Yoo Seung Ho possesses the ability to touch the hearts of viewers, through his realistic tear filled delivery of dramatic scenes. While this talent has led to the overwhelming viewership of his courtroom series, "Remember," it also punctuated the finale of his short drama, "Imaginary Cat."
In "Imaginary Cat," he endures a rollercoaster ride of joy and sorrow, an experience that is shared by most pet owners, as their beloved animals traverse life cycles from birth to death.
Based on a webtoon, "Imaginary Cat," provided a respite from the influx of melodramas and period programs that flooded Korean television towards the conclusion of 2015.
However, the previously upbeat series ended on a sorrowful note as the spirited tabby cat, Bok Gil (voiced by Han Ye Ri), meets her untimely end.
Her owner, Hyun Jong Hyun (Yoo Seung Ho), discovers her limp body on the floor of his apartment and immediately takes her to the veterinarian, where he is told that she has less than two days to live.
Oh Na Woo, the previous owner of Bok Gil who named her Haru, joins Jong Hyun and is initially horrified at the news, but provides comforting words, before departing.
"Just keep smiling and stay by her side," instructs Na Woo, in an attempt to appease Jong Hyun.
Jong Hyun attempts to fulfill the last wishes of his beloved feline by creating an indoor camping experience, while tenderly speaking with her, throughout the outing.
"This is my first time experiencing this," said Bok Gil. "You are a cool human."
While most pet owners cannot luxuriate in verbal feedback from their companions, the final scenes of Bok Gil help to humanize the fraught moments of a departing feline.
"Imaginary Cat" concluded with eight episodes. Yoo Seung Ho currently stars in the SBS legal drama, "Remember," which continues to receive top ratings, approaching 20 percent in nationwide viewership.