“Mr. Plankton” is a romantic comedy that follows the final journey of Hae-jo (Woo Do-hwan), a man who believes he was born by mistake, and Jae-mi (Lee Yoo-mi), the unluckiest woman in the world, who ends up accompanying him against her will. According to Netflix’s Top 10 website, “Mr. Plankton” ranked fifth globally in the Non-English TV category for the week of November 11 to November 17. The series also secured a spot in the Top 10 in 42 countries, including South Korea, proving its widespread popularity even in its second week of release.
Released on November 8, “Mr. Plankton” showcases the signature warmth, humor, and insightful perspective of director Hong Jong-chan and writer Jo-yong. The series has been lauded for its profound emotional impact and the poignant reflection it leaves on viewers. The compelling performances by a stellar cast, including Woo Do-hwan, Lee Yoo-mi, Oh Jung-se, and Kim Hae-sook, bring to life the journey of Hae-jo and Jae-mi as they navigate loss, connection, and the value of life.
Writer Jo-yong’s Reflections on the Series
Q. What story did you aim to tell through “Mr. Plankton”?
Plankton, the smallest creatures in the marine food chain, may seem insignificant, but they sustain Earth’s vast ecosystem through the oxygen they produce. Their existence is humbling and beautiful. It led me to think: Is there anyone or anything in this world that isn’t precious?
However, people often lament, “Why was I even born? I have no talent, no dreams, no purpose.” I wanted to portray the aimless wanderings of such individuals, like drifting microorganisms, by thrusting them into unpredictable challenges to see them grow and reflect. Through the trials of life, perhaps they would come to realize their worth, the value of a single day, and the happiness they bring to others.
The series represents the intense reflection of a youth at the edge of life, coming to terms with their purpose. When asked whether “Mr. Plankton” has a sad or happy ending, I answered that life is a mix of the living and the memories of those who’ve passed. Therefore, there’s no definitive end, our story is a “never-ending” one. I hope viewers won’t stay sad for too long, as Hae-jo is still with us in spirit.
Q. What does the title “Mr. Plankton” signify?
The word “plankton” originates from a Greek term meaning “drifter” or “wanderer.” Hae-jo, born without roots and drifting through life, became the perfect embodiment of this title. On a broader scale, the title refers to all the characters, Hae-jo, Jae-mi, and others, each carrying their own flaws and deficiencies as they navigate life’s journey.
Q. What was the intended message behind Hae-jo and Jae-mi becoming each other’s happiness amid their struggles?
Hae-jo, who had never truly settled down or cared for anything, finds a new sense of attachment and value in life through his journey with Jae-mi. He learns to cherish love and the fleeting moments he once took for granted.
Jae-mi, whose dream of becoming a mother was crushed, discovers through Hae-jo that her true longing wasn’t for motherhood but for unconditional love, both giving and receiving it. Her dream is ultimately fulfilled through their connection.
Q. The concept of “home” seems significant for Hae-jo and Jae-mi. Why?
For both characters, “home” symbolizes a space they desperately yearned for but never truly had. Hae-jo named his errand center the “Errand House,” as if to hint at his desire for a place to belong. Jae-mi, likewise, sought refuge in a traditional household, though it wasn’t truly hers. Their inability to find a permanent home mirrors their fate as wanderers, destined to keep drifting together.
Hae-jo’s poignant line, “I’m not here because I have nowhere else to go. I’m here because there’s nowhere I want to be,” encapsulates the theme of questioning societal expectations about having a purpose, a home, or a family. Must we always have a goal or destination? Sometimes wandering is just another path in life.
Q. A message for viewers who love “Mr. Plankton”?
Thank you for loving Hae-jo, Jae-mi, and all the characters. Thank you for cheering them on as they stumbled, struggled, and grew. I’m deeply grateful to director Hong Jong-chan, the crew, and the talented cast, whose efforts made this long journey a memorable one. Thank you all for your support.
Source: Daum
