‘Like Flowers in Sand’ Is Your New K Drama Obsession

The new K drama, Like Flowers in Sand, from streaming platform Netflix, is a compact and deliberate series with a backdrop of ssireum, a traditional South Korean wrestling form, set in the modest town of Geosan. It is vividly portrayed through Kim Baek doo, portrayed authentically by Jang Dong yoon, who is a sincere and untamed character. The narrative takes off as Baek doo, a former child prodigy now aged 33, is seemingly ending his ssireum career without any senior championship wins, puzzling everyone as he comes from a family of victors in a town known for ssireum. After drinking heavily, he promises his coach that if he does not win the next championship, he will retire. Indeed, he exits the sport following a high-spirited defeat in the first round against a fellow Geosan wrestler.

However, there is more to the Geosan story than just Baek doo’s poor performance. The coach of his opponent, who is strangely unsatisfied with the victory, vanishes and is found deceased in a field, pushing Like Flowers in Sand from a potential sports series to a subtle yet intricate mystery. Baek doo, feeling purposeless after leaving the sport that defined him, faces further turmoil when his childhood friend, Oh Doo sik (Lee Ju myoung), returned to Geosan under a different identity. In the gradual reconnection between them, Baek doo finds himself deeper into the mystery that finally gives him a reason to win.

Like Flowers in Sand takes its time, piecing together its narrative rather than pushing the story forward quickly. Baek doo and Doo sik's efforts to uncover Geosan's ssireum dark secrets form the crux of the storyline. The show manages to effortlessly blend sports, police procedural, and romance - a hallmark of the best K dramas - into an engaging mix, presenting a less dramatic Korean counterpart to Friday Night Lights.

The iconic My Mister's Hoogye dong area comes to life in Like Flowers in Sand due to its substantial ensemble cast and the overall sense of location. The local community's life is perceived through the lens of the local cafe owner Joo Mi ran (Kim Bo ra), former ssireum star Kim Tae baek (Choi Moo sung), and others who are grounded in the town's fabric. Jang Dong yoon shines as Baek doo, portraying convincingly the journey from a weary soul to a dedicated ssireum athlete.

A series like Like Flowers in Sand is extraordinary with all aspects working in harmony. From its seamless cinematography to a finely crafted script that transitions effortlessly from a gripping mystery to a philosophical exploration of unfulfilled dreams, the show creates a refreshing change in the world of over-dramatized shows. The meticulously paced narrative guides the viewers through a fully-realized world, powered by quiet dynamics within each scene, setting the stage for a strong saga with much emotion.