Move to Heaven is one of those rare Korean dramas that quietly breaks you apart and then carefully puts your heart back together. Released on Netflix, this 2021 series quickly became a masterpiece in emotional storytelling, combining slice-of-life drama with themes of loss, love, and remembrance in ways few other shows dare to explore.
Plot Overview
The drama follows Han Geu-ru, a young man with Asperger’s syndrome who works with his father running a trauma cleaning business called Move to Heaven. Their job is not just to clean up after those who have passed away, but to carefully sort through their belongings — uncovering stories that were left behind. When his father suddenly dies, Geu-ru’s life changes dramatically. His estranged uncle, Cho Sang-gu, an ex-convict and former MMA fighter, becomes his guardian and business partner.
From that moment, each episode revolves around a new case — a different person’s death — and the lessons hidden within their lives. The duo’s journey becomes both a healing process and a redemption arc, where emotional truths are uncovered through the items left behind by the deceased.
Themes and Emotional Depth
What makes Move to Heaven extraordinary is its gentle dignity. It doesn’t rely on dramatic twists or romantic subplots. Instead, it grounds its storytelling in human empathy — exploring grief, disability, and reconciliation through intimate, quiet narratives. Each story gives voice to people who might otherwise have gone unnoticed: an estranged son, a migrant worker, a young girl, a lonely old man.
The show also raises profound questions about what happens to our memories after we’re gone. By treating each life with reverence, Move to Heaven reminds viewers that even the smallest existence holds deep meaning.
Performances
Tang Joon-sang, as Han Geu-ru, delivers a performance so sincere that it lingers long after the credits roll. His portrayal is precise and layered, showing not only the social challenges his character faces but also his deep sense of compassion and structure. Lee Je-hoon, as the rough-edged uncle Sang-gu, complements him perfectly — their contrasting personalities gradually building a touching mutual understanding.
Supporting roles, including appearances by other Netflix favorites and guest actors in each story episode, help keep the show emotionally rich and diverse. Every single performance feels authentic and heartfelt.
Direction and Cinematography
Directed by Kim Sung-ho and written by Yoon Ji-ryun, the series uses delicate cinematography to evoke emotion without preaching. Minimalist camera work, soft color tones, and beautiful music create an atmosphere of comfort despite heavy subject matter. The balance of grief and hope is handled with such grace that even when you cry, it feels cathartic rather than depressing.
Why It’s Worth Watching
Move to Heaven is not merely a drama about death — it’s a reflection on life itself. Its carefully crafted cases reveal how love, regret, forgiveness, and memory intertwine in everyday life. It’s a perfect drama for viewers who appreciate heartfelt storytelling with real moral resonance, reminiscent of titles like It’s Okay to Not Be Okay or My Mister.
Whether you’re exploring Korean dramas for the first time or are a long-time fan looking for something truly soul-stirring, Move to Heaven is a must-watch. It teaches us that sometimes closure comes not from forgetting, but from remembering with compassion.
Streaming Information and Trailer
- Platform: Netflix
- Episodes: 10
- Genre: Drama, Slice of Life, Family
- Director: Kim Sung-ho
- Writer: Yoon Ji-ryun
Watch the official trailer on Netflix’s YouTube channel to experience its heartfelt tone before diving in.
