Waegeurae Pungsangssi

Liver or Die is a frustrating story. It can make the viewer angry and annoyed in so many levels. The siblings were the most annoying characters, tormenting the lead in so many ways. Not that he can be excused, as he was always forgiving and rushing to their aid. The story was packed with mistfortunes as well, as everything bad and dramatic just happened to happen to the lead. Now, for the actual story, it was good but nerve wrecking. The love stories were the best part of it, along with some nice family moments and the siblings dynamics. The ending was good as well and quite satisfying. The performances, finally, were really good from every actor and actress. So, seven out of ten.

This drama is about sibling relationships and for most of the show there is no end of troubles of all kinds from financial to relationship to health. Serious issues like alcoholism domestic abuse and gambling are dealt with but there are some comic relief moments. One problem will lead to another and simple conversations explode into arguments. The eldest brother raised and looks after his younger siblings. When he gets sick and needs a liver transplant from them they are all unable or ungrateful and unwilling. They all act stupidly and stubbornly at some point of the show. 2 of them are particularly damaged narcissistic characters played against type by Lee Si Young and Oh Ji Ho who are usually rom com players. The mother of all of them is pure evil. Luckily there are a few friends with common sense.

One of the surprising good points of this show is the insights into the psychology of damaged people who can only see things from their own point of view and obsess and twist things. Viewers may see some of their own relatives in this show. Anyone who has had screwed up family might relate. The characters may seem to horrid to be believable but let me assure you there are people like that in real life.

Not a pleasant watch but engrossing.

There's so much potential with the plot. But the sadistic nature of the plot makes it wonder if the writer(s) had a past to bring it out.

Poong-sang character is a sacrificial lamb to an extend that you feel angry about the character and the imbalance of virtues.

Overall, a great plot screwed with character definitions.