“Chicago Typewriter” (시카고 타자기 in Korean) isn’t one of those popular series that everyone is impatiently looking forward to and jumping into the moment it starts airing. At the same time, this is the k-drama which became so favorite of mine that I’ve seen it 3 times so far in the span of about 4 years.
First, I’ll tell you a little bit about the drama, as the information available in the form of a synopsis is extremely insufficient. If you search on the official websites, it only says that “Chicago Typewriter” tells the story of writers who lived in the 1930’s when Korea was under Japanese occupation and have reincarnated in one of the bestselling authors, anti-fan and a ghostwriter. And even though the former hints as to what the plot is about, very few people would commit to a series with just this information.
The action takes place in modern-day Seoul. In the beginning of the first episode we get introduced to the successful writer Han Se Joo, who gives his best to get in the skin of his characters. We see what sacrifices he is ready to make so that his books are at point. However, it can be seen straight away that Yoo Ah In’s character is quite short-tempered and he doesn’t like it when he is below other – always striving to be at the top. Jeon Seol is Han Se Hoo’s biggest and most passionate fan, who collects not one or two copies of his books, but at least three – one for reading, one for showing of, and one to be kept safe. She can basically build a castle with his books. And so, Jeon Seol gets a gob to deliver a parcel not to just anyone, but to the bestseller author who she worships so much. You can guess what her reaction is when she finds to whom she will be delivering a parcel.
About halfway through the first episode we meet yet another important character in the drama. Namely, this gorgeous creature you can see on the picture at the side. By breed Sapsali, the dog is quite loyal and friendly, and in this case we will witness many funny situations thanks to it.
I have to also mention that in “Chicago Typewriter” I finally met my favorite Korean actor, namely Ko Gyung Pyo. He plays the second lead role of Yoo Jin Oh, which role is also somewhat mysterious at the beginning. I was eagerly waiting every scene of his, especially those with Jeon Seol’s best friend – Ma Bang Jin (the role is played by Yang Jin Seong). To me, the two had great chemistry between each other, and when I found out that they will be partners in another k-drama (“Cross”) I was very pleased.
Going back in time is also present, yes. The story is so well done and pieced together that it makes the audience looking forward to each episode. “Chicago Typewriter” tells us the story of an infinite friendship, which starts in 1930’s and is transmitted to this day. There is also a love affair, of course, but the friendship is much stronger than anything else. Three comrades write the stories of their lives, of their time. If anyone were to ask me to describe the series with two words, it would be a “hidden gem”.
I was very surprised at how often Stephen King is being mentioned in one way or another. This k-drama even made me want to read “Misery” even more, and my thing (weakness, I guess) for typewriters, which has always been there at some subconscious level of mine, was brought to the surface. And yes, the typewriter is of utmost importance!
And if with all I’ve written up until now I couldn’t persuade you to give “Chicago Typewriter” a chance, just watch the video to the song “Writing Our Stories”, which is also a part of the OST. The rest will come on its own!
I would be happy if you also share your opinion on the series, if you have seen it or in case you decide to watch it. ^^
Chicago Typewriter / 시카고 타자기
Network: tvN
Episodes: 16
Release Date: April 7 – June 3, 2017
Director: Kim Cheol Kyu
Writer: Jin Soo Wan
Review by: VixxYi