Korea’s very own ‘Heroes’ are ‘Moving’ in: A superpowered showdown!

When I spotted ‘Moving’ on Disney+, I didn’t just stumble upon another K-drama; I found a flashback to my once-favorite sci-fi, ‘Heroes.’

Superheroes? Check. Family drama? Check. A tantalizingly mysterious storyline? Double check.

At first glance, ‘Moving‘ seemed like a ‘Heroes‘ copycat, but oh no, dear reader, it’s so much more! With supernatural parents protecting their extraordinary children, the show has taken flight in its own right.

So grab your capes, because we’re about to take a fun ride through the twists, turns, and superpowered showdowns of ‘Moving’ and ‘Heroes.’ Let’s unleash the inner nerd in us!

The “Wow, that’s familiar!” moments

Sometimes a new series can throw you a curveball that feels so familiar, yet so refreshing. That’s exactly what happened when I dove into “Moving” on Disney+. It was a mix of delightful déjà vu and an itch of curiosity.

Superpowers galore

It wasn’t an instant ‘wow’ with “Moving” as it was with “Heroes,” but the recognition grew, especially with characters like Jang Joo Won and his daughter, who reminded me of Claire Bennet, and Kim Bong Seok, who resembled Nathan Petrelli. Let’s have some fun and rank the powers:

Time travel ability:

Hiro Nakamura’s Time Travel (Heroes): ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) [A perfect score for a unique power]
Missing in “Moving”: 0/5 stars

Regeneration ability:

Jang Hee Soo’s Regeneration (Moving): ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) [Perhaps a bit less explored or dramatic at least in the first 7 episodes; she’s still young]
Jang Joo Won‘s Regeneration (Moving): ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) [Kick ass already; he’s old so it should be]
Claire Bennet’s Regeneration (Heroes): ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) [Iconic and central to the plot; but she did start out like Jang Hee Soo]

Flying ability:

Kim Bong Seok’s Flying (Moving): ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) [Exciting but perhaps less integral, or perhaps we have to wait]
Nathan Petrelli’s Flying (Heroes): ★★★★★ (5/5 stars) [A key power that defines the character]

Strength and Speed Ability Comparison:

Lee Kang Hoon’s Strength and Speed (Moving): ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars) [Strong but not as original]
Niki Sanders’s Strength and Speed (Heroes): ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars) [More complex and integral]

Jang Hee Soo vs Claire Bennet — Jang Hee Soo (MyDramaList) vs. Claire Bennet (IMDB)

Déjà vu storylines

Both “Moving” and “Heroes” introduce us to super-killers who send shivers down our spines. In “Heroes,” we have Sylar, whose complex obsession with understanding and acquiring powers leads him on a murderous path. He’s a self-driven villain, motivated by a desire to become more powerful.

In “Moving,” things take a twist with Frank, the regenerating killer. He’s not your typical power-hungry villain; he’s a henchman, following someone else’s orders. His motivation seems tied to something more personal, possibly stemming from his own mommy issues. He often inquires about his victims’ children, hinting at a deep-rooted connection between his actions and his own family trauma.

What sets “Moving” apart from “Heroes” is not only its super-killer but also its family-centered theme. The series creates a unique blend of supernatural elements and family dynamics, offering a fresh perspective on the superhero genre. The anticipation of Kim Doo-shik’s arrival adds another layer of excitement. But perhaps what keeps us on the edge of our seats is the thought of a neverending fight between regenerators. I mean, who wouldn’t want to see that? It’s a battle of regeneration, with family secrets possibly fueling the fire!

Those shared vibes

Superheroes wanting ordinary lives? Check. Parental headaches? Check. Both “Moving” and “Heroes” have these shared vibes that make me want to sit down with a cup of coffee and just enjoy the ride. But let’s not overlook the fresh elements in “Moving.” It’s like going to your favorite restaurant and finding a new dish on the menu.

What’s missing?

Here’s where my nerd flag waves high. While “Moving” lacks a time-traveling Hiro Nakamura or a mind-reading Matt Parkman, there’s no Jeon Gye-do with electric thrills in “Heroes” either. And let’s not forget the absence of an invisible man like Claude Rains or a memory wiper like The Haitian in “Moving.” So, are we even? Not quite. I’m still waiting for my favorite teleporter to have a counterpart. The power match-up continues, and I’m all in for the thrilling adventure!

Frank vs. Sylar — Frank (MyDramaList) vs. Sylar (Comic Vine)

Starstruck: The performances

Strap in, drama fans! “Moving” is not just a whirlwind of superhero action; it’s a veritable feast for the eyes, thanks to a cast list that reads like a who’s who of K-Drama royalty. From returning heartthrobs to impressive transformations, “Moving” offers a lineup that promises both nostalgia and fresh excitement.

Where “Heroes” have talented actors like Hayden Panettiere, Milo Ventimiglia, Ali Larter, Zachary Quinto, Greg Grunberg, Masi Oka, Adrian Pasdar, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and more, “Moving” has the following:

Zo In Sung: The excitement is real! I’ve been waiting for this since his role in “It’s Okay, That’s Love,” where he absolutely stole my heart. Though he did have a supporting role in “Dear My Friends,” it’s only now that he’s back with another main role. Sadly, I haven’t spotted him in the first seven episodes of “Moving” yet—what a bummer! But I can’t wait to see this handsome man grace my K-drama world once again.
Go Youn Jung: I’ve admired since “Sweet Home,” playing Park Yu Ri. I particularly loved her in “Alchemy of Souls Season 2: Light and Shadow.” Her performance in “Moving” further cements her status as a talented young actress, and her effortless beauty never ceases to amaze.
Kim Do Hoon: Another one to watch. His character in “Doctor John” was delightful, and his funny personality in “The Law Cafe” kept me entertained. Now, as a smart (not to mention, strong and fast) high schooler in “Moving,” he’s proving his versatility and I’m loving every bit of it.
Kim Sung Kyun: Talent is simply extraordinary. From playing a college student in “Reply 1994” to a dad in “Reply 1988,” he’s covered it all. My favorite character of his has to be Goo Dae Young in “The Fiery Priest.” Whether it’s comedy or drama, he nails it every time.
Han Hyo Joo: This lady surprised me big time! Her transformation into a seemingly tired mom in “Moving” is somehow very convincing. Despite mixed feelings about her character in “W,” her role in “Happiness” was memorable, and her effortless beauty shines through.
Cha Tae Hyun: This seasoned actor has many roles under his belt. But honestly, sometimes it feels like he’s playing one character across different dramas. Still, I enjoy watching him, especially in “Police University” and of course, his chart-busting movie “My Sassy Girl,” which was so iconic that it even had a US remake. I hope to see more variation in his acting, but hey, I’m no expert here. I just know I like him in “Moving.”
Lee Jung Ha: He may have been in many dramas like “Rookie Historian Goo Hae Ryung” and “Run On,” but his characters didn’t stick with me. That’s about to change with “Moving” where his role promises to be unforgettable.
Ryu Seung Beom: He’s played a lot of main roles like in Rays of Sunshine, but these were dramas that appaered way before I was exposed to K-dramas, so I don’t remember him. But by golly! He plays a really good villain. Scary!
Ryu Seung Ryong. He’s leading the superhero pack in “Moving,” and I believe he’ll do so with finesse. This actor’s range is no joke, and my personal favorite is his portrayal of Director Choi in “Personal Taste.”

What’s next? Predictions and wishes

As “Moving” continues to unfold, it’s time to consult our crystal ball and pen our wish list for this exciting K-Drama adventure. While we don’t have a seer’s insight, we can’t help but look forward to what’s coming next.

These are things I think will happen:

Jeon Gye Do will harness the power of lightning like Storm in X-Men. If this happens, wow cool!
Lee Jae Man will stop sitting in his shop, crushing tin cans. He’ll start showing his true strength, which he should have because he’s Lee Kang Hoon’s dad.
Father and son Kim Doo Shik and Kim Bong Seok will have an awkward relationship when they finally meet. But with shared powers, the father will teach son to control his flight.
The big bad is someone from the NSI or perhaps a former agent.
Parents realize that they need to train their kids, rather than hide their powers, to form a “family alliance” against the big bad.

These are what I wish:

Redemption for Frank simply because I like this guy. His mom issues seem to trigger his emotions big time. This a long shot, but perhaps, Frank would have a change of heart and fight alongside the superheroes. His current orders might backfire, leading to a surprising ally. (I wish!)
The love triangle between Kim Bong Seok, Jang Hee Soo, and Lee Kang Hoon is tingling with possibilities. I wish Kim Bong Seok and Jang Hee Soo end up together, but I want a happy ending for Lee Kang Hoon because this boy is swee. But I fear a dark twist with Lee becoming a baddie. I hope not!

Unmasking the future: A super conclusion

“Moving” isn’t just another superhero tale; it’s a K-Drama that’s flown into its own league. With striking resemblances to “Heroes” but enough originality to stand alone, it’s captured the hearts and imaginations of viewers (well, of me).

Blending superpowers with family drama and love, “Moving” has unmasked a fresh perspective in a genre that never grows old. Our crystal ball predictions and wishful thoughts are part of the thrilling ride this show offers, and whether they come true or not, the excitement doesn’t wane.

So fasten your superhero capes, dear readers; the adventure is far from over. “Moving” continues to soar, promising more twists, turns, and thrilling showdowns. Get ready for the next episode; it’s going to be extraordinary!

“Moving” is available on Disney+

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Korea’s very own ‘Heroes’ are ‘Moving’ in: A superpowered showdown!