“Into the Ring” Was the Most Beautiful Korean Drama of 2020

There are a lot of things to love about Into the Ring. The story revolves around Koo Se-ra, a serial job hopper who wins a seat in the District Assembly. While her initial motivations are completely financial, she thrives in her new role, shaking up a stale and often corrupt political system and eventually finding purpose in advocating for the local community.

Se-ra is an over-the-top (occasionally inebriated and somewhat prone-to-violence) character who could easily feel like a caricature, but Nana plays her with the perfect blend of charm and resolve. She’s balanced out by Seo Gong-myung, an awkward, grumpy deputy director played by Park Sung-hoon. Our two leads have phenomenal chemistry — who knew zoning ordinances could feel so steamy?

It’s saying a lot then, that the best part of Into the Ring may actually be its unique visual style. Every episode is shot like a movie, with some particularly striking uses of wide shots and typography overlays. I couldn’t stop noticing the color saturation, the scenery depth, and the frame composition. Very few dramas push this kind of visual storytelling — here’s hoping we continue to see more!

For your consideration, 13 times Into the Ring was the most beautiful k-drama of 2020.

Posters

The bookstore

The bus stop

Koo Se-ra’s hair

The bleachers

Golf balls

Sunset Land

The crosswalk

The window

Tug-of-war

The mural

The table

The badass