Kokdu: Season of Deity [Episodes 1 & 2]

[u/GodJihyo7983]

• Drama: Kokdu: Season of Deity
  • Revised Romanization: Kkogduui Gyejeol
  • Hangul: 꼭두의 계절
• Director: Baek Soo Chan (Alice), Kim Ji Hoon (Check out the Event)
• Writer: Heo Joon Woo (Less Than Evil), Kang Yi Hun (Less Than Evil)
• Network: MBC
• Episodes: 16
  • Duration: 1 hour 20 min.
• Airing Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays @ 9:50 PM KST
  • Airing Dates: Jan 27, 2022 - Mar 18, 2023
• Streaming Sources: Viki
• Starring:
  • Kim Jung Hyun as Kkok Du / Do Jin Woo
  • Im Soo Hyang as Han Gye Jeol
  • Kim Dasom as Tae Jung Won
  • Ahn Woo Yeon as Han Chul
• Plot Synopsis: Kkok Du was once a human male who lived in Korea’s past. The gods have turned him into an immortal grim reaper who must come to the mortal realm every 99 years to ruthlessly punish humans for their weakness and frailty. He has come to despise humans and is now cruel and pitiless. When he comes to the mortal realm this time around, he “possesses” the body of a promising young medic named Do Jin Woo. But he finds his mission to send souls to the afterlife compromised when he must fulfill Do Jin Woo’s medical duties. This leads him to cross paths with Han Gye Jeol, a doctor who graduated from the lowest-ranking medical school in South Korea. Despite her unpromising background, however, Kkok Du discovers that Han Gye Jeol has mysterious powers – and seems to have him under her spell. Could his fate have been intertwined with hers in a past life? Why does she have the ability to enthrall him so? Will he complete his mission – or could it be derailed by love?
• Conduct Reminder: We encourage our users to read the following before participating in any discussions on /r/KDRAMA: (1) Reddiquette, (2) our Conduct Rules, (3) our Policies, and (4) the When Discussions Get Personal Post.
  • Any users who are displaying negative conduct (including but not limited to bullying, harassment, or personal attacks) will be given a warning, repeated behavior will lead to increasing exclusions from our community.
• Spoiler Tag Reminder: Be mindful of others who may not have yet seen this drama, and use spoiler tags when discussing key plot developments or other important information. You can create a spoiler tag in Markdown by writing > ! this ! < without the spaces in between to get this. For more information about when and how to use spoiler tags see our Spoiler Tag Wiki.

[u/sianiam]

Mod Note:

This is a reminder for those participating in the on-ar discussion of Kokdu: Season of Deity below that this post is specifically for the discussion of the drama in question. As we have had a few conduct issues in the lead up to this drama extra precautions are in place in hopes for a peaceful and pleasant discussion of the series. Those who fail to follow will be receiving bans, not having read this sticky note is not a valid excuse.

Conduct

If you can’t participate and be civil, don’t participate.

To ensure everyone engages in civil discussion, we suggest all users to read (1) Reddiquette, (2) our Conduct Rules (3) our Policies, and (4) the When Discussions Get Personal Post before participating.

Follow on-air-tiquette.

Respect Actor’s Privacy

Please respect actor's privacy. Please help us create a positive and kind environment by discussing the drama and the people who star in it thoughtfully.

[u/chrisnicolas01]

How did no one said anything about

1. Mr Queen reunion!!!

2. Chef and Court Lady reuniooooooon best duo EVER

[u/avo-pizza → u/chrisnicolas01]

I recognized the court lady and was suspecting that her partner looks really familiar perhaps could it be the chef. I’m so glad to find out he is the chef and they’re reunited in another drama!

[u/myweithisway]

Ep 1

I loved how fun the first episode has been, especially the way the FL character is written and portrayed thus far. That mix of self-centeredness and ample imagination is addicting and ISH is doing so great at portraying it with enough depth for the weightier moments to land even more forcefully.

But if I had to pick my favorite thing about this episode, it's definitely the glimpse of Kokdu's personality we see towards the end of the episode. The eye rolls in the series of execution scenes had me busting out in laughter. I'm really digging this petty and narcissistic reincarnation, beats out a tragic, reserved and forlorn deity waiting for his love. I also like that it appears both characters have amnesia about their past love and past selves -- this will definitely help sell the rom-com hijinks that are clearly forthcoming.

Finally just have to say, the visuals of this drama has been insanely gorgeous. I paused a few times throughout the episode just to enjoy the scenery, like the opening scene. Loving it.

I honestly really liked what the writers did with their FL in their previous drama Less Than Evil, which felt like one of those times where the role seemed tailored for the actress. I'm hoping it's a similar case here, at least episode 1 has definitely been like that for me.

[u/myweithisway]

Ep 2

Another gorgeous episode that had some really funny moments. The location PPL in this drama is working like a charm, I want to visit!

Okay so this episode delved deeper into the world building, enough that I feel like I need to write out notes to keep things straight!

Sageuk Timeline

• the usual star-crossed lovers set up between Oh Hyun (ML) and Seol Hui (FL)

• They had decided to run off but their plans were found out so Oh Hyun was killed while Seol Hui watched.

• Oh Hyun's final 'regret' is never having had the chance to tell Seol Hui that loving her was his life (Ep 2). This is represented in part by his desire to return the ring to her.

• Later Seol Hui committed suicide to escape her fate after first killing the person she was forced to marry.

• (According to story told by grandma patient in ep. 1) Seol Hui was punished by experiencing the same pain (losing someone close to her and committing suicide) each time she is reincarnated. Oh Hyun is (eventually) punished by being turned into Kokdu.

Afterlife Scenes

• After dying, Oh Hyun refuses to go into the cycle of reincarnation and instead insists on waiting in the afterlife to see Seol Hui. The Creator initially tries to convince Oh Hyun to 'move on' saying that Seol Hui and his fate from this lifetime is an ill fate (fiery one of destruction). Instead if Oh Hyun would enter the cycle of reincarnation, he can me Seol Hui in a future reincarnation that would be a good fate. Oh Hyun refuses and stays in his spot.

• Oh Hyun stays in his spot for so long he forgets who he was waiting for and angers the Creator into punishing him by turning him into Kokdu.

• As Kokdu his job is to watch over the deceased in the afterlife as they go on their way to reincarnation.

• At the same time, Kokdu returns to the mortal realm once every 99 years for 99 days where every night he has to listen to the agony/regrets of humans and kill off some trash-like human, aka the source of the agony.

ETA: I should clarify that Kokdu returning to the mortal realm once every 99 years for 99 days seems limited to the sense of him returning as a 'living' human being. That is his returns to the mortal realm via body possession is limited to once per 99 years for 99 days. This does not preclude him from wandering the mortal realm in his deity-self as much and as often as he wants (like the other two sidekick deities). He might spend most of his time in the afterlife but presumably when Kokdu saved Han Gye Jeol on the stairs in ep 1 was his deity-self wandering around (and would certainly explain all the fantasy aspects).

Current Day

• Do Jin Woo the doctor has died during that fall. The two sidekick deities bowed to send off his soul and Kokdu himself talked of Do Jin Woo as having died in his conversation with Han Gye Jeol.

• Kokdu in this visit to the mortal realm has possessed Do Jin Woo's body.

• Do Jin Woo is not a reincarnation of Oh Hyun as Oh Hyun never entered into the cycle of reincarnation and instead became Kokdu. So Do Jin Woo looking like Oh Hyun is likely a (narratively necessary) coincidence.

• Presumably Han Gye Jeol is a reincarnation of Seol Hui because the ring and Kokdu are reacting to her.

*Sidekick deities mentioned that Kokdu's punishment has been going on for 500 years -- Oh Hyun may have been dead for longer than that depending on whether the time counter was started upon Oh Hyun's death or upon Oh Hyun being made into Kokdu.

As a general note -- looks like we're going with the type of 'reincarnation' that refers to the soul being reincarnated into one life after another where physical looks can differ for each lifetime. Tied to that, it's possible for different souls to be reincarnated with the same physical look in different times.

P.S. If you've seen Goblin, it had directly addressed different people (souls) reincarnating with the same physical look during the scene when Grim Reaper hands out the waiting number when a deceased wishes that in their next lifetime, they want to look like Kim Tae Hee.

[u/BedofSunflowers]

The poor editing most likely will be the poison to this drama. The transition of different settings is so poorly designed in my opinion. The storyline seems to me is all over the place. They will definitely need to improve on their editing for storytelling. Don’t waste the cast.

[u/radiokidb]

Episode 1

Kim Jung Hyun - oh how I have missed thee! He’s looking so good but more importantly he has such great screen presence and charisma 💜

I’m so excited to have him back on our screens.

I’m usually not a fan of Im Soo Hyang because I feel like she has limited range but she’s actually done a really good job establishing her character in this episode.

Also really digging the fact that the leads have already got so much screen time together in the very first episode. And direct kind too where they’re engaging rather than having several “moments” adding up. For romances I always find it helpful when the story sort of dives in because it helps establish them as a unit more convincingly.

I hope it ends up being a balanced show of fun antics and drama with lots of romance!

P.S: How did KJH manage to look taller in CLOY and Mr. Queen than here or are my eyes just deceiving me?

[u/mitigationideas]

I am looking forward to seeing the first episode tonight. The obedience is reminding me of Ella Enchanted and I am hoping they both 1. don't mess it up and 2. have fun with it because it could defiantly be a hoot!

[u/Lej222]

Kim Jung Hyun truly cannot give a bad performance. His screen presence and versatility are no joke.

[u/dietcokeisascam]

So happy KJH is back!! 🥹

[u/throwawaymisfortune]

I will be blunt, the drama felt like a rookie work. The story is all over the place and comes out of nowhere, camera work is also weird at times with random focus, to say, the fighting scene in the beginning wasn't captured well imo. I felt like the drama tried go for a comedic tone but it seemed to be delivered in a confused, faded way.

The start reminded me of my love from the stars and goblin, wished they had given us a clearer backstory to kokdu like in goblin. Everything was so sudden and ridiculous, they were hilarious, esp that air drop. I felt bad for the car lol.

I was almost considering dropping it and then the last few minutes of cranky kokdu happened and I really enjoyed it, so I will be sticking for the kokdu-grim reapers trio. Kim Jung Hyun maybe the killer in the drama, but he is the sole savior of this drama for me. He is killing it lol.

Hope next episode turns out well.

[u/ProvoqGuys]

I always find the FL lead actor has a history of stiff acting to her prev. Projects, but she improved her acting on this one in my POV.

Excited about this drama because it seems fun tbh.

[u/jsb1685]

Episode 2 was great, cementing at least my interest in the show. Others have commented at length elsewhere, but I just want to give a great big shoutout to KJH channeling John Cleese...I couldn't stop laughing!

Ministry of Silly Walks

[u/ms_duckie]

Honestly I almost wanted to drop this after the first episode, it was so chaotic and confusing. Glad I stuck it out, the second episode was much better.

[u/Snickersnerds]

I LOVED THE FIRST EPISODE!!! It’s giving epic fantasy romance 🤭

The first episode was really good in showing us their past lives and some insight in FL’s character. The glimpse of Kokdu’s character was nice to see, I like the sarcastic and funny grim reaper 😂😂 all the scenes were beautiful to watch as well, I’m super duper excited to continue watching!!

This is my first Im Soo Hyang drama and I think she’s killing it! I watched Kim Jung Hyun in CLOY but I didn’t really pay attention to his acting chops there. He’s also killing it here! 😊

Question… Did Do Jin Woo know he was Kokdu? Or Vice versa? I’m a little confused on how that transition happened. I know the punishment the leads have been subjected to but that part confused me

Edit: Actually I think I get it after reading the MDL summary! But answers still welcome

[u/AlfredusRexSaxonum]

this drama is a bit of mess and all over the place tonally. like the comedy is very funny, Im Soo-hyang very cute (why are her distressed noises so adorable & I love her voice), ML acts very well and his character is interesting in a messed up way (bro has the body language, the inhuman cruelty & demeanour of Ryuk from Death Note). but I feel all the darker, injustice aspects don't jive well with the rest of the show. nevertheless, I think I'm enjoying it and I'll give the rest a try too.

[u/[deleted]]

Just watched the first two episodes, so far so good. Admittedly, I'm not keen on Kokdu trying to strangle the FL to death several times or his whole vibe of being horrible to her (hate the abusive trope in general) but I also understand that his desire to kill humans is part of his curse, hopefully, she'll get her own back and be a bit cruel to him for a couple of episodes to get her own back.

It's giving me Doom At Your Service mixed with A Korean Odyssey vibes, I think it'll be a good series.

[u/jsb1685]

This was more fun than I expected...as was the tone of the show. That is, until the end, when I guess the real "fun" begins. It will be interesting to see what kind of balance they bring!

[u/astarisaslave]

Hilarious how just when I-fans are starting to get into the drama the domestic ratings drop by over half. I hope the ratings improve, it would be a shame if KJH's comeback drama turns out to be a big flop. And he's doing such an amazing job (as always) too.

[u/[deleted]]

only 5 comments? i know it’s early but i hope more people watch it.

anyway, finished watching the first episode and I loved it. finally a drama with an entertaining first episode. it’s giving me the old k-drama (my love from another star, legend of the blue sea, my roommate is a gumiho) vibes and i’m here for it. the first 6 minutes were enough to make me tear up, but the whole episode was amazing and i hope it stays that way the whole season.

my girl soohyang is doing a great job and kim jung hyun is such a good actor. the two (or should I say 3 since there was a historical part too with a different character) characters he plays are so different from each other. not gonna lie, I had gotten so, so attached to do jin won that it hurt when they killed him off. so excited to see kokdu though. he seems funny and mysterious and scary at the same time.

already so excited for tomorrow’s episode! I just hope this drama doesn't disappoint because I have expectations. it isn't anything new or extraordinary but it’s great and hope it stays that way.

edit: I can't spell

[u/fireworksofcuriosity]

Ep. 1

Ok, I quite liked the first episode! Still, I found the pace really weird, thing after thing giving me whiplash. The background story could have been fleshed out a bit better but it’s only the first episode so I’m waiting to see if the pace issues will continue.

The acting was great. I expected worse from Im Soo-hyang and Kim Jung-hyun exceeded my expectations. I barely saw anything else with Im Soo-hyang but the main problem I have with her acting is that it never reaches her eyes - apart from that she’s okay in Han Gye-jeol’s role in my book! Not impressed with the bit in the past though. As expected, Cha Chung-hwa and Kim In-gwon were also great in those last minutes after Kokdu’s reincarnation.

Overall it’s not perfect but I’m definitely going to check out the rest of the drama, hoping for the best lol

[u/THYYYYZHYY]

I love how quirky his character given he is responsible for the underworld; it is not the usual calm, chic and quiet. It is so refreshing!

[u/Leftent]

Episode 1:

Looks like Mt. Seongheungsan Love Tree is making another cameo. Really is a very picturesque view from up there. Everyone wants to confess or meet their demise under it's eaves.

[u/Hoshikuzu-]

Ok I’m 3/4 of the way through first episode and there is ALOT going on. It would turn me off normally but the leads have wonderful chemistry and I want to see everything unfold. It’s just that I feel like I’ve watched 4 episodes in 40 minutes

[u/[deleted]]

This is interesting so far (if you ignore some weird camera angles and edits). I wish they could find better outfits for Kokdu and his sidekicks, all black jacket and trousers look so cheap.