build.

The past comes rushing back and some old scars are revealed, to be finally allowed to heal.

Whilst simplistic, it really is a great watch and although I guessed the culprit, it didn't spoil my enjoyment at all (typecasting has a lot to answer for).

The ssireum matches were fabulous and honestly had me twitching in my seat!

Not one character irritated me, even though there's a fair bit of physicality between a few. They get away with it though, because it's not mean or nasty, but out of affection and simply how they interact. Very exuberant.

Most characters are pretty noisy, too; but again, it's how most (not all), speak to each other. Their accent is fabulous. I really found myself engaging with so many of the characters and the cast did themselves proud.

Definitely one to try. I'd happily watch it again.

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Good Enough

Korean Drama '' Like Flowers in the Sand '' is a slice of life drama with many other genres blended nicely in the main plot.

The drama is a sports drama that handled it well, with some training, some games, and a championship of course.

However, the drama didn't forget the rest of its plotlines. The mystery case was solid and blended nicely with the story of the friends and their backgrounds.

The romance was, in addition, subtle, but cute.

Finally, the performances were all great by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, seven out of ten.

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What can I expect from the Korean Drama ‘Like Flowers In Sand’, with Jang Dong-yoon

Like Flowers in Sand stars Lee Joo-myung (Twenty Five Twenty one) and the effervescent Jang Dong-yoon (Oasis).

So I am the girl who tells people not to even call her during the two weeks of the Olympics. I love all sports, even Curling. I got on the Curling bandwagon even before it became popular. ‘Like Flowers in Sand’ highlights the sport of Ssireum. The Sport Ssireum is Korean Wrestling that has roots in ancient Korea. The major holiday events of Ssireum can draw like the American Super Bowl on TV. Using Ssireum as a backdrop, ‘Like Flowers in Sand’ is a touching Sports Romance Drama about the struggles of a Ssireum competitor, who is at the end of his career. This is a decompressor drama, not very complicated. ‘Like Flowers in Sand’ gives you a glimpse into the world of Ssireum, this unique competitive sport, while continuing with a childhood romance. I loved it as a change of pace drama. I fell in love with this drama.

Actor Jang Dong-yoon put out seven works in 2023, four movies and three dramas. He is very hard working. For one of his movies, Jang Dong-yoon was the writer, director, and actor (Please Be My Ear). Jang Dong-yoon’s acting style is so boyish and innocent. He just draws you right into his performances. I would add ‘Like Flowers in Sand’ to your Korean Drama List.

Jang Dong-yoon is very meticulous about his drama work. He had to gain lots of weight for this role, which misshaped his prefect body. He said that he had to eat so much that he threw up at times. Jang Dong-yoon is a true actor and professional, who gives his all. I am impressed.

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