A Week Before I Die: When Your First Love Returns as a Grim Reaper - Episode 1 Review

The Shocking Reunion: When Your First Love Returns as a Grim Reaper

TVING's latest original series 'A Week Before I Die' has captured viewers' hearts since its premiere on April 3, 2025. The drama opens with a shocking reunion that immediately hooks the audience - 24-year-old Hee-wan (played by Kim Min-ha) is stunned when her childhood friend and first love Ram-woo (played by Kong Myung) suddenly appears at her doorstep. But this isn't just any reunion; Ram-woo has returned as a grim reaper to deliver devastating news: Hee-wan has only one week left to live.

This unexpected opening scene sets the tone for the entire series, blending elements of fantasy, romance, and coming-of-age drama. The premise is both intriguing and heartbreaking - what would you do if your first love returned from the dead to tell you that your time is running out? The chemistry between Kim Min-ha and Kong Myung is palpable from their very first scene together, making the supernatural premise feel surprisingly grounded and emotional.

A Journey Back to Youth: High School Flashbacks

After the shocking opening, episode 1 takes us back to the protagonists' high school days, where we see how Hee-wan and Ram-woo first met and developed their relationship. The contrast between their past and present selves is striking - in high school, Hee-wan was a bright, mischievous student full of life and pranks, while Ram-woo was the quiet, model student who had just transferred to her class.

One of the most charming sequences in the episode revolves around an April Fool's Day prank where the two switch names, with Hee-wan becoming Ram-woo and vice versa. This seemingly simple prank becomes a pivotal moment in their relationship, bringing them closer together and setting the stage for their budding romance. The high school scenes are filled with nostalgic moments that many viewers can relate to - from sharing snacks after school to creating makeshift tattoos with permanent markers.

The flashbacks not only establish the deep connection between our protagonists but also create a stark contrast with their present situation. While the high school scenes are bathed in warm colors and laughter, the present timeline feels cold and muted, reflecting Hee-wan's isolated lifestyle and emotional state after losing Ram-woo years ago.

The Mystery Unfolds: What Happened Four Years Ago?

Throughout the first episode, the drama cleverly drops hints about a mysterious incident that occurred four years ago - an event that led to Ram-woo's death and Hee-wan's withdrawal from society. The show doesn't reveal all its cards at once, instead creating intrigue by showing how drastically Hee-wan has changed, now living as a recluse with no friends or aspirations.

The contrast between the cheerful high school Hee-wan and her present self raises numerous questions: What exactly happened to Ram-woo? Why does Hee-wan seem to carry such guilt about his death? And why has Ram-woo returned as a grim reaper specifically for Hee-wan?

This mystery element adds depth to what could otherwise be a straightforward fantasy romance, giving viewers something to piece together as the story progresses. The non-linear storytelling, jumping between past and present, creates a puzzle that viewers are eager to solve.

The Bucket List: Finding Meaning in Limited Time

When Ram-woo reveals that Hee-wan has only a week left to live, he suggests creating a bucket list - things she wants to do before her time runs out. Initially resistant, Hee-wan eventually agrees, marking the beginning of their journey together during her final week.

This bucket list concept serves as the narrative framework for the series, allowing the characters to reconnect while exploring themes of mortality, regret, and what truly matters in life. The first episode shows Hee-wan's initial struggle with accepting her fate and Ram-woo's gentle persistence in helping her find meaning in her remaining days.

What makes this premise particularly poignant is that Hee-wan has already been living as though dead - isolated, without joy or purpose. The irony is that it takes the announcement of her actual death to potentially bring her back to life emotionally and spiritually.

Supporting Characters: The Colorful Cast

While the first episode primarily focuses on establishing the relationship between Hee-wan and Ram-woo, it also introduces several supporting characters who add depth to the story. Most notable is Yoon Tae-kyung (played by Oh Woo-ri), Hee-wan's best friend from high school who provides much of the comic relief in the flashback scenes.

Tae-kyung is portrayed as the quintessential high school best friend - supportive, energetic, and quick to notice Hee-wan's growing feelings for Ram-woo. Oh Woo-ri brings a natural vibrancy to the role, creating a believable friendship dynamic with Kim Min-ha that enhances the authenticity of the high school scenes.

We're also introduced to Hong-seok (played by Jung Geon-joo), another character whose relationship with the protagonists will be explored in later episodes. The first episode hints at complex relationships between these characters, promising rich character development as the series progresses.

Visual Storytelling and Direction

One of the most impressive aspects of 'A Week Before I Die' is its visual storytelling. The drama employs distinct visual languages for its different timelines - the high school scenes are shot with warm lighting and dynamic camera movements, while the present-day scenes feature cooler tones and more static compositions, reflecting Hee-wan's emotional state.

The contrast between these visual styles helps viewers immediately identify which timeline they're watching while also conveying the emotional journey of the characters without explicit exposition. Small details, like the permanent marker 'tattoos' the characters draw on each other in high school, become meaningful visual motifs that connect past and present.

The direction skillfully balances the fantasy elements with grounded emotional moments, never allowing the supernatural premise to overshadow the human story at its core. The result is a visually striking first episode that sets high expectations for the series.

Audience and Critical Reception

Since its premiere, 'A Week Before I Die' has garnered significant attention from both viewers and critics. The unique premise and strong performances have been particularly praised, with many viewers expressing emotional reactions to the first episode's blend of humor, nostalgia, and poignancy.

Online communities have been buzzing with discussions about the show, with many fans speculating about the mystery surrounding Ram-woo's death and Hee-wan's impending fate. The chemistry between the lead actors has been highlighted as one of the show's greatest strengths, with viewers noting how convincingly they portray both their youthful high school selves and their more complex adult characters.

Critics have praised the show's production values and its ability to balance fantasy elements with authentic emotional storytelling. The first episode has been described as a promising start to a series that appears to offer much more than its supernatural premise might suggest.

Final Thoughts: A Promising Beginning

The first episode of 'A Week Before I Die' successfully establishes a compelling premise while creating characters viewers can genuinely care about. By the end of the episode, we're invested in Hee-wan and Ram-woo's story, curious about their past, and eager to see how they'll spend their final week together.

What makes this drama stand out is its ability to use its fantasy premise to explore very real human emotions - grief, regret, first love, and the search for meaning. The first episode promises a series that will be both entertaining and emotionally resonant, potentially offering insights into how we value our time and relationships.

As the six-episode series continues to unfold weekly on TVING, 'A Week Before I Die' has positioned itself as one of the most intriguing K-dramas of 2025, offering a fresh take on both fantasy and romance genres while delivering a story with universal emotional appeal.