K-Drama: Power Move for a Revengeful Disguise

Pandora: Beneath the Paradise | 판도라: 조작된 낙원 (2023)

TVN | Pandora: Beneath the Paradise

If you couldn’t get enough of Lee Ji-ah’s girl power in Penthouse, then you need to watch Pandora for more! It seems too much of a coincidence that some of the casts in Penthouse were the main lead for this k-drama. It wasn’t until I realised that the screenwriter, Kim Soon-ok created both of these k-dramas. This not only explains the familiar casting but the intensity of this revenge and thriller plotline that Soon-ok brings to her works. The very first episode will leave you sucked in and straight in search of the next episodes to binge watch. 

TVN | Pandora: Beneath the Paradise

This time Ji-ah takes the role of high-class Hong Tae-ra who has recovered bits and pieces of her memories that she lost fifteen years ago. Her constant nightmares that seem too realistic to be just nightmares are actually from her past. After falling off a ladder she starts remembering these memories. She appears naive and unbeknownst to the intentions of those close to her. But after finding out about her past, it was so interesting to see such a shift in personality and turning into a total girl boss! 

TVN | Pandora: Beneath the Paradise

Known as No. 50 fifteen years ago, she uncovers the fabricated lies hidden under her current “paradise” and her seemingly perfect life starts to shatter. The very first lie exposed to her was that the sister that she thought she had, Hong Yu-ra (Han Soo-yeon), may not even be blood-related and got paid to act like her sister fifteen years ago. Seems like a lot going on already right? But I feel like it isn’t a Soon-ok k-drama without a fast-paced and dramatic plot 😂 From the very first episode, the strong cliffhanger will have you hooked ready to click for the next episode.

TVN | Pandora: Beneath the Paradise

As Tae-ra/No.50, she struggles for revenge on those that murdered her parents and is involved in the disappearance of her younger brother. But the timing couldn't get any worse as her loving husband, Pyo Jae-hyun (Lee Sang-yoon) is a strong candidate for the upcoming presidential elections. Tae-ra has to now hide from the public who she really is yet seek the revenge on those who did her wrong.

TVN | Pandora: Beneath the Paradise

The k-drama title Pandora, is actually inspired by the Greek goddess of the same name. Pandora, beautiful but cunny and symbolises a dangerous figure that punished the bad. It’s a fitting name for this k-drama. Like Pandora, Tae-ra a.k.a No.50 has to show her best side now that she’s in the public eye while hiding her revenge plans. I thought it was an interesting take as it gives us a big hint into what’s to come. I would say if you loved the Penthouse series, you’ll love Pandora too! If you want to take a peek, watch the trailer here or head straight into the binge on Disney Plus.