What a view | Memories of the Alhambra: why the Netflix show is an instant Korean drama classic

Much has been happening in the parallel universes of this genre-bending Netflix original series. But if for some inexplicable reason you haven’t been keeping up with the instant Korean classic, all 16 episodes of the eminently binge-watch-worthy show are available as of today.

For a hit that could easily have drifted into melodrama while taking itself too seriously, Memories has never lost its light touch (or its feature-film production values). So, as we wait for news of a second run, of which television-land is desirous, here’s a non-spoiling spoiler for all the novitiates.

Receiving a cryptic message, financier Yoo Jin-woo hares over to Granada, Spain, to meet Jung Se-joo, who is the creator of an augmented-reality game that brings to life battles from the Middle Ages centred on the Alhambra fortress-palace. The young genius disappears before Jin-woo can buy the rights to his game, but instead he chances upon Se-joo’s sister, hostel owner Jung Hee-joo.

Jin-woo and Hee-joo (played by big noises Hyun Bin and Park Shin-hye, respectively) soon become entangled in a sticky web of avatars (thankfully not blue), screaming warriors, swords falling from the sky, attacks by vengeful ghosts and the apparition of a floaty female Spanish guitarist.

“Real” and “alternative” fudge further as Jin-woo goes desperately seeking Se-joo while beginning a slow-burning relationship with Hee-joo. Game boy, however, is at grave risk, with the dark side also seeking a piece of the AR action by foul means or even fouler. Lining up for that team are his cunning ex-wife, a business rival and a damnable, grasping professor intent on destroying Jin-woo, who he believes killed his son. And for a dash of comic relief, don’t forget Seoul’s very own Keystone Cops, forever chasing the good guys down the wrong alley.