“The Midnight Studio,” a new fantasy K-drama on ENA Channel and Genie TV, premiered on March 11th, 2024. The drama garnered a 2.107% viewership rating nationwide according to Nielsen Korea. While the cast and crew previously aimed to surpass the impressive 17% rating of “Extraordinary Attorney Woo,” the final numbers remain to be seen.
The series follows Seo Ki-joo (played by Joo Won), a photographer burdened by a “unlucky fate” inherited from his ancestors. Ki-joo operates a peculiar business – a photo studio catering exclusively to the deceased. Aided by his unique team of ghost employees, Go Dae-ri (Yoo In-soo), Baek Nam-goo (Eum Moon-suk), and Joo Won (Seo Ki Joo) captures the final cherished memories requested by his spectral clients.
One such client is Park Sung-joon (Im Ji-gyu), who arrives with a heart-wrenching plea. His wife, Jang Bo-ra (Seo Young-hee), is imprisoned after confessing to the murder of her paralyzed husband, driven to desperation by financial strain and the burdens of caregiving. Sung-joon’s sole wish is for his wife to find happiness.
Ki-joo, despite his empathy for Sung-joon’s plight, is limited in his ability to directly intervene. However, the arrival of Bo-ra’s lawyer, Han Bom (Kwon Nara), offers a glimmer of hope. Through Bom’s efforts, Bo-ra is released and makes her way to the photo studio. As Ki-joo clicks the shutter, a vision of Sung-joon, dressed impeccably, materializes. The reunited couple shares a tearful embrace, seeking forgiveness for past regrets.
Their reunion, however, is bittersweet. A second photograph signifies their final farewell, a poignant reminder of the brevity yet profound nature of their encounter.
The episode concludes with a scene hinting at a significant plot development. Bom, possessing an unexplained ability previously displayed during a ghostly encounter, unlocks the doorway to the afterlife and enters the studio. This unexpected turn of events raises intriguing questions. With the expiration of Ki-joo’s contract with the deceased looming, how will Bom’s presence alter his life, and what new chapter does this development herald for “The Midnight Studio”?
Catch the next episode of “The Midnight Studio” on Tuesday, March 12th, at 10 PM on Genie TV, Genie TV Mobile, and ENA.
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