Drama Preview: “Manhole: Pil’s Wonderland” (kor. 맨홀-이상한 나라의 필)

(C) “Manhole: Pil’s Wonderland” KBS2

I’ve posted a couple of times already about this drama. If you haven’t heard about it yet, keep on reading. If you’re already in the know, check out a couple of the new trailers!

Story

Bong Pil (Kim Jae Joong) has been preparing for his civil servant exam for the past 3 years, but he is not enthusiastic about his studies. He becomes disappointed that his lifelong friend Soo Jin (Uee) will soon get married. He has loved her in vain for the past 28 years. Bong Pil then falls into a manhole and travels through time. He struggles to prevent Soo Jin’s imminent wedding.
The manhole isn’t something he can control. It will open up randomly and also send him randomly back in time, as far back as 7 days. After 12 hours have passed, Bong Pil will be automatically sent back to the present.

Here are a couple of teasers and trailers for a better first look:

Characters and Actors

From left to right: Kim Jae Joong, Uee, Jung Hye Seong and Baro (C) Celltrion Entertainment

Bong Pil (Kim Jae Joong)

Not the brightest candle in the world, Bong Pil is a sweet 28 years old man who’s taking the civil service exam. He’s not very assertive, one of the reasons why he hasn’t done anything about his crush on his best friend and neighborhood beauty Soo Jin. After she suddenly announces her marriage, he falls into a manhole and lands back in time. He now tries to change the future, so that Soo Jin doesn’t end up marrying, but every action has a reaction and the butterfly effect takes place.

At the presentation of “Manhole: Pils’ Wonderland” (C) Photo Planning Team of ‘The Fact Korea’

Kim Jae Joong might be best known as the former member of the idol group DBSK and now a member of the idol group JYJ. He acted in dramas such as “Sunao ni Narenakute”, “Protect the Boss”, “Dr. Jin”, “Triangle” and “Spy”. He also appeared in movies like “Heaven’s Postman” and “Jackal is coming”. “Manhole” will be his first drama after his finished military service.

Kang Soo Jin (UEE)

Kang Soo Jin may look sophisticated and elegant on the outside, but inside of her, she has a sloppy side. Her marriage is a sudden out of nowhere decision, which leaves her friends baffled. Her relationship with Bong Pil (Kim Jae Joong) is complicated, but she sees him as her best friend.

At the presentation of “Manhole: Pils’ Wonderland” (C) Lee Jung Min

UEE may be best known as former member of the idol group After School. She starred in dramas like “Queen Seondeok”, “Ojakgyo Family”, “Jeon Woo – Chi”, “Golden Rainbow”, “High Society” and “Marriage Contract”.

Yoon Jin Sook (Jung Hye Seong)

Yoon Jin Sook is the smartest in the group of friends, but also the craziest one. She’s straightforward and no – bullshit person who doesn’t hold back to speak up when Soo Jin (UEE) suddenly announces that she’s going to marry. Her nickname is Sook – prite, which is a wordplay on her name and Sprite.

At the presentation of “Manhole: Pils’ Wonderland” (C) Photo Planning Team of ‘The Fact Korea’

Jung Hye Seong only had smaller roles up to this point. She appeared in “Oh my Venus”, “Remember: War of the Son” she gained wider recognition with her role as Princess Myung Eun in “Love in the Moonlight”.

Jo Suk Tae (Baro)

Jo Suk Tae is the ultimate package. He’s not only Bong Pil’s (Kim Jae Joong) best friend. He also used to be his biggest enemy. And he never got rid of enjoying Bong Pil fail. On the outside, he seems shy and kind, but if he sees the opportunity, he will stab even his friend in the back.

At the presentation of “Manhole: Pils’ Wonderland” together with Kim Jae Joong (C) Photo Planning Team of ‘The Fact Korea’

Baro may be best known for being a member of the idol group B1A4. He starred in “Reply 1994”, “Angry Mom” and “God’s Gift – 14 Days” for which he received critical acclaim.

Further information

Here are a couple of ‘Behind the Scenes’ videos:

This one is the ‘Behind the Scenes’ from the first hilarious teaser.

This is some random and cute footage.

Thoughts

“Manhole: Pil’s Wonderland” has been on my watchlist since Kim Jae Joong has been cast. After the first teaser, the deal was sealed. It looks crazy and funky and I do love it when Tv – shows play with the butterfly effect. Pil seems to get himself into outrageous situations and my life motto is, the crazier the better, so this is a must – watch!

“Manhole: Pil’s Wonderland” will start airing on the 9th of August on KBS2 at 10:00 pm KST. Do you find this is a must – see or a skip? Tell me your thoughts in the comments below.