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.