Edited by Hwang Hong Sun
Translated by by Kim Hoyeun
Director Lee Byung Hun, who previously made box office history with Extreme Job under the unforgettable tagline “Chicken never tasted this good. Is this really chicken?” takes on chicken once again. His latest challenge is the Netflix series Chicken Nugget, released on March 15th.
Chicken Nugget is based on a webtoon of the same name and follows the struggle of father Sun Min (Ryu Seung Ryong) and his daughter Min Ah’s secret admirer, Baek Joong (Ahn Jae Hong), to retrieve Min Ah (Kim Yoo Jung) after she transforms into a chicken nugget due to a mysterious machine. The premise alone is absurd, yet the drama tirelessly works to make this implausible story plausible. However, the method is anything but ordinary, just like Baek Joong’s overly colorful fashion.
The drama spices up its unrealistic narrative with a mystery that keeps viewers hooked for the next episode. The machine that transforms people into chicken nuggets holds a secret, and Sun Min and Baek Joong delve into the truth behind it to restore Min Ah to her original form. This secret stretches from the Joseon dynasty to galaxies far away. Despite seemingly juvenile backstory, the characters are never frivolous.
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Unexpected characters energize the drama, especially Squid Game star Jung Ho Yeon, who appears early in the series, proving to be a strategic casting choice. Hong Cha, Baek Joong’s ex-girlfriend and a taste columnist, plays a crucial role in locating Min Ah, buried under chicken nugget replicas, using her expertise. Moreover, she seems to still harbor feelings for Baek Joong, providing subtle humor. The appearances of Heo Jun Seok, Yang Hyung Min, and Jung Seung Gil, who have worked with the director since his early work Cheer Up Mr. Lee, are also welcome.
While Chicken Nugget leans on its original material, the drama boasts its own unique charm, notably Director Lee Byung Hun’s distinctive dialogue. Casually delivered lines such as “You were like Pyongyang cold noodles, clear and transparent but full of meaty aroma” and “Is there anything you can’t do? Though, there’s nothing you excel at either” strike a chord of humor.
Overall, Chicken Nugget presents an absurd concept in a delightful manner through Lee Byung Hun’s unique storytelling and comic-like direction. Ryu Seung Ryong and Ahn Jae Hong display comedic chemistry that is arguably better than that of many professional comedy duos. The drama is peppered with intriguing cliffhangers and timely cameos, each playing their part effectively. With episodes lasting 20-30 minutes, it offers a comfortable viewing experience.
However, just as Baek Joong’s bizarre fashion splits opinions, so does the appeal of the work. Some may find Chicken Nugget‘s charm childish, and certain directions too much, even for fans of Lee Byung Hun’s style. Even with the universally beloved “chicken nugget” as its theme, the show elicits mixed reactions, akin to the love-it-or-hate-it nature of “mint chocolate.” Yet, occasionally challenging oneself to acquire the taste might not be a bad idea, especially since Chicken Nugget definitely has an addictive flavor worth exploring. (8/10)
Editor Hwang Hong Sun: A Korean movie buff who wishes that the warm messages in good works will warm up this world at least by one degree Fahrenheit.
