In a world where everyone prefers individualism, conventionality, and routine over spontaneity and new experiences, one of the biggest adventures in life could be seeking one’s true colors. That is what you’ll learn in “Spirit Fingers,” TVING’s new K-drama adaptation. Based on Han Kyung Chal’s original story, it follows an interesting journey of self-discovery, friendship, and romance that will inspire you to find your most creative and authentic self. If you are wondering what makes this show so special, here are some of the reasons why you won’t want to miss the chance to immerse yourself in it!
Warning: spoilers ahead!
1. An inspiring and touching story
On a winter day like any other, Song U Yeon (Park Ji Hu), a shy high school student who tries every day to figure out her place in the world, finds herself posing in the middle of the street in front of an eclectic croquis group called Spirit Fingers. This moment could be nothing but a funny anecdote to share with her friends, but little does she know, it turns out to be the most fateful encounter. There, U Yeon meets Koo Seon Ho (Choi Bomin), also known as Blue Finger, and Nam Green (Park You Na) or Mint Finger, two kind and full-of-spirit art college students who invite her to join their special drawing club.
In a spontaneous fit of courage, U Yeon accepts the invitation, if only to have the chance of meeting dreamy Seon Ho once more. However, on the same day of the reunion, U Yeon gets bullied, leaving her shaken and aggravated. That’s when she meets Nam Gi Jeong (Cho Jun Young), a handsome but eccentric boy who helps her in the most unconventional way. Ashamed by the scene, U Yeon tries to forget everything about it. But to her surprise, Gi Jeong turns out to be Green’s younger brother, an amateur model who often poses at the club’s meetings. Every time U Yeon and Gi Jeon meet, there’s constant bickering and teasing that slowly but surely leads to a very special friendship.
The show in itself isn’t that out of the ordinary, except that it is. In the middle of the leisurely drawing sessions, the portrayal of the everyday, and the playful romance, this story speaks so clearly about the world’s prejudices, the constant pressure to excel whether it is at school or work, the desire for validation and love, family expectations, and the significance of finding a place where you can be accepted for who you are. Most importantly, in a heartfelt yet simple way, it delivers a unique lesson about becoming the best not for the world, but for yourself. Because no matter the moment you are in your life, there’s always time to try to find your own way in the world.
2. Relatable and endearing characters
Song U Yeon might not be that different from other teenagers, but that’s exactly what makes her so great. She is timid and immature, her self-esteem isn’t the best, she struggles with her studies, and is anxious about what’s to come for her future. Nonetheless, she is kind, eager to learn new things, and truly brave despite the emotional abuse she suffers from time to time at home. But when she meets the Spirit Fingers and finds a new identity as Baby Blue Finger, the color she chooses once she joins the club, she broadens her perspective and overcomes her insecurities, fears, and loneliness. Step by step, she discovers a side of herself that otherwise would’ve remained hidden forever.
On the other hand, Nam Gi Jeong, the vibrant Red Finger, is completely opposite to U Yeon. His carefree personality makes him immune to people’s opinions and expectations, living a simple life while keeping a straightforward and stress-free mindset. However, the moment he meets U Yeon, Gi Jeong starts to question a lot of things that never even crossed his mind before, like his spelling or what his dreams are for the future. And soon enough, he realizes that he’s fallen in love with the diligent and lovely U Yeon. He might not be the smartest one, academically speaking, but behind his goofy personality and perfect looks, there’s a sweet, caring, honest, and sensible guy who gives his all to the people he loves. As you watch their story progress, you will find yourself as in love with them as they are with each other.
3. Unique and supportive group of friends
Friendship is one of the greatest gifts in the world, and this show proves it in more than one way. The Spirit Fingers might be mostly a club to hang out and draw croquis, but to people like U Yeon, this group alone can open the doors to a whole new world. In every member, U Yeon finds new friends who embrace her inner beauty and worth. They also help her to learn something nobody ever taught her before: to have confidence in herself. Their openness and candor nurture her to help her bloom in the most beautiful way.
But intergenerational friendship isn’t the only thing that’s portrayed here. As U Yeon starts to discover new things about herself, this also produces a positive change in her group of high school friends. Yeom Se Ra (Eun Yeo Jin) and Jo Mi Rae (Chae Soo Ha) might be polar opposites, but that doesn’t stop them from being U Yeon’s closest and dearest friends. Although at first they can’t quite understand why U Yeon joins the Spirit Fingers, they still support her and cheer her to do what she wants, showing that some friendships are meant to be forever.
In that sense, Gi Jeong also has a colorful group of friends that match perfectly his crazy and goofy personality. Byun Tae Seon (Cha Woo Min) and Oh Dae Oh (Ham Sung Min) aren’t exactly model students, but nobody has to be a genius to be a good friend, and these boys are the proof of that. They not only put up with all of Gi Jeong’s antics, but also help him when he needs them, even if they’re as clueless as he is. They have a true and deep bond that no one could ever doubt.
Put together, these groups of friends reflect the true meaning of community, empathy, and affection. From timid teenagers who are barely starting their lives, to young adults full of passion, or mature working adults, this K-drama shows that every person has their own circumstances, despite age or gender, and all of them can be united by a common interest. Even if we don’t get to see much of some of their backgrounds, they still give depth and warmth to the story with their wisdom and support.
4. The beautiful and sweet romance
To say U Yeon and Gi Jeong started on the wrong foot would be an understatement. But the best part of their story is watching them slowly get to know one another, building a friendship based on mutual understanding and sincerity that eventually leads to true love. Gi Jeong’s simple and somehow naive approach to life is exactly what U Yeon needs. She goes from crushing hopelessly over Seon Ho to genuinely liking Gi Jeong once she realizes how much stronger and natural their bond is. Even though their relationship doesn’t show the intensity or passion of other types of romances, it doesn’t fall short in excitement, heart-fluttering moments, and the sweetness of first love. Props to Park Ji Hu and Cho Jun Young, who portray these charming and refreshing characters so truthfully that they’ll make you kick your feet and giggle out of pure joy from watching them together.
But if you’re looking for a more mature romance, this K-drama has you covered. While Gi Jeong tries to make U Yeon fall for him, Seon Ho fights to get out of the friendzone he’s been in forever. Although his friendship with Nam Green is authentic, easy, and simple, Seon Ho can’t keep hiding his romantic feelings for Green, especially since he is ready to enlist in his mandatory military service. So he decides to take a leap of faith and confess to his long-time friend. This not only surprises Green, but it turns her world upside down. The tension between them might be awkward and uncomfortable at times, but their chemistry soon enough explodes, giving you the perfect friends-to-lovers romance. Whether it is a pure and innocent love or a melting and fateful romance, you’ll get the best of both in here.
5. A well-delivered webtoon adaptation
Bringing a show to life can be a challenge in itself, and even more so when there’s a graphic reference, as in the case of webtoon adaptations. Whether it is the script, the character’s portrayal, or even the cinematography, many aspects can fall short of the viewers’ expectations. However, you don’t have to worry about any of that in this K-drama. This show has captivated both the original work’s fans and drama enthusiasts alike.
The key lies in the details. The ambience of the “dadada” café, where the group reunites, perfectly embeds the magic that comes with the fantasy world created by the Spirit Fingers, welcoming you to discover a side of yourself you never imagined. But that’s not all. The cute dog, “Bigfoot,” that welcomes the members every time they meet, the special effects to enhance comical scenes, the costumes and characterizations that resemble exactly the original animations, alongside great performances from all the actors make it feel like the story itself came out of the webtoon directly onto the screen.
The plot doesn’t follow the original one 100 percent, but the small changes only make it even more enjoyable. For example, some of the dramatic scenes with U Yeon’s family are shorter, but they still maintain their emotional relevance, making it much more aligned with the lighthearted tone of the show. And even if the story doesn’t go deeper on certain elements like some of the side characters’ issues, it doesn’t feel like you are missing out on something entirely. Does it still make you shed a tear with how touching some of these moments are? You can bet on it.
The only downside of this drama adaptation may be its length. Even though the production team has made it possible to summarize all the important arcs of the story in only 12 episodes, it makes you wish it had at least a couple more. Nonetheless, during every second of this show, you’ll find a story so entertaining, funny, and full of heart that it will surely inspire you to also grab a color and start your own journey to find your truest and happiest self. Would you like to join “Spirit Fingers”? You can do it now!
Watch “Spirit Fingers” here:
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Andy zar is an avid drama watcher, from K-dramas to C-dramas, she believes any weekend is a good weekend to enjoy 12 hours of binge-watching dramas. She loves romance, web comics, and K-pop. Her favorite groups are EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, and BOL4.
Currently watching: “Last Summer,” “Dear X,” and “Spirit Fingers”
