“Everyone Around Her Dies?” This K-Drama is Receiving Rave Reviews Despite Its Dark Plot

A new drama has been garnering rave reviews for its gripping storyline and immersive storytelling. The latest weekend series from Channel A, 'The Witch', has drawn viewers in with its eerie premise and emotionally charged narrative.

A Life Marked by Tragedy

The second episode, which aired on February 16, delved deeper into the tragic past of the protagonist Mi-jung (played by Roh Jeong-eui). Since childhood, she has been surrounded by a series of unfortunate and inexplicable accidents, as if she were a harbinger of misfortune. Those around her have faced unexpected deaths and tragedies, leading her to believe she might be the cause.

Mi-jung’s mother died giving birth to her, and throughout her childhood, bizarre and tragic events followed. A boy playing jump rope near her fell into a manhole and suffered a severe injury, while another boy who had simply offered her candy was hit by a car. Even at church, Ik-jong (Joo Jong-hyuk) was inexplicably stung by a wasp—in the dead of winter. With each passing incident, Mi-jung became overwhelmed with guilt, believing she was cursed to bring misfortune.

At school, the pattern continued. Male students who got close to her kept meeting with accidents, fueling rumors that she was a witch. The situation escalated when Jung-hwan (Bae Yoon-kyu), who had confessed his feelings to her, was struck by lightning and killed. The final blow came when Sang-ho (Park Sang-hoon), one of the few who stood by her, was electrocuted. With the entire town now convinced that her presence brought death, Mi-jung was completely ostracized and eventually decided to leave school.

The Burden of a Father and a Daughter’s Loss

Mi-jung’s father, Jong-soo (Ahn Nae-sang), became aware of the rumors surrounding his daughter. The villagers whispered behind their backs, accusing Mi-jung of seducing boys and bringing disaster upon them. Even the parents of injured students blamed her. Determined to protect his daughter, Jong-soo decided to move to Seoul and leave their rural town of Taebaek behind. To raise money for their relocation, he planned to harvest his potato farm—but fate had other plans.

One day, Mi-jung went to help him on the farm and was bitten by a venomous snake. In a desperate attempt to save his daughter, Jong-soo sucked the venom out himself, but the poison spread through his body. He ultimately succumbed, his last moments filled with concern for Mi-jung’s safety. The heartbreaking scene of Mi-jung clinging to her father, crying out in despair, left viewers deeply moved.

With her father gone and the town branding her a witch, Mi-jung had no choice but to disappear from everyone’s sight.

Ten Years Later: A Mysterious Curse That Never Ends

A decade later, Mi-jung is still living in hiding, trying to escape her past. However, the deaths surrounding her haven’t stopped.

Enter Dong-jin (Park Jin-young), a man determined to prove Mi-jung is not cursed. Wiping away graffiti on a school bench that read "Park Mi-jung is a witch," he firmly declared, "She is absolutely not a witch." Driven by an unwavering belief in her innocence, he embarks on a quest to break the curse that has haunted her life. His fearless resolve sets the stage for a dramatic and emotional journey ahead.

A Webtoon-Based Mystery Romance with a Stellar Creative Team

The Witch is adapted from the webtoon of the same name by renowned artist Kang Full. The drama explores the harrowing fate of a woman who is believed to bring death to any man who loves her, and a man who is determined to defy fate and protect her from this deadly pattern.

Directed by Kim Tae-kyun, known for his work on the film Dark Figure of Crime, the drama has been praised for its distinctive storytelling and visually captivating direction.

At a recent press conference, Director Kim shared his vision for the drama: "As a longtime fan of Kang Full’s work, I felt his worldview aligned with my storytelling approach. This drama goes beyond a simple romance—it carries profound social commentary and explores a unique kind of love."

With just two episodes aired, The Witch has already hooked viewers with its intense and emotional storytelling. The drama airs every Saturday and Sunday at 9:10 PM KST, and anticipation continues to build for what lies ahead.