A review of the new Korean drama series Goodbye Earth

Forget giant explosions and epic fight-for-survival scenes. “Goodbye Earth,” the new Korean drama series on Netflix that premiered this year (April 26, 2024), is more about the emotional rollercoaster we ride when the world is ending. When I pressed play, I was expecting catastrophic and tear-jerking scenes that would cleanse my eyes. But the drama was subtle that you would need a bit of introspection before it gets to you. I find it really cerebral to be asking myself how I would feel given their demise or what I would do if I were in their situation. Instead of relying on the show to draw out conclusions for most scenes, I found myself deeply pondering. Written by Jung Sung-joo and directed by Kim Jin-min, the show stars Ahn Eun-jin from The Good, Bad Mother fame, as a dedicated school teacher who just wants to keep her students safe.

The story isn’t a straightforward countdown. We bounce back and forth in time, piecing together the world’s reaction from the moment a giant asteroid named Dina is spotted hurtling towards Earth, to the final days before it slams into the Korean Peninsula. Imagine the fear, the confusion, the desperation!

Korea will be the epicenter of the asteroid and to save their lives, many Koreans spent all of their money to move to a safer place. A lot of them had to put all of their life savings into the hands of opportunistic individuals. Because of that, many who were left in the country were the poor Koreans, the criminals and those who are in prison. Due to this, violence and crime were rampant and the primary target were the kids. Jin Se-Kyung had to take revenge and take out those people so they wouldn’t have the chance to hurt other kids again. But this decision weighed heavily on Jin Se-Kyung’s conscience.

But through it all, her character shines. She shows us that love and a fierce desire to protect can blossom in the most unexpected places, proving that motherhood isn’t just about biology. You don’t have to be related by blood to feel that deep, powerful connection.

I finished this show on Mother’s Day (perfect timing, right?), and it really left me thinking. “Goodbye Earth” isn’t your typical disaster flick. It’s a touching story about the human spirit, the enduring power of love, and what it truly means to be a family. The series also explores the role of faith in a world facing oblivion. Father Baek, a central character, wrestles with his conscience. He escapes the crash of a plane meant to take him to safety, but can’t escape the burden of his choices. This adds another layer to the show’s emotional depth, making us contemplate the importance of facing our actions even in the brink of a catastrophe. The ending packs a subliminal punch. We don’t see the actual impact of the asteroid, but the emotional goodbyes and the characters’ choices in those last moments will definitely stay with you.

What do you think of Goodbye Earth? Let me know in the comments.