Awl is the forthcoming drama on cabel channel JTBC and stars Ji Hyun Woo in the lead role. It certainly has a low buzz surrounding it but has all the signs of becoming the dark horse in this never-ending race of TV shows and popularity. I loved Ji Hyun Woo as the hero with brains and gentleman qualities in time travel romance Queen In Hyun’s Man. He then went for mandatory military service and made a comeback with disappointing Trot Lovers (his hair in that show was one of the reasons I was hesitant to even give it a try. It didn’t help that the reviews were all negative across the board). Now he is coming back with a show about struggle of common man and it’s quite a departure from his last few roles. In a good way of course.

Adapted from a webtoon of the same name and inspired by true events, Awl tells about a group of union workers who fight against the unfair laying off of employees from a super market chain. The story definitely sounds inspiring and close to real life. I think the makers are also going for a Misaeng look and feel and are obviously expecting the same success. Well, if we get another quality drama with oodles of emotional beats, I would be a happy camper. The network is JTBC, which is known for its superior shows and that increases the hope.

Ji Hyun Woo plays the manager of the supermarket, while Ahn Nae Sang (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) and Kim Ga Eun (She played Lee Jong Suk‘s friend in I Hear Your Voice. Last seen in web drama I Order You with Yunho) play union counsellors. The other workers of the shop will be played by Yesung (of Super Junior), Hyun Woo (Yoo Mi’s Room, Gap Dong) and Park Shi Hwan (from variety show Superstar K 5). Kim Hee Won (Angry Mom, Misaeng) will play the head of the company against which the rest of the cast members will fight.

Awl starts airing from October 23 as a Friday-Saturday drama on JTBC.