Mok Ha has always dreamt of becoming a singer. During middle school, however, she ends up on a deserted island where she manages to survive alone for over fifteen years. When she’s finally rescued, she must adjust to a world that has changed dramatically in her absence. While learning to navigate the complex social dynamics of modern society, Mok Ha is determined to achieve her dream of becoming a singer—and she will stop at nothing to make it happen.
mydramalist
- Starring: Park Eun Bin | Kim Hyo Jin | Chae Jong Hyeop | Cha Hak Yeon | Kim Joo Heon
- Episodes: 12 (1 hr. 20 mins. )
- Aired: October 28 – December 3, 2023
- Network: tvN
- Where to Watch: Netflix
It’s rare in today’s climate that a drama has enough to capture my attention and make me give a shit. The ADHD be kicking hard and as we have seen in most shows, they either lose the vision or steam somewhere around the halfway mark. However, Castaway Diva seemed to be one of the exceptions in watch history. On the surface, I thought it was going to be a cute rom-com about a girl getting stranded on an island. Think, Extraordinary Attorney Woo meets Castaway. I guess you can say those aspects were there, but it was also layered with mystery, self-discovery, perseverance, hopes, and dreams.
The story was so layered that I found myself not becoming bored. The plot’s pacing was done well and with our two female leads, Mokha and her idol Ranjoo, I found myself invested in their journies of self-discovery and growth. Mokha, re-entering society after being stranded and following her childhood dreams of singing with pop princess Ranjoo. Ranjoo on the other hand was a once on top star, trying to stay afloat and relevant in today’s music scene. When these two actually reconnect after Mokha’s stint on the island, both of them grow in ways neither had planned. Throw on top, a childhood love story, a male lead with the largest green flags, and ID Channel level of domestic issues, and this show felt full at every moment.
The acting was chef’s kiss. Park Eun Bin brought a little bit of her nuances of Attorney Woo, but it wasn’t bad. There was an innocence that the character needed that Park Eun Bin seemed to be able to bring perfectly. I would like to see her in something very different next time but in this show, she kept me invested. Her chemistry with both Kim Hyo Jin and Chae Jong Hyeop was also great. I spent a lot of time wanting more scenes between Mokha and Bo Gyeol. But the standouts were their younger counterparts. Lee Re and Moon Woo Jin are amazing young actors and if they weren’t giving, then I feel the show would have not had the same impact that it did.
Another impactful thing was the music. The diva part was basically about both Mokha and Ranjoo’s musical journey, it was a character itself. When I found out Park Eun Bin was the one doing the singing for the role, my love for her tripled. It was AMAZING! I played the OST over and over and OVER, it was that good. Lately, a lot of the OSTs that are coming out, just feel so misplaced or take you out of the show. This was not the case here. 10’s across the board.
In the end, I obsessed over this drama. From the story, acting, cinematography, music, and even the weird deserted island flashbacks. I could have done with more romance but that is a personal preference. I will always lean more heavily in wanting more kisses and such. But other than that, I would definitely rewatch just to feel good.
Acting: 9/10
Story: 9/10
Music: 10/10
Comfort Score: 9/10
Overall: 9/10
Recommended: ABSOLUTELY.
Fave Song :
Unbothered Unnies 