Mr. Plankton

Hae Jo has been unlucky his whole life, a string of mishaps and small tragedies that leave him exhausted and wary. When he discovers his days are limited, an unexpected travel arrangement pairs him with Jo Jae-mi, his ex and a woman nicknamed the unluckiest bride-to-be. The series follows their uneasy companionship on a trip meant to tidy up loose ends, where old grudges, awkward humor, and fragile tenderness surface. Other characters, from a blunt family elder to a pragmatic friend, push and pull them in ways that reveal new sides, and the show keeps the ending out of sight while focusing on the moments between departures.

Mr. Plankton premiered in 2024, created by Hong Jong-chan and Jo Yong, and stars Woo Do-hwan, Lee You-mi, Oh Jung-se, and Kim Hae-sook. It aired in South Korea and reached international viewers through select streaming windows, building attention with its cast-led marketing.

As of early 2024 the series hasn't won major awards or received high-profile nominations. That said, the performances—especially from the leads—have been singled out by viewers, and as the show continues to circulate on platforms and festivals it may enter awards conversations in the coming seasons.

The show's mix of dry humor and quiet drama has prompted active fan discussion online, with scenes and character beats shared across social feeds. Viewers often highlight the chemistry between the leads and the way small, awkward moments stick with you. For some, Mr. Plankton has become a talking point about how TV can handle serious themes while still making you laugh.

Critical and viewer response trends positive, reflected in an 8.135/10 user vote average from 104 votes. Reviewers and audiences point to strong acting and well-timed tonal shifts, and they mention recurring themes like luck, regret, missed opportunities, and the odd comfort of companionship. The show leans on character work rather than spectacle, so its emotional impact depends on patient scenes and believable relationships.