What would happen to society if red lines visibly shot out of people’s heads, linking everyone who had had sex with each other?
This provocative premise forms the foundation of “S Line,” a genre-bending new series from South Korean streaming giant WAVVE. Adapted from a hit webtoon of the same name, the show promises to push boundaries and challenge viewers’ perceptions.
While the original webtoon explored the far-reaching consequences of this surreal phenomenon—tackling themes like infidelity, religion, celebrity culture, sexual violence, and homosexuality in a world where these “S Lines” are visible to all—the TV adaptation takes a intriguing twist. In this version, only a select few can see the red lines, with a mysterious pair of glasses granting others this voyeuristic ability.
Set to debut this Friday on WAVVE, “S Line” will unfold over six episodes, with two installments dropping each week. The narrative revolves around Hyun-hyeup, a young woman born with the innate ability to see S Lines. Her world is turned upside down when she discovers that others can share her unique perspective by donning a special pair of glasses.
Leading the ensemble cast are Lee Soo-hyuk, who portrays Ji-wook, a detective grappling with sex addiction, and Oh My Girl’s Arin as the protagonist, Hyun-hyeup. The plot thickens when these revealing glasses fall into public hands, unleashing a chain of unpredictable and potentially explosive events.
At a recent press conference in Seoul’s Yongsan district, director Ahn Joo-young shed light on the creative decisions behind the adaptation.
“When we first approached this project, we grappled with the challenge of realistically depicting a world blanketed in S Lines,” Ahn explained. “Ultimately, we chose to preserve the core concept while reimagining its execution. This led us to the idea that only certain individuals could perceive the S Lines, with special glasses serving as a conduit for this ability.”
Ahn elaborated on the show’s thematic focus: “At its heart, the original work is a profound exploration of human nature. It delves into how people evolve when confronted with the sudden visibility of their intimate connections. I saw the main theme as an examination of how new desires emerge alongside our inherent human traits. Our goal was to reflect these transformations through the characters’ interactions with the S Lines. This approach also allowed us to introduce new characters to the narrative.”
The series has already garnered international acclaim, securing a spot as one of five Korean titles selected for this year’s prestigious Cannes International Series Festival. In a groundbreaking achievement, it became the first Korean production to clinch the festival’s award for best music.
Ahn emphasized the integral role of music in crafting the show’s atmosphere. “Our music director meticulously tailored the score to complement the fantasy-infused thriller tone,” she revealed. “Each episode features unique variations in the soundtrack, enhancing the overall viewing experience.”
“I encourage viewers to stay invested until the very end,” Ahn concluded. “Pay close attention to the characters’ evolving arcs throughout the series. And for an extra layer of enjoyment, try imagining how our world might change if S Lines suddenly became visible in real life.”
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