Island is a fantasy-thriller K-drama that blends supernatural action with horror, based on the popular webtoon “The Island” by YLAB. Live-action adaptations of webtoons often struggle to meet fans’ expectations, but Island does a fairly decent job of bringing its dark, mythological world to life. With intense fight scenes, ancient curses, and a compelling atmosphere, this series offers a visual feast for viewers who enjoy a darker tone in K-dramas.
I ended up binge-watching the entire series in one sitting, yes, my eyes hurt, but was it worth it? Honestly, yes. Despite the mixed reviews surrounding Island, I found it intriguing enough to power through. While some viewers criticized the repetitive plotlines, underdeveloped characters, and the decision to split the show into two parts despite having fewer than 16 episodes, I personally believe it still holds its own, especially when approached with the right expectations.
There were even unfair comparisons made to The Glory, likely because both dramas aired around the same time. But Island stands apart with its unique genre mix and webtoon roots.
Instead of breaking down Part 1 and Part 2 separately, I’ll be reviewing Island as a whole. So let’s dive into reviewing about this kdrama. Moreover, I have also posted about my some of the underrated kdrama that you guys should definitely check out.
Short Synopsis:
Van is a protector but is also a destroyer. He is trained to be a demon slayer from his childhood days but the blood of lust demon runs through his body. Basically, he is half demon and half human.
Won Min-Ho is a chaebol daughter who is the only heir in the family but due to her scandal, she is forced to teach in a high school for a few years. She knows nothing about demons and is unknown of the trouble that she will face when she goes to Tamra where Van lives.
In the midst, there is a young priest, Father Johan. He is quirky, cheeky, and fun-loving yet his works are worth praising too.
The story becomes intense with layers of truth unveiled and backstories being told. And, there is “evil” trying to conquer the world but will these three be able to stop evilness and maintain “goodness” in the world?
Storyline and Plot + loved the little humor
I absolutely loved the storyline of Island – it was refreshingly unique and filled with unexpected twists and turns. With each episode, my curiosity only grew stronger. Honestly, I didn’t intend to binge-watch it in one sitting, but the narrative was so gripping, I couldn’t stop. I kept clicking “Next Episode” just to find out what would happen next, especially as Van’s mysterious backstory started to unfold. It’s that kind of drama that pulls you in deeper the more you watch.
While Island is clearly rooted in fantasy, thriller, and horror, what really took me by surprise was the little sprinkle of comedy and romance here and there. I found myself genuinely laughing during every interaction between Min-ho and Van, their playful bickering, intense eye contact, subtle skinship, and the quiet care they showed for each other felt more emotionally satisfying than many full-blown romantic comedy dramas.
Their chemistry absolutely sparkled on screen. Watching them together was not only entertaining but also helped soften the darker, more intense moments of the series.
The Four Characters
Each character in Island brings a unique flair to the storyline, making the drama even more engaging.
Won Min-ho is a high-energy character, full of charisma and prone to mood swings. She’s a total badass who always stands up for what’s right. In contrast, Van is quiet and intense, his silence speaks volumes. Though he rarely expresses himself verbally, his eyes and body language tell an entire story. He’s both a protector and a warrior. Despite their differences, Min-ho and Van share an electrifying chemistry that makes them feel like a perfect match.
What I especially appreciated was how the series took time to dive into each character’s backstory. It added layers to their personalities, helping me understand their motivations and perspectives more deeply. Even the villain, Guntang, stirred some sympathy in me. As cruel and revenge-driven as he is, learning about his past made his rage and choices more understandable.
Guntang, like Van, is half demon and half human. But the contrast in their choices makes all the difference while Guntang chose revenge, Van chose love.
One of my favorite character has to be Father Johan. His mischievous banter with Van, his protective side toward Min-ho, and his powerful exorcism scenes made him unforgettable. His spells were as cool as his fight scenes, and he brought a fun, cheeky energy to the story that lightened even the darkest moments.
Actors and Their Acting
All the actors were perfect for their roles. Their acting aced in every prospect.
I fell in love with Kim Nam-Gil, playing Van as a character. His small little expressions were enough to portray the feelings that Van was experiencing in the series. He could stand still but his eyes and face would display so much more emotions than most of the dialogue. I was amazed and fascinated by his acting skills. Even his action sequences were perfect and flawless.
Lee Da Hee, as Won Min-Ho was exceptional too. I haven’t seen a lot of her dramas but her acting was good and I feel that she can improve more and have the potential to grow more. As acting improves with experience, I hope that Island becomes a great experience and learning for her. Her acting in the series made the character relatable, loveable, and sometimes funny too. And, I cried with her in some of the scenes as well.
Cha Eun-Woo was the only actor I was familiar with. Honestly, I was quite surprised when I heard Eun-Woo was going to be in action thriller series named ‘Island’. I have mostly seen him doing melodrama and rom-com. So, I didn’t expect it. I was shocked but at the same time was excited to see new versions of Eun-Woo’s acting.
He did pretty well in action sequences though it was his first time. He learned Latin and practiced spells as he is playing Father Johan. It showed his determination and devotion to acting and I loved that. But, in some of the scenes, I wasn’t quite able to connect to his character and grab what he is trying to portray. It felt emotionless sometimes. Nevertheless, I loved Father Johan’s quirky yet serious and emotional scene.
Character Development in the Story
Island was near perfect for me from the acting to the gripping story delivery. But if there’s one thing that left me a bit disappointed, it was the lack of strong character development.
Both Van and Min-ho had slower development arcs than expected. With Van, I could understand it to some extent, his quiet, restrained personality made it believable. But Min-ho? That was harder to accept. Because of her badass personality, I was expecting a lot more from her. Her life turned upside down the moment she landed in Tamra, and she kept losing the people closest to her, one after another, as if it meant nothing.
That kind of emotional turmoil should’ve sparked a transformation early on – a surge of rage, determination, or even desperation that could have fueled her growth. But sadly, her development felt delayed and lacked the emotional impact I was hoping for.
The only character whose evolution I genuinely appreciated was Father Johan. When he reunited with his long-lost brother, we saw a vulnerable, more human side of him. And when he lost him again, it changed him deeply. His transformation felt organic and timely. I was honestly glad the series didn’t drag his growth unnecessarily, his arc stood out and made a lasting impression.
Competitors – The Glory and Alchemy of Souls
It’s hard not to compare Island with Alchemy of Souls, especially since both dramas share a similar fantasy vibe. Even without meaning to, my mind made those subconscious connections. From the CGI and VFX to the overall cinematic feel, Island delivers on a scale quite comparable to Alchemy of Souls. The special effects were balanced, neither overdone nor lacking, and really enhanced the visual storytelling.
What I truly appreciated was how the Korean drama industry is expanding into fantasy-thriller genres more confidently these days. It’s refreshing to see K-dramas experiment with new concepts, and Island is a great example of that effort.
At the same time, many viewers also compared Island with The Glory, as both shows aired around the same time. However, from what I’ve seen and heard, The Glory seems to have received more positive feedback, especially in terms of storytelling. To be honest, I haven’t watched The Glory yet, hence, I’m choosing Island for now.
Overall Thoughts
I ended up loving Island far more than I initially expected. It’s been a really long time since a drama pulled me in so deeply that I couldn’t stop watching. The fact that I binge-watched the entire series in one sitting says everything about how much I genuinely enjoyed it from the bottom of my heart. The combination of action, fantasy, horror, and emotional storytelling made this a truly captivating experience. Sure, it’s not perfect, and there were areas that could’ve been better, especially the character development but overall, it kept me engaged and emotionally invested.
If you’re someone who enjoys thriller-based fantasy dramas with a supernatural twist, Island is definitely worth a watch.
Meanwhile, you can also view my review on lastest kdrama – “Good Boy” starring Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun, Lee Sang Yi, and Oh Jung Se.
Let’s Chat
Have you already watched Island? If yes, what did you think of it, did it live up to your expectations or leave you wanting more? Were there moments you absolutely loved, or things you felt could have been better? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop them in the comments below! And if you haven’t seen it yet, do you think you’ll give it a try after reading this? Let’s talk about it!
