“Everyone carries pain. The important thing is what you do with it.” Weol-ju (‘Mystic Pop-Up Bar’)
Ever wished you could walk into a bar, pour out your deepest sorrows over a magical cocktail, and have your problems solved by morning? Well, pack your metaphysical bags, because ‘Mystic Pop-Up Bar’ is here to deliver all that — and a bag of otherworldly chips.
This 2020 JTBC fantasy drama is the perfect binge — a vibrant, whimsical, and deeply human story served in a shot glass. It’s a brilliant blend of fantasy, comedy, and tear-jerking emotion that will have you powering through all 12 episodes in a single weekend.
Series: Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Hwang Jung-eum, Yook Sung-jae, Choi Won-young
Written by: Ha Yoon-ah
Directed by: Jeon Chang-geun
The Plot
A Punishment, a Pop-Up, and a Whole Lot of Problems
The story centers on the fiery Weol-ju (Hwang Jung-eum), a headstrong spirit who has been stuck in the afterlife for 500 years because of a grave sin from her past. Her parole? To resolve the simmering grudges of 100,000 humans by entering their dreams through a mystical pop-up bar.
The catch? She’s running out of time. With just one soul left to help, she’s desperate. Her plan involves Kang-bae (Yook Sung-jae of BTOB), a kind-hearted part-timer with a unique and inconvenient ability — his touch forces people to confess their deepest secrets. Rounding out the trio is the stoic, noodle-making Chief Gwi (Choi Won-young), a man with his own mysterious connection to Weol-ju.
Together, this found family navigates the regrets of the living and the unfinished business of the dead, one dream at a time.
The Characters
Weol-ju (Played by Hwang Jung-eum)
The centuries-old, hot-tempered, and wonderfully chaotic owner of the ‘Mystic Pop-Up Bar’. Cursed to wander the afterlife, she’s loud, brash, and has a license to meddle in your dreams. But beneath her prickly exterior and a past filled with regret lies a surprising depth of compassion and fierce loyalty to those she cares about. Hwang Jung-eum is an absolute tour de force in this role, serving equal parts comedy and heartache.
Kang-bae (Played by Yook Sung-jae)
A sweet-natured young man with a supernatural gift that feels more like a curse: anyone he touches is compelled to spill their deepest, darkest secrets. This has, understandably, made forming normal relationships a bit tricky. His life changes when Weol-ju recruits him and offers to help him control his power. Yook Sung-jae brings an innocent, golden-retriever energy to the role, making Kang-bae the emotional anchor and the source of many heartwarming moments.
Chief Gwi (Played by Choi Won-young)
The enigmatic and stoic manager who works alongside Weol-ju, running the bar and crafting magical noodles that help customers confront their past. He is the calm to Weol-ju’s storm — a man of few words but profound presence. His history is deeply intertwined with Weol-ju’s, and Choi Won-young portrays his quiet suffering and unwavering dedication with powerful, subtle intensity.
Why This Drama Should Be Your Next Binge-Watch
- A Genre-Bending Masterpiece — ‘Mystic Pop-Up Bar’ is what happens when you mix the supernatural setting of ‘Hotel Del Luna’ with the heartfelt family themes of ‘Hi Bye, Mama!’ and then inject it with a heavy dose of pure, unadulterated comedy. It seamlessly transitions from hilarious physical gags to moments of profound sadness, creating a perfect emotional roller coaster that never feels jarring.
- A Cast That Shines Brighter Than a Soju Bottle — The chemistry between the main trio is the show’s beating heart. Hwang Jung-eum delivers a career-best performance, balancing Weol-ju’s loud, scheming exterior with deeply layered vulnerability. Yook Sung-jae is endlessly endearing as Kang-bae, whose innocence and power become the group’s greatest assets. Choi Won-young provides the perfect grounded counterpart, with a quiet intensity that speaks volumes. Every performance is a delight. And let’s not forget the scene-stealing cameo by Na In-woo as the hilariously over-it-afterlife-attendant. Every performance is a delight.
- The Perfect Length for a Powerful Punch — In a landscape of stretched-out plots, the 12-episode format is a blessing. There is zero filler. Each episode efficiently tackles a new customer’s grudge while masterfully weaving in the overarching narrative of our main characters’ pasts. It’s storytelling that is both economical and deeply satisfying.
A Deeper Look: The Themes That Linger
Beyond the fantasy and comedy, the drama is a poignant exploration of regret, forgiveness, and healing. It suggests that our deepest wounds are often tied to the words we leave unsaid and the connections we fail to protect. It’s about the courage it takes to confront your past and the redemption found in helping others.
The Final Verdict: An Unforgettable, Soul-Cleansing Experience
‘Mystic Pop-Up Bar’ is more than just a fantasy K-drama. It’s a show about the families we choose and the second chances we earn. It’s a vibrant, colorful, and profoundly moving series that proves even the deepest wounds can be healed through connection, understanding, and maybe a little bit of magical soju.
So, if you’re in the mood for a drama that packs an entire universe of feeling into a short, sweet, and sparkling package, your next watch is right here.
Now go on — dive in. Your next K-drama obsession is waiting. And trust us, you’ll be dreaming of a magical pop-up bar of your own by the end
Written by Trisha Deka
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