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'Squad 38' is a thrilling crime-comedy series about a tax officer and a con man teaming up to swindle corrupt tax evaders—sharp, smart, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Squad 38: Fraud, Justice & Second Chances Introduction Squad 38 aired on OCN from June 17 to August 6, 2016, delivers an adrenaline-fueled mix of crime, comedy, and redemption. When Baek Sung-il (Ma Dong-seok), a tax officer obsessed with collecting from corrupt evaders, partners with Yang Jeong-do (Seo In-guk), a charismatic con artist, they form an unconventional task force that scams scammers. It's a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game with legal loopholes and moral gray zones. Overview Title: Squad 38 (38 사기동대) Year: 2016 Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama Main Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Seo In-guk, Choi Soo-young Episodes: 16 Runtime: Approx. 65 minutes per episode Network: OCN Streaming Platforms: Viki Overall Story Baek Sung-il (Ma Dong-seok) is a determined civil servant in the Tax Collection Bureau, driven by a rigid sense of justice—especially against chronic tax evaders. Though honorable, he's frustrated by legal limitations that allow the r...

Discover 'Hello, Me!', a heartwarming Korean drama about second chances, self-love, and reconnecting with your younger, braver self.

Hello, Me! – Korean Drama Review

Hello, Me!: A Second Chance to Love Yourself Again

Introduction

"Hello, Me!" is a healing, light-hearted, and quietly profound drama about self-forgiveness, lost dreams, and rediscovering your courage through the most unexpected companion: your own younger, fearless self.

Based on the novel by Kim Hye-jung, this 2021 Netflix K-drama is part fantasy, part rom-com, part tearjerker — and entirely a warm hug for anyone who's ever felt a little lost in adulthood.

Overview

  • Title: Hello, Me! (안녕? 나야!)
  • Year: 2021
  • Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Slice of Life, Healing Drama
  • Starring: Choi Kang-hee, Kim Young-kwang, Lee Re, Eum Moon-suk
  • Episodes: 16
  • Running Time: About 60–65 minutes per episode
  • Available On: Netflix

Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)

Bahn Ha-ni (Choi Kang-hee) is 37 years old — tired, broke, overlooked, and painfully aware that life has not turned out how she once dreamed. Once full of spark and ambition, she's now drowning in regret and invisibility.

Then, one day, magic happens: her 17-year-old self (Lee Re) — bold, fearless, and full of life — literally appears before her. Together, the two Ha-nis navigate a world that no longer feels as welcoming or simple as it did when dreams seemed easy.

Through laughter, fights, tears, and unexpected friendships, Ha-ni must confront her fears, rekindle her forgotten dreams, and — hardest of all — learn to love herself again, flaws and all.

Highlight Moments / Key Episodes

  1. Episode 1 – The Worst Day (Until It's Not): Ha-ni’s downward spiral hits rock bottom — and then younger Ha-ni bursts into her life like a firework.
  2. Episode 5 – Dancing in the Rain: A spontaneous, joyous scene where the two Ha-nis dance their frustrations away — pure magic and catharsis.
  3. Episode 9 – Facing the Past: Ha-ni must finally confront the trauma and guilt she has carried alone for too long.
  4. Episode 13 – Love, Friendship, and Forgiveness: Bonds are tested, truths are revealed, and healing becomes possible.
  5. Episode 16 – Saying Goodbye (and Hello Again): A bittersweet, deeply satisfying finale about growth, self-acceptance, and moving forward without regret.

Memorable Lines

  • "You were never a failure. You just forgot how to be kind to yourself."
    (Episode 7) — The older Ha-ni’s tearful realization about her worth.
  • "Dreams don’t expire. Sometimes they just get dusty."
    (Episode 10) — Young Ha-ni’s perfect reminder that it’s never too late.
  • "Loving yourself is not selfish. It’s survival."
    (Episode 12) — A line that should be framed and hung on every wall.

Why It’s Special

  • Healing Themes: Deals gently with depression, regret, and burnout — offering hope without ever feeling preachy.
  • Unforgettable Duo: Watching Choi Kang-hee and Lee Re bounce off each other is pure joy — funny, touching, and at times heartbreaking.
  • Warm Humor: Laugh-out-loud moments (especially with Eum Moon-suk's delightfully chaotic character!) balance the heavier themes beautifully.
  • Beautiful Life Lessons: Reminds us that dreams, kindness, and second chances are timeless gifts — if we dare to reach for them.
  • Short, but Impactful: Just 16 episodes — every one a small, precious step toward healing and self-rediscovery.

Popularity & Reception

"Hello, Me!" was praised by viewers who were looking for a break from high-stakes thrillers and heavy melodramas. It resonated particularly strongly with anyone who's ever looked in the mirror and wondered, "What happened to the bright-eyed kid I used to be?"

Critics appreciated its gentle pace, character-driven story, and its brave decision to prioritize emotional healing over dramatic plot twists.

Cast & Fun Facts

  • Choi Kang-hee: Masterfully captures the exhaustion, humor, and stubborn resilience of a woman rediscovering her own worth.
  • Lee Re: A revelation — fiery, fearless, and utterly endearing as young Ha-ni.
  • Kim Young-kwang: Charms as the lovable, slightly bumbling love interest with hidden layers of pain and depth.
  • Based on Novel: Adapted from Kim Hye-jung’s 2011 novel of the same title.
  • Life-affirming OST: Soft ballads and uplifting tracks underscore the show's gentle yet powerful emotional arcs.

Conclusion / Warm Reminders

"Hello, Me!" is a reminder that the person you were — brave, curious, kind — still lives inside you. And maybe, just maybe, you don’t have to become someone new to be happy. You just have to remember who you already are.

If you’re tired, if you’re hurting, if you need permission to forgive yourself for not being "perfect" — say hello to this drama. Say hello to the you that you forgot you missed.


Hashtags

#HelloMe #안녕나야 #ChoiKanghee #KimYoungkwang #LeeRe #NetflixKDrama #HealingDrama #SelfLove #SliceOfLife #ComfortDrama

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