Netflix refreshes its catalogue all the time—adding fresh gems and saying goodbye to others once the licensing clock strikes midnight. If you’re in need of a series that blends family drama, heartfelt humour and moments that tug at the heartstrings, you’ll want to carve out time for Never Give Up before it disappears on 3 August. Believe me, I hit “play” on a rainy Wednesday afternoon expecting a quiet half-hour escape—and ended up sniffling and chuckling through sixteen episodes straight.
Never Give Up: What This K-Drama Is All About
At its core, Never Give Up tells the story of Gu Pil-su (played by Kwak Do-won), a retired boxer now settling into fatherhood, and Jung-suk (Yoon Du-jun), a bright young entrepreneur with big dreams. When Jung-suk moves into a quaint pawnshop run by Pil-su, the pair form an unlikely friendship that quickly blossoms into something deeper: mentor and protected, confidant and cheerleader.
This isn’t your typical go-get-’em business tale. Sure, you’ll see boardroom bravado and the odd startup pitch, but it’s balanced by kitchen-table family scenes that had me thinking of my own dad’s pep talks over burnt toast. And if that wasn’t enough, the series sprinkles in light-hearted moments—a runaway pig in the neighbourhood, impromptu boxing lessons in the living room—that keep things from getting too heavy.
According to Netflix’s official Top 10 rankings, Never Give Up consistently held a spot in the weekly chart for South Korean drama throughout July. “We wanted a story that felt both intimate and universal,” says a Netflix press statement. “Never Give Up resonates because it’s about people chasing hope, no matter how many rounds they’ve already fought.”
A New Korean Drama to Discover on Netflix
Once Never Give Up exits the stage, don’t despair—there’s another treat arriving just in time. Delightfully Deceitful, which first aired in South Korea two years ago, finally lands on Netflix this summer. Think of it as a dynamic duo of capers and legal thrills: Lee Ro-um is a charming con artist, and when she crosses paths with a straight-laced lawyer, sparks fly in the courtroom and beyond.
I confess, I dived into Delightfully Deceitful after seeing the hashtag #ConMeIfYouCan trending online—and within minutes I was hooked by its gripping twists and razor-sharp banter. The show combines slick heists with heartfelt character arcs, proving once again why Korean creators continue to dominate the streaming world.
So before you bid farewell to Never Give Up, set aside an evening for its farewell tour—and perhaps keep a tissue box close by. Then, when you’re ready for your next fix of emotional rollercoaster, fire up Delightfully Deceitful and prepare to be dazzled all over again.
