Amanza

Amanza Smith (born December 12, 1976) is an American interior designer, real estate agent, television personality, and artist, best known for her role as a cast member on the Netflix reality series Selling Sunset.^[1] Born in Indiana, Smith earned a degree in interior design from Indiana State University.^[2] She launched her professional career in the entertainment industry as a model in Los Angeles, where she also served as an NFL cheerleader for the Indianapolis Colts, appeared in various magazines and television commercials, and worked as a briefcase model on two seasons of NBC's Deal or No Deal.^[3] Transitioning back to her academic roots, Smith established herself in interior design by decorating and staging luxury homes for Hollywood's elite clientele.^[2] In this capacity, she joined The Oppenheim Group, a high-end real estate brokerage in West Hollywood, California, as their in-house interior design expert and licensed real estate agent (DRE #01983697).^[2] Smith debuted on Selling Sunset during its second season in 2020, showcasing her expertise in luxury property sales and staging while navigating the personal and professional dynamics of the all-female brokerage team.^[3] The series, which follows the agents' lives amid multimillion-dollar deals in Los Angeles, has featured her prominently through its ongoing seasons, highlighting her down-to-earth demeanor and longtime friendship with co-star Mary Fitzgerald, dating back over two decades.^[3][4] Beyond real estate and television, Smith is an accomplished visual artist whose bold, creative paintings have been exhibited and sold through reputable platforms, including Artsy and Mash Gallery in Los Angeles.^[5] She was married to NFL player Ralph Brown from 2010 to 2012; they have two children, and Brown has been missing since 2019. She also serves as CEO of Kidteriors, a firm specializing in children's interior design.^[6][7][8]

Overview

Premise

Amanza is a South Korean web drama series that centers on Park Dong-myung, a 27-year-old job seeker who receives a devastating diagnosis of terminal stomach cancer.^[9] Struggling with unemployment and the abrupt end to his aspirations, Dong-myung, portrayed by Ji Soo, confronts the fragility of life while oscillating between the painful realities of his medical treatment and a vibrant, fantastical dream realm called Amanza.^[9] In this alternate world, he undertakes thrilling adventures that help him uncover deeper purpose amid his circumstances.^[9] The series premiered on KakaoTV on September 1, 2020.^[10] The narrative delves into profound themes, including the confrontation of mortality and the therapeutic blur between harsh reality and escapist dreams, which facilitate Dong-myung's emotional maturation.^[11] Through its blend of live-action and animation, Amanza illustrates how fantasy elements enable introspection and growth for its protagonist, emphasizing resilience in the face of inevitable loss.^[9] Adapted from the Lezhin webtoon of the same name—also titled Big See in English—by author Kim Bo-tong, the story originates from a poignant exploration of a cancer patient's psychological and emotional inner world.^[12][13] Kim Bo-tong drew inspiration from personal experiences, including the death of his father from cancer, infusing the work with authentic depth on human vulnerability.^[14][11]

Format and release

Amanza is a South Korean web drama consisting of 10 episodes, each running approximately 15 to 18 minutes, making it a compact mini-series format ideal for mobile streaming and on-the-go viewing.^[15][16] Produced as an original streaming series by Kakao M, it blends live-action with animated elements to deliver its narrative.^[16] The series falls within the drama genre, incorporating fantasy aspects alongside emotional and medical themes centered on terminal illness.^[15] The drama premiered on September 1, 2020, exclusively on KakaoTV, with new episodes released weekly on Tuesdays through to the finale on November 3, 2020.^[15] This structured rollout supported its short-form design, allowing viewers to engage episodically without commitment to longer traditional broadcasts. As a single-season production, Amanza concludes without any announced continuations or additional installments.^[10]

Cast

Main cast

The main cast of Amanza centers on the protagonist's journey through terminal stomach cancer and an alternate dream reality, with actors delivering nuanced performances in this emotional narrative.^[15] Ji Soo portrays Park Dong-myung, the unemployed 26-year-old protagonist facing a terminal stomach cancer diagnosis, who embodies vulnerability in his real-life struggles and transforms into the confident "Amanza" in his dream world.^[17][15] Ji Soo, who debuted in theater in 2009 and gained recognition for heartfelt roles in emotional dramas like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016), was selected for the lead in summer 2020, leveraging his experience in portraying complex inner turmoil.^[18][13] Lee Seol plays Min Jung, Dong-myung's girlfriend and a pivotal dream world figure who guides him through fantastical elements, offering emotional connection amid his isolation.^[15][16] Lee Seol, a South Korean actress who debuted in 2018 with films like Herstory, brings subtlety to her role as a bridging presence between reality and fantasy.^[19]

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of Amanza features actors portraying family members, friends, and ancillary figures who deepen subplots related to job struggles, family ties, and the interplay between reality and dreams, thereby enriching the narrative's emotional and fantastical layers without driving the core plot. Oh Hyun-kyung depicts Dong-myung's mother, a key family member central to his real-world medical and emotional challenges, providing steadfast support in the face of his illness while transforming into the dream entity Wangbawoo to provide grounding support amid chaotic dream sequences.^[20][21] Oh Hyun-kyung, a veteran actress who won Miss Korea in 1989 and studied theater at Ewha Womans University, is renowned for her authentic portrayals of familial depth in dramas.^[22] Yoo Seung-mok stars as Dong-myung's father, a supporting lead in the reality arc who anchors the family dynamics during the protagonist's health crisis, offering paternal guidance in daily life and manifesting as Mogabi in the dream realm to underscore themes of legacy and regret.^[20][21] Yoo Seung-mok, born in 1969 and known for grounded performances in films such as Memories of Murder (2003), contributes gravitas to the paternal role in this cancer-centered story.^[23][24] Lee Jong-won portrays Park Dong-yeon, Dong-myung's brother and a key figure who bridges the real and dream worlds through his protective involvement in the family narrative, whose interactions highlight sibling camaraderie and occasional comic relief during moments of real-world tension, with his dream counterpart Deopeori adding whimsical elements to fantastical encounters.^[20][21] Lee Jong-won, a model-turned-actor who debuted in 2018 with Go, Back Diary, infuses the sibling relationship with relatable intensity drawn from his early drama roles.^[25] Shin Ju-hwan takes on the role of Tae-hwan, a loyal friend and colleague who assists in Dong-myung's job-seeking endeavors and navigates the challenges of the medical arc alongside him, later appearing as the dream figure Hongsil to amplify themes of camaraderie in surreal settings.^[20][17] Kang On plays Kim Kang-on, a supportive colleague in Dong-myung's professional struggles, contributing to subplots of workplace camaraderie and youthful ambition. Choi Byung-yoon embodies Yong-min, a family acquaintance or dream world inhabitant who injects lighthearted support and humor into relational dynamics. Other recurring roles include nurses and hospital staff who populate the medical environments, providing procedural realism and tension, as well as ethereal dream entities that briefly appear across episodes to expand the otherworldly atmosphere and reflect Dong-myung's inner turmoil.^[20] The ensemble's diversity spans generations—from youthful peers like Shin Ju-hwan (born 1986) to seasoned performers like Yoo Seung-mok (born 1969)—and incorporates varied professional backgrounds, mirroring broader societal facets of modern Korean life such as urban job markets and healthcare systems.^[20]

Production

Development

Amanza originated from the Lezhin Comics webtoon Big See, created by Kim Bo-tong and serialized starting in 2013, initially from September 2013 to October 2014 on Olleh Market Webtoon and re-serialized on Lezhin Comics starting in July 2016,^[26][27] which delves into the inner world and psychological struggles of a young man diagnosed with terminal cancer. The story centers on themes of mortality, dreams, and emotional resilience, blending reality with fantastical elements to portray the patient's psyche amid his illness. This webtoon, which garnered over 20 million views worldwide, provided the foundational narrative for the series' adaptation into a hybrid live-action and animated format.^[28][29] Development of the series began in 2020 under Kakao M, which produced the project as one of its inaugural original contents for the KakaoTV streaming platform. Screenwriters Kim Dong-ha and Kwak Jae-min handled the adaptation, transforming the webtoon's introspective cancer-dream motif into a concise 10-episode structure optimized for mobile viewing, with each installment under 15 minutes to suit short-form streaming consumption. Kim Dong-ha also co-directed the live-action segments, while Han Ji-won oversaw the animation, marking a collaborative effort to merge visual styles that enhance the story's emotional depth and terminal illness themes.^[15][30][29] The adaptation process emphasized creating accessible, poignant storytelling to resonate with audiences facing health challenges, aiming to foster greater awareness of terminal conditions through its narrative focus on personal growth and familial bonds. Lezhin Entertainment officially announced the project on August 4, 2020, highlighting its intent to bridge webtoon popularity with innovative digital drama. Early casting announcements included lead actor Ji Soo in the dual role of Park Dong-myung and Amanza, setting the stage for pre-production momentum.^[29][13]

Casting and filming

Casting for the lead role of Park Dong-myeong, also known as "Amanza," was announced in October 2019, with actor Ji Soo confirmed by his agency to star in the series.^[12] At that time, production noted that principal photography had not yet begun. The remaining main cast, including Lee Seol as Min Jung, Oh Hyun-kyung as Dong-myeong's mother, Yoo Seung-mok as his father, and Lee Jong-won as his brother, were officially confirmed by summer 2020 through the release of character posters.^[9] Principal photography for the live-action portions took place in 2020, ahead of the series' premiere on September 1, 2020, on Kakao TV. The production incorporated a mix of live-action and animated sequences, with dream and fantasy elements handled through animation directed by Han Ji-won to enhance the narrative's emotional depth.^[31] Live-action direction was led by Kim Dong-ha, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Kwak Jae-min, ensuring a cohesive blend of realism and stylistic flair suited to the web drama's 15-minute episode format.^[15] Cinematography and editing emphasized concise pacing to fit the short runtime, focusing on intimate, character-driven shots without reported delays or controversies during shooting.^[32]

Broadcast

Episodes

Amanza consists of 10 episodes, released weekly on Tuesdays from September 1 to November 3, 2020, via KakaoTV, with each episode running approximately 15-19 minutes. The series blends live-action directed by Kim Dong-ha with animated sequences directed by Han Ji-won, chronicling protagonist Park Dong-myung's emotional and fantastical journey through his cancer diagnosis and treatment.^[15][33][34] The following table lists all episodes, including titles, original air dates, and directors: Episode 1: "I Suddenly Became a Cancer Patient Today"
Park Dong-myung, a 26-year-old office worker, receives a devastating diagnosis of terminal stomach cancer, shattering his everyday life and forcing him to inform his supportive yet strained family, including his mother and sister, as he grapples with the initial shock and begins his medical journey. The episode introduces key supporting characters like his colleague and family members, setting the foundation for evolving family dynamics amid the harsh reality of illness.^[35][36] Episode 2: "A New Adventure Began with the First Chemotherapy"
Dong-myung undergoes his first chemotherapy session, experiencing physical tolls that lead him into the dream world of Amanza for the first time, where animated adventures provide temporary escape; meanwhile, his interactions with his sister deepen, highlighting emerging tensions and bonds within the family as they adjust to his condition. Episode 3: "A 27-Year-Old Cancer Patient's Birthday Party and His Father's Heart"
As Dong-myung turns 27, his family organizes a birthday celebration that underscores his father's unspoken emotions and regrets, blending real-world family gatherings with glimpses into Amanza's fantastical elements; supporting characters like his father play a pivotal role in revealing layered family histories and strengthening relational arcs. Episode 4: "My Hair Keeps Falling Out"
The side effects of treatment intensify as Dong-myung notices significant hair loss, prompting reflections on his changing identity and vulnerability, while his relationships with family and friends, including budding connections in the dream realm, begin to offer emotional anchors amid the isolation of his health struggles. Episode 5: "I'll Be the Only One Left"
Dong-myung confronts feelings of solitude as he anticipates outliving his dreams and connections, with family dynamics shifting through shared moments of care and conflict; the episode integrates more interactions with supporting cast members, illustrating how his illness reshapes group support systems over time.^[37] Episode 6: "Mom, I Want to Go Home"
Yearning for comfort, Dong-myung expresses a desire to return home, deepening his bond with his mother and exposing raw family vulnerabilities; animated sequences in Amanza parallel his emotional pleas, as recurring supporting characters contribute to building a narrative of collective resilience. Episode 7: "I Still Have a Lot of Things I Want to Do, Places I Want to Go"
Dong-myung lists his unfulfilled aspirations, fueling explorations in both reality and Amanza, while family and friends rally around him, evolving dynamics from initial shock to proactive involvement in his wishes and daily life. Episode 8: "Why Do I Have to Die?"
Questioning the fairness of his fate, Dong-myung navigates profound existential doubts, with intensified family interactions revealing deeper layers of love and unresolved issues among mains and supports, as the dream world offers contrasting adventures. Episode 9: "There Is No Life Without Regrets, But There Is No Life Without Meaning"
Dong-myung ponders life's inherent regrets alongside its purposes, fostering reconciliations and growth in family ties; supporting characters' arcs culminate in meaningful contributions, bridging real and dream worlds to emphasize ongoing relational development. Episode 10: "Amanza's Special Adventure"
In the series finale, Dong-myung embarks on a culminating journey in Amanza intertwined with final real-world reflections, as family dynamics reach a poignant resolution, showcasing the full arc of mains and supports through shared experiences of adversity and hope.^[38]

Viewership

Amanza premiered on Kakao TV on September 1, 2020, as one of the platform's flagship original series during its launch, contributing to the service's initial subscriber base of over 3 million users by late 2020.^[39] Specific viewership numbers for individual episodes or overall streams on Kakao TV have not been publicly disclosed, but the series' short-form format and weekly release schedule from September to November 2020 helped sustain engagement among domestic audiences.^[15] Internationally, Amanza became available on streaming platforms including Kocowa, Amazon Prime Video via the Kocowa channel, OnDemandKorea, and The Roku Channel, expanding its reach to global viewers interested in Korean web dramas.^[40] On IMDb, the series holds a rating of 8.1 out of 10 based on 82 user votes as of November 2025, reflecting positive reception among English-speaking audiences.^[17] Similarly, on MyDramaList, it scores 8.3 out of 10 from 1,306 ratings, with 5,699 listed watchers indicating modest but steady international popularity, ranking #1074 overall and #3419 in popularity.^[15] The series' viewership trends show peaks aligned with its emotional narrative arcs, particularly episodes exploring the protagonist's cancer diagnosis and family dynamics, which resonated with viewers and contributed to ongoing discussions on platforms like MyDramaList.^[15] Compared to other short-form K-dramas of 2020, such as those on the same Kakao TV slate, Amanza maintained comparable user engagement metrics, bolstered by promotional efforts including character posters shared ahead of release.^[9] Factors influencing its performance included Kakao's integrated promotion within its ecosystem and social media amplification of the cancer awareness theme, which drew attention to the series' heartfelt storytelling.^[41]

Soundtrack

Part 1

The first installment of the Amanza original soundtrack, released on October 6, 2020, features the single track "Memory" performed by Seol Hoseung.^[42] This release coincided with the drama's early airing on Kakao TV, aligning with the series' exploration of memory amid a young protagonist's terminal cancer diagnosis and his shifts between harsh reality and fantastical dreams.^[15] "Memory" is an emotional ballad lasting 4:21, with lyrics by Sunwoo Jung-a and music and arrangement by Jo Sung-tae, performed by Seol Hoseung.^[43] The song's lyrics delve into themes of reminiscence and fleeting moments, mirroring the narrative's focus on cherishing memories during adversity.^[44] Seol Hoseung, a vocalist and guitarist in the South Korean indie rock band SURL, brings his signature introspective style to K-drama OSTs, as seen in his contributions to series such as Run On and Twenty-Five Twenty-One.^[45] His work often features poignant, melody-driven ballads that enhance emotional depth in storytelling.^[46] In the series, "Memory" underscores key scenes in episodes 1 through 5, particularly during transitions highlighting the protagonist's diagnosis and dream escapes.^[47]

Part 2

The second installment of the Amanza original soundtrack, released on October 13, 2020, centers on the single "Running Time" performed by Elaine, available in both vocal and instrumental versions.^[48] The vocal track lasts 4:17, featuring Elaine's husky, emotive delivery over a ballad arrangement that blends uplifting rhythms with melancholic undertones.^[49] Its instrumental counterpart, clocking in at 4:15, provides a stripped-back accompaniment emphasizing piano and strings for atmospheric depth.^[48] This release aligns with the series' exploration of terminal illness, where the song's title and lyrics evoke the relentless passage of time faced by the protagonist, a 26-year-old man grappling with stomach cancer.^[15] The upbeat yet poignant tone mirrors the narrative's motif of racing against an inevitable end, transitioning from earlier, more introspective tracks like those in Part 1 to underscore the story's emotional climax.^[15] "Running Time" features lyrics and music by Sunwoo Jung-a, performed by Elaine, a Korean-American singer-songwriter emerging prominently in the K-drama OST landscape around 2020, contributed this piece as part of her growing portfolio of television soundtracks.^[50] Known for her low-pitched vocals and heartfelt ballads, she had previously lent her voice to notable dramas such as Mr. Sunshine and Vagabond, establishing her as a key figure in the fusion of K-pop sensibilities with dramatic scoring. The track's production, handled under Lezhin Studio, highlights her role in elevating the series' later arcs through music that amplifies themes of reflection and fleeting moments.^[49] "Running Time" appears frequently in the mid-to-late episodes, enhancing scenes of the protagonist's dream-like journeys and introspective confrontations with his mortality, thereby reinforcing the soundtrack's progression toward resolution.^[42]

Reception

Critical response

Amanza garnered positive reviews from critics and drama enthusiasts for its poignant exploration of mortality and family bonds, earning an aggregate score of 8.3 out of 10 on MyDramaList based on over 1,300 user ratings that include detailed analytical feedback.^[15] Reviewers praised the series' authentic portrayal of terminal cancer, highlighting how it realistically depicts the stages of acceptance and the emotional toll on a young patient without resorting to melodrama. For instance, one detailed review commended the narrative for balancing harsh realities like treatment pain with moments of warmth and positivity, offering life lessons on cherishing everyday connections. Kim Ji Soo's performance as the protagonist Park Dong-myung was widely acclaimed as a standout, with critics noting his ability to convey the character's internal turmoil and growth through subtle expressions and vulnerability.^[51] His portrayal was described as "fantastically pulled off," making the role feel deeply personal and relatable, particularly in scenes blending raw grief with quiet resilience.^[51] The innovative fusion of dream sequences and reality, visualized through striking animation, was another key strength, effectively representing the protagonist's shifting mental state and adding a layer of fantasy that enhanced the thematic depth without overwhelming the story.^[52] However, some critiques pointed to inconsistencies in pacing, especially within the fantasy elements, which occasionally felt disjointed or abstract, leading to a sense of unresolved progression toward the finale.^[53] The short format, while praised for its concise impact, was faulted for limiting character exploration beyond the lead, with side stories sometimes diluting focus and preventing fuller development of supporting arcs. Despite these issues, the series was appreciated for its bold adaptation of webtoon elements into a compact, emotionally resonant miniseries.

Audience reception

Amanza garnered significant praise from fans for its heartfelt depiction of a young man's battle with terminal stomach cancer, resonating deeply with viewers facing similar personal or familial struggles. On MyDramaList, the series holds an average user rating of 8.3 out of 10, based on over 1,300 ratings, with many highlighting the relatable portrayal of the protagonist's regrets over an unfulfilled life, including career pressures and everyday hardships amid illness.^[15] Fans frequently commended the show's ability to balance raw emotional pain with moments of warmth and positivity, noting how it captured the complexities of treatment side effects and family dynamics in a way that felt authentic and non-sensationalized.^[54] The drama sparked discussions on terminal illness awareness, particularly in Korean online communities during its 2020 release, as viewers connected the story's themes to broader societal conversations about health and mortality intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.^[54] Internationally, a modest but enthusiastic fanbase emerged through streaming platforms like The Roku Channel, where English-subtitled episodes drew positive feedback for fostering empathy toward end-of-life experiences.^[55] This global reception aligned closely with the series' 8.1 IMDb rating from 82 users, underscoring a correlation between high fan engagement in forums and the show's emotional depth.^[56] Culturally, Amanza struck a chord with young adults, who appreciated its exploration of mental health through the protagonist's imaginative escapes as a coping mechanism for despair.^[54] Post-release reflections in fan discussions often revisited these elements, praising how the narrative encouraged mindfulness about life's priorities and emotional resilience in the face of uncertainty.^[57] This fan appreciation echoed critical acclaim for the lead performances, further amplifying the series' impact on personal growth narratives.^[54]