[Drama 2023/2024] Like Flowers in the Sand, 모래에도 꽃이 핀다

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Drama:Flowers Bloom in the Sand/ The Sand Flower

Hangul: 모래에도 꽃이 핀다

Genre: romance, comedy, youth

Network: ENA

Episodes: 12

Director: Kim Jin-Woo

Writer: Won Yoo-Jung

Release Date: December 20, 2023- January 31, 2024

Runtime: Wednesday, Thursday, 21:00 KST

Production Company:

 

OST: part 1 카더가든(Car, the Garden) - 조각 구름(Pieces of Clouds)

          part 2 Ko Youngbae고영배(of SORAN) - 못다 한 이야기(Unfinished Story)

          part 3 오왠(O.WHEN) - 가장 아름다운 날(My Most Beautiful Day)

Official site:

 

Plot

 

 

Kim Baek Doo participates in the traditional Korean wrestling sport of ssireum and is a member of the ssireum team for the Geosan County Office. Baek Doo was born as the youngest son of a prestigious ssireum family. In the past, he was known as a genius like ssireum wrestler, but not anymore. He is thinking about retiring from the sport altogether. One day, Baek Doo meets his childhood friend Oh Yoo Kyung and has a turning point in his ssireum life. Yoo Kyung and Baek Doo grew up together in Geosan County. She begins to work as a leader of the management team for the ssireum team, which is on the verge of disbanding. Meanwhile, they have people around them like Min Hyun Wook, who suddenly appears at Geosan County and adjusts well to life here, and Joo Mi Ran, who is a mysterious cafe owner. There's also the new coach, Kwak Jin Soo, of the ssireum team and Cho Seok Hee, who is Baek Doo’s best friend and works as a police constable. (Asianwiki)

 

 

Cast

Jang Dong Yoon as Kim Baek Do

Lee Joo Myoung as Oh Yoo Kyung

Yun Jong Seok as Min Hyun-Wook

 Kim Bo Ra as Joo Mi-Ran

Lee Jae Joon as Kwak Jin-Soo

 Lee Joo Seung as Jo Seok-Hee

 

 

 Teasers/Trailers

 

 

 

 

 

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Real Life Married Couple Ahn Chang Hwan and Jang Hee Jung Joins "The Sand Flower"

by lo_ve, April 27, 2023

12 2

 

Ahn Chang Hwan and Jang Hee Jung will join the cast of the upcoming K-drama The Sand Flower.

On April 27, media outlets confirmed that the real-life married couple will be working together and will portray as lovers in the upcoming K-drama The Sand Flower.

The Sand Flower is a youth romantic comedy K-drama that will showcase the reunion story of a former ssireum prodigy and a small alley leader. 

The upcoming series will be led by Lee Joo Myung, Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Joo Seung, Yoon Jong Seok, Lee Jae Joon, and Kim Bo Ra. 

Ahn Chang Hwan and Jang Hee Jung will portray the role of Gyeongmun and Hyunjin, a couple who runs a mill shop at Geosan Market. Gyeongmun is a quiet person meanwhile Hyunjin is known for being an "insider" in their neighborhood because she knows all the gossip and always attends any gatherings.

The Sand Flower will premiere in the second half of 2023. It will be the collaboration work of director Kim Jin Woo (A Model Family and Healer) and writer Won Yoo Jung (The Lies Within).

 

 

Ahn Chang Hwan and Jang Hee Jung have been married for 10 years. Just last year, the two made a buzz after they showcased their best friend-like treatment to each other in the SBS entertainment program Same Bed, Different Dreams Season 2: You Are My Destiny. 

This will be the third K-drama of Ahn Chang Hwan for the year. He first appeared in the tvN series Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist Season 2. He also made a special appearance in TVING K-drama Duty After School: Part 1.

Ahn Chang Hwan is known for being part of the K-dramas Vincenzo, The Fiery Priest, Prison Playbook, and more. 

Meanwhile, this will be the first project of Jang Hee Jung for 2023. She was last seen in the K-drama Three Bold Siblings. 

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/real-life-married-couple-ahn-chang-hwan-and-jang-hee-jung-joins-the-sand-flower

 

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November 15 2023

Teaser trailers & posters for ENA drama “Flowers Bloom in the Sand”

Teaser trailers and posters added for ENA drama series “Flowers Bloom in the Sand” starring Jang Dong-Yoon and Lee Joo-Myoung. Narration in the first teaser trailer (15 seconds length) has Jang Dong-Yoon stating “Today this game might be the last game of my life” and the second teaser trailer (30 seconds length) starts with an anonymous voice stating “Baek-Doo, you must become the champion later” and followed by Jang Dong-Yoon stating “Today this game might be the last game of my life.” The drama series revolves around the sport of ssireum (Korean wrestling).

“Flowers Bloom in the Sand” first airs December 20, 2023  in South Korea.

 Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki: Kim Baek-Doo (Jang Dong-Yoon) participates in the traditional Korean wrestling sport of ssireum and is a member of the ssireum team for the Geosan County Office. Kim Baek-Doo was born as the youngest son of a prestigious ssireum family. In his past, he was known as a genius like ssireum wrestler, but not anymore. He is thinking about retiring from the sport altogether. One day, Kim Baek-Doo meets his childhood friend Oh Yoo-Kyung (Lee Joo-Myoung) and has a turning point in his ssireum life. Oh Yoo-Kyung and Kim Baek-Doo grew up together in Geosan County. She begins to work as a leader of the management team for the ssireum team, which is on the verge of disbanding.

Meanwhile they have people around them like Min Hyun-Wook (Yun Jong-Seok), who suddenly appears at Geosan County and adjusts well to life here, and Joo Mi-Ran (Kim Bo-Ra) who is a mysterious cafe owner. There’s also the new coach Kwak Jin-Soo (Lee Jae-Joon) of the ssireum team and Jo Seok-Hee (Lee Joo-Seung), who is Kim Baek-Doo’s best friend and works as a police constable.

 

https://blog.asianwiki.com/korean-dramas/teaser-trailers-posters-for-ena-drama-flowers-bloom-in-the-sand

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Watch: Jang Dong Yoon Transforms Into A Ssireum Prodigy In Teasers For Upcoming Sports Romance Drama

Drama Preview

Nov 22, 2023

by S. Nam

 

Upcoming drama “Flowers Bloom Even in the Sand” (literal title) has unveiled a new teaser!

“Flowers Bloom Even in the Sand” is a new romance drama about the story of youths struggling to bloom in their lives on a ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling sport) ring against the backdrop of Geosan, a city famous for ssireum. The drama follows ssireum prodigy Kim Baek Doo and his first love Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung).

Director Kim Jin Woo of the dramas “A Model Family,” “Queen of Mystery,” “Suits,” and “Love Alarm 2” as well as writer Won Yoo Jung have teamed up for the drama. In particular, “Flowers Bloom Even in the Sand” will be the first rom-com drama based on the theme of ssireum.

The newly released teaser depicts a moment from the past of friends Kim Baek Doo and Oh Doo Shik when they were young. However, one day, Oh Doo Shik leaves, raising anticipation for the story to unfold.

As Kim Baek Doo walks on to the ssireum ring, he recalls his promise with Oh Doo Shik who said, “Baek Doo, you have to become a strong man (jangsa),” referring to the cheonhajangsa title received by the champion of a ssireum match without weight class restriction.

Finally, Kim Baek Doo remarks, “Today’s match may be my last.”

 

 

 

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1627884wpp/watch-jang-dong-yoon-transforms-into-a-ssireum-prodigy-in-teasers-for-upcoming-sports-romance-drama

 

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12+ New K-Dramas To Check Out In December 2023

Features

Nov 30, 2023

by D. Kim

 

Believe it or not, it’s already the final month of the year! This holiday season, cozy up indoors while watching various new K-dramas with your loved ones.

Here are new K-dramas to check out in December:

 

“Like Flowers in Sand”

Cast: Jang Dong Yoon, Lee Joo Myung, Yun Jong Seok, Kim Bo Ra, Lee Jae Joon, Lee Joo Seung, etc.

Premiere Date: December 20

Broadcast Details: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. KST on ENA

“Flowers Bloom Even in the Sand” is a new romance drama about the story of youths struggling to bloom in their lives on a ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling sport) ring against the backdrop of Geosan, a city famous for ssireum. The drama follows ssireum prodigy Kim Baek Doo (Jang Dong Yoon) and his first love Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung). Watch teasers here!

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1628769wpp/12-new-k-dramas-to-check-out-in-december-2023

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"Like Flowers In Sand" Unveils Stills Featuring Lee Joo Myung

by Lily Alice, December 4, 2023

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Ahead of its premiere, the production team of the ENA's upcoming Wednesday-Thursday drama, Like Flowers In Sand, unveiled new stills featuring actress Lee Joo Myung.

Like Flowers In Sand tells the story of a genius wrestler, Kim Baek Doo (Jang Dong Yoon), who is now thinking of quitting the sport. But his life takes a turn when he reunites with his childhood friend Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung).

Oh Yoo Kyung, who comes to Geosan as the management team leader of the Geosan County Office Ssireum Team, is shown walking through Geosan's market. 

She is seen shopping amid the curious gazes of vendors. Her eyes gleam with curiosity, raising questions about her reason for coming to the humble place. 

In the next still, she is shown sitting on the sandpit gazing at something. 

In the third still, Oh Yoo Kyung cautiously peers outside while holding documents, standing in the wrestling team's office late at night. The tension-filled expression on her face adds more curiosity about what is happening in the Geosan Wrestling Team.

 

Actress Lee Joo Myung commented, "When I first read the script, I thought the word 'youth' suited well. The wrestling theme was also fresh." She reminisced about the time she was instantaneously fascinated by the work. She continued, "Each character is full of personality and charm. When these characters come together, the bubbly, refreshing, and bright energy that emerges is so delightful."

She also shared, "Yoo Kyung is easy-going. She is also a lovely person who is honest and outspoken. Although she seems strong and tough on the outside, she's warm inside and is really attractive. I hoped Yoo Kyung's easy-going and cool personality would be well reflected in her speech, demeanor, and expressions."

The Sand Flower will premiere on December 20.

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/like-flowers-in-sand-unveils-stills-featuring-lee-joo-myung

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December 7 2023

Main trailer for ENA drama “Like Flowers in Sand”

Main trailer added for ENA drama series “Like Flowers in Sand” starring Jang Dong-Yoon and Lee Joo-Myoung. The main trailer begins with Jang Dong-Yoon stating “I’ll retire. If I can’t become a champion this time as well, I’ll retire.” Around the 49 second mark Lee Joo-Myoung states “Do whatever you want. If you want to do it then do it and if you don’t want to do it then say you don’t want to.” The drama series revolves around the Korean wrestling sport called “ssireum,” which was also featured in 2006 movie “Like a Virgin.”

“Like Flowers in Sand” first airs December 20, 2023 in South Korea.

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki: Kim Baek-Doo (Jang Dong-Yoon) participates in the traditional Korean wrestling sport of ssireum and is a member of the ssireum team for the Geosan County Office. Kim Baek-Doo was born as the youngest son of a prestigious ssireum family. In his past, he was known as a genius like ssireum wrestler, but not anymore. He is thinking about retiring from the sport altogether. One day, Kim Baek-Doo meets his childhood friend Oh Yoo-Kyung (Lee Joo-Myoung) and has a turning point in his ssireum life. Oh Yoo-Kyung and Kim Baek-Doo grew up together in Geosan County. She begins to work as a leader of the management team for the ssireum team, which is on the verge of disbanding.

Meanwhile they have people around them like Min Hyun-Wook (Yun Jong-Seok), who suddenly appears at Geosan County and adjusts well to life here, and Joo Mi-Ran (Kim Bo-Ra) who is a mysterious cafe owner. There’s also the new coach Kwak Jin-Soo (Lee Jae-Joon) of the ssireum team and Jo Seok-Hee (Lee Joo-Seung), who is Kim Baek-Doo’s best friend and works as a police constable.

 

https://blog.asianwiki.com/korean-dramas/main-trailer-for-ena-drama-like-flowers-in-sand

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Jang Dong Yoon Decides to Take a Chance at Changing His Life in "Like Flowers In Sand"

by Lily Alice, December 8, 2023

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New teasers from Like Flowers In Sand have been unveiled, giving a sneak peek into Kim Baek Doo's (Jang Dong Yoon) relationship dynamics with his family and Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung).

Like Flowers In Sand tells the story of a genius wrestler, Kim Baek Doo (Jang Dong Yoon), who is now thinking of quitting the sport. But his life takes a turn when he reunites with his childhood friend Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung).

The newly-released stills give a glimpse of Kim Baek Doo and the dynamics he shares with his parents, Kim Tae Baek (Choi Moo Sung) and Ma Jin Sook (Jang Young Nam), and his elder brothers Kim Geum Kang (Yang Ki Won) and Kim Hall Ra (Lee Yoo Joon). 

 

 

 

 

Spoiler

 

 

The production team stated that the special and delightful dynamics of the wrestling family are worth looking forward to. They also urged viewers to expect synergy and exceptional performances from Jang Dong Yoon, Choi Moo Sung, Jang Young Nam, Yang Ki Won, and Lee Yoo Joon.

The main trailer of the K-drama has also been released.  

It opens with Kim Baek Doo declaring retirement. Once hailed as the youngest son of the legendary wrestler Kim Tae Baek and known as a prodigy who would soon become a wrestling star, Kim Baek Doo now stands as an ordinary athlete without a single title to his name. His status within his wrestling family often leaves people wondering, "How did the renowned Kim Baek Doo end up in such a state?" 

The turning point in Baek Doo's life comes with the arrival of Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung), the management team leader of the Geosan County Office Ssireum Team, who can easily toss men even bigger than her. She appears confused upon hearing about Kim Baek Doo quitting the sport. 

But she is resolute in guiding the uncertain Baek Doo and offers him advice like "Do what you want to do, say no to what you don't want." 

Kim Baek Doo's transformation after meeting Oh Yoo Kyung sparks anticipation, leaving audiences eager to witness how the wrestler's life will begin to change.

The Sand Flower will premiere on December 20.

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/jang-dong-yoon-decides-to-take-a-chance-at-changing-his-life-in-like-flowers-in-sand

 

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Jang Dong-yoon rekindles his dreams in Like Flowers in Sand

by solstices

 

Another teaser is out for ENA’s coming-of-age sports drama Like Flowers in Sand (previously The Sand Flower), offering further insight into our hero’s dashed dreams. He may be two steps away from giving up, but when a new manager unexpectedly joins the team, she becomes a much-needed ray of hope for our disheartened wrestler.

Jang Dong-yoon (Daily Dose of Sunshine) stars as the ssireum athlete Kim Baek-du, who opens our teaser with a shocking announcement — he’s retiring. As the youngest son of a renowned ssireum fighter, Baek-du once earned high accolades in his childhood days, enough to be called a young prodigy. Since then, though, his career has been on the decline.

 

Disbandment looms on the horizon for Baek-du’s ssireum team, so as a last-ditch effort, a new team manager is recruited. She’s Oh Yoo-kyung — played by Lee Joo-myung (Twenty Five Twenty One) — a no-nonsense lady who’s capable of toppling a grown man in the ring. It’s enough to make Baek-du gasp. Turns out Yoo-kyung is his childhood friend, although she answers his nervously-stuttered questions with a staunch denial.

Yoo-kyung can’t believe how far Baek-du has fallen, and she’s determined to knock some sense into him (both literally and figuratively). “Just live the way you want,” she chastises, urging him to pursue what he likes and avoid what he doesn’t. For Baek-du, who’s lived his life in the shadow of his family’s legacy, Yoo-kyung’s words are deeply moving. Seeing her in a new light — one that inspires him to give ssireum another shot — he tells her: “It’s because of you. I returned because of you.”

It’s a pity we still don’t get to see the rest of the cast, because I’m excited for Kim Bo-ra — whom I loved in Finland Papa — as a cafe owner, and Lee Joo-seung (Black Knight) as a police officer and Baek-du’s best friend. Joining them are the elite high-flyer Yoon Jong-seok (Our Blooming Youth) and the ssireum ace Lee Jae-joon (So Not Worth It), who’ll likely rile up Baek-du’s competitive spirit.

Helmed by PD Kim Jin-woo (A Model Family) with scripts written by Won Yoo-jung (The Lies Within), Like Flowers in Sand premieres on December 20 in ENA’s Wednesday-Thursday slot, and will stream on Netflix.

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/jang-dong-yoon-rekindles-his-dreams-in-like-flowers-in-sand/

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News bites: December 12, 2023

by tccolb

 

Cute posters have also come out for ENA’s Like Flowers in Sand, starring Jang Dong-yoon (Daily Dose of Sunshine) and Lee Joo-myung (Twenty Five Twenty One) in a sweet coming-of-age romance. Following Moon in the Day in the Wednesday-Thursday slot, the sports drama will be sprinting to our screens on December 20. [Sports Donga]

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/news-bites-december-12-2023/

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Jang Dong-yoon blossoms Like Flowers in Sand

by tccolb

Heading into premiere week for ENA’s upcoming Like Flowers in Sand, in the newest teaser we tumble deeper into our story’s ssireum landscape, where a struggling Jang Dong-yoon (Daily Dose of Sunshine) is unexpectedly reunited with his childhood bestie Lee Joo-myung (Twenty Five Twenty One).

As the camera follows our hero into the arena, a spectator muses that Kim Baek-du (Jang Dong-yoon) looks familiar, soon realizing that he’s the praised ssireum prodigy from way back who used to be on TV. We then learn that Baek-du is the youngest son of a previous champion. But despite showing great talent for the sport, Baek-du’s win count has sadly remained at zero.

 

 

 

A dejected Baek-du thus declares that he’s retiring and his older brothers are amused to see Baek-du studying English for a civil service exam. But that’s not the only surprising news in town and the gossip mill is fired up because someone moved into the old empty house where Baek-du’s childhood friend Oh Doo-shik used to live.

Enter our tough heroine Oh Yoo-kyung (Lee Joo-myung) – the new ssireum team manager – who clearly knows a thing or two about wrestling, though she tries to play it down. Baek-du can tell right away that she’s Doo-shik, but the rest of the townsfolk are not convinced.

Personally, I’m not liking this thread of Doo-shik being a supposedly ugly child who anyone could recognize and can’t possibly be the pretty Yoo-kyung. Don’t disappoint me like this Lee Joo-seung (Black Knight). Yoo-kyung, on her part, neither confirms nor denies, only arguing the technicality that she never said to Baek-du that she’s Doo-shik.

Adding to the story’s mystery, we’re introduced to charming newcomer Yoon Jong-seok (Our Blooming Youth) and cafe owner Kim Bora (Finland Papa). The latter is suspicious of the former, asking if he’s the person who moved into the old Doo-shik house and why he’s not shocked to hear that a person died drowning in the neighborhood water reservoir.

We then return to more neighborhood gossip as one woman wonders what happened in the past with Doo-shik’s family and why everyone gets so upset whenever Doo-shik’s name is mentioned – everyone other than our hero, anyway.

In the meantime, Yoo-kyung is less than pleased to discover Baek-du’s retirement and gets a little carried away in her ~if~ I was Doo-shik scenario. Similarly, Dad Choi Moo-sung (Han River) worries about Baek-du’s decision, knowing how much time and effort Baek-du spent on the sand. But even with ssireum rival Lee Jae-joon (So Not Worth It) provoking him, Baek-du is too discouraged to bite.

Thankfully, Yoo-kyung tries a different tactic, encouraging Baek-du to live for himself and openly say when there’s something he does or doesn’t want to do. Also confessing that he’s needed by the team and by her, Yoo-kyung’s confidence moves our hero to return to the sandy ring. As the teaser closes, we read in the intermittent text screens that while Baek-du was stuck a young seedling for 20 years, he’s finally about to blossom just in time.

Directed by PD Kim Jin-woo (A Model Family, Suits) with Won Yoo-jung (The Lies Within) penning the scripts, ENA’s Like Flowers in Sand will be launching next week on December 20 and streaming on Netflix.

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/jang-dong-yoon-blossoms-like-flowers-in-sand/

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News bites: December 16, 2023

by tccolb

Spoiler

 

 

https://enews.imbc.com/News/RetrieveNewsInfo/403226

 

 

 

 

A character teaser has come out for ENA’s Like Flowers in Sand, where we spend some more time with our work-in-progress hero Jang Dong-yoon (Daily Dose of Sunshine) and the place that he calls home. Now that he’s been reunited with childhood bestie Lee Joo-myung (Twenty Five Twenty One), the romance and underdog story will be launching next week on December 20. [MBC]

 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/news-bites-december-16-2023/

 

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Premiere Watch: Like Flowers in Sand

by missvictrix

Time slot: Wednesday-Thursday
Broadcaster: ENA
Genre: Sports, coming-of-age, human
Episode count: 12

Reasons to watch: Dramaland knows how to deliver really wonderful sports dramas that make even a sports-avoider like myself dive in headfirst. With the poetically titled Like Flowers in Sand, we have a hero (Jang Dong-yoon) with crushed dreams of success in the ring as a ssireum athlete. Just when he’s about to give up, those dreams are given new wings. Lee Joo-myung — who was pure joy in Twenty Five Twenty One — is the girl from his past who’s poised to change everything. Has it been done before? Yes. Does that mean they can’t put a special twist on it and make it magical? No, it does not. And I’m ready for the flowers, sand, blood, sweat, and tears.

 

TL;DR: Shirtless Jang Dong-yoon Jang Dong-yoon wrestles for his dreams
 

https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/premiere-watch-like-flowers-in-sand/

 

 

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“Like Flowers In Sand” Kicks Off Fierce Ratings Battle Against “A Good Day To Be A Dog”

TV/Film

Dec 21, 2023

by S. Nam

 

ENA’s “Like Flowers in Sand” has premiered as the follow-up drama to “Moon in the Day“!

According to Nielsen Korea, the December 20 premiere of “Like Flowers in Sand” scored an average nationwide rating of 1.5 percent. “Like Flowers in Sand” is a new romance drama about the story of youths struggling to bloom in their lives on a ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling sport) ring against the backdrop of Geosan, a city famous for ssireum. The drama follows ssireum prodigy Kim Baek Doo (Jang Dong Yoon) and his first love Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung).

MBC’s “A Good Day to Be a Dog” similarly garnered an average nationwide rating of 1.5 percent, marking a slight dip from the previous episode’s rating of 1.9 percent.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1633027wpp/like-flowers-in-sand-kicks-off-fierce-ratings-battle-against-a-good-day-to-be-a-dog

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"Like Flowers In Sand" Kicks Off with Decent Viewership

by Lily Alice, December 22, 2023

5 3

 

ENA's rom-com Like Flowers In Sand premiered with a nationwide rating of 1.48% on December 20. The K-drama's second episode scored 1.41% on December 21. Moreover, on the second day of its release, Like Flowers In Sand ranked on Netflix's top 10 charts in Bolivia, Indonesia, Nicaragua, and Peru. 

Like Flowers In Sand tells the story of a genius wrestler, Kim Baek Doo (Jang Dong Yoon), who was once considered a rising ssireum star. But now, he is considering quitting the sport. His life takes a turn when he reunites with his childhood friend Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung).

 

 

When and where to watch the K-drama Like Flowers In Sand?

Episode 3 of Like Flowers In Sand will air on December 27 (Wednesday). Stream the K-drama on Netflix. 

 

https://mydramalist.com/article/like-flowers-in-sand-kicks-off-with-decent-viewership

 

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Like Flowers in Sand: Episode 1 (First Impressions)

by missvictrix

Beautifully shot and more subtly unfolded than we’re often used to in dramaland, the premiere episode of Like Flowers in Sand is both melancholic and strangely settling. Perhaps it’s the strong sense of place and history, but the drama sets a strong tone with its setting alone, and introduces us to pieces of the story that will knit together later.

Editor’s note: Continued drama coverage is pending.
 
EPISODE 1

 

Our drama opens with a sand drawing styled title sequence that’s just lovely, and not only points to the sand of the ssireum ring, but a metaphor we’re sure to dig into later. But for now we head straight into our wrestling match, with our hero KIM BAEK-DU (Jang Dong-yoon) walking solo into the arena.

In voiceover, courtesy of the fight announcer’s introduction of him, we hear everything we need to know: he was once considered a ssireum prodigy, but he stopped impressing after high school. Now, at 32, he has yet to win a single title. Well, we’re only two minutes in, and already Jang Dong-yoon has won me over with this performance, with all the fidgets and emotions made visible as he walks. We know so little about Baek-du at this point, but just watching him enter to the announcer’s introduction tells us more about him than words ever could. We’ll return to this culminating fight later on in the episode, but first we step back a bit to get to know the story and our hero a bit more.

 

Although Baek-du doesn’t act like he’s bothered, the weight of being considered a failure — and considering himself a failure — clearly follows him around. He has a particularly contentious relationship with “friend” KWAK JIN-SU (Lee Jae-joon), and the scene where we first see them interact is telling. At a reunion dinner, Baek-du is shoveling food into his mouth nonstop, ignoring Jin-su’s not-so-subtle taunts about the upcoming match. When Baek-du starts to choke, he slugs what he thinks is water — but surprise, it’s soju — so he ends up utterly drunk against his own intentions.

It’s not exactly optimal pre-fight behavior, but in a way it opens up Baek-du’s airways and he winds up drunk-calling his coach and telling him he wants to retire. “What’s the point of continuing something I’m horrible at?” he asks at one point, almost rhetorically. Later, the two will have a conversation about this, so that when we circle back to the match that we opened with, it’s with new context that this match will either start or end Baek-du’s career.

As fate would have it, Baek-du’s paired with a younger and stronger opponent who he’s already got some history with. Though he puts in his all for this nail-biter of a match, Baek-du winds up losing after the third round. His coach brushes the sand off of his back, proud of him for finishing the fight giving his all. Interestingly, across the ring, the winning wrestler is getting very different treatment from his coach.

As we’ve come to expect from this drama already, a lot more is shown than told, so as we follow Baek-du out of the arena and to the showers, he unwinds his satba (wrestling belt) and heaves a sigh into the mirror. We know all the disappointment and heaviness he’s feeling — ennui even — and that emotion pervades through the episode. In a particularly strong example of this, the night before the match, Baek-du was eating a meal while his mom (an impressive chameleon performance by Jang Young-nam) yells at her drama on TV and doesn’t pay him much attention. It’s when Baek-du manages to say, “I’m nervous,” that we realize the weight of all the unsaid things in this story.

While Baek-du’s wrestling career is the main plot line, there’s a lot going on with the secondary characters and storylines, most of whom are just barely introduced so far. For instance, Jin-su hangs out at a random coffee shop that’s run by JOO MI-RAN (Kim Bora), who sports some amazing strawberry-blonde hair, an air of insouciance, and could swear that the English word “coffee” only had one “e” when she learned it. That’s why her coffee shop is called Ran’s Coffe.

 

more https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/like-flowers-in-sand-episode-1-first-impressions/

 

[larus]

Like Flowers in Sand: Episode 2

by missvictrix

With nothing to do all day now that he’s declared himself retired, our hero spends most of his time thinking about the arrival of the mysterious young woman in town. He’s the only one who’s convinced of her true identity, but he has nothing to go by except his heart of gold.

Editor’s note: Weekly drama coverage will continue.
 
EPISODE 2

 

Is it too soon to declare my favorite hero of 2024, because if I thought Baek-du stole my heart in Episode 1, it’s only worse now. I’m whipped. He’s so simple and sweet and thoroughly genuine. He’s a 32-year-old man who still gets slapped and scolded by his mom, who talks to himself all the time in a way that’s hilarious and relatable, and who has found himself a bit at sea in life, unsure of his decisions and where they’ve led him.

But there’s one thing Baek-du is sure about, and that is the fact that this pretty young girl who just moved into town is his old friend Doo-shik. We see a wonderful and nostalgic flashback to Baek-du, Doo-shik, and the other neighborhood kids, and see how rough and tumble Doo-shik was. With her masculine name and tendency to beat the boys to a pulp, it’s no surprise that people assumed she was a boy when they heard her story.

But a boy she’s not. She’s super pretty now, and we see that as a kid she was teased over her looks, which is part of why she became such a fighter. Also, her dad was a famous ssireum athlete, too.

 

As we saw at the end of Episode 1, Baek-du is convinced on he spot that she’s Doo-shik, and after he gets up from getting thrown on his back, he tells her as much. He’s insisting — adorable, emphatic — why she has to be her, but after the girl denies enough, he switches to polite speech and aww I love him even more.

But the girl’s denial doesn’t change Baek-du’s surety, and it’s this thread we follow for most of the episode. He has absolutely nothing to go on except his intuition. All his pals that were also friends with her see no resemblance (as they peek not-so-stealthily over her backyard wall lol) and Baek-du’s cop friend in particular — CHO SEOK-HEE (Lee Joo-seung) — can’t see how an ugly kid could have grown up so pretty.

A neighborhood meeting creates the perfect opportunity for not-Doo-shik to meet her neighbors. Though she sits alone at a table (in a topknot and white blouse, drinking her makgeolli), Baek-du can’t stop staring at her as if he’s trying to pierce a hole in her armor. His mother notices, and pretty soon the other ajummas are needling info out of her in their incredibly unsubtle way. We learn that she’s here for work as “a civil servant” and that her name is OH YOO-KYUNG. We don’t get to hear her answer if she’s married, but we do see how she’s uncomfortably listening to them talk about the man who drowned in the town reservoir.

This is a great scene on a lot of levels, but I love how the drama captures Baek-du’s fixation on Yoo-kyung. It’s clearly so much more than attraction or romantic interest. He’s desperately hoping for little facts or tidbits that will prove to him his hunch is right. In fact, he’s so emotionally invested in Yoo-kyung being Doo-shik that he follows her after the meeting and she confronts him with exactly that question. He bumbles adorably, as we have come to know him, and explains that they were very very close friends. “Soulmate,” he sputters, using the English word, and absolutely shattering my heart.

 

more

https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/like-flowers-in-sand-episode-2/

[noor1]

I loved the first 2 episodes, the town, the characters, the sport, the mystery, the politics and gossip, the 4 childhood friends, and Jang Dong Yoon, who is perfect as Baek-Du. 

 

[larus]

Jang Dong Yoon And Lee Jae Joon Face Off In Gripping Ssireum Match In “Like Flowers In Sand”

Drama Preview

Dec 28, 2023

by M. Lim

 

ENA’s drama “Like Flowers in Sand” has shared a glimpse of Jang Dong Yoon and Lee Jae Joon’s intense showdown!

“Like Flowers in Sand” is a new romance drama about the story of youths struggling to bloom in their lives on a ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling sport) ring against the backdrop of Geosan, a city famous for ssireum. The drama follows ssireum prodigy Kim Baek Doo (Jang Dong Yoon) who is about to give up on his career when he reunites with a childhood friend Oh Yoo Kyung (Lee Joo Myung) who reignites his passion.

Spoilers

In the previous episode, Kim Baek Doo’s wrestling journey took an unexpected turn when he chose to retire, stating that he now “hates ssireum.” After learning this, Oh Yoo Kyung suggested Kim Baek Doo as the coach for the Geosan County wrestling team. When he asked her why she recommended him, Oh Yoo Kyung remarked that he couldn’t fool her with his reasoning because she’s indeed his childhood friend Doo Shik.

The newly released stills preview the intense match between long-time rivals Kim Baek Doo and Kwak Jin Soo (Lee Jae Joon). Kwak Jin Soo, who received a coaching offer from director Park Dong Chan (Hwang Jae Yeol) to be the coach of Geosan County wrestling team, boldly challenges Kim Baek Doo, who was recommended by Oh Yoo Kyung, to a face-to-face showdown.

The provocative expression on Kwak Jin Soo’s face as he issues the challenge in the presence of Oh Yoo Kyung, Min Hyeon Wook (Yoon Jong Seok), and the villagers stands in stark contrast to Kim Baek Doo’s surprised reaction. Viewers are eager to find out how Kim Baek Doo will respond to this challenge.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

The next stills capture the gripping atmosphere surrounding the match between Kim Baek Doo and Kwak Jin Soo. Kim Baek Doo’s expression is enigmatic as he confronts his rival.

Kwak Jin Soo spent a difficult childhood overshadowed by the “ssireum prodigy” Kim Baek Doo. Now, as Kwak Jin Soo stands as an undisputed ace with four Jangsa (champion) titles in ssireum, his true motive behind challenging Kim Baek Doo, who holds zero Jangsa title, for the coaching position remains a mystery.

 

Spoiler

 

 

 

The production team teased, “In Episode 4, the intense rivalry match between the now-determined Kim Baek Doo and Kwak Jin Soo will unfold. Additionally, an unforeseen crisis will befall Kim Baek Doo.”

The next episode of “Like Flowers in Sand” will air on December 28 at 9 p.m. KST.

 

https://www.soompi.com/article/1633914wpp/jang-dong-yoon-and-lee-jae-joon-face-off-in-gripping-ssireum-match-in-like-flowers-in-sand

[larus]

Like Flowers in Sand: Episodes 3-4

by missvictrix

The second week of our drama keeps rolling with its beautiful tone and storytelling strengths — there are so many strengths here, but the one which stands out to me is the interplay between subtlety and reveals, and between humor and pathos. I love this drama.

 

EPISODES 3-4

When last we left Baek-du all shocked that Yoo-kyung appears to be married. Lucky for us, we learn pretty quickly that Yoo-kyung and her “husband” MIN HYUN-WOOK (Yoon Jong-seok) are only acting married. They lock elbows when they leave the gym, and it’s pretty hilarious and unconvincing.

Sure enough, at home Hyun-wook switches from “yeobo” to “sunbae” when he addresses Yoo-kyung, signaling a more professional relationship where she’s got seniority. Between that and talks of this “investigation” they’re there for, it’s super fun and also delightfully natural when we learn that they’re both cops, there undercover to investigate the reservoir murder.

I love Yoo-kyung for a lot of reasons, but her scrappiness is definitely up there on the list, and there’s something about her that makes her convincing as a cop or a wrestling expert or anything else they might come up with. She and Baek-du are often in these hilarious interactions where she’s still rejecting her identity as Doo-shik while simultaneously acting exactly like her and not even trying to hide it. They act totally familiar with each other — but also keep interjecting requisite politeness into their conversations to keep up the ruse neither of them believe.

 

Yoo-kyung ropes Baek-du into practicing with adorable fellow wrestler KIM BEOM-SU (Kim Kim-seok) since he’s heading into a match with their coach suddenly MIA. It’s a two-fold plan because while Beom-su needs the training, and Baek-du needs to stay with ssireum, Yoo-kyung also needs the info that Beom-su (and the team at large) is keeping from her. She’s been slowly piecing together what might be going on with COACH YEON (Heo Dong-won) — or rather, what had been going on with him, since he just committed suicide under some strange circumstances.

Here we circle back to the opening championship match, when we were mostly too busy focusing on Baek-du’s final fight to worry about the fact that he observed his coach arguing with someone nearby. Now, that argument is coming into the foreground, and Yoo-kyung and Hyun-wook are trying to connect it to CHOI CHIL-SUNG, the match-rigger and conman whose death is still under wraps — and under investigation.

 

Yoo-kyung ropes Baek-du into practicing with adorable fellow wrestler KIM BEOM-SU (Kim Kim-seok) since he’s heading into a match with their coach suddenly MIA. It’s a two-fold plan because while Beom-su needs the training, and Baek-du needs to stay with ssireum, Yoo-kyung also needs the info that Beom-su (and the team at large) is keeping from her. She’s been slowly piecing together what might be going on with COACH YEON (Heo Dong-won) — or rather, what had been going on with him, since he just committed suicide under some strange circumstances.

Here we circle back to the opening championship match, when we were mostly too busy focusing on Baek-du’s final fight to worry about the fact that he observed his coach arguing with someone nearby. Now, that argument is coming into the foreground, and Yoo-kyung and Hyun-wook are trying to connect it to CHOI CHIL-SUNG, the match-rigger and conman whose death is still under wraps — and under investigation.

more https://www.dramabeans.com/2023/12/like-flowers-in-sand-episodes-3-4/