Move To Heaven : Screenwriter Yoon Ji-ryun and Director Kim Sung-ho Lending an Ear to the Voices of the Marginalized Around Us
Move to Heaven largely consists of two parts: the first is the story arc of Geu-ru and Sang-gu, which continues throughout the entire series. Geu-ru, who has Asperger’s syndrome, is a little different from others, but has the ability to detect traces of untold stories left behind the deceased and piece them together like a puzzle with his exceptional observation skills and memory. After Geu-ru’s father Jeong-u suddenly passes away, Geu-ru’s uncle Sang-gu becomes his guardian, and the two begin their unusual living arrangement. Having lived a tough life due to his painful past, Sang-gu clashes with Geu-ru at every turn, but as the two run Move to Heaven together to honor Jeong-u’s last wish, they gradually become a true family.
About the reason why Geu-ru has Asperger’s syndrome, screenwriter Yoon Ji-ryun explains, “I wanted Geu-ru to be a person with an unwavering commitment to trauma cleaning despite society’s bias and negative views on the profession,” adding that Geu-ru, to whom it is only natural to keep his promise and acting according to what he has learned, made the company Move to Heaven all the more meaningful.
Meanwhile, director Kim Sung-ho saw Geu-ru as someone who is different or somewhat living in his own world, and focused on his innocent and unbiased views and uniqueness. The journey of the two people who are set in their own ways clearing out the homes of the deceased to fill them with consolation and solace will slowly draw you into their story and deeply move you.
The second part of Move to Heaven is the stories of the deceased that Geu-ru and Sang-gu encounter. Every episode of Move to Heaven features the story of a person who faced a lonely death in a world where people are disconnected and indifference prevails. The episodes reflect the voices of those who are marginalized in our society today that we should pay attention to.
Screenwriter Yoon Ji-ryun explains the reason why she focused on these voices: “I wanted to extend my consolation to those whose death would have been less lonely and less unjust if we had been more connected and generous with each other and had realized earlier that time waits for no one.”
Director Kim Sung-ho also calls for compassion for others and attention to those in need: “The series will help you reflect on the generosity for others and relationship with those around you, which is often neglected in modern societies.” He also explains that the homes of the deceased in the series were portrayed in neutral colors while their belongings were presented in bright colors in order to place more emphasis on the stories left behind by the deceased.
As echoed by Lee Je-hoon, who said, “I think the series will give all of us the opportunity to think about our own lives and those around us,” Move to Heaven will encourage you to look around yourself with compassion in an otherwise uncaring world of today.
