The Mystery of Somi in 'More Beautiful Than Heaven': Viewers Captivated by Han Ji-min's Enigmatic Character

The Enchanting World of 'More Beautiful Than Heaven'

JTBC's fantasy drama 'More Beautiful Than Heaven' has quickly established itself as one of the most captivating series of 2025, drawing viewers into its unique portrayal of the afterlife. The drama, which premiered on April 19, follows the story of Lee Hae-sook (played by the legendary Kim Hye-ja), who reunites with her husband Go Nak-joon (Son Suk-ku) in heaven after her death. What makes this reunion particularly interesting is that while Hae-sook arrives in heaven as an 80-year-old woman, her husband has chosen to exist as his 30-year-old self, creating an immediate source of tension and humor.

The drama has been praised for its warm emotional tone, meticulous direction, and the way it explores universal themes of family, love, and the meaning of life through the lens of the afterlife. With its stellar cast and intriguing premise, 'More Beautiful Than Heaven' has achieved impressive ratings, starting with 5.8% for its first episode and climbing to 6.1% for its second episode, securing its position as the top non-terrestrial broadcast.

The Mysterious Entrance of Somi

At the end of episode 2, viewers were introduced to a mysterious character named Somi, played by Han Ji-min, who suddenly appeared in heaven with no memory of who she is. This dramatic entrance has become one of the most talked-about moments of the series, with fans eagerly speculating about Somi's true identity.

Somi arrives in heaven with no recollection of her past, only knowing that she needs to find Go Nak-joon. Her sudden appearance and connection to both Hae-sook and Nak-joon has sparked numerous theories among viewers. In episode 5, which aired on May 5, Han Ji-min delivered a particularly moving performance as Somi, who begins to form an emotional bond with Hae-sook while harboring hope that she might be 'Young-ae,' a daughter-like figure to Hae-sook.

Han Ji-min's portrayal of Somi has been praised for its emotional depth, as she skillfully conveys the character's underlying anxiety, sense of loss, and desire for acceptance beneath her bright exterior. Her delivery of lines like "I'm sorry. I wish I could be Young-ae..." has resonated deeply with viewers, capturing Somi's longing to be loved.

Theories About Somi's Identity

The mystery surrounding Somi's identity has become a central point of discussion among fans of the show. Based on various blog posts and community reactions, several theories have emerged:

1. Hae-sook's Mother-in-law: According to the official drama information, Hae-sook reunites with her mother-in-law in heaven and experiences in-law conflicts. Some viewers believe Somi could be Nak-joon's mother who has returned as a younger version of herself.

2. Young-ae: Some speculate that Somi might be Young-ae, a girl whom Hae-sook took in when collecting debt from a family. Young-ae was deeply attached to Hae-sook and may have followed her to heaven after an accident.

3. A Younger Version of Hae-sook: An interesting theory suggests that Somi might actually be a younger version of Hae-sook herself. This theory draws parallels to the drama 'When My Love Blooms' where Kim Hye-ja and Han Ji-min played the same character at different ages.

4. Someone from Nak-joon's Past: Given Somi's immediate recognition of Nak-joon, some viewers believe she might be someone significant from his past life.

The most recent episode has added new layers to this mystery, as Somi begins to uncover fragments of her memory, including a confrontation with a man on Earth whose clothing triggered a recognition.

Stellar Performances Driving the Drama

The success of 'More Beautiful Than Heaven' can largely be attributed to its exceptional cast. Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku recently topped the drama actor brand reputation rankings for May 2025, reflecting their popularity and the impact of their performances.

Kim Hye-ja, at 83 years old, continues to demonstrate her remarkable talent, bringing depth and authenticity to Hae-sook's character. Her portrayal of an elderly woman navigating the afterlife while dealing with the shock of seeing her husband as a young man has been both humorous and touching. Viewers have particularly praised her ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions and her clear, expressive eyes.

Son Suk-ku's performance as the younger version of Nak-joon provides the perfect counterbalance to Hae-sook's character. His portrayal of a husband trying to make his wife comfortable in heaven while dealing with her jealousy and frustration has added both comedy and warmth to the series.

Han Ji-min's introduction as Somi has further elevated the drama, with her ability to portray a character who is simultaneously mysterious, vulnerable, and compelling. In the May 5th episode, her emotional range was on full display, particularly in scenes where Somi desperately tries to save Hae-sook from being taken to hell, crying out, "I'd be happier going to hell instead of our boss!"

The Unique Concept of Heaven and Hell

One of the most fascinating aspects of 'More Beautiful Than Heaven' is its creative interpretation of the afterlife. The drama presents heaven as a place where people can choose how they want to appear, explaining why Nak-joon opted to return to his 30-year-old self while Hae-sook, following his comment that she was most beautiful at 80, chose to remain elderly – a decision she quickly came to regret.

The show also introduces the concept of 'New Hell,' a place specifically designed for modern sins that didn't exist in earlier times, such as internet trolls and those who create content solely for views without regard for truth or consequences. This social commentary adds depth to the fantasy elements of the show.

In episode 5, viewers were given a glimpse of hell when Hae-sook was temporarily taken there. The spectacular scenes of hell, complete with a judgment process where souls are categorized based on their sins, provided both visual interest and philosophical depth to the narrative. The drama suggests that in the afterlife, unlike in the living world, there are no unsolved cases, no reduced sentences due to mental incapacity, and no special treatment – justice is absolute.

This portrayal of heaven and hell has resonated with viewers who appreciate the show's blend of fantasy, humor, and deeper reflections on morality and justice.

Viewer Reactions and Community Response

The drama has generated significant buzz online, with viewers actively discussing theories and sharing emotional reactions to key scenes. On platforms like Naver blogs, DC Inside, and various community forums, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

Many viewers have praised the drama for its emotional depth, with the reunion scenes between pet owners and their deceased pets in heaven being highlighted as particularly moving. The chemistry between Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku has also been widely celebrated, with their bickering yet loving relationship providing both humor and heart.

The mystery surrounding Somi's identity has sparked extensive discussion, with fans meticulously analyzing every scene for clues. Some viewers have drawn connections to the writers' previous work, 'When My Love Blooms' (2019), noting thematic similarities and predicting potential plot developments.

The drama's OST has also received significant attention, with songs by Im Young-woong and Lee Mujin climbing music charts. Im Young-woong's 'Destiny' reached #3 on Melon's TOP100 real-time chart, adding to the drama's cultural impact.

With its unique premise, stellar performances, and emotional storytelling, 'More Beautiful Than Heaven' continues to captivate audiences as it unfolds its tale of love, family, and the mysteries of the afterlife. As viewers eagerly await the revelation of Somi's true identity, the drama promises to deliver more touching moments and surprising twists in the episodes to come.