Chicago Typewriter (TV Show)

Title — Chicago Typewriter
Available on — Viki, Pluto TV, WeTV
Production Country — South Korea
Release Date — 2017
A veterinarian and two writers have a mysterious connection to Korean independence fighters from the Japanese colonial period.

🪶 Story & Synopsis

In the South Korean television series “Chicago Typewriter,” viewers are taken on a captivating journey through time, following the intertwined lives of three resistance fighters from the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea. Reincarnated into the present day as a struggling best-selling writer, a devoted fan, and a ghostwriter, the trio embarks on a tale of camaraderie, friendship, love, and betrayal that transcends 80 years.

The show, which aired from April to June 2017 on tvN, features a stellar cast including Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-pyo. Each episode, airing on Fridays and Saturdays at 20:00 (KST), unveils a rich tapestry of characters and circumstances that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.

As the plot unfolds, viewers are treated to a seamless blend of history, friendship, romance, and comedy, all wrapped in a visually stunning package. The cinematography, especially in the 1930s setting, is a feast for the eyes, transporting audiences back in time to a tumultuous period in Korean history.

At the heart of “Chicago Typewriter” lies a poignant narrative of seeking redemption, making amends, and setting things right across multiple lifetimes. The characters are well-rounded, each with their own struggles and desires, making for a compelling and emotionally resonant viewing experience.

One of the standout elements of the series is the inclusion of the Sapsali dog, a breed indigenous to Korea, known for its role in dispelling ghosts and evil spirits. This charming addition adds a touch of whimsy and tradition to the storyline, further enriching the viewing experience.

As the story unfolds, viewers are taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, from heartwarming moments of friendship and love to gut-wrenching betrayals and sacrifices. The intricate web of relationships and past connections adds depth and complexity to the narrative, keeping audiences guessing until the very end.

In the final moments of the series, viewers are left with a sense of closure and satisfaction as loose ends are tied up, and characters find resolution in their respective journeys. The conclusion, while bittersweet, leaves a lasting impact, reminding viewers of the enduring power of love, forgiveness, and redemption.

Overall, “Chicago Typewriter” is a must-watch for fans of fantasy, romance, and historical dramas. With its compelling storyline, stellar performances, and beautiful cinematography, the series offers a unique and engaging viewing experience that will linger in the hearts of audiences long after the final credits roll.

🧑 Cast & Crew

Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, Ko Kyoung-pyo, Kwak Si-yang, Jo Woo-jin, Yang Jin-sung, Jeon Soo-kyeong, Ji Dae-han, Chun Ho-jin

Actor Role
Yoo Ah-in Han Se-joo
Im Soo-jung Jeon Seol
Go Kyung-pyo Yoo Jin-oh
Kwak Si-yang Baek Taemin/ Heo Young-min
Jo Woo-jin Gal Ji-suk
Yang Jin-sung Ma Bang-jin
Jeon Soo-kyung Wang Bang-wool
Cheon Ho-Jin Baek Do-ha

💬 Reviews and feedback

Chicago Typewriter TV Show Review: A Typing Triumph or a Dull Draft?

Picture this: You’re strolling through Netflix’s vast library, desperately searching for something to watch. Suddenly, you stumble upon “Chicago Typewriter,” a title that sounds more like an old-school writer’s dream than a binge-worthy TV show. But wait! Don’t judge it by its quirky name just yet. This K-drama is as surprising as finding a $20 bill in your laundry.

Chicago Typewriter” masterfully combines fantasy, romance, comedy, and historical drama into one engaging package. It follows the lives of three resistance fighters from the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea who are reincarnated into present-day Seoul as a best-selling writer in a slump, his devoted fan, and his ghostwriter (literally!). The series beautifully intertwines themes of camaraderie, friendship, love, and betrayal that span over 80 years.

Now that we have set the stage (or rather typed the opening paragraph), let’s dive deeper into why this series is worth every second of your viewing time.

Plot: History Meets Fantasy with Flair

If you’re a fan of plot twists tighter than your grandma’s knitting and stories richer than chocolate cake, then “Chicago Typewriter” is right up your alley. The narrative oscillates between two timelines – the turbulent 1930s and modern-day Seoul – seamlessly blending history with contemporary life through captivating flashbacks. These transitions are handled so deftly that you never feel disoriented; instead, you’re carried along on an emotional roller coaster.

The premise itself is genius: A magical typewriter brings together three reincarnated souls who must reconcile their past lives’ unfinished business while navigating their present dilemmas. It’s like “Inception” but with more heart and fewer confusing dream layers.

Themes & Tone: A Melodic Medley

One of the standout aspects of “Chicago Typewriter” is its charming way of showcasing history entwined with friendship, romance, and comedy. The show balances these elements effortlessly without veering too far into melodrama or slapstick territory. It’s like putting just the right amount of sugar in your coffee – sweet but not overwhelming.

Acting & Characters: Above Average But With Heart

The cast delivers solid performances across the board though some might argue that they don’t reach Oscar-winning levels. Yoo Ah-in plays Han Se-joo, the brooding writer whose character arc from arrogance to vulnerability is both believable and compelling. Im Soo-jung as Jeon Seol brings warmth and depth to her role as Han’s biggest fan turned love interest.

However, it’s Ko Gyung-pyo who steals the show as Yoo Jin O (the ghostwriter). His portrayal adds an extra layer of humor and mystery; think Casper meets Shakespeare but cooler.

Cinematography & Production Design: Visual Poetry

The visual aesthetics are nothing short of breathtaking! The cinematography captures both eras – 1930s Korea under Japanese occupation and modern-day Seoul – with stunning authenticity. The production design deserves special mention for its meticulous attention to detail; whether it’s recreating vintage cafes or contemporary apartments filled with quirky artifacts (including our titular typewriter), everything feels lived-in yet cinematic.

Direction & Score: Striking All The Right Notes

The direction by Kim Cheol-kyu ensures that each episode flows smoothly while maintaining suspenseful pacing throughout its 16-episode run time (perfect for binging!). Meanwhile composer Nam Hye-seung’s soundtrack perfectly complements every scene – from heart-wrenching moments where tears might flow freely down your cheeks like Niagara Falls’ cousin-once-removed River Rapids…to lighthearted sequences where laughter bubbles up uncontrollably like fizzy soda pop!

Binge-Watching Tips:

  • Avoid spoilers at all costs!: This series thrives on unexpected twists so steer clear from online forums if possible until after viewing completion (“No Spoil Zone”).
  • Pace yourself:: Though it’s tempting binge-watch entire season overnight session remember sometimes savoring episodes one-by-one enhances enjoyment overall experience (“Slow & Steady Wins Race”).
  • Kleenex stock-up:: Emotional rollercoasters guaranteed especially during poignant flashback scenes (“Better Safe Than Soggy”).
  • Coffee break:: Keep caffeine close handy because late-night cliffhangers make sleep elusive endeavor (“Alertness Ensured!”).

Interactive Element:

If you’ve watched “Chicago Typewriter,” what was YOUR favorite moment? Do you think another historical period would have worked better? Share your thoughts below! And if not – which other K-dramas do YOU recommend for fans looking delve deeper genre?

Conclusion:

Chicago Typewriter” stands out among many K-dramas thanks its unique blend genres strong character development beautiful visuals effective storytelling techniques ultimately leaving viewers satisfied yet yearning more answers questions raised along journey — much akin feelings experienced finishing unputdownable novel!

     

Rating: 8/10 ✨

“Remember next time facing writer’s block maybe magical typewriters lurking nearby ready lend helping key stroke or two inspiration needed…”

Pros Cons
Well-rounded characters Unpopular
Beautiful cinematography Departing from Netflix
Amazing set design Mixed bag of opinions
Charming portrayal of history, friendship, romance, and comedy Acting quality varies
Engaging storyline with reincarnation theme Ghostwriter role ambiguity

Feedback

  • Chicago Typewriter (TV Series 2017) - IMDb

    SPONSORED

    Chicago Typewriter

    Original title: Sikago Tajagi

    • TV Series
    • 2017
    • 1h 10m

    Writers that lived under Japanese rule in the 1930s are reincarnated into a bestselling writer who is in a slump, a mysterious ghostwriter, and a devoted fan of the bestselling writer.Writers that lived under Japanese rule in the 1930s are reincarnated into a bestselling writer who is in a slump, a mysterious ghostwriter, and a devoted fan of the bestselling writer.Writers that lived under Japanese rule in the 1930s are reincarnated into a bestselling writer who is in a slump, a mysterious ghostwriter, and a devoted fan of the bestselling writer.

  • Chicago Typewriter (TV series) - Wikipedia

    Chicago Typewriter(Korean: 시카고 타자기; RR:Sikago Tajagi) is a 2017 South Korean television series starring Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-pyo. It ran from April to June 2017, with episodes every Friday and Saturday at 20:00 (KST) on tvN.

    Chicago Typewriter
    Hangul

    시카고 타자기

    Hanja

    시카고打字機

  • Chicago Typewriter (2017) - MyDramaList

    This drama follows the lives of two men and a woman through two eras: one during the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea and the other in the 21st century. The three main characters are: (1) Han Se Joo was a writer in his past life and a bestselling author in the present. But Se Joo is depressed with writer’s block so he can’t write his next book. (2) Yu Jin Oh owned a bar in his previous life. In 2017, he is a talented ghostwriter who can bail Se Joo out of his predicament, but the mysterious man has a condition for his services. Se Joo may not be able to meet it. (3) Jeon Seol was a sniper. Now she has extremely varied expertise. She is a former Olympian hopeful, a veterinarian, and a book lover who runs her own delivery service. She oscillates between extreme fandom and anti-fandom of Se Joo. The intricately woven story of these three characters unfolds to reveal strange mirroring connections between the time periods as well as possibilities for past lives to be redeemed or improved in the modern world. This story depicts Korea and the friendship between the three beautifully through different times. Edit Translation

  • Chicago Typewriter - Full Season 1 Review | The Review Geek

    Unlike many Korean dramas that usually spend the last episode tying everything together, Chicago Typewriter justifies its 16 episode run-time and squeezes as much story into this as possible. The romantic elements and the various character arcs need this much time to really grow and across the season each person – supporting and main – grows and changes to some degree.

  • K-Drama Review: "Chicago Typewriter" Beautifully Drafted A Story Of ...

    K-DramaK-Drama Review: “Chicago Typewriter” Beautifully Drafted A Story Of Love & Friendship Like No OtherChicago Typewriterwistfully recounts a peculiar friendship and love tale that will warm your heart and fire up your personal aspirations.

    tvN has always been home to dramas that are not afraid to experiment on stories. Such is the case forChicago Typewriter, which started on a vague footing, but emerged strong in picturing a story that uses heartfelt emotion in fueling the fictitious period drama framework.

⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)

In the final episode of Chicago Typewriter, the story reaches a poignant conclusion as the characters from two different timelines face their past lives and reconcile with their present selves. The episode begins with a tearful moment as Hwi-young passes away, leaving behind a box of his prized possessions for his friend Yul. In the box, Yul finds a gold pocket watch, a typewriter, and a heartfelt letter from Hwi-young.

In the letter, Hwi-young expresses his gratitude for the typewriter gifted by Yul and asks him to complete the novel they never finished together. He urges Yul to write their story, showcasing the struggles and joys they experienced in their intertwined lives. Hwi-young also requests Yul to stay by Soo-hyun’s side and ensure she is never alone, emphasizing the importance of their bond.

Meanwhile, Se-joo miraculously survives a fall from a rooftop after being possessed by a ghost who saved him. His revelation leaves others astonished, with some questioning his mental state. On the other hand, Tae-min, who was involved in the rooftop incident, faces a confrontation with Jin-oh, a mysterious figure who challenges him to confront the truth about his actions.

The intense interactions between the characters in the final episode bring closure to their intertwined destinies and highlight the enduring power of friendship and loyalty across different lifetimes. Chicago Typewriter masterfully weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption, leaving viewers with a profound reflection on the impact of our past on our present selves.

👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating

TV-14

Age Rating: 15+

Parental Guide for Chicago Typewriter TV Show:

Sex & Nudity:

The show contains minimal sexual content with occasional romantic scenes and kisses. There are no explicit or graphic sexual scenes.

Violence & Gore:

Chicago Typewriter features moderate violence with some intense scenes. There are depictions of gun violence, fight sequences, and emotional confrontations. While not overly graphic, some scenes may be intense for younger viewers.

Profanity:

The show includes mild to moderate profanity, including occasional use of swear words and derogatory language.

Substance Abuse:

There are occasional references to alcohol consumption in social settings, but no excessive or glorified substance abuse is depicted.

Overall Appropriate Age:

Chicago Typewriter is suitable for teens aged 15 and older due to its mild sexual content, moderate violence, and occasional profanity. Parents may find it appropriate for mature teenagers who enjoy drama, fantasy, and romance genres.

📺 Streaming and where to watch

streaming service extra information
Viki Watch Chicago Typewriter with English subtitles on Viki for free.
Pluto TV Stream Chicago Typewriter for free and on-demand on Pluto TV in the United States.
WeTV Watch Chicago Typewriter online with English subtitles on WeTV.

❝ Quotes and Cult

  • Thanks to the sacrifices of your youths, we live in a world like this. Pass this message along to the youth of the time, and I thank them for creating this world for us.
    Han Se Ju
  • Friendship, love, passion, and liberation - four words to summarize Chicago Typewriter. The quote above from Han Se Ju is the actual reason why I was definitely moved by this K-drama.
  • The friendship of this trio will make you smile, laugh and cry in tears. You will definitely love every inch of their character as they cater to you different emotions while having a glimpse of their past lives. This trio proves that friendship is indeed beyond the word itself, it is transcendental. Real friends will always choose to stay by your side unconditionally, through ups and downs, even in your past, present and future lives.
  • Jeon Seol has been a fan of Han Se Ju since he debuted as a writer. She is a fan even if Se Ju has no accomplishments yet. She was there for him even though he barely recognized her. In the end, Jeon Seol proved to Se Ju that she is not just a fan, she can also be his lover. Fangirl goals indeed!
  • The lead character, Han Se Ju is a writer in his present and past life. His aspiration and passion for writing will inspire you to write something that will not only lead you to fame but can also be used to change the world.
  • Write. Speak. Act. Fight. These are the things that I learned upon watching Chicago Typewriter. Leading a movement is not an easy task because fighting for liberation in times of colonization is most likely risking lives. Hwi Yeong (Han Se Ju’s character in his past life) the head of Joseon Youth Alliance together with his comrades during the Japanese Occupation risk their lives to achieve their country’s freedom.
  • From now on, every time I’ll hear carpe diem, it will remind me of Dead Poets Society (also a highly recommended film) and Chicago Typewriter. Carpe diem means “seize the day, focus on the present and make the most out of it.” This K-drama encourages us to do something in the present that is worth your time and will surely bring you enjoyment.
  • Yesterday is no longer yours, so do it now.
    Yu Jin Oh

🤖Chicago Typewriter Reddit Talks

Chicago Typewriter TV Show

Overview:

Chicago Typewriter is a 2017 South Korean television series that blends historical fiction, time travel, and romance. The show follows the intertwined lives of a best-selling author, a retired Olympic sniper, and a ghostwriter who discover their past connections as freedom fighters in the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea.

Themes and Topics:

Time Travel:

The show explores the concept of time travel, with characters traveling between the 1930s and the present day. This time-bending narrative allows for a unique exploration of history, personal growth, and the consequences of one’s actions.

Historical Context:

Chicago Typewriter is set against the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Korea, a period of oppression and resistance. The show delves into the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for Korean independence, providing a thought-provoking examination of history and its impact on the present.

Friendship and Loyalty:

The show emphasizes the power of friendship and loyalty. The three main characters form an unbreakable bond, supporting each other through difficult times and fighting for a common cause. Their unwavering support demonstrates the importance of human connection and the strength of shared experiences.

Romance:

While not the main focus of the show, Chicago Typewriter does include a romantic subplot between the author and the ghostwriter. Their relationship adds a layer of emotional depth and complexity to the narrative, exploring themes of love, loss, and sacrifice.

Reviews and Opinions:

Positive Reviews:

  • “The characters are well-rounded, the cinematography is beautiful, the set is amazing (especially the 1930s one!). Overall, it’s an enjoyable series with charming ways to show history, friendship, romance, and comedy.”
  • “You come to care about the characters so much. The only part of the show I wasn’t sold on was the romance, even though I liked the ML and FL a…”
  • “Chicago Typewriter truly was an underrated show.”
  • “Million times yes – the first few episodes are so-so because it takes place in modern times and doesn’t really tie too much into the past lives.”

Negative Reviews:

  • “I started watching Chicago typewriter .its episode one and the female lead is so annoying.she threatens her friend physically over something…”
  • “I’ve already finished 6 episodes but it didn’t seem to interest me. my theory: I think,…”

Overall Impression:

Chicago Typewriter is a well-crafted and engaging drama that explores complex themes of history, time travel, friendship, and love. While some viewers may find the initial episodes slow-paced, the show gradually builds momentum, delivering a satisfying and emotionally resonant experience. The strong performances, beautiful cinematography, and thought-provoking storyline make this show a worthwhile watch for fans of historical fiction, time travel, and character-driven dramas.

Top discussions

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chicago Typewriter worth watching?

Chicago Typewriter is definitely worth watching. It offers a unique blend of history, friendship, romance, and comedy. The characters are well-rounded, the cinematography is beautiful, and the set design, especially the 1930s setting, is amazing.

Does Chicago Typewriter have romance?

Yes, Chicago Typewriter is classified as a drama in the fantasy and romance genres. It weaves together a captivating story of love, friendship, and betrayal that spans 80 years.

What is the story of Chicago Typewriter?

Chicago Typewriter follows three resistance fighters from the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea who are reincarnated into the present as a bestselling writer in a slump, a fan, and a ghostwriter. This series delves into camaraderie, friendship, love, and betrayal over eight decades.

Is Chicago Typewriter on Netflix?

Unfortunately, Chicago Typewriter will be leaving Netflix globally at the beginning of the next month. The show, set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s and featuring a magical typewriter, has garnered popularity for its engaging storyline.

What is the dog in Chicago Typewriter?

In Chicago Typewriter, the Sapsali dog is featured. This indigenous Korean breed is known for its significance in dispelling ghosts and evil spirits, historically making them prized companions to Korean royalty. The Sapsali dog adds a unique and charming element to the period romance drama.

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  7. A Korean Odyssey: A modern take on classic folklore with elements of fantasy and romance.
  8. Faith: A historical drama with a mix of fantasy elements and romance.
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