Why 'Thirty Nine' is a Letdown: A Critical Review of Dr. Cha Mi-jo

Introduction

Do you have a most hated character in a South Korean drama? If so, who is it and why? For many fans of Kdramas, the answer might be Dr. Cha Mi-jo from the 2022 series Thirty Nine. This review delves into why the portrayal of Dr. Cha Mi-jo has left a bitter taste in many viewers' mouths, once again highlighting the challenges of crafting engaging and relatable characters in Kdramas.

The Promise and the Reality

Back in 2022, before tuning into Thirty Nine, the premise of a tale celebrating friendship and love at the pivotal age of 39 seemed like a breath of fresh air. As a 37-year-old battling a life-threatening illness, I had high hopes that this drama would resonate deeply with my experiences and the cherished friendships I hold dear. Add to that, the recent portrayal of Son Ye-jin as Yoon Se-ri in Crash Landing On You, further sweetened the cherry. But instead of a heartwarming journey, what I got was a protracted cycle of immature crying episodes, unrelenting tension, and a character that defies logic and reason.

The Problematic Protagonist: Dr. Cha Mi-jo

Burnout and Co-dependent Narratives

Dr. Cha Mi-jo is the lead character whose every action is driven by a misplaced sense of responsibility and loyalty. This leading lady is portrayed as someone who drops her work without consequence, constantly putting her career and life on hold to ‘rescue’ a friend she cares for deeply. However, it's often the case that the friend doesn't even want her interference in the first place. This co-dependent dynamic not only tires but also alienates the audience, especially when it comes at the expense of other characters who are rendered almost marginalized.

Medical Fiascos and Favoritism

On a more cringe-worthy note, Dr. Cha Mi-jo’s behaviour as a dermatologist is questionable. She is shown making drastic and sometimes illegal decisions that no medical professional would condone. Furthermore, her friendship dynamic is heavily skewed, with a noticeable lack of balance. Dr. Cha Mi-jo is the clear favorite, and this imbalance is evident in her interactions with the other two friends, where the first friend receives disproportionate attention, creating an unfair and uncomfortable dynamic.

The Boyfriend and the Patriotic Loyalty

Adding another layer of frustration, Dr. Cha Mi-jo's boyfriend is portrayed as the sentimental type who always bows to her whims and decisions. Rather than adding dramatic tension or conflict, he obliges dutifully, making the narrative feel bland and predictable. This is a stark contrast to the dynamic expected from a healthy dramatic relationship. Instead of facing real-life consequences, Dr. Cha Mi-jo’s actions result in zero repercussions, leaving her the center of attention no matter what she does.

The Curtain Call

By the end of the series, Thirty Nine had failed to redeem itself, and I found myself questioning why I had binged through all 12 episodes. The series’s inability to balance its premise and character arcs left me with feelings of disappointment and frustration. The drama’s hour-long episodes and relentless plot twists became tedious, ultimately deteriorating my enjoyment.

Conclusion

It's disheartening to see a once-promising premise turn into a letdown. The portrayal of Dr. Cha Mi-jo as a flawed character with unrealistic and unbalanced dynamics did not serve the story well. While Son Ye-jin’s acting skills bring this character to life, the excess of unreasonable behavior makes viewing the series a tiresome experience. Fans of Kdramas like myself are left wondering why a show that was highly anticipated ended up as a waste of time.

Despite my hatred for Thirty Nine, I do commend Son Ye-jin’s exceptional performance, which contributes to the character’s negative impact on the drama. It's a reminder that even the most skilled actors can bring out the worst in a poorly crafted character. Moving forward, I hope to avoid other Kdramas that follow the same shallow narrative and instead gravitate toward shows that offer engaging love and friendship arcs with meaningful dialogue and character development.

For recommendations, I would suggest exploring other Kdramas with strong character arcs and engaging storylines, such as Parasite, The Healer, and Show Me the Money.