The Atypical Family (2025)
Starring: Jang Ki-yong, Chun Woo-hee
Platform: JTBC / Netflix
Douban Rating: 8.2
Plot Summary:
Bok Gwi-joo (Jang Ki-yong) once had the extraordinary power to travel through time—specifically, to his own happiest memories. But after a tragic accident and ensuing depression, his powers disappear. He’s not alone: the entire Bok family used to possess supernatural abilities, all now mysteriously fading due to modern afflictions—stress, insomnia, addiction.
Enter Do Da-hae (Chun Woo-hee), a mysterious woman who moves in with the family and begins to disrupt their emotionally frozen routine. With her compassion and secrets of her own, she helps Gwi-joo reconnect with his past—both figuratively and literally. Together, they must confront grief, heal emotional wounds, and uncover the real reason their powers are fading.
Highlights:
- Jang Ki-yong brings quiet sorrow and inner strength to his portrayal of a man lost in time and pain.
- Chun Woo-hee is radiant, balancing warmth, mystery, and quiet resilience as the emotional anchor of the series.
- Beautiful visual metaphors—floating in dreams, sinking into memory—elevate the fantasy elements into poetic storytelling.
- The show redefines the idea of superpowers, focusing not on spectacle but on the emotional reasons we lose what once made us special.
What Could Be Better:
- Viewers expecting action-heavy fantasy may be surprised by the show’s introspective, family-focused tone.
- A few side plots feel underdeveloped compared to the strong main arc between Gwi-joo and Da-hae.
Verdict:
The Atypical Family is a touching and original series that uses fantasy to explore depression, burnout, and the quiet magic of connection. It’s not about saving the world—it’s about saving yourself. With emotional resonance and stylish direction, it stands as one of 2025’s most refreshing K-dramas.
Perfect for fans of It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Hi Bye, Mama, or anyone looking for healing wrapped in a soft sci-fi shell.