Crash Landing on You follows Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy South Korean heiress, who accidentally paraglides into North Korea due to a tornado. There, she meets Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army captain, who helps her navigate her new reality and find a way back home. This critically acclaimed series, praised for its engaging plot and strong performances, achieved record ratings and significant international success, becoming a cultural phenomenon and boosting tourism in filming locations.
Overview of Crash Landing on You
Yoon Se-ri, portrayed by Son Ye-jin, is a successful businesswoman and affluent heiress from South Korea. Her life takes an unexpected turn while paragliding when a sudden tornado alters her course, leading her to crash land in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea. Isolated from her family and unable to reach the South, she finds herself in a challenging and unfamiliar environment.
However, fate presents her with a life-changing encounter. She meets Ri Jeong-hyeok, played by Hyun Bin, a captain in the North Korean army who discovers her during his patrol. Despite their contrasting backgrounds, an undeniable connection begins to blossom. Determined to help her return home, he takes it upon himself to protect her and guide her back to the South.
Unprecedented Popularity and Accolades
With a remarkable rating of 4.2 out of 4 from viewers, Crash Landing on You has become one of the most beloved romantic K-Dramas in Korea and beyond. When it aired, it set records as the highest-rated series on the tvN channel and became the second-highest-rated series in Korean cable history. According to a survey by the South Korean Ministry of Culture, it was also the second most popular drama among international audiences in 2021, following Squid Game.
Penned by Park Ji-eun and directed by Lee Jung-hyo, the series premiered in December 2019 and concluded in February 2020. Its availability on Netflix allowed it to capture the hearts of viewers worldwide, especially in China and Japan, where it achieved remarkable success, remaining in the top 10 of Japanese Netflix for an impressive 69 consecutive weeks.
In the United States, Crash Landing on You was celebrated as one of the “best international shows on Netflix” and recognized by Time as one of the top Korean dramas available. The series garnered numerous awards, including Best Drama Series at the Asian Academy Creative Awards and Best Actress for Son Ye-jin at the Seoul International Drama Awards.
Heralded as “addictive, heartbreaking, and hilarious” by The Guardian, this 16-episode series captivates audiences with its compelling storyline, complex romance, and charming characters. The undeniable chemistry between Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin has left a lasting impression, complemented by Kim Sun-young’s standout performance that earned her the Best Supporting Actress award at the Baek Sang Art Awards.
The show’s immense popularity has even led to a tourism boom in the picturesque village of Iseltwald, Switzerland, where several memorable scenes were filmed. This charming town now sees about 1,000 visitors for every resident, leading the local government to implement measures to manage the influx of fans eager to explore iconic filming locations.
For those who haven’t yet experienced this beautiful love story set against stunning backdrops, it’s time to binge-watch Crash Landing on You—just remember to keep a box of tissues handy!
Crash Landing on You features a stellar cast, including Son Ye-jin, Hyun Bin, Seo Ji-hye, and Kim Jung-hyun, and is available for viewing on Netflix.