Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)

It's Not Horrible but ...

The first time I saw Ji Sung was in Devil Judge, which I ended up dropping about halfway through my watch of it. His performance wasn't the issue, but the story was .. lacking TO ME. I found myself rather bored while watching that one, and that's why I stay away from revenge/revenge adjacent dramas because I know I'm gonna be bored to tears and will not finish it.
Now, I feel the same way about that show that I do about this one and that's why I mentioned it. The premise and story of this show is amazing and I've never seen any dramas about DID prior to watching this one, so I'll give the writing department kudos for their originality and creativity. However, this show is missing something. I'm not saying it's not a fun time because it is. But there is something about this show that I can't quite put my finger on. Again, Ji Sung did very well. His acting was superb; you could immediately pick up on the differences between each personality so I'll give him props for that. However, his co-star was ... interesting. Oh Ri Jin was not boring or dull; she wasn't either of those things but I found that I didn't care about her all that much by the end of the show.

I watched most of this show on mute so the constant screaming that some people have mentioned didn't bother me. However, the character of Oh Ri Jin is forgettable. There's nothing about her that endeared me to her. By the end of the show, I can't even say that I shipped Oh Ri Jin and Cha Do Hyun. The pairing had semi-decent chemistry but the characterization of Oh Ri Jin affected my enjoyment of the relationship/show. I think some people truly underestimate how much the lead character/lead love interest can make or break a show. Or maybe I'm in the minority of not minding a crappy plot as long as the characterization and interpersonal relationships are solid and enjoyable. Either way, I didn't care for Oh Ri Jin. I didn't hate her, but I also didn't love her. She was just kind of .. there. If you're the type of person who doesn't care for the romance aspect of a drama, then I'd probably recommend this show to you. While the romance is there, it's not groundbreaking enough to overshadow anything else and it won't interfere with your enjoyment of the rest of the plot.

Also, how could I forget about her brother? Oh Ri On. I couldn't stand him and I feel like the writers were too sympathetic to him and his plight. Oh Ri Jin didn't hold him accountable for everything he did as much as she should have, and that's unfortunate. Then again, there were many issues with the characterization of Oh Ri Jin to begin with and her relationship with her brother was definitely one of them.

I got to the last three or four episodes before I started fast forwarding through literally everything. I was just so ready to finish watching this show. I'd grown weary of watching this show and I just wanted it to be over! Also, I feel like those last 3 episodes were incredibly rushed. I feel like the show would have benefitted from gradually convincing the alters to reintegrate with Cha Do Hyun. Some of the alters were clearly ready to go, like Perry Park for instance. He should have been reintegrated 10 or so episodes before the ending, if you ask me. It was unrealistic to assume that all of his alters were willing to disappear all at the same time like that. Some of his alters clearly had the temperament of never wanting to leave - Shin Se Gi, for example. He should have been the only one they kept until the end, because it was clear that he never wanted to leave and wanted to experience life for himself. Things were just wrapped up too nicely at the end; it was almost TOO convenient and TOO clean, in my opinion. It's almost like the writers lost their way and didn't quite know how to end this show, so that's how they ended it.

It was an okay show but I feel extremely strange about this one. Hence my writing a review for it. For the most part, I don't like to review most of the media I consume unless I felt an extreme urge to do so like with this one. I highly doubt I'd revisit and rewatch this one.

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Incredibly good and great insight into what used to be called Multiple Personality Disorder

9/10 is my rating. This is a 2015 South Korean drama with 20, 60 minute, episodes. It is about a young man, Cha Do Hyun (Ji Sung), who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID - formerly called multiple personality disorder). As the story unfolds it is revealed that Do Hyun experienced many traumatic, life-threatening events. As a a third-generation business heir he must keep his disorder secret from those that would displace him which is challenging, and sometimes comical, when the personalities often appear with little warning. Desperate to lead a normal life, Do Hyun, seeks the help of Oh Ri Jin (Hwang Jung-eum) who agrees to help him privately. She is a first year resident but is skilled in dealing with some of the more difficult psychiatric cases. Ri Jin has a twin brother who writes under a pseudonym and who reveals the seedier side of the rich and famous. Do Hyun must gain control of his condition before one of his personalities takes complete control and also before he is discovered by reporters like Ri Jin's twin or his devious, plotting, family members. Do Hyuns personalities are: Shin Se-gi: A tough, bad boy, dare devil who comes out when Do-hyun experiences a physical threat he meets violence with violence but never hurts children or women. Se-gi knows all about Do Hyun as he has complete memory of everything. Se-gi falls in love with Ri-jin at first sight. Perry Park: Is an older man (40) who likes to build bombs and fish. He makes his appearance whenever Do-hyun thinks back on good times with his father. This personality is named after a boat that Do-hyun promised to procure for his father. Ahn Yo-na : An outgoing and impish 17 year old fan girl. extrovert and mischievous 17-year-old girl who loves idols. This personality emerges when something stressful occurs that has to be endured quietly. Ahn Yo-seob : An artistic 17 year old who is suicidal. This personality emerged when Do-hyun made a suicide attempt during his high school years. Yo-seob is Yo-na's twin brother. Na-na (Cha Do-hyun): This personality represents all of Do-hyunn's childhood fears and she is named after her teddy bear. Mr. X: Na-na's father - a mysterious character among the other personalities.

Spoiler 🚨 I read, before I watched this, reviews where others said how amazing Ji Sung did in acting the many personalities of the male lead. I thought it would be serious but it is handled with a very healthy dose of humor and tons of compassion. I laughed so hard when some of the personalities emerged both at the personalities' antics as well as everyone's response to it. I remember when I was a psychology student meeting someone with what they then called multiple personality disorder. I was skeptical. I was later convinced. Typically the person has suffered severe trauma or abuse and develop the other personalities as a coping mechanism. The person presenting who had multiple personality disorder explained it like you have one road you typically travel and there are grooves in it from the well worn tires but then that road gets a huge pothole so you take an alternative road. Over time that second road gets grooves and it is easy to switch between the two. I saw that person change personality and it did not at all seem like acting. I think they portrayed that quite well in this drama - how the switch happens and why it develops. I was a little disappointed in the way it ended as it left a lot of questions unanswered and it felt pretty rushed. Not enough to keep me from watching it - I would recommend it - but just decreased how good I thought it was by a small amount.

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A great drama to cry, laugh and anticipate all in one

First and foremost is definitely the OST. Man, it can bring you to dreamland, listening to the main theme. It always appears at the right scene. I put my foot down and affirm that although I have not watched that many kdaramas and do not know the language, but this OST was one of the best I have come across.

The overall plot was good. Ji Sung nailed every portrayal as I sobbed for every scene that had the personalities leaving him and Ri Jin. Though they shared the same body and face but Ji Sung's awesome acting had me looking at every personality individually.

Acting - Main to the supporting actors did really well. the relationships between every character were also beautifully done.

If you're a new kdrama fan like me, this is one of those dramas you must watch. it has all the elements drama, comedy, romance all well balanced and aptly placed in every scene.

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I have just finished watch this drama and I loved it.

It has all the must have situations of a good and classic drama.

- LOVE STORY: of course we have it! And it is a very good love story with the right amount of drama!
- TRIANGLE: YES WE GOT IT! And sometimes it comes to be more like a pentagon!
- EVIL: yes and we don't know who is the real evil character till the end
- COHOUSING: no sharing house no party, baby!
- AMNESIA: this drama is full of amnesia!

I have to mention the really good chemestry between all the cast, and Ji Sung that is playing so many different characters all in one is amazing.

I loved also the soundtrack, really appropriate!

I've watched it in 3 days. Do I need to say more?

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What on Earth Was That?

Having joined the Kdrama world in 2020, I like to watch some older shows in between the new ones, just to catch up a little. Kill Me, Heal Me has a 8.7 rating on this website, a very interesting premise and the main actor is Ji Seong, who I quite liked in The Devil Judge. Therefore, I was fully expecting to enjoy this show. Instead, I kept asking myself what the hell I was watching.

The plot made no sense, and I don’t mean the multiple personality part but the entire damn plot. Nobody acts logical in this drama, nobody communicates, nobody is just a normal person. All the characters are over the top but not in an entertaining way, just annoying and like caricatures. The female lead has been mentioned numerous times as being extremely loud and that is an understatement (though I will admit that some of the scenes with her brother were pretty funny). There is one stupid trope after another - from childhood trauma to evil corporate executives, it’s all there. I slogged through the episodes thinking there would be some exciting reveal or at least an explanation so it would all make sense in the end but no, not really. I could not wait to finish this drama just to be done with it.

The redeeming factor is of course Ji Seong’s amazing portrayal of the multiple personalities. Just stunning to watch. Every character looks different even without the visual aid of clothes or a tattoo that appears (which I thought was just how he saw himself, not what was actually there.) The portrayal of the teenage girl personality was absolutely hysterical. And the “bad guy” personality was just wow. I didn’t get any bad vibes there and the female lead certainly didn’t either...

Sadly, this outstanding piece of acting did not save the show from being a mess. I absolutely recommend to NOT watch it and pick something else instead. For an older show with mental health as a topic, It’s Okay, That’s Love, was much more realistic and very heart-warming as well.

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Mixed feeling about this. I liked the Se Gi parts best. Why is it so many Korean dramas start so good then go on and on and cram a quick resolution into the final episode? [though to be fair often Japanese of some types are the same]. The idea and storyline was very good but be warned from about episode 15 dragged and faded as the syrupy romance and backstory took over. I struggled to make it to the final episode, must be a stubborn streak. [me??]. It is the kind of drama if you watch while it airs you tune out before you get to the end and never finish it. The final episode was good but everything was so rushed and crammed into one episode〜〜why ? weak end to good drama.　Acting/caste very good if you like those looks. Music. I dislike rap music but on this show it is even more intrusive 〜〜gives me headache((((*｡_｡)_ Re-watch? Not for me. Was 10/10 for first half but a generous 7/10 by the end.

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GENERALE
Mi è piaciuto abbastanza anche se l'ho trovato in alcuni momenti un po' pesantino, non tanto per le tematiche ma per come venivano rappresentate e ripetute in modo per me un po' esagerato e ridondante. È sicuramente un drama che ti colpisce, che ti fa commuovere molto e che fa riflettere su tematiche molto forti sebbene in molti punti sia molto poco realistico.

TRAMA
Il drama è partito abbastanza lentamente, sono stati presentati i personaggi principali e solo nella parte centrale prende un ritmo incalzante che ti tiene incollato. Nella parte finale torna ad essere lento e, a mio parere, molto allungato: avrei preferito le canoniche 16 puntate. Il fulcro centrale del drama è il disturbo di personalità multiple di cui soffre il protagonista che è legato ad un trauma d'infanzia che nel corso del drama viene esplorato. Non mi aspettavo che i vari aspetti medici fossero trattati in maniera approfondita (non è certo lo scopo di questo tipo di prodotto) ma trovo che siano stato eccessivamente piegati a favore della trama e alcuni elementi sono totalmente sbagliati e imprecisi. Il problema della trama è poi la mancanza di un vero e proprio antagonista che aiuti a mantenere il ritmo costante fino alla fine.

PERSONAGGI
I personaggi sono il vero punto forte di questo drama, li ho amati tantissimo e senz'altro ha contribuito il livello di recitazione degli attori che è stato superbo. Menzione d'onore ad una delle personalità del protagonista (OPPAAAAAAA) che ha offerto dei siparietti molto comici ma che non sono caduti nel trash classico di alcuni drama.
Attenzione: second lead syndrome in agguato.

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Must watch!!!
Love the chemistry, acting, and plot development.
This show is just so hilarious and it’s also so cuteee, god watch this and you’ll fall in love.
It sucks for ri on though like yea we all know he isn’t going to get the girl, but still he was so funny and cute that you can’t help but like him lol
Ji sung’s acting like goddamn mister you literally just put everyone else to shame for their mediocre acting when they get an award.
HJE she’s is great like always it surprises me to see that she has so many hate comments, but whatever her acting slays.
Over everything in this drama is amazing no dull moments.10/10

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PRETTY SPOILER FREE, DON'T BE SCARED TO READ, I STOPPED MYSELF AND ONLY SHOWED WHAT WAS IN THE LITTLE RECAP

I couldn't stop thinking about this drama, even after months of watching it. So, here I am, writing my very first review after dozens and dozens of dramas. 'Cause it deserves it. PLEASE, IF IT FEELS BORING IN THE FIRST EP, DONT STOP WATCHING, IT GETS SUPER ADDICTED, AT LEAST WATCH 2 FULL EPS!!!

You see, I saw this as a recommendation around half a year ago, and I watched the first episode and lost interest.

Worst decision I've ever made.

I continued watching after I saw a review praising it when I was looking for something to watch. And boy were they right. Here are their, and my, points.

-Great Acting
Okay so Ji Sung (Cha Do Hyun) is as amazing actor. He had to go through so many embarrassing situations with his multiple personalities. From the romantic scenes with Hwang Jung Eum to acting as a teenage girl. He did it so well at that! All of his personalities, so different, but he performed very, very well. If you were to cut to a random scene in episode ten where he acts as someone in his 40s, you would right away believe he was in his 40s. He's extremely talented and, honestly, this drama shows it off the best where he has to act as 7 different people.

He is, in my opinion, the best actor. From what I've seen, and his believability. And I've seen a crap load of k/c/t/j actors.

Hwang Jung Eum, of course, with her experience, is in my top 5. She's believable and she made me cry multiple, or a million, times.

-Chemistry
Okay, so this couple. lemme talk about this couple. THEY HAVE SUCH GOOD CHEMISTRY
Literally, I can't watch another drama with Ji Sung and Hwang Jung Eum without being disappointed cause literally they're so good.

They have the best chemistry out of all of the couples I've seen in Kdramas.

-Lovable Side Characters
You have to see the drama to get this one, but I grew extremely attached to all of the personalities. I've cried for all of them. Even the funny ones have a dark past for their existence.
and, of course, hwang jung eum's brother in this drama (he was in the What's Wrong with Secretary Kim drama) is very good. he's AMAZING, i cried for him. he's great. love him.

-Even Those Who Don't Like Romance Dramas Love It
I get really bored with just Romance. This drama actually has sooo many funny moments. I sometimes look at a Rom Com and think "where the hell's the com part? did it jump off a cliff?" but this one didn't miss out. you really love the couple
on top of that, it's super duper suspenseful. How the personalities appeared, when they'll appear, it's all so much suspense. They do so well with revealing it in a way that blows your mind.
EVERYTHING ALSO MAKES A TON OF SENSE AT THE END, MINDBLOWING FOR REAL

I recommend not leaving comments on (one of the buttons on the top row of the video screen, top right, right across from the comments) cause viewers love to give spoilers. I got spoiled a lot. Don't read comments on dramabeans recaps and ish. It'll ruin it for you.

Negatives:
Hwang Jung Eum in the beginning, and throughout the drama might get kind of annoying for you cause she focuses on the rom part more than the suspense until the very end, where she gets pulled into the mix.

Relationship part might annoy you.

You might not like it when a certain hot personality appears, or you might love it, idk but the entire audience loved him. (I fell in love with a certain 17 yr old brother, he appears l8r on, he gets a whole ep to himself. youll know. he's hot. glasses. )

There's really no negatives I can think of, it's so good.

STILL THOUGH TURN COMMENTS OFF IT RUINED EVERYTHING SO MANY TIMES. DON'T EVEN TURN IT ON TO CHECK IF EVERYONE'S RESPONDING TO A MOMENT CORRECTLY, IT'LL RUIN YOU JUST DON'T
ALSO THE SUBBERS DID SUCH A GR8 JOB, THEY SUBBED IT SO WELL, YOU GRAMMAR NAZI'S WILL BE SO PROUD CAUSE SOME DRAMA SUBBERS ACTUALLY ARE AN ACTUAL MESS BUT THESE GUYS AREN'T THANK YOU 7 DIMENSIONAL TEAM!!!

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Kill Me Heal Me is one of the first psychological kdramas I watched and I am satisfied with this kdrama.

Story wise, I think this drama has an interesting story. The writer is so creative to think of this kind of story. Although the story is rather complex, I find myself enjoying each episode. I fall in love with every character and really symphatize each and every one of them. The flow is not fast nor slow; I think it is perfect.

Acting/Cast wise, Ji Sung is superb. Amazing. Excellent. Perfect. I don't think I could express my respect for him. He played various characters in this drama and he did it perfectly. I always see him as a different person every time he played a different personality; I can see how depressed Yo Seob is, how annoying Yoo Na is, how broken Se Gi is, how fragile Do Hyun is. I have nothing but praise for Ji Sung. Besides Ji Sung, the other actress and actors also did a great job portraying their character.

Music wise, I love the main ost. It really makes me feel the emotions the characters are feeling better. And, it is the kind of music that you can unconsciously hum and think of everytime you hear the word 'Kill Me Heal Me'.

However, in terms of rewatch value, I don't think it is an enjoyable drama to be rewatched. I tried rewatching this drama before but I find myself not enjoying it as much as I did when I watched it for the first time. Maybe it is because Kill Me Heal Me has a complex story so you feel satisfied only by watching it once. Moreover, since Kill Me Heal Me involves some 'mystery' and plot twist, you don't really feel the thrill of finding out the mystery and plot twist when you watched the drama for the second time (u know the twist already).

Overall, I am satisfied with this drama. As a psychology major student, I highly recommend this drama for people who are interested in psychological dramas. I think this is one of the best psychological dramas :D

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