Move to Heaven

Move to Heaven () is a 2021 South Korean television series, directed by Kim Sung-ho and written by Yoon Ji-ryeon. It is an original Netflix series, starring Lee Je-hoon, Tang Joon-sang, Ji Jin-hee, Lee Jae-wook and Hong Seung-hee. The series follows Geu-ru (Tang Joon-sang), a young man with Asperger syndrome, and Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon), his guardian. Working as trauma cleaners, they uncover untold stories. The series was released worldwide by Netflix on May 14, 2021.
Synopsis.
"Move to Heaven" is inspired by the essay "Things Left Behind" by Kim Sae-byul, a former "trauma cleaner". Geu-ru (Tang Jun-sang), who has Asperger syndrome, and his ex-convict uncle Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon) meet for the first time after the sudden death of Geu-ru's father. Sang-gu joins his nephew to help run the family trauma cleaning business "Move to Heaven". In the course of business they uncover untold stories associated with deceased and go through different emotions and sentiments.
Production.
Development.
In September 2019, it was reported that Kim Sung-ho would direct a series for Netflix, the story of which is inspired by an essay "Things Left Behind" by Kim Sae-byul, a former "trauma cleaner".
Casting.
On 17 December 2019, Netflix confirmed the lead casting of Lee Je-hoon and Tang Jun-sang for the series. On June 3, 2020, Netflix confirmed that Ji Jin-hee, Lee Jae-wook and Hong Seung-hee are to join the cast of the series.
Filming.
As the infection due to COVID-19 pandemic was reported, the production of "Move to Heaven", along with other Netflix original dramas, was stopped in late August 2020. On February 25, 2021 Netflix announced its future plans and time line for forthcoming projects including "Move to Heaven". On February 25, 2021, new stills from the TV series were released.
Release.
The series was released on Netflix on May 14, 2021. All 10 episodes, each with running time of around 45 to 60 minutes, are available for streaming. It became 11th South Korean Netflix original series released on Netflix.
Reception.
Greg Wheeler of "The Review Geek", rating the series 9 out of 10, opined that the series is a beautiful message conveyed through unique characters. Wheeler praised the performance of Tang Jun-sang, writing "Tang Joon-Sang’s acting is nothing short of extraordinary..." He also praised the soundtrack and wrote that it was "absolutely on-point." In summary he said, "With excellent acting, tightly written chapters and a careful, respectful and empowering view on death, "Move to Heaven" is a cleverly written and unique Korean drama", and concluded by saying that the show was an "...an absolute must-watch this year. Just be sure to have a pack of tissues ready to catch those tears!". Rhian Daly of "NME" also praised the series, awarding it 5 out of 5 stars and called it a contender for one of 2021's best shows.