“Finland Papa” is a short (6 episodes/30 minutes long) healing, slice-of-life drama. Four individuals who have suffered through life’s challenges and loneliness found their way to work at this cafe owned by a mysterious Papa. They are instructed to become a fake (but found) family and learn to support each other in resolving their own inner struggles. I love them hula dancing together! There’s a central theme of forgiveness - to forgive and to ask for forgiveness.

Because the drama is so short, we only get to know the bullet-point version of each character’s background story and their own arc, with the exception of female lead Yoo Ri. She suffered the loss of her father and her grandmother, and had to learn to live alone. Not only that, there are many unresolved emotions towards her father and his death. She has to learn to forgive and let go, and it took her a while to get to that point. We all know it’s hard to sincerely apologize but it’s just as (if not, more difficult) to forgive someone and move on.

I was impressed with Kim Bo Ra’s acting as the female lead. I’ve always seen her as the annoying high schooler, or irritating supporting character that causes trouble. I almost didn’t watch “Finland Papa” because of her, but I wanted to see male lead, Kim Woo Seok (he’s adorable!). I’m glad Kim Bo Ra took this role and showed a more mature side of her. Her character has to go through the happy-go-lucky high school phase, and move into the lonely, healing phase.

If you are in the mood for a simple, healing drama, this is it. There’s really nothing exciting or surprising. The plot is quite predictable but this could be just what you need as well.


Completed: 5/16/2023 - Review #308