A Bold Sci-Fi Ride Into Time and Destiny
The Korean drama scene is no stranger to familiar tropes, but it consistently delivers fresh twists on storytelling. In that spirit, Sisyphus: The Myth stands out as an ambitious Netflix and JTBC collaboration that combines dystopian sci-fi, adrenaline-pumping action, and heartfelt romance. Released in 2021 as JTBC’s tenth-anniversary special, the series benefits from the vision of acclaimed director Jin Hyuk (The Legend of the Blue Sea) and a star-studded cast.
The Engineer Who Holds the Future
Cho Seung-woo plays Han Tae-sul, an eccentric genius and CEO of Quantum and Time. His life is already burdened with grief after losing his brother, Tae-san, in a mysterious plane crash a decade earlier. When Tae-sul survives his own aviation disaster, he uncovers unsettling truths about his brother’s death. This revelation sets him on a dangerous path, where his decisions ripple far beyond what he can imagine.
A Warrior From Tomorrow
Enter Kang Seo-hae, portrayed by Park Shin-hye — a fierce yet compassionate survivor from a post-apocalyptic future. Her mission is clear: stop Tae-sul from creating a time machine and protect him from Sigma, a ruthless antagonist played by Kim Byung-chul. Together, Tae-sul and Seo-hae navigate a perilous game of cat-and-mouse across timelines, their bond deepening into a love that defies both fate and physics.
Modern Mythology Meets High-Stakes Drama
The series draws inspiration from the Greek myth of Sisyphus, reimagining the endless uphill battle as a metaphor for resilience against predetermined doom. Each choice — big or small — impacts the world’s fate, echoing classics like The Terminator while embracing the technological paranoia of Black Mirror. Time loops, paradoxes, shadowy conspiracies, and cinematic visuals make Sisyphus: The Myth a feast for sci-fi lovers.
Performances That Elevate the Story
Cho Seung-woo masterfully transitions Tae-sul from arrogant innovator to selfless hero, while Park Shin-hye delivers a layered portrayal of a soldier hardened by survival yet driven by empathy. Their chemistry is electric, grounding the high-concept premise in emotional truth. The supporting cast adds depth, reflecting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice.
Strengths and Stumbles
While Sisyphus: The Myth keeps audiences hooked with its thrilling pace and inventive ideas, it occasionally falters with uneven momentum and convenient plot leaps. The bittersweet finale may divide viewers, but the 16-episode journey offers a binge-worthy mix of action, mystery, and heartfelt moments.
Final Verdict
If you’re seeking a K-drama that fuses blockbuster energy with mythological depth, Sisyphus: The Myth is a must-watch. It’s a reminder that even in a world bound by fate, courage and love can rewrite the rules.
