This Unique K-Drama Just Took Over Weekend TV — and Netflix’s Top 3

A new Korean drama is making waves not only on TV but also on OTT platforms. JTBC’s weekend series Heavenly Ever After is capturing viewers with its blend of heart, humor, and heavenly imagination.

In the episode aired on April 20, the second chapter of Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja) and Go Nak-jun (Son Suk-ku)’s marriage began — this time, in the afterlife. While Lee Young-ae (Lee Jung-eun) left to search for her “boss” in the real world, a mysterious woman (played by Han Ji-min) appeared in the heavenly house, calling out “Nak-jun,” raising tensions. Episode 2 recorded a nationwide rating of 6.1% and a metropolitan area rating of 7.2% (Nielsen Korea, paid households), making it the No.1 non-terrestrial show during its time slot.

Lee Hae-sook struggled to adjust to her husband’s youthful appearance, especially since she was the only one who entered heaven as an elderly version of herself. Adding to the emotional turmoil, her husband had no memories of their life together. Watching him run around, full of health, brought years of suppressed emotion to the surface. In a moment of pain and bitterness, she cried out, “Hell would’ve been better, you jerk!”

The next day, a welcome orientation for new residents was held in the afterlife. The director of the Heavenly Support Center (played by Chun Ho-jin) explained the rules — including the shocking fact that even in heaven, if you make mistakes, you could be sent to hell. Hae-sook, haunted by her past wrongdoings, was left shaken. Meanwhile, mysterious glances from unseen watchers only added to the unease.

Go Nak-jun slowly began to realize why his wife seemed so distant. He wanted to change his appearance to match hers but learned it was impossible — no one in heaven can alter their form for someone else. On their way home, Nak-jun reflected, “I guess I’ve always just thought about myself — in life and even in death.” Hae-sook responded, “We both struggled. You and me,” as they shared a quiet moment of understanding.

But peace didn’t last. Outside the heavenly house stood a woman Nak-jun had never mentioned. “I came all this way thinking only of you,” she said, before throwing her arms around him. Shocked and furious, Hae-sook grabbed her by the hair, launching a fight more hellish than heavenly.

The identity of the mysterious woman and her connection to Nak-jun remains unknown. Meanwhile, back in the living world, Lee Young-ae stormed out in grief over Hae-sook’s passing, vowing, “I’m coming to find you. Right now!”

Adding to the show’s unique charm, the episode revealed that some residents of heaven are reincarnated pets who once passed before their owners. These dogs — named Jjajang (Shin Min-jae), Jjambbong (Kim Chung-gil), and Mandu (Yoo Hyun-soo) — return to their original form when reunited with their humans. And the mysterious observer watching Hae-sook? It was revealed to be a former pet cat, Sonya (Choi Hee-jin).

Blurring the lines between humans and animals, life and death, Heavenly Ever After expands the boundaries of imagination and emotion.

Right after the broadcast, the drama exploded across social media, with viewers flooding platforms with emotional reactions. Many shared how deeply the episode touched them, writing, “Cried in just 10 minutes,” “Called my parents right after watching this,” “That ending gave me chills,” and “They say dogs wait at the rainbow bridge — I sobbed.” The performances of Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku were especially praised, with fans commenting, “Kim Hye-ja’s expression alone made me tear up,” “Son Suk-ku as a young husband is so convincing,” and “What started as funny is now deeply moving.”

Heavenly Ever After airs Saturdays at 10:40 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 p.m. (KST) on JTBC.

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