Like Flowers in Sand Episode 1 recap and review – Fascinating sports drama to boost team spirit and friendship!

Netflix’s latest kdrama ‘Like Flowers in Sand’ dropped its first two episodes and already set the tone for inspiration to welcome the new year with enthusiasm and team spirit. Starring the Daily Dose of Sunshine and The Tale of Nokdu heartthrob, Jang Dong-Yoon in a leading role – Like Flowers in Sand premieres its new episodes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The initial episodes introduced us to the titular character, Kim Baek-do, and his dilemmas after constant failure in Ssireum, which is a kind of Korean wrestling style and also the traditional national sport of the country.  

Episode 1 Recap

Amid the loud cheers and voiceover commentary for Dano Ssireum Competition 2023 – A stoic man in his early thirties is seen entering the wrestling arena after his name is announced, he is none other than the protagonist, Kim Baek-do. It is also revealed that the match was one of the most important matches for him and might even be the last one before the story spirals into flashbacks.  

The rest of the episode revolves around Baek-Do, who was once a child prodigy but lost his glory and is now plunging to failure as he hasn’t won a single Championships in a while. From sports coach to his teammates, everyone looks down upon him. He is struggling with his personal crisis and a team get-together turns into a disaster when he drinks Soju (Korean alcohol) instead of water. While the parallel story witnesses the mysterious death of Choi Chil-Seong who is found dead near a reservoir.   

The story then returns to the present where Baek-do is fighting against a roaring wrestler and a winner of multiple championships Lim Dong-Seok. In the wrestling match, the emotions run high when Baek-do witnesses his father, who is a legendary former champion. The first round is won by Dong-Seok, while the second one by Baek-do. The third and final round is a tough call and hence the referral match video is replayed, where Lim Dong-Seok emerges as the winner.   

Is this the end of his wrestling career or a new beginning?  

Meanwhile, there is also a mysterious woman, who ignites gossip amongst the townspeople for her intriguing demeanor. A new character of Dong-sik also stirs fascination in a café owner as she asks Baek-do's rival to reveal more information about Sik.   

Episode 1 Review

The 1-hour episodes might seem lengthy and monotonous at first but if you sail through the last few minutes, the drama won’t fall flat to expectations. It is anticipated to unfold various elements in the forthcoming episodes with a murder-mystery plot and sports competitions while navigating love and friendships. With the addition of a parallel story, the drama seems promising, and it surely would be fascinating to watch the stories intertwining with fates. Like Flowers in Sand is no ‘usual kdrama’ as it brings different tropes with mystery, friendship, first love, and sports under one roof!