I really enjoyed this first episode, loved the intro to the world and to our characters and the comedy is there for me (even in its kitsch-iest moments).

Forever dying at Jun-Woong addressing the Jade Emperor as 'Ajumma' as she feeds him yoghurt drinks XD

My eyes saw Lee Soo-hyuk and suddenly everything felt right in the world.

Tomorrow cranked out a lot of teasers and I just bypassed them all and went straight to the premiere. Good first impression! I already love the big world-building and the cool visual effects. It is a DELIGHT seeing Kim Hae Sook in a ultra fancy, supernatural role.

I have not seen Kim Hee Sun in any dramas, but she seems perfect in this sleek, badass role. Rowoon also looks made for his kind, dorky character which reminds me a bit of his last one in The King's Affection. He's certainly louder here. XD

The extra physical humor and quirky lines worked for me. I'm curious about the grim reapers and the main plot. One concern is how they continue to handle the topic of suicides as the show goes on.

i agree with you @missvictrix! this is fun and i am impressed with Rowoons acting! i needed something fun and this is it!

Lee soo hyuk and fantasy beings is a match made in heaven. That man is absolutely gorgeous 😍

The screenshot of Kim Hee Sun and Kim Hae Sook took me immediately back to Room No9.

I really liked the world building. Why they need to save these humans and how it's complicated. It's interesting that every people is working to get back in the future with a better life.

I'm curious about Gu-Ryeon's wish, she seems to understand the humans at the opposite of Park Joong-Gil. Her past story will be interesting to know.

Choi Jun-Woong is just a puppy. He's optimistic but you can see that his quest to find a job is eating away at his optimism, it's not because he's incompetent but because the world is not fair.

The making of the first episode, the mix between the humor and the serious of the theme, the introduction of the different characters were great.

I was happy to hear Lee Seung-Hyub's voice from N.Flying for the OST. It's funny because he will be in Shooting Stars as a celibrity.

I really liked the first episode! Kim Hee-Sun was great and I thought that the overall story was interesting. I was REALLY surprised by the unique visual effects, and I’m curious if they’re gonna fake us out by using a bigger budget in the first episode then scaling it back drastically. I hope not, because I really enjoyed it, and I think the visual identity is going to be a large part of that.

The darker overall story based around those contemplating suicide should have plenty of dramatic depth, but we’ll see if it’s handled well or not. I’m rooting for it though, everything about the first episode hit just right for me.

I was fine with all of it except Rowoon, he isn't selling me, but everything else is. The suicide statistics were horrifying. Lee Soo Hyuk was my favorite part though, 😏.

The first episode is fun. I read the webtoon before and it straight up follow the story with a bit upgrade.

Speaking about Rowoon, I l'm not usually see him with a character like this before, but irl (his friends/members already confirmed this) he's so talkative and mischievous esp around maknae

I loved the 1st epoisode! Fingers crossed for this to keep its stable pace story wise because it has got everything right about it.
1. FL who is kickass and stylish ✔ Kim Hee Sun rocks the pink hair and pink eye shadow.
2. ML who is bubbly ✔ I finally started liking Rowoon's acting.
3. Fantasy world that is structured and serves a purpose, especially giving people a chance even after death to be reborn as per their wish. ✔
4. Dealing with a tough and emotional topic with creative visuals.✔
5. Humour that is not slapstick but whimsical.✔

(The theology here points back to ancient Chinese texts and mythology where the cosmos were separated into Heaven, Earth, and Underworld, and each operated within a bureaucratic structure — more on this later after I do more research, since it ties into the drama so interestingly. Please leave comments about this if you have any knowledge to drop!)

@missvictrix Please keep including these tidbits in future recaps because it elevates the reading experience for us beanies.

I get to stare at Lee Soo-Hyuk every week so I'm good 😂.

On a more serious note, it was a solid first episode. I'm excited for the rest

Rowoon's character here for some reason reminds me of his character in the King's Affection

I'm digging Kim Hee Sun's strawberry blonde hair more than the corporate grim reaper world building . To be fair, it's only the first episode so will keep watching and enjoying KHS being bad ass.

Gu Ryeon and Choi Junwoong are love. Kim Heesun and Rowoon are actually nailing their part. Tbh i wasnt one bit charmed by joongil, soohyuk's character unlike other people. Joongil pissed me off actually but soo hyuk is good in doing that though. Also saw someone saying that Rw cannot emote by his face. Did we watch the same drama becuase the reason why i like rowoon's acting is his eyes speak every word and emotion even when he doesnt have lines in the scene. Also i hope that people will watch this drama and look beyond their faves because it is actually trying to tell us something good. The original webtoon on which this drama is based on is considered life webtoon by many i hope same happens for many through this drama.

I’m impressed by the pacing and writing of this premiere, not to mention the visuals and the emotions that they create (especially in the segment that dives into memories, and they start to warp).

We’re acquainted with the workings of Jumadeung snappily, with clarity and some humour (Jade Emperor as a yakult ajumma!). There are enough mysterious elements to prep us for further developments, such as why Ryeon got to escape from hell, and what’s happening with the TV writer’s fragmenting memories. But it never feels confusing or overwhelming, and the show holds both tones—humour and gravity—together without whiplash.

Kim Hee-seon’s acting is also a major draw here. I last saw Yoon Ji-on in Be Melodramatic, and I’m happy to see him rework his deadpan delivery for this role. Will be keeping up with this for a while more!

I like Fantasy. I like Kim Hee Sun. I like grim reapers. I really like Lee Soo Huyk.

This should be good. Right?

I watched 10 minutes and it was so offensive I had to switch to something else.

The last thing people like that need is judgement. They were not afraid of the result, they had already chosen, scaring and humiliating them would only make them retreat at that moment. Is this what this drama is all about??? Stupid supernatural creatures preaching twisted morals to troubled humans? Please bring Vampire Gwi back.

i actually thought this premiere was really funny and couldnt stop giggling lol. wow who would have known that rowoon would do so well in a comedic role! lol

Thanks, @missvictrix, I look forward to you sharing what you learn about the history and theology 👍🏼
To start, does anyone know the meaning of “Jumadeung”?

Taking notes of the opening reminder that this drama is a fantasy about grim reapers who take care of the humans with high suicidal thoughts, i think anyone who wants to watch this show must always keep and bear this in mind.

It is understandable when Ryeon uses reserve psychology to keep a desperate man from jumping off the bridge. I also agree when Ryeon takes extreme measures with a group of people who got together through online group/broker to end their lives - i'm so mad because when there are people who never get the chance to choose to live and here they (including a father who has kids at home!) are getting together just to die! When one of top grim reapers complain about the suicide rates, Ryeon reminds him that, "These people have been pushed by the world to the edge of the cliff. Do not make light of their choices," my thoughts that Ryeon herself could be a suicide survivor or someone who wasnt given any choice other than death. Someone with suicide in mind is the most understanding person in this situation.

On the brighter side, i love Kim Hee-seon's look as Ryeon! I watched a lot of her shows but this is my first seeing her in action.

The funniest is the end scene; we see Ryeon buying Jun-woong’s 'aGUCCIm' hoodie through online and later beating up the guy who sold her the fake item.

I loved this first episode and:
- camera movement in the opening sequence, nice change in a kdrama.
- Kim Hee Seon pink hair and... OMG!!! that pink shade.
- LSH, being the jerkest jerk ever. He's the best.
- Yun Jion hair and determination to leave the work on time.
- Jade Emperor feeding her employees with youghurt and the feed back she gets about the benefits of it.
And above all, the excellent balance between comedy and the very serious subjects this drama is talking about.

The description of Rowoon as an “overgrown dork” made me laugh so hard, considering this time last year I was falling crazy in love with him in She Would Never Know (so far from dork in that one). But yeah, I think he's found his niche.