[Aisha's Take] Is Attention A Need? Exposing The Reality in "Drama Stage 2021 - Attention Hog'"

The stage drama, "Drama Stage 2021 - Attention Hog" (2021) captured the dark reality of human nature in a span of an hour. Brewed with comedy and a dark persona, "Drama Stage 2021 - Attention Hog" is a masterpiece Han Cinema wishes to recall.

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Yoo  Ha-na (Ahn So-hee) was an influencer who created vlogs, showcasing her supposed daily life. She pretended to be a golden spoon who had no care in the world. This, though, soon backfires when she gets kidnapped during one of her live streams.

Kang  Tae-soo (Kwak Dong-yeon)'s was in ruins because of debts. After his father's death, he struggled day to day but found no way out. He even had to give up his dream of becoming a civil servant. He soon gets hired by another influencer, Kim  Seong-pil (Song Duk-ho) to kidnap Yoo  Ha-na. Tae-soo's timid behavior played a comic role, and we couldn't help but adore him. After he kidnaps Ha-na, he tries his level best to intimidate her, but his clumsiness makes it impossible.

These three characters showcased different struggles and how they coped. And the need for attention. Seong-pil was an influencer who would expose other celebrities. He held no remorse and the idea of fame drove him over the edge.

Ha-na's reason for the attention was different. Being an influencer was more than just a career. By presenting herself as rich, she lived in another world. Somehow, this made her feel as if she was really rich. In fact, she was drowning in depth. But the delusion kept her going. After being kidnapped, her delusional world was threatened. This pushes her to the extent of harming someone.

Tae-soo wanted attention too. He wanted this struggle to be recognised. In the end, he uploads the video of being attacked because he didn't want to disappear just like that.

Attention, the need to be known or how to be known in society. Whilst some want to cry about their struggles, some wish to hide their ugliness. "Drama Stage 2021 - Attention Hog" has made us wonder....is attention a human need?

By Aisha Adnan

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"Drama Stage 2021 - Attention Hog" is directed by Lee Ye-rim-IV, written by Lee Bom-I, and features Ahn So-hee, Kwak Dong-yeon, Song Duk-ho, Ji Dae-han, Shin Yeon-woo-II. Broadcasting information in Korea: 2021/03/17, Wed 00:10 on tvN.