The Rise and Fall Review: Sometimes what we want isn't what we need

The Rise and Fall (originally titled "Oneulbuteo Inganipnidaman") puts a fresh spin on Korean folklore regarding the "gumiho," a nine-tailed fox. Unlike traditional tales, this story focuses on her utter resentment at having to conform to the life of an ordinary human.

The series is directed by Kim Jung-kwon and written by Cho A-yeong and Park Chan-young. The lead cast features Kim Hye-yoon and Lomon in the central roles.

Synopsis

The narrative follows Eun-ho, a thousand-year-old gumiho who has absolutely no interest in becoming human. Immortal, wealthy, and indifferent to the frailties of the mortal world, she spends her days granting wishes as long as the price is right.

Her world collapses when an accident involving Kang Si-yeol, a young soccer player, causes a wish to backfire and transforms her into a mortal woman.

Suddenly stripped of her powers and forced to navigate the hurdles of being an average person, Eun-ho must deal with everything she has always avoided, such as physical exhaustion, economic limitations, and most notably, emotional unpredictability.

The series unfolds by highlighting two distinct worlds. While Eun-ho represents a cynical reality of privilege and purchasable desires, Si-yeol embodies the daily struggle of a young man balancing his dreams against bills and social constraints.

This duality provides the initial charm of the series, which alternates between lighthearted comedic moments and a subtle critique of social inequality and the inherent cost of existing.

Critical Reception

The Rise and Fall has been received positively so far. It earned praise for its ability to balance fantasy and reality while updating traditional Korean folklore with a contemporary tone.

Critics highlighted that the work does not aim to reinvent the genre, but instead relies on charismatic characters, relatable emotional conflicts, and a clever blend of the mundane and the extraordinary.

There are, however, some critiques regarding predictability and a reliance on certain K-drama clichés. Nevertheless, the series holds its own by questioning the true value of the things we think we want.

The series is at its most interesting when discussing perspective. It explores how a fulfilled wish does not always translate into lasting happiness.

Eun-ho spent an eternity viewing humans as fragile, selfish, and often pathetic. However, upon crossing that threshold, she discovers that living is a complex daily battlefield. To be human is to struggle for survival, whether that means overcoming failure, working a job you dislike to make ends meet, falling ill, or suffering through love and loss.

The cruelest part of the human condition is the persistent nature of desire, even when fulfillment offers no guarantee of joy. The series suggests that we often idealize versions of life that seem easier or more comfortable, but every choice carries a hidden price.

Eun-ho avoided humanity because she perceived it as a weakness. Once she becomes human, she realizes that this very vulnerability is what makes life meaningful. Without limits, nothing matters. Without risk, nothing leaves an impression. Without an end, nothing has true value.

Meanwhile, after losing the prestigious life he wanted and returning to his status as a fourth-division player, Si-yeol receives a different kind of gift: the presence of his grandmother, whom he had lost in his previous timeline.

He begins to enjoy more quality time with her since fame and a packed schedule no longer dictate his routine. He also reclaims simple pleasures, like eating ramen without the looming pressure of elite physical performance.

He still faces hardships, but his life is no longer apathetic. It turns out that life does not necessarily improve just because a specific wish is granted.

While the series is light and fun, and Kim Hye-yoon delivers immense charisma as the gumiho, the plot does stumble in a few areas.

The villains feel like caricatures with weak and unconvincing motivations. Even when the script attempts to justify their behavior, there is not enough narrative weight to sustain their actions.

Furthermore, Si-yeol's teammates deserved more development. At one point, the show hints at a romantic subplot between three characters, but the idea is dropped without explanation, leaving a loose end.

The finale also feels rushed, with many resolutions being explained through dialogue rather than being shown on screen. In a visual medium, this can leave the audience with a sense of narrative carelessness.

Another issue is the lack of a consistent learning curve. By the end, the characters seem to revert to their initial states. Does Si-yeol truly not mind returning to his old life and losing his grandmother again? He hardly questions the choice. Eun-ho returning to her immortal life also feels like it undercuts her character arc. She loves Si-yeol, but apparently not enough to embrace a mortal life with him.

While she did not necessarily have to remain human forever, the story could have explored alternatives that felt more aligned with her growth.

Yes, as long as you keep your expectations in check. The Rise and Fall serves as light entertainment with an engaging romance and plenty of funny moments. It is the perfect series to watch when you want something enjoyable without too much heavy lifting.

Rating: 3.2 out of 5

Now tell me, do you believe that if all your wishes came true, you would actually find complete happiness?