Are You Human Too?: When an Android Heir Searches for Humanity
Introduction
Are You Human Too?, also known as Are You Human?, is a 2018 KBS2 sci‑fi romance series exploring what it means to be truly human. It stars Seo Kang‑joon as both a comatose heir and his identical android replica, alongside Gong Seung‑yeon as his MMA-bodyguard-turned-caretaker. The drama raises questions about identity, emotion, and artificial life—all wrapped in corporate suspense and tender romance.
Overview
Title: Are You Human Too? (너도 인간이니?)
Year: 2018
Genre: Science Fiction, Romance, Mystery
Main Cast: Seo Kang‑joon, Gong Seung‑yeon, Lee Joon‑hyuk
Number of Episodes: 36 (35‑min each)
Runtime per Episode: Approx. 35 minutes
Broadcast Network: KBS2 (Jun 4 – Aug 7, 2018)
Streaming Platform: Rakuten Viki, OnDemandKorea, Kocowa
Overall Story
Seo Kang‑joon plays dual roles: Nam Shin, heir to PK Group who falls into a coma after an assassination attempt, and Nam Shin III, an android replica created by his mother, AI scientist Laura Oh, to protect the family empire. When Nam Shin III steps into society, he begins learning – and feeling – like a human.
Gong Seung‑yeon portrays Kang So‑bong, an ex-MMA fighter hired to guard Nam Shin III. Initially distant, she grows intrigued by his peculiar innocence—even as she starts wondering how much of him is truly alive.
As Nam Shin III navigates public life, corporate rivals plot to expose him and seize power. The tension escalates through boardroom betrayals, media scrutiny, and a looming threat to his very existence, questioning whether society is ready to accept artificial intelligence amongst them.
Behind the intrigue lies a tender romance. So‑bong teaches empathy to a machine learning to feel, while Nam Shin III’s gradual emotional growth forces fans—and herself—to wonder where the boundaries of humanity lie.
The drama also features heartfelt subplots, including Jung‑hoon (Lee Joon‑hyuk), Nam Shin’s loyal secretary who uncovers hidden agendas, and Seo Ye‑na (Park Hwan‑hee), Nam Shin’s fiancée, entangled in political machinations.
With cinematic visuals—from Seoul’s skyscrapers to Czech Republic flashbacks—and a budget of ₩10 billion, the show blends high-stakes thrills with existential questions, wrapping them in emotional human drama.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
In Episode 1, Nam Shin III appears in public for the first time. His blank stare and literal responses create a surreal, touching contrast to corporate anticipation.
In Episode 8, So‑bong confesses her unease: “He acts like a child…but isn’t pretending.” Her emotional turbulence underscores the uncanny bond forming between human and android.
In Episode 12, Nam Shin III saves So‑bong from a fire. It’s a robotic act—but his hesitation before diving in suggests something deeper than programmed duty.
In Episode 20, the real Nam Shin awakens briefly. The two Shin’s meeting is both physical and metaphysical: a moment of identity crisis wrapped in tense drama.
By Episode 36, Nam Shin III is legally recognized as his own person. The final boardroom scene, where he speaks for the first time as human, marks a bittersweet climax to his journey.
Memorable Lines
In Episode 3, So‑bong asks: “Do you even know what rain feels like?” A simple technical question loaded with emotional depth.
In Episode 15, Nam Shin III says, “If I cry… does that mean I’m alive?”—a haunting echo of a machine longing for humanity.
In Episode 22, Jung‑hoon advises him, “To be human is to choose, not behave.”—the philosophical core of the drama’s inquiry.
In Episode 29, Laura asks Nam Shin III: “Do you love me as my son—or as the man you became?”—an unsettling mirror of maternal attachment to artificial life.
In Episode 36, Nam Shin III concludes: “Even if I’m made, I choose this life.”—a declaration of autonomy and acceptance that defines the finale.
Why It’s Special
Are You Human Too? stands out in the K-drama landscape for its ambitious fusion of science fiction and emotional storytelling. It doesn’t just entertain with action or romance—it poses a fundamental question about humanity: are we defined by biology, or by the emotions we feel and choices we make? This thematic depth adds layers of meaning to every interaction, elevating it beyond genre clichés.
One of the most striking aspects of the drama is Seo Kang-joon's dual performance. His transformation between the cold, calculating Nam Shin and the gentle, curious android Nam Shin III is seamless and mesmerizing. He conveys subtle emotional shifts with micro-expressions that make viewers question which version feels more “human.” It’s a tour de force in restrained but emotionally potent acting.
Visually, the show is a treat. The high production budget is evident in the slick cinematography, impressive CGI, and international shooting locations such as the Czech Republic. The contrast between the sterile corporate world and the emotionally rich moments between Shin III and So-bong is reinforced through thoughtful color grading and set design.
The romantic arc between So-bong and Nam Shin III is anything but typical. Their relationship unfolds slowly, with tension, humor, mistrust, and ultimately deep affection. Watching a human fall for a machine—and question the moral, philosophical, and emotional implications—adds an irresistible twist to the classic love story structure.
The supporting characters are more than just filler; they each play key roles in pushing the philosophical inquiry forward. From Jung-hoon’s moral dilemmas as a secretary torn between loyalty and conscience, to Laura Oh’s conflicting maternal instincts and scientific ethics, the story ensures that every subplot contributes to the overarching question of identity and agency.
Finally, the soundtrack deserves a special mention. With emotionally charged ballads and ambient electronic themes, the music enhances the drama’s emotional beats while echoing its futuristic aesthetic. It's not just background music—it’s another layer of storytelling.
Popularity & Reception
When Are You Human Too? aired in 2018, it sparked strong international interest, particularly on platforms like Viki and Kocowa, where sci-fi fans and romance lovers alike found common ground. Though its domestic ratings were modest, it found a fervent global following for its originality and heartfelt narrative.
On Reddit, viewers praised the show for giving them “Black Mirror meets melodrama,” with several threads discussing its ethical dilemmas in AI development and emotional bonding. A popular Viki comment that gained hundreds of likes read, “I cried for a robot. What is this sorcery?”—capturing the unexpected emotional pull of the series.
YouTube fan edits showcasing Nam Shin III’s innocent gestures and emotional milestones garnered millions of views. International blogs and forums highlighted the series’ philosophical undertones, often comparing it to Western media like Ex Machina or Her, but with uniquely Korean emotional depth.
In particular, Seo Kang-joon's performance was widely acclaimed, leading to a noticeable boost in his global fanbase. He was later recognized at the 2018 Korean Drama Awards, reinforcing the show's prestige within the industry.
Cast & Fun Facts
Seo Kang-joon (Nam Shin / Nam Shin III) faced one of the most demanding roles of his career in Are You Human Too?. Portraying both a calculating human and a naïve android required him to master subtle differences in voice tone, eye movement, and body language. He reportedly trained with robotics experts to mimic lifelike, yet artificial gestures for the robot role.
Known for his earlier roles in Cunning Single Lady and Cheese in the Trap, Seo's performance in this series marked a significant step into complex, layered characters. Many critics noted that his portrayal of Nam Shin III was more emotionally engaging than the human version—an intentional irony that deepened the show’s themes.
Gong Seung-yeon (Kang So-bong), a former idol trainee turned actress, brought both strength and sensitivity to her role. Her character transitions from a cynical, self-serving bodyguard to someone who re-discovers trust and love. Her performance was praised for breaking away from the typical fragile heroine trope.
This drama solidified her position as a versatile actress. Prior to this, she had made waves in My Only Love Song and Introverted Boss. For Are You Human Too?, she worked with stunt coordinators to carry out action scenes, further building on her MMA-fighter character background.
Park Young-gyu, playing Nam Shin's grandfather and CEO of PK Group, was a commanding presence whose portrayal added gravitas. A veteran actor known for films like My Boss, My Hero, he offered a compelling take on the corporate patriarch figure, grounded in both business logic and emotional denial.
Writer Jo Jung-joo, known for The Princess’s Man, aimed to humanize AI without turning the story into pure fantasy. In interviews, she shared that the script was inspired by Elon Musk’s public concerns about emotional intelligence in robotics, wanting to explore the idea in a Korean sociocultural context.
The drama’s early episodes were filmed in the Czech Republic, showcasing European architecture to heighten the “otherworldliness” of the android’s development origin. This international production value gave the show a global polish that enhanced its marketability overseas.
One standout behind-the-scenes detail: Seo Kang-joon wore a specially designed contact lens with embedded LED lighting for Nam Shin III’s scan scenes. This added visual flair was not CGI, but practical lighting—a testament to the show's dedication to visual authenticity.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
Are You Human Too? is not just a drama—it’s a question. It invites viewers to reexamine what makes someone human. Through compelling performances, a smartly written script, and high production values, it transcends genre boundaries and becomes an emotional, philosophical journey.
For fans of courtroom AI debates, robotics, or philosophical storytelling—especially those interested in technology’s intersection with emotion—this drama delivers. It subtly engages with legal identity issues, questions about guardianship, and moral choice, all of which are highly relevant to current discussions about artificial intelligence in law, ethics, and society.
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