1This review may contain spoilers
The WONDERfulls? (Yes or no?)
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?Me?
I'd pick the power to rewrite dramas that had so much potential but didn't really live up to them.
Not good?
Then I'll settle for my body turning into superglue every time I lie :(
I've actually been looking forward to The WONDERfools since it was announced, because read the synopsis and tell me it's not fun. I can't even say that after having watched it (we know it happens sometimes) it was super fun! And funny too, I'll admit it took a minute but once they were on a roll, they couldn't be stopped.
Watching three characters who inadvertently received superpowers try to manage it by following around another superhero they inadvertently found while an evil organisation plots the end of the world, set to the background of Y2K? That is fun.
The weird camaraderie between the four leads was a delight to watch, they may not be extremely expressive or outwardly affectionate, but those four cared for each and it was more than obvious.
And.. and..well, I still kind of wish some things were done differently.
To be clear, I am a huge fan of the "superhero saves the day" trope, I enjoy it no matter how outlandish it may be, and I wanted that here. Superhero with a side of relatability.
Even with the concept of superheroes whose powers are not really "super", Kdrama writers really do know only one way to execute, which is neither here nor there. If you're going to go for it, do it. Or don't do it at all! It's clear who the lead was even when there were four leads and I suppose it happens all the time but that's my point. It happens all the time, and why do the writers fear trying something new?
I guess that was my biggest problem - the Hero's Journey (which they clearly followed here) could only really be applied to Chae Ni's character. Un Jeong was the mentor, Son ahjussi and Robin her companions and that's nice, but I really wish the other characters had more depth. I will say they were headed there, and right then, the credits rolled.
Initially I was quite impressed with the balance between the mystery and the comedy, but the more I watched it was incredibly clear that this was a very tactfully marketed superhero series. Think about the story formula for any movie in the genre and it was it.
It is somehow both a Kdrama and a quintessential superhero story and I guess that's exactly.. that's exactly what it's supposed to be, but wait! Imagine the things that you would associate to any and every Kdrama or Marvel movie and they're ALL here lol.
I don't know. I'm just super confused about everything about The WONDERfools, even whether I like it or not and that counts for something, right? It's like for every positive I think, there's a negative I can think of, but right then there's another positive. I'd say the best option is to watch for yourself, pace yourself while you watch and yes, maybe you'll be just as confused as I am.. we can be confused together :)
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This review may contain spoilers
Pure chaos and comedy in a superhero flick
I came in with no expectations and was absolutely blown out of the water! One of the most chaotic, unserious, and comedic Kdramas I've watched. The found family trope is done so well, each character has rich backstories and their mischief when together is hilarious.This is definitely Eun Woo's best work. He really brings to life the traumatized, introverted office worker who reluctantly has to help this insane group he found himself entangled in and gradually come out of his shell. I love seeing him out of the typecast of playing only the "cold, handsome" male leads. His little smiles when he's amused by their shenanigans make me swoon.
Chae Ni is such a bubbly, vivacious character. She is unapologetically herself. She is the glue that holds their little found family together. I also love the dynamic of the introverted, calm ML x loud, chaotic FL. One of the greatest examples of correctly incorporating romance when it is not the main focus.
Such a refreshing drama in a year where I personally have found Kdramas to be lackluster. This is the superhero origin story that teaches family is not blood, but heart and the occasional coffee jelly.
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a WONDERful hidden gem of 2026!
I did not expect this drama to be "this" goooood!This is not your average superhero drama. It's wacky, packed with slapstick comedy, and filled with larger-than-life action sequences. But don't be fooled by the silliness - at its heart is a compelling story supported by strong performances and heartfelt themes of family, friendship, and community. The direction and cinematography are also exceptional, often feeling more like a big-budget action film than a TV drama. Easily one of the most underrated gems of 2026, and if you're skipping it, you're seriously missing out.
Everything about this drama was top-notch, but here are my favorite aspects:
(1) The Humor:
If you're a fan of slapstick comedy, exaggerated action, and absurd situations done tastefully, this drama is for you. Beneath all the laughs is a layered story that even touches on social themes, including the question of how far human greed can go. The comic timing of the three WonderFools - played by Park Eun Bin, Choi De Hoon, and Im Sung Jae - is impeccable. Choi De Hoon, in particular, is an absolute standout as Mr. Son. Branded as the neighborhood fools, these accidental superheroes deliver nonstop chaos and hilarity that had me laughing throughout.
(2) Cha Eun Woo:
I won't lie - Cha Eun Woo has always been one of my biases because of his face card. At the same time, I never considered him a particularly strong actor. Handsome? Absolutely. But often a little stiff. I've watched most of his dramas because they're popular - and because, well, it's Cha Eun Woo. However, this drama genuinely impressed me. His acting has improved significantly, and this role proves it.
His character initially requires him to portray two very different personas, and he pulls it off remarkably well. The telekinetic hero role suits him perfectly. He is charismatic as an action hero on a secret mission, convincing in the emotional moments, and downright adorable when playing the bumbling Clark Kent-esque persona hiding his Superman alter ego.
What impressed me most is that he more than held his own alongside Park Eun Bin and Choi De Hoon. Park Eun Bin is one of the finest actresses working today, and Choi De Hoon consistently elevates every project he's in. The fact that Eun Woo kept pace with actors of that caliber is a testament to how far he has come. Is he one of the industry's greatest actors yet? Not quite. But this performance left me genuinely impressed. In my opinion, this is one of the best roles of his career so far. (And yes, I am still waiting for him to play a villain - the kind who seems innocent and trustworthy until the final reveal.)
(3) Right Focus on the Genre/Tags:
The drama includes a touch of romance, but it is woven naturally into the main story and never feels forced. Too often, dramas shoehorn romance into stories simply because the leads are attractive. I was worried that would happen here, but thankfully it didn't. The focus remains on the action, comedy, mystery, and the relationships between friends, family, and a close-knit small-town community. Setting the story in 1999 also adds a wonderful dose of late-'90s and early-2000s nostalgia. The props, costumes, and soundtrack all help bring that era to life.
(4) The VFX & Production Quality:
To be honest, when I first heard about this drama, I didn't have particularly high expectations. The premise sounded a little cliché and gimmicky. I only kept it on my watchlist because of Eun Woo and Eun Bin. When I finally started watching, I was blown away. The production quality is genuinely impressive. The visual effects, action sequences, cinematography, and overall scale feel closer to a blockbuster film than a television drama. While I'm not saying it's on the level of Marvel or DC's biggest productions, it comes surprisingly close at times and delivers a fantastic visual experience. Combined with the strong acting, engaging story, and well-paced narrative, it makes for an incredibly entertaining watch from start to finish.
OVERALL:
I highly recommend this drama. It's just a tiny step below masterpiece status for me because I felt there were some unresolved gaps regarding the villains' storylines. I understand these may be intentional cliffhangers for a potential Season 2, so it's not necessarily a flaw - more of a small speed bump in an otherwise excellent viewing experience. If I compare it to the dramas I've personally rated a perfect 10, it doesn't quite reach that level. This rating comes more from instinct than logic; for some reason, I can't give it full marks. Then again, it might change if I re-watch. But make no mistake: this is still a fantastic drama and one of the most enjoyable surprises I've watched this year.
BONUS:
This is the first time I've seen Cha Eun Woo smoking on screen - and looking absolutely "smoking hot" while doing it. The white vest, tousled hair, and effortlessly badass energy were a whole moment. Then the finale has a "bullet scene" which is a complete aura-farming moment. If that doesn't convince you to watch, I don't know what will. Maybe this video might help: https://youtube.com/shorts/VfmhKFo4D8w?si=jqr9Mbh14oPXHTMr
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Not gritty enough to be action, not absurd enough to be comedy.
This is another one of those half-baked shows that really doesn't know how to traverse magical realism. If you read enough YA, you know how much suspension of belief is required for the rules of the universe to stick and always, always these superhero tropes don't seem to grasp their own universe to make it believable enough.Initially, I absolutely _loved_ the comedy. The character set ups, their chemistry. I wish the focus was on how ridiculously silly they all were. But then THE THING happened and basically from episode 3 or 4 onwards, the internal logic of the show started to slide downhill for me. To be clear, one of the best things about the show is the comedy. I wish there was more. I wish the comedy was so integrated that it makes you override any disbelief you may have about character reactions to external changes.
Unfortunately, as superhero tropes do, Chae-ni, Geong U and the gang are riding a wonky train that doesn't quite ever arrive at the station. Even the camera takes the whole affair too seriously, framing absolutely stupidly mundane moves as "cool" and "badass". There is no intention behind any of the characters, they're buffoons and clowns. Their superpowers are pure fluke. That's why they're so funny and great. Instead, everyone gets way too serious and still there is absolutely no pre-meditated movement, they're simply just reacting to events and triggers the whole time. Screaming at things and running around like headless chicken but with slow-mo tracking and gritty music in the background.
I'm not saying this is the worst show ever, there were some really entertaining comedic moments. But now I know why these superhero shows in korean dramas suck so hard. They're always trying to make absolutely stupid sh!t look like they're the new Avengers or something and it makes no goddamn sense.
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So, where do I even begin.
This is honestly one of those rare dramas that gets better with every single episode to the point that I genuinely wish it had more than 8 episodes.I’ll admit, the first 2 episodes tested me a little. Everything initially feels very loud, exaggerated, and almost cartoonishly absurd, not in a good way. Despite having a roster full of amazing actors, the trio’s personalities are written to be overly chaotic, childish, and messy to the point that I can understand why some casual viewers might struggle to adjust to the tone at first.
But then… Cha Eunwoo got punched by Park Eunbin and his face got completely distorted, and suddenly, I WAS SEATED.
Then came the tank top and garbage dump scenes. And before I knew it, I WAS SOLD.
What really helped ground the drama for me during those earlier episodes was Cha Eunwoo’s character. His performance acts as the perfect counterweight to all the surrounding chaos. If his character wasn’t there setting emotional boundaries and reacting like an actual sane person trapped inside this madness, I genuinely think the drama could’ve become too absurdist for casual viewers. And I have to say this: his acting is really good here. He's a good actor now.
As for the trio, I initially felt like the writing wasn’t fully utilizing Park Eunbin’s talents because her character starts off almost too much like a trainwreck. Choi Daehoon’s character was frustratingly selfish in the beginning, while Im Seongjae felt too much like a 5-year-old that watching the three of them together sometimes felt like swallowing dry sweet potatoes.
BUT THEN THE STORY STARTS SETTLING INTO ITSELF.
What initially felt like random bullets ricocheting everywhere finally starts aiming toward an actual emotional target. The trio’s dynamics become stronger, warmer, and surprisingly heartfelt as they begin interacting with more people and the worldbuilding expands. Slowly, the emotional core beneath all the ridiculous comedy starts revealing itself.
AND FROM THERE ON, IT ONLY KEEPS GETTING BETTER.
Park Eunbin eventually shines exactly like the incredible actress that she is, bringing warmth and sincerity beneath all the absurdity like a true center lead should. Meanwhile, Choi Daehoon somehow ended up becoming my favorite character by the end and honestly the highlight of the series. What impressed me most is that no character here feels wasted: villains, child actors, and aunties in the diner, they all leave an impression. So I really have to praise director Yoo Insik because the directing here is GENUINELY FANTASTIC. The balance between absurd comedy, emotional moments, and action sequences is handled incredibly smoothly. I especially love how every time the story starts getting too dark or emotionally heavy, Yoo Insik suddenly throws in something completely ridiculous to snap viewers out of the tension and remind us that this is still comedy, without ruining the emotional integrity of the story itself. The whole drama feels incredibly campy in the BEST way possible. And the fight scenes? Surprisingly well choreographed for a drama this comedic.
All in all, A MASTERPIECE.
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peak
Review of The WonderfoolsThe Wonderfools is a refreshing blend of comedy, fantasy, mystery, and action that brings a unique flavor to the superhero genre. Unlike typical superhero stories filled with highly trained heroes and massive battles, this Korean drama focuses on ordinary people who suddenly gain extraordinary powers. The result is an entertaining and emotional story that keeps viewers interested from beginning to end.
One of the strongest parts of The Wonderfools is its creative storyline. The series introduces a group of normal individuals living simple lives before unexpected events change everything. Each character reacts differently to their new abilities, which creates both humorous and emotional moments. Instead of becoming perfect heroes overnight, they struggle with fear, confusion, and responsibility. This realistic approach makes the characters relatable and human.
The acting performances are another major highlight. The cast brings strong energy and chemistry to the screen. The lead characters successfully balance comedy and emotional depth, making the audience care about their personal journeys. Even side characters contribute meaningfully to the story, adding humor, tension, and warmth. The natural interactions between the characters make the group dynamic feel believable and enjoyable.
Visually, the series is colorful and energetic. The cinematography captures the busy atmosphere of the town while also presenting action scenes in a stylish way. The special effects are not overly dramatic, but they work well within the tone of the series. Rather than focusing only on visual spectacle, the show pays attention to storytelling and character development. This balance helps the drama stand out from many modern fantasy series.
Another impressive aspect is the mix of genres. The Wonderfools combines comedy, suspense, and emotional drama smoothly. One moment may make viewers laugh, while the next introduces mystery or heartfelt emotion. This changing tone keeps the show exciting and prevents it from becoming repetitive. The humor feels natural instead of forced, which adds charm to the overall experience.
The series also explores deeper themes beneath its lighthearted surface. It talks about friendship, teamwork, responsibility, and the idea that ordinary people can make a difference. The characters learn that true strength does not come only from superpowers but also from trust, courage, and compassion. These messages give the show emotional value beyond simple entertainment.
However, the drama is not completely perfect. Some episodes may feel slightly slow, especially when focusing heavily on side stories. A few plot developments can also seem predictable for experienced viewers of fantasy dramas. Despite these minor weaknesses, the overall entertainment value remains high because of the engaging characters and creative storytelling.
In conclusion, The Wonderfools is a fun and heartfelt Korean series that offers a fresh take on superheroes and ordinary life. With strong performances, an entertaining plot, humor, and emotional depth, the show successfully delivers both excitement and meaningful moments. It is a great choice for viewers who enjoy fantasy dramas with comedy and strong character relationships. The Wonderfools proves that even imperfect people can become heroes in their own unique way.
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Fun One Time Watch
If you expect too much from this drama, it is not, I truly enjoyed it but i am not gonna pick it up, one time watch for me. Cha Eun Woo, always so charasmastic and lovely, loved the comedic aspect, not forced at all, i genuinely laughed at many areas, overall watch it if u want smtn lightheaded with dark storyline.Was this review helpful to you?
mini series covering up all genres
cant stress enough at how perfect this mini series is. theres action, horror, sci-fi, romcom and many more. everythings perfect. funny how an 8 episode mini series covered up all genres but a 12 episode one is not enough lol. cgi's are obviously there and transitions are somewhat clean but i cannot forgive that AI cameo from an actors face. it was horrible, i thank the heavens for not maintaining it for long. the cast, urgh, the perfect cast. bae nara and park eunbin like WOW. bae nara, will come a long way, trust. he needs to be in different genres, he can flawlessly portray them. park eunbin, the most charming actress. i hope shes in the list of chungmuro actors. she deserves it. cha eun woo, my beloved, hes come a long way. im always distracted at his disgustingly perfect face, im drawn to him. cew cannot act allegations are finally free.Was this review helpful to you?
Funny drama with 3 quirky superheroes and their Super master!
In its essence this drama is a super hero or rather heroes story with a lot of lol moments! Set in 1999, it's tells us the story of 3 very unlikely village outcasts, who are also unwittingly close friends as in one of them is still not convinced that they are part of the friend's group till the very end! 😅 Anyway they then somehow gain some super powers. How they, supposedly not very smart people according to the villagers, deal with those powers, whom they get help from, etc forms the rest of the story. The whole thing is told in a quite funny non serious way.The actors were all just too good in their comic timing! The ML and FL have good chemistry. ML's styling is very superman like with superman glasses and all! And of course since it's CEW, he looks damn good in it! 😁 And Special mention to Ajushi, he made me lol with his straight faced dialogues! Also our badass grandma is ❤️
Overall a good light-hearted binge worthy drama. Do give it a try if you want some funny timepass show to binge on lazy weekends.
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Refreshing
I finished watching it, and I really enjoyed it. One of the biggest surprises was Cha Eun Woo; he improved a lot as an actor, especially when it came to expressing emotions. His performance felt more mature and natural this time.Park Eun Bin did a fabulous job as always and completely owned her role. Among the side characters, Choi Yun Ji and Jeong E Suh really caught my eye with their strong screen presence and memorable performances.
Overall, the drama was fun, emotional, and engaging enough to keep me invested till the end.
Rating: 8.5/10 ⭐
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Simple, but It Works
This series’ greatest strength is its simplicity. A lot of anti-hero-centered kdramas have small moments where I genuinely start wondering if they’re successful money-laundering schemes. Regardless, this drama handles superpowers surprisingly well as a plot device. Unlike most series in this genre it doesn't struggle balancing the powers with the storytelling.However, the writing lacks in other ways. There are quite few "IJBOL" scenes that viewers would’ve found funny ten years ago (where everyone claim kdramas had peaked). Also, I dislike when a huge amount of screen time is given to antagonists (it’s a general kdrama writing issue). I would have prefered learning villains’ motivations through main characters’ povs.
Now, the cast did a decent job with the material they were given. CEW somehow becomes even more stone-faced than he usually is. Meanwhile, PEB’s comedic acting took me some getting used to, but overall she carried the drama alongside the supporting cast. Special kudos to whoever was in charge of the soundtrack selection. One of the highlights of the series was the scene featuring Creep.
I'm recommending this drama to people like me who hardly watch superhero-oriented series.
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This review may contain spoilers
Comedy Done Right, Stakes were questionable
Cha Eun-woo had me swooning every time he appeared on screen. What I didn't expect was to come away talking about his performance more than his face. As Lee Un-jeong, he brought a lot of charm and warmth to the role and proved that he's capable of much more than simply looking good on screen. Three women catching feelings for him in only eight episodes? Honestly, believable.This was also my first time watching a drama starring Park Eun-bin. She did great as Chae-Ni but When the casting was first announced, I wasn’t exactly sold on her and Cha Eun-woo as a romantic pairing. Thankfully, the show wasn’t heavily focused on romance, which worked in its favor. Still, they weren’t bad together at all. I guess the whole “polar opposites attract” trope rarely fails.
That said, I low-key shipped him more with the hot villain girl. They barely had any scenes together, but every interaction was electric. Then they killed her off, and I took that personally.
Speaking of characters who deserved better, I was genuinely upset about all the Wunderkinder kids dying. The evil scientists and that creepy sponsor grandpa absolutely deserved whatever came to them, but the kids? They were victims too. They deserved a chance at redemption instead of being treated as collateral damage.
I do have a few questions, though. The Wonderfools were constantly referred to as “defected pieces,” but apart from not fully understanding or controlling their powers, they didn’t seem to suffer any major side effects. Meanwhile, the Wunderkinder kids were considered the “successful” experiments, yet they were the ones experiencing severe side effects. Am I missing something here, or does that logic feel backwards?
Another thing: why was Grandma unable to do more for Chae-ni? She was portrayed as incredibly resourceful, had connections and seemed to know far more than everyone else. Yet somehow she was always arriving just a little too late to actually save anyone. I also think she was forgiven too easily for funding the experiments on orphan children especially for someone who had a grandchild of her own.
One aspect that annoyed me was the repetitive cycle involving 3792 and the villains. Every confrontation played out the same way: he’d be on the verge of death, emotions would run high, dramatic music would swell, and then... he’d survive anyway. After a while, it became predictable. The stakes stopped feeling real because you knew he wasn’t actually in danger. Not that I wanted him to die, but if you keep building up these emotional near-death moments only to undo them every time, the impact starts to disappear.
The comedy, however, was flawless. A solid 10/10. Every joke landed for me. The goofy humor, exaggerated reactions, and comic-book-inspired style were absolutely hilarious. The Wonderfools themselves were delightfully chaotic, and that’s exactly why I loved them. They were weird, messy, and completely entertaining to watch.
Overall, despite a few frustrations with the plot, I had a great time with this show.
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