Wavve’s original drama 'S Line' premiered on July 11 and immediately drew sharply divided reactions from viewers.
The show’s provocative opening scene led to praise for being “bold and fresh” from some viewers, while others criticized it as being “too focused on sensationalism” and “hard to get immersed in the story.” This experimental 19+ Korean drama has ignited serious debate.
'S Line' is a thriller based on a unique premise: a red line (S Line) appears between people who have had a sexual relationship. The story explores human desire, morality, and social hypocrisy through a fantastical lens. It is adapted from the webtoon of the same name by artist Kkomabi, known for the drama adaptation of his other work, 'A Killer Paradox,' also on Netflix.
The drama gained early attention when it became the first Korean content to win Best Music in the long-form category at the 8th Cannes International Series Festival held in France this past April.
Adapting Webtoon Imagination for Drama: From “Lines” to Character-Centered Narratives
The original webtoon 'S Line' was known for its striking visuals and the clear message, raising questions about human instincts, relationships, and moral standards. However, it was also received polarizing reviews due to its provocative content and bleak worldview.
The drama version veers away from the webtoon’s shocking tone, choosing instead to focus on a psychological narrative centered on characters.
Notably, the show alters the original premise, making the S Line visible only to select individuals rather than everyone, and shifts from an omnibus format to a story centered on one protagonist and surrounding characters.
This shift has increased emotional immersion for viewers, but some say it comes at the cost of the original’s symbolic and societal commentary.
Strong Performances Bring Characters to Life: Arin, Lee Eun Saem, and Lee Da Hee in Transformative Roles
The early episodes focus on the protagonist Shin Hyun Heup (played by Arin), who has been able to see S Lines since birth. After losing her parents, she became reclusive, but she’s forced to face the world again after witnessing a murder tied to the S Line.
Known as a member of the girl group Oh My Girl, Arin showcases a new side of herself with a short haircut, low-toned voice, and restrained emotions. Her transformation from a cheerful image to a dark, introspective character has been seen as a successful and impressive performance despite her limited acting experience.
Lee Eun Saem, who plays Kang Sun Ah, stood out in episode two with a presence arguably stronger than the lead. Her portrayal of a school bullying victim who sets out for revenge was praised for its intensity and realism. A 19-year acting veteran since her child actor days in 2007, Lee Eun Saem is being recognized for her growth into a mature and resolute performer.
Lee Da Hee plays Gyu Jin, a mysterious teacher with a calm demeanor and a subtle duality, quite different from her usual strong, charismatic roles. Her character is the only one unable to see S Lines and becomes central to the narrative through her relationship with the protagonist. Lee Da Hee’s composed tone and subtle facial expressions deepen the mysterious atmosphere of the drama.
Tension-Driven Music vs. Distracting Direction and Acting
One of 'S Line’s strengths lies in its music and the way it controls tension through direction.
Early on, the contrast between the protagonist Hyun Heup’s heavy backstory and upbeat background music enhances the narrative tension and creates a refreshing immersion.
However, not all aspects of the direction are effective. Lee Soo Hyuk, who plays detective Han Ji Wook, received criticism for falling short in a role that demands both charisma and realism. Viewers pointed out a lack of tension, awkward delivery, and unconvincing body language, saying it disrupted immersion.
Some scenes were also criticized for their implausibility. For example, a detective slowly removing boxes from a window even after he witnesses a crime scene in another building, or an oddly executed gunshot during a life-or-death moment. Such scenes were seen as lacking in credibility, undermining the intended suspense.
“Fresh and Fun” vs. “Hard to Get Into and Poor Acting” – Divided Viewer Reactions
Viewer responses to 'S Line' have been split since its release. Positive comments include:
“This is fun.”
“I can’t wait for next week.”
“The premise is really original. It’s so entertaining.”
“The concept is refreshing.”
“It’s a new kind of drama. The story is unique.”
“Wow, I’ve never seen anything like this before—such a unique concept.”
“I didn’t expect much, but the story is better than I thought.”
“Episode 1 was very engaging.”
“Surprisingly bingeable.”
On the other hand, critical viewers wrote:
“The concept is interesting, but the drama isn’t… no tension or conflict.”
“I don’t know if it’s the script or direction, but it’s frustrating.”
“I quit 40 minutes into episode 1.”
“Watching the first episode now, and it lacks coherence… the acting feels unrefined.”
“The webtoon had powerful social critique in its simple art style, but the adaptation is disappointing.”
SEE ALSO: 'S Line' draws mixed reaction from viewers after premiere
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