Way Back Love

"Way Back Love" (Korean: "내가 죽기 일주일 전," literally "A Week Before I Die") is a 2025 South Korean coming-of-age romantic fantasy miniseries. Created by Roh Deok, written by Song Hyeon-ju and Jang In-jung, and directed by Choi Ha-na, the show is based on the novel of the same name by Seo Eun-chae.It premiered on TVING with a two-episode debut on April 3, 2025, and its six-episode run concluded on April 17, 2025.

The series also was invited to the “On Screen” section of the 29th Busan International Film Festival, where several episodes premiered ahead of broadcast.

Plot Synopsis

Jung Hee-wan (24, played by Kim Min-ha) lives reclusively, having lost her will to live.

Just when she’s at her lowest, Kim Ram-woo – her childhood friend and first love who died six years ago – returns to her life as a grim reaper, delivering a chilling message: she has exactly one week left to live.

Faced with this reality, Hee-wan decides to make a bucket list of farewell wishes, and together with Ram-woo, they revisit their shared past – rediscovering life, connection, and the bittersweet meaning of love.

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Kim Min-ha as Jung Hee-wan: A young woman who has withdrawn from the world, burdened by grief and hopelessness.
• Gong Myung as Kim Ram-woo: Hee-wan’s first love and childhood friend, now appearing as a sensitive, compassionate grim reaper.

Supporting Cast

• Jung Gun-joo as Lee Hong-seok.
• Oh Woo-ri as Yoon Tae-kyung.
• Ko Chang-seok as Jeong Il-beom (Hee-wan’s father).
• Seo Young-hee as Kim Jung-sook (Ram-woo’s mother).
• Jeon Chae-eun as Jung Hee-joo (Hee-wan’s younger sister).
• Jeon Jun-ho as Seung-ho (peer/friend).
• Shim Eun-kyung appears in a special role as Young-hyun (a senior grim reaper) and Krystal Jung as another senior grim reaper.

Reception

"Way Back Love" received a heartfelt reception for its emotional storytelling and visual poetry:

• On IMDb, it holds a score of 8.1/10, with viewers praising its acting, narrative, and condensed yet impactful format.
• Critics and fans alike described the series as "a beautiful tale about love, grief, and the reasons we find to live," noting how naturally sorrow and hope intertwine.
• It’s widely lauded as a perfect short binge-watch, with many appreciating its compact storytelling and emotional depth.
• At the 2025 Blue Dragon Series Awards, the show received a nomination for Best Drama, and Kim Min-ha won Best New Actress for her portrayal.

Fun Facts & Highlights

Film Fest Debut

Selected for the “On Screen” section at BIFF, the series premiered three episodes there in October 2024.

Tight Format

The six-episode structure allows for focused, emotionally intense storytelling – no filler, all impact.

Universal Accessibility

Subtitles are available in numerous languages, making it widely accessible across regions via platforms like Viki and Viu.

Strong Source Material

The novel by Seo Eun-chae, published in 2018, combines fantasy with emotional realism, and the adaptation retains its conceptual depth.

Final Thoughts

"Way Back Love" is celebrated for capturing fleeting time with quiet poignancy. By blending fantasy with realistic emotions and delivering it all in just six episodes, it stands out as an intimate, unforgettable exploration of love, grief, and second chances. Whether you're drawn in by the supernatural premise or the emotional journey, this show leaves a lasting mark.

Where to Watch

Broadcast Schedule

Aired on tvN.

Streaming Access

• South Korea: TVING.
• Globally: Rakuten Viki.

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