See You In My 19th Life is a stunning adaptation based on the latest webcomic from Lee Hye. Unlike other South Korean reincarnation shows, this one stays more grounded in everyday life. The memory of Ban Ji-eum’s (Shin Hye-sun) previous lives is the only fantasy element (so far!). The show is centered on Ban’s relationship with rich heir Moon Seo-ha (Ahn Bo-hyun), who she met in her 18th life, and the people around him. While this show has the trappings of a standard Korean fantasy romance, director Lee Na-jung and screenwriter Choi Young-lim skillfully mixes in history in order to fill in the blanks of Ban’s previous lives. At the same time, the show shifts between timelines seamlessly, only revealing information when needed. As such, See You In My 19th Life is a unique reincarnation story with insights on growth, connection, and love.

South Korean dramas are best known for their high-concept premises and See You In My 19th Life is no exception. With the premise alone, it would be difficult to balance two different timelines, let alone nineteen. But this show accepts this challenge. Director Lee Na-jung and screenwriter Choi Young-lim takes advantage of the film medium to strategically reveal information about previous lives, even more info than the original source material. Many of these lives are excuses for Ban Ji-eum’s (Shin Hye-sun) skills, however, what stands out from this show is that certain blanks from the comic are filled with some integral parts of Korean history. From the precursor to soju to the trauma of the Japanese occupation, Ban takes her previous experiences and turns them into strengths. With one soul experiencing lives from all the way to the 13th century (at least), Lee and Choi turns Ban Ji-eum into a representative for the Korean collective unconscious.