Island (2022– ) User Reviews

Average but entertaining

[yooniverse · 6/10 · 2 January 2023]

The show uses a lot of borrowed fantasy elements (both literally and figuratively) from other K dramas and western shows, which will make it feel less original and familiar. The show is an adaptation of YLAB's webtoon, "The Island", so expect a comic book feel to the story and action sequences. Special effects and scenes will also seem familiar with another show produced by Studio Dragon called Alchemy of Souls.

Van, the lead male character, is an ancient demon slayer. Van's origin story reminds me of The Witcher in some ways. But he is a serial killer in the webtoon, so I'm not sure if they will work that into or out of the TV screenplay. (Trivia: Korean spoken language has no "V" sound, so why "Van", I don't know.)

As a horror genre show, it's decent enough to watch. Live-action adaptation of comic book/anime/cartoon shows are challenging, but this show should to be entertaining enough for those not familiar with the webtoon.

Very high production standards for a TV series

[phd_travel · 8/10 · 17 January 2023]

Quite impressive visually. Part One consists of the first 6 episodes of this series. The sets are atmospheric although it doesn't look like the Jeju we know, all dark and gothic and mystical with demons and stuff. Great production values for a tv series. Movie quality effects combine with exciting action sequences. The exorcisms are quite scary even for jaded viewers. There are some back stories to give some connection to the characters. Things get quite dark towards the later episodes. The actors are well cast. Kim Nam Gil has quite a moody vibe as the half human half demon. Cha Eun Woo as the angelic looking priest. Lee Da Hee is fine as the heroine but can't help imagining how great the unique looking Seo Ye Ji would have been in this role if she hadn't been unfairly cancelled. Sung Joon plays a demon. Everyone is quite convincing.

Only thing I wish they had just aired the whole series in one shot.

The fight scenes are fast...

[liviumich · 7/10 · 14 January 2023]

I position myself in the negative camp: The fight scenes are fast.. wrong fast !!

After waytching the first episode the story in promising, good acting, really good visual effects, but when they start to fight... it's soooo fast you must watch very closely to understand what's happening :)))

The music, the CG and the story itself are all amazing. Really looking forward to the other episodes. I really hope the director will reconsider the speed in fight sceens.

This would be great serial.. but fight scenes are 2X faster than it should be... SAD. Superman it's a baby compared to those demons strength.

Captivating from the first moment! Definitely a must-see!

[Evastar · 10/10 · 7 April 2023]

I chose this series quite randomly, while scrolling through Prime Video's choices. I hadn's looked up on the cast, on the plot or on the reviews. I was just thinking that I'd like to see something different. From the very first episode I was taken aback by how well the visuals were and how astonishing the photography was! My first thought was also that this is probably inspired by anime or something relevant and found it even more intriguing. The main hero introduced himself quite astonishly! :) I remember clearly as now, muttering myself out loud "wow wow who was that?! That was so cool!!!! So, yes I got hooked on this show from the first moments of watching. The plot is so interesting, leaving me wanting more and getting curious for the sequence of the story. The cast was amazing! Truly talented and into their roles. Captivating landscapes, mesmerising visual effects! I have also seen other fantasy K-dramas and I think this was by far the most perfected in the cgi parts! Great work!! I watched this series within 3 days and left me wanting more! The ending left me with hopes of continuation. I really hope they will release a second season! It would be interesting to see the past of the heroes more detailed and also how the priest got his powers!

Interesting season 1 and season 2 is bit boring

[Infycd_ · 7/10 · 25 December 2023]

Those who want to see drama for romance specially for kiss scenes don't watch it. It is not a romcom to show that. Before watching this I have read some reviews which written has no chemistry bla bla lol why are you finding some chemistry in this genre drama? 🤣

I really liked the concept it looks fresh and really well executed one. But CGI is bad and really thanks for only six episodes. Comes to the actors all are good. Production value is also look good. One think I don't like it is killing each and every person I mean atleast you can save some people. I don't understand why people hate cha Eun woo acting this much in social media he is not that bad he is fine actors need a little bit improvisation.

Finally!!

[andri-karakosta · 10/10 · 31 December 2022]

I Just finished watching episode 1 & 2 and I am thrilled about the story! Powerful performances on a well written scenario. Story unfolds exactly as it should, the viewers get answers gradually and o the right tempo...... I enjoyed watching, its been a long time since I found my self a good sci/ gi- horror series, apart from Supernatural, but i believe this series might just be the one! It gas everything! Plot, suspension, good performances..... The story was intriguing enough to watch, I spotted the story recently and waited for the release day anxiously! It didn't let me down.

Can't wait for the rest!

Mediocre fantasy drama

[monjelekng · 6/10 · 11 March 2023]

The whole drama is just style over substance, with beautiful cinematography and cast visual .They rewrite the story for the drama but it lacks originality with tired,cliche storyline and the essence of the original webtoon is lost. It also sort of veered out of horror/thriller/action into typical korean melodrama with unnecessary romance between the leads.

The plot and pacing is all over the place, maybe 12 episodes were not enough for such ambitious prelude to superstring universe as hinted in the finale.

However, it is still quite enjoyable for some mindless fun if you are into fantasy kdrama like alchemy of souls and bulgasal.

AMAZING

[pierinarubiorojas · 10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I loved it, I heard about this drama a long time ago and I thought it had been cancelled, now I understand that the premiere was delayed due to the good edition it has. The main actors fit perfectly with the description of their characters. Honestly y, The priest became my favorite character from the first episode, it's funny but dark at the same time.

I have read the story and the development is going well, the exorcism scene... Guys I didn't expect it in that incredible way

I have to wait a week for two more chapters, It would be great if they shortened the days, the wait makes me nervous.

Good Enough

[PennyReviews · 7/10 · 19 June 2023]

Korean Drama " Island " is the first part of the sci fi fantasy drama that is a webtoon adaption.

The drama has some intriguing characters and a gothic mood to it, with a few notions of horror and a lot of mystical plotlines.

It would have aided the drama a lot with the two main characters had more scenes together and better chemistry to justify their 'bond' and help the viewer engage and care about them.

The story, also, needed more time to have a proper development.

Nevertheless, it was enjoyable and the performances were pretty nice.

So, overall, seven stars out of ten for the first part of the series.

Korean Drama " Island Season Two " is the second part of the sci fi series with a horror undertone.

The story goes deeper into the past of the heroes and the myth that surrounds the island. The big battle finally arrives as well, with the drama focusing on the characters preparing for it.

On the plus side, the mood was there and the fantasy element was well handled.

On the other hand, the characters turned out to be cliche stereotypes, especially when it came to the reincarnation of the main lead, which was eye-rolling at some point.

The performances were enjoyable though.

So, overall, six out of ten.

Annoying characters and zero chemistry

[zzzxxxcccvvv-43202 · 3/10 · 24 January 2023]

I'm afraid this one is a stinker.

This show has some of the flattest performances I've seen in a while. Apparently when characters are thousands of years old they forget how to act. There's nothing more exiting than a mindless zombie fighting a plank of wood.

Zero chemistry between the actors. They might as well have filmed everyone on separate days because that's how believable these relationships are.

Zombie horde #15423 ready to put you to sleep. Are people really asking for more zombie shows? Give us a real villain, please. Give us smart characters and prove to us the show isn't made for children.

Definitely don't waste your time on this show.

What more can you ask for?

[jomelianicer · 10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I had been waiting 2 years for this drama. And finally the long wait is over, and it was oh so worth it. The story is great. The cast is superb. The cinematography is amazing. The special effects are world-class. Really, what more can you ask for? You want drama? Then drama it is. Suspense/Horror? Island got you covered. Comedy? The three main characters are showing their comedic bones as well. The banter between Kim Nam-gil and Lee Da-hee will make you smile. The youngest hip exorcist priest Father Yohan played by Cha Eun-woo will make you want to be exorcised too. His role here is so far from his previous tsundere characters. I am so looking forward to future episodes.

Goosebumps . . .

[vinsentte · 7/10 · 30 March 2024]

The storyline is simple but still making you curious about what's gonna happen even when we already who is the bad guy . The action is fast , its like we're watching some anime or ninja fighting . And the way they put on the storyline and all the narrative is like getting a goosebumps . Turns out all the evil had done still the worse are us , that's what i like about this drama , maybe we're not that good and pure even we are the human . Also about the Lee da Hee , i give 7,5/10 stars , maybe my taste is not her but she is not that bad though just i think a little bit old but her acting is fabulous . Kim Na Gil is better i think i like the cold he had and absolutely the action of him is good 8/10 stars for him . But the one that i want to give the appreciates is Cha Eun Wo , his cheerful character he has , and the most pure one . I give him 9/10 stars .

All style, no substance

[Otte1 · 3/10 · 28 May 2023]

Beware of fake reviews. Anytime you have this many '10' star reviews in a row, that means it is fake.

Where do I start?

Pros 1. There is plenty of action. Each episode has a new creature, new fight scene and interesting choreography. If you want mindless fantasy action, it is here.

2. Scenery is nice and intriguing.

Cons-everything else 1. Acting is wooden, especially the female protagonist. But she is not the only problem. So many of the characters do not capture the mood at the moment. There are either stone faced regardless of the situation, or they are completely over-the-top in slapstick unbelievable. There is no in-between. It makes it hard to 'root' for anyone.

2. Editing/Direction. This is one of those shows that feels the need to edit multiple scenes per second. It creates a frenzied look. It is okay to do this a couple of times, but generally every fight scene has the look, and it is hard to see what is happening, who is doing what and why. Another issue is they jump from one scene to the next without correlation. This is a movie of scenes being filmed and slammed together, instead of a cohesive story.

3. Music. If there is any action, there is this pounding rock, metal, hip hop music being played so loud that it drowns out the entire scene.

4. Plot/Writing. The writing is all plot devices. The characters have to do stupid things for the story to continue to exist. The number of coincidences that happens with each episode is mind-boggling.

Also, every character is exactly where they need to be without explaining how they got there. Middle of the forest? Underground parking garage? Isolated island? Makes no difference as the creature, or savior will pop up without explaining how they knew to be there.

I was unable to take anything seriously, did not care.

Worth The Wait!

[eunwoogeorgine · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

I've been eagerly waiting for this drama for over a year! And let me tell you, I was hooked from episode 1. It was action packed with a touch of horror... love the little touches of comedy as well.

I am very much enjoying the storyline, the production, the effects. But most notable are the actors, CHA EUNWOO, KIM NAMGIL, LEE DAHEE and SUNG JOON! They bring the drama to life!

I have to especially mention CHA EUNWOO! This is my first time seeing him in this kind of role... I am used to seeing him in cold indifferent roles... but his portrayal of the fun quirky young exorcist priest brings a refreshing twist to the drama.

I'm very much looking forward to the coming episodes!

Amazing!!!

[cewsquad · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

As someone not into horror, I can't believe I watched the first two episodes with no skip. I love the action and suspense. Cha Eunwoo's appearance in the first episode was iconic and now going viral for his role as Priest Yohan, like how to be a exorcised by you Father? Dahee and NamGil also had a dramatic entrance and the action was so great. I am so looking forward to the next episodes after laying the back story. Would Yohan's back story in the next?

I've waited for two years to watch Cha Eunwoo again in kdrama land. And the wait is worth it. I'm glad he did this drama. Fighting Island Squad!

I love everything about this drama

[xnnjfqt · 10/10 · 10 January 2023]

From the CGI to the cast to the story is close to perfection! The changes from the webtoon is very much welcoming to watch as a viewer.

I have read the webtoon, and i must say that i would love to watch-repeat the adaption than the webtoon itself.

And the cast just swallowed (in a good way) the webtoon character and gave life to it!!!

I'm an avid manhwa/webtoon reader and an adaption always gives me a not-so appreciation but i must say that this drama is different.

Every episodes was like a movie-made for tv/ott.

Everybody should watch this drama!

Hope it will be appreciated and enjoyed by many.

Biggest time wasting!

[sabazarsaz-07812 · 3/10 · 15 March 2023]

Watched it only bcause of Kim Nam Gil and have to say, even he couldn't make it any better.

Weak plot, no aim in the story line, useless characters (especially the young priest and his out of star wars powers) and poor delivery. It's only good for waste of time! Wouldn't watch any more season even if they change everything up to 100%.

The worst part of it was Lee Da Hee and her poor acting! Her character was useless till the very End. And even worst, she became the main Protagenist of the show! There was no chemistry between chracters. No goals and you couldn't even say if the ending could make any differences. There was no point in both seasons and I wonder how the hell netflix is going to continue this children story. But it should be better on a youth comic magazine, rather than a TV show for adults.

Powerful story and performances!

[berryevone · 10/10 · 1 January 2023]

I was waiting for the Island for over a year now. And it met all my expectations. The storyline is very intriguing, revolving around the Jeju Island which is filled with evil spirits and our heros who meant to save the island. It has both Korean folklore and Christian references.

All the actors are very good at portraying their characters. While Kim Namgil as a veteran actor, brings his experience, young actors brings dynamism and it's really great to watch their interactions.

My favorite character from the series is Priest Yohan played by Cha Eunwoo. I believe Yohan is an ideal role for him. He is always very good at playing multi-layered, enigmatic people with his minimal acting. Priest Yohan is a young man with great ability. We can see both the assurance of this strength and the energy and playfulness of his youth in his performance.

While lightening the horror genre is a popular strategy, I don't believe it is always successful. The series has hit an excellent balance here. This is why the first scene was one of the best exorcism scenes I've ever seen. You should definitely watch it even if it's just to see that scene.. Eunwoo does an excellent job.

Episode Seven Ruins the Series.

[ReaLMoisan · 3/10 · 20 March 2023]

I'll try to write this review without including spoilers, and I'll stay a vague as possible.

So you're telling me all this could have been avoided if the monks waited an hour to enact their plan. The entire plot of the series revolves around this one incident; and the entire thing could have been avoided if they waited an hour to do something they could have done a day or even a week later. Besides it making no logical sense for them to enact this plan until they know the outcome of another even first. If they went through with their plan before the outcome of the other event is resolved, they'd be in an even worse position than they would be if they did nothing at all.

The entire series is the result of characters doing something so monumentally stupid, it destroys all suspension of disbelief. Episode seven, single handedly ruins the entire series. This is what happens when bad and/or lazy writers don't bother to justify characters actions in a logical and consistent manner.

What a waste of my time watching this series.

Love the Island

[jeanleecha · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

Finally the long wait over! It was a beautiful drama with the beautiful cast especially Cha Eunwoo, I'm so excited to seeing him again in the drama and he did great with his cool amazing acting and he spoke the Italian language excellently. Of course the other cast Kim Nam Gil and Lee Da Hee did well too with their excellent acting and nice CGI the action scene was awesome, make the whole drama exiting, can't wait how their story will unfold, if they will be having a love story.. curious if Yohan was related to them, I want to know the back story of Yohan, and the first encounter of yohan and van well be full of action, can't wait for their fight scene.

Island: The next big kdrama hit!

[gvhghzr · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

Island is so captivating and I can't wait for more episodes to be released. They have a great way of pulling you in with the initial introduction to the characters. They stay true to the webtoon but also put on a unique and exhilarating twist that keeps you coming back for more. They picked the perfect actors for their prospective roles. Lee Da-hee as the savior. Kim Nam-gill as the man in the black suit. The captivating Cha Eun-woo as an exorcist priest and more to come. I can't wait to see how the rest of the season will play out I'll be an avid watcher. The show keeps you in suspense and is going to be the perfect thriller binge.

Its a rom-com-action-horror-drama!! Loving it more with every new episode!!

[sussshhh · 10/10 · 6 January 2023]

Four episodes in, and I am in love with the story now. It is so different and intriguing and holds the suspense, what more? A totally enjoyable series! I simply love everything about this drama. You will love all the characters and their interactions, especially father Yohan - played by Cha Eun-woo and the half-human / half-monster being played by Kim Nam-gil. Yohan is incredibly attractive, hip, heroic and cocky - bringing all the freshness and modern elements to his role which is one of the highlights in my opinion.

The story develops so quickly from episode to episode, it is so much fun even for a person like me who is not into horror/thriller genre.

Aillaendeu(2022-)

[gnaf · 1/10 · 5 March 2023]

Adapted from an online cartoon. Illegible action scenes, catastrophic choice of music, ... May be suitable for children under twelve or assimilated. The spectator who manages to support this nullity past two or three episodes deserves a substantial reward for his tenacity.

Adapted from an online cartoon. Illegible action scenes, catastrophic choice of music, ... May be suitable for children under twelve or assimilated. The spectator who manages to support this nullity past two or three episodes deserves a substantial reward for his tenacity.

Adapted from an online cartoon. Illegible action scenes, catastrophic choice of music, ... May be suitable for children under twelve or assimilated. The spectator who manages to support this nullity past two or three episodes deserves a substantial reward for his tenacity.

A must-see

[chellecew · 10/10 · 2 January 2023]

This is an amazing Kdrama that's been in the making for the past 2 years. It was so worth the wait! The storyline is captivating, the characters are intriguing, the acting and action scenes are electrifying, the CGI and cinematography are amazing and well thought out! The actors did an excellent job portraying their characters!

My favorite is Priest Giovanni! Cha Eunwoo was incredible in this role! He embodied that character with such perfection. That exorcism was out of this world! His language skills speaking in Italian were impressive!! I'm looking forward to more of Priest Giovanni/Yohan.

The show evokes a great mix of emotions that will keep you at the edge of your seat. You will get scared, cry, laugh, fall in love with the characters especially priest Yohan, and get absolutely entertained!

Do not miss out!! Watch it on prime video!!!!

Dysfunctional Characters

[Park_Min · 3/10 · 10 March 2024]

The drama kicked off with good modern visuals and an interesting fantasy setting on a mystical island. However, it quickly unraveled. The fantasy elements, though visually appealing, peaked in the first two episodes, while the remainder felt like a rehash of what we'd already seen. It's strange that they revealed all their cards in the beginning, leaving the rest feeling empty. The female lead was sent to the island to work as a teacher, but this plotline was completely irrelevant and didn't last for more than one episode. The direction the drama took with the fantasy story turned out to be quite disappointing afterwards. More on characters, the female lead was an unstoppable cringe generator with her non-serious interactions, especially with the male lead in the earlier parts. It was the writers way trying desperately to build chemistry between the two, but it was impossible without rewriting the characters themselves. However, the character that suffered the most from both the writers' curse and the cast choice was Goong Tan. It doesn't take a blind man to see what was wrong. The drama ended up being this shallow shipwreck of recycled ideas and bland characters.