Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama The Sound of Magic, which premiered on Netflix in May 2022. This enchanting Korean series brings together magical realism, coming-of-age themes, and stunning musical numbers in a way that’s both heartbreaking and uplifting.
Based on the popular Naver webtoon “Annarasumanara” by Ha Il-kwon, The Sound of Magic consists of 6 episodes with an average runtime of 60 minutes each. Directed by Kim Seong-yoon and written by Kim Min-jeong, the series stars Ji Chang-wook, Choi Sung-eun, and Hwang In-youp in a captivating tale that blurs the lines between reality and imagination.
This Netflix original explores the harsh realities of growing up too fast while maintaining the magical wonder of childhood dreams. The series combines elements of psychological drama, fantasy, and musical theater to create something truly unique in the K-drama landscape. With its whimsical yet mature storytelling, The Sound of Magic asks profound questions about what it means to believe in magic when the world forces you to be practical.
A Teen’s Struggle Between Dreams and Reality
Yoon A-Yi is a high school student who supports herself and her younger sister by working part-time jobs, not knowing where her parents are after her father was driven away by debt collectors and her mother left home. Despite her difficult circumstances, she maintains top academic performance while desperately wanting to become an adult as quickly as possible to secure a stable job.
Everything changes when she encounters Ri-eul, a mysterious magician who appears during her time of need. Living in an abandoned theme park, Ri-eul becomes the catalyst for Ah-yi to rediscover the childhood dreams she was forced to abandon. Her character arc beautifully portrays the internal conflict between survival instincts and the desire to hold onto wonder.
Ji Chang-wook’s Enigmatic Magician Ri-eul
Ji Chang-wook delivers a career-defining performance as Ri-eul, the enigmatic magician whose true nature remains mysterious throughout the series. His acting and singing abilities shine through, with his vocal performance being particularly surprising and charming. Ri-eul serves as both a mentor and a mirror, helping Ah-yi see possibilities beyond her harsh reality.
The character’s ambiguity is masterfully handled, keeping viewers questioning whether he’s truly magical or simply someone who understands the power of belief. His interactions with Ah-yi are tender yet profound, creating a relationship that transcends typical mentor-student dynamics.
Academic Rival Turned Unexpected Ally
Na Il-deung, played by Hwang In-youp, regularly competes with Ah-yi academically but becomes much more than a simple rival character. His own journey reveals the pressures of perfectionism and parental expectations, making him a parallel to Ah-yi’s struggles despite their different circumstances.
The chemistry between the three leads creates a compelling triangle of relationships that drives the emotional core of the series. Il-deung’s character development shows how even those who seemingly have everything can be missing the magic in their lives.
When Reality and Magic Collide in the Finale
The series builds to a powerful climax that forces all characters to confront the question of whether magic can truly exist in a world that demands practical solutions. Without spoiling the resolution, the final episodes masterfully balance the fantastical elements with real-world consequences, creating an ending that’s both satisfying and thought-provoking.
The abandoned theme park setting becomes crucial in these final moments, serving as a metaphor for childhood dreams that society abandons but that still hold transformative power.
Success on Netflix
The Sound of Magic achieved significant global success, ranking highly in Netflix’s international charts shortly after its release. The series’ unique blend of musical numbers, magical realism, and social commentary resonated with international audiences. The 6-episode format allows for tight storytelling without unnecessary padding, while the musical elements showcase the cast’s impressive vocal abilities and create memorable moments that enhance the emotional impact.
The Perfect Escape for Dreamers
If you love stories about finding magic in the mundane and holding onto wonder despite life’s hardships, The Sound of Magic is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It’s a beautifully crafted reminder that sometimes the most important question isn’t whether magic is real, but whether we choose to believe in it.
Why This Magical Journey Deserves Your Time
The Sound of Magic succeeds in creating a viewing experience that’s both emotionally resonant and visually stunning. It’s a rare drama that treats its fantastical elements with the same respect as its harsh realities, resulting in a story that speaks to anyone who’s ever been told to stop dreaming and start being practical.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 6 (completed)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2022
Current IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Musical Drama, Fantasy, Coming-of-Age
Status: Completed series
Main Cast: Ji Chang-wook (Ri-eul), Choi Sung-eun (Yoon Ah-yi), Hwang In-youp (Na Il-deung)
Main Antagonist: Societal expectations and harsh reality (thematic rather than individual character)