Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo

Come and Hug Me follows the complicated story of a detective (Jang Ki Yong) whose serial killer father murdered the parents of the woman (Jin Ki Joo) he loved when they were teenagers.

Come and Hug Me is such a heart wrenching story.  It’s a dark tale with compelling characters that will break your heart. The drama is filled with tension as it beautifully lays out this story. This definitely isn’t an ordinary romance.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong

Jang Ki Yong plays Yoon Na Moo/Choi Do Jin. As the son of a violent serial killer, life has been a bit difficult for him. And when his father murders the parents of the girl he loves, he is left with a lifetime of guilt that cause him to constantly seek to atone for what happened.

Na Moo is a poor tortured soul. He has a very calm and stoic demeanor, but the emotions just poor out of his eyes. The anguish he feels shines in those tear filled eyes. Then he has to cope with his fears of being like his father. The world seems to constantly compare him to his father, but can he really be the opposite like he wants? This was a seriously fantastic performance from Jang Ki Yong.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jin Ki Joo

Jin Ki Joo is Gil Nak Won/Han Jae Yi. She is an actress with a bright and strong personality who still suffers PTSD from what happened to her and her family when she was young. The tragedy tore her away from Na Moo, but her feelings for him remain which come to the surface when the two are reunited.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Heo Joon Ho

And then there’s our villain Yoon Hui Jae played by Heo Joon Ho. He’s the father of Na Moo and is also a notorious serial killer. He’s the definition of a psychopath who shows no remorse for his victims and develops an obsession with his son. He’s someone who can’t be reasoned with which is quite scary.

I’ve been captivated by Heo Joon Ho as an actor since I first saw him in Beautiful Mind. He tends to play villains, and he sure does bring them to life. He comes off as calm, creepy, and powerful. And I always feel like so much is going on behind his eyes. He’s an amazing actor, and he really did this serial killer role justice.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo

Come and Hug Me sets itself apart from other dramas in many ways. It’s a melodrama that is incredibly dark and sad yet at the same time it has this theme of hope and the possibility that no matter what horrible things have happened in life, you still have a chance to be happy. And believe me, so many horrible things happen to the characters in this drama. One would think it would be impossible to move on from so much tragedy. Especially if a serial killer is still coming for you.

To say that Na Moo and Nak Won have the odds stacked against them would be an understatement. Having one’s parent kill the other’s parents is about as devastating at things could get. Or so you would think. As if that’s not enough, Na Moo and Nak Won continue to suffer for many years after because of Na Moo’s family as well as the public. It’s not easy being part of a case that gained national attention and is now resurfacing with added fanfare.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jin Ki Joo
Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jin Ki Joo Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong

And both Na Moo and Nak Won suffered trauma and have to deal with the effects of that. It’s so utterly sad to watch the fear that they each experience. And that fear extends to each other. Despite everything, they care for each other dearly. They worry so much for the other, even more than themselves.

They way these two look at each other with eyes filled with love and compassion was so beautiful and sad. These two deserved to be happy, but it seemed that everything in life was always against them. Their love story is one of immense pain and sadness but also so much love. If a couple ever deserved to somehow find happiness, it’s these two.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Heo Joon Ho and Jang Ki Yong

The drama does explore interesting questions concerning whether being a psychopath is inherited as well as how much family influences what you will ultimately become. The relationship between Na Moo and and his father Hui Jae is about as messed up as it gets. Having a father like that will effect you in some way or another. The question becomes will he follow in his footsteps or become something completely different. It’s a complex question that doesn’t have as simple of an answer as one would think.

There are plenty of other complicated relationships explored including that of Na Moo and his jealous and violent brother as well as their relationships with their step mom and sister. A whole family has their lives destroyed by Hui Jae. Moving forward and living is no easy task as this family continually deals with what Hui Jae has done to them.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Nam Da Reum and Ryu Han Bi

I also should highlight the talented teen cast who played the younger versions of Na Moo and Nak Won. Na Da Reum and Ryu Han Bi were absolutely amazing and put so much emotion into their characters. They pulled me right into their story and my heart broke for them.

It’s also a plus that they aren’t just utilized in the beginning of the drama, and we get to see pieces of the back story throughout the show. I loved that we got to stay connected to the pair when they first experienced their tragedies since it shaped so much of what was to come.

Come and Hug Me Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo

Come and Hug Me was beautifully written to highlight these tragic characters and their story. It’s filled with tension from beginning to end with pacing that kept me engaged as this haunting tale unfolded. Every episode and scene is important which is why the drama is so well done. Come and Hug Me really moved me, and it is the kind of drama that will leave a lasting impression.

My Rating: 8.5/10

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21 responses to “Come and Hug Me Korean Drama Review”

  1. Shrestha Avatar
    Shrestha

    Hello Kay!
    And this finally came out. Beautifully penned Kay. You’ve actually highlighted all aspects that this drama threw light on. Though 8 is a decent rating but I guess this show deserved more. The ending was so much well weaved and connected, not rushed at all. Great review once again. Loved it! Keep it up

    1. Kay Avatar

      Thank you so much! Yes, this drama was so beautiful, sad, moving, and intense. And I loved how it knew where it was going and brought things together for a nice conclusion. This is a drama that I may end up bumping up my rating for after I have more time to let it sink in and reflect on it. It truly was wonderful 🙂

  2. raistlin0903 Avatar

    Okay…seriously, how did I miss this one? (Kicks himself). I saw the title for this one appear many times on Viki but thought it was a comedy (mostly because of the title). It will probably not come as a huge surprise that this one sounds like my kind of drama. Loved reading this review. I guess I now know what my next watch will be after completing Lawless Lawyer 😀

    1. Kay Avatar

      Yeah, that title is a little misleading because it sounds more fluffy when in reality the meaning is more because these characters need to be given a hug to comfort them in the midst of tragedy. After watching the drama, the title fits really well. And I do think this would be a good one for you to watch. It’s dark but hopeful with a wonderfully written story and plenty of tension. Hope you enjoy it 🙂

      1. raistlin0903 Avatar

        Yeah that title definitely was misleading, but I wasn’t kidding when I said this will be the next one to watch. Only 4 more episodes of Lawless Lawyer, and I will get started with that one. I’m pretty sure that I will enjoy it. (Yes I am watching a lot of K-dramas currently 😊).

        1. Kay Avatar

          Well, no complaints here about you going on a little kdrama detour 🙂 There are some great ones out right now, so it’s a good time to do it. Looking forward to the Lawless Lawyer review 🙂

  3. shamrockmom3 Avatar

    I was gonna skip this because dramas about crime and serial killers aren’t my interest, but I may have to check it out. Thanks!
    P.S. I really enjoyed “Lawless Lawyer”. The first 5 minutes of the first episode hooked me in, and I was done….:)

    1. Kay Avatar

      Yes, definitely give it a try since it didn’t really feel like a crime drama but more like a dark romance with a serial killer and a side of crime. It had a unique feel.

      And yay to Lawless Lawyer! I was hooked fast too, and it stayed amazing the whole the way through! 🙂

  4. […] Come and Hug Me was beautifully written to highlight these tragic characters and their story. It’s filled with tension from beginning to end with pacing that kept me engaged as this haunting tale unfolded. Every episode and scene is important which is why the drama is so well done. Come and Hug Me really moved me, and it is the kind of drama that will leave a lasting impression. (Come and Hug Me Review) […]

  5. Kay Avatar

    Thank you for saying that 🙂 This really was an amazing drama, and I can totally see why it would be your all time favorite 🙂

  6. Kate Avatar
    Kate

    This was such a well written drama with an amazingly talented cast! Jang Ki Yong has the most amazing ability to make the viewer feel what he’s feeling with just his eyes! Jin Ki Joo has the most adorable smile and I loved that her love for Na Moo never wavered, even in the aftermath of the murders she never blamed him. And my goodness, the evil dad, evil to his core! Solid performance and solid drama all round! A bit slow moving and repetitive at times but had to stick with it til the end because that couple and the extended family (mom, sis, hyung) needed a good ending.

    1. Kay Avatar

      Yes, this was such a well written drama 🙂 It’s emotional, heartbreaking, and touching. Jang Ki Yong really pulls you into his character and you understand him, and Jin Ki Joo was wonderful too. As was Heo Joon Ho as our killer dad. He’s so intense! This one was such a memorable and unique drama 🙂

  7. Diane Avatar
    Diane

    Just finished watching this emotional roller coaster of a drama, and I feel like I need someone to come and hug me right now! This was fabulous – 10 for me. All four leads, young and old, were great. The emotions that they were able to show in their expressions was impressive. Special shout out to Jang Ki Yong for his performance. I will definitely be watching for any of his future dramas. (Also, that is one handsome man!) This drama was so intense; and I love the way the ending was not rushed, and we were rewarded with a beautiful ending. By episode 26, I was so emotionally invested in a lot of the characters, that it was driving me crazy with all the bad witness protection. I was worried for not only the leads, but Yoon Na Moo/Choi Do Jin’s stepmom (who was so sweet), his little sister; and even that nasty brother stole my heart in the end. Now I need to find a fluffy romantic comedy to recover from this drama.

    1. Kay Avatar

      It is definitely an emotional roller coaster! I think we all needed a hug after this one, hehe. I agree, it really was a fantastic drama. Wonderful acting all around and the series was jam-packed with emotions. And like you said, so much intensity but then still delivering such a lovely ending.

      Oh yes, Jang Ki Yong is great. Definitely keep an eye out for him. I’ll be watching his new drama Born Again for sure 🙂 Now go find yourself a wonderful and fluffy rom-com to recover 😉

  8. Zainab Oguntade Avatar
    Zainab Oguntade

    Such a sad and tough Korean drama

    1. Kay Avatar

      Yes, this is such a sad and emotional kdrama.

  9. Menghao Avatar
    Menghao

    This one was really touching, especially romance part. I really liked how heartwarming it was. I read want dramas like this,story maybe sad and heavy sometimes but with a happy ending. If anyone recommends something like this to me ,it is appreciated

    1. Kay Avatar

      This was a really great drama 🙂 Have you tried It’s Okay to Not Be Okay? I think it has a similar vibe with being heavy and sad at times but also heartwarming. Maybe something like Missing You too. It’s heavier on the melodrama side but has some similarities and a great romance. If neither of those sound appealing to you, let me know, and we can try to find you something else 🙂

  10. rahulraj097 Avatar

    It would have been a 9/10 , but It felt draggy towards end .. Would have been awesome if it was made to cut short tot 12 episodes . As even though back story is deep , there were nothing much going on towards end..
    The acting of reporter (Park Hee Young) was too good.
    Also , felt similar to I MISS you in many areas.

    1. Kay Avatar

      Yeah, a lot of dramas do lose some steam towards the end. I’m glad you enjoyed most of it though. It definitely has those I Miss You vibes (which I loved!). A great drama for sure 🙂

  11. […] Come and Hug Me was beautifully written to highlight these tragic characters and their story. It’s filled with tension from beginning to end with pacing that kept me engaged as this haunting tale unfolded. Every episode and scene is important which is why the drama is so well done. Come and Hug Me really moved me, and it is the kind of drama that will leave a lasting impression. My Rating: 8.5/10 (Come and Hug Me Review) […]

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