Lee Hong Ki of FTISLAND made his Korean drama return on October 18 on the SBS musical program “Modern Farmer.”

“Modern Farmer” opens with the members of the fictitious group Excellent Souls (ExSo) basking in the glory of stardom. Lee Hong Ki portrays Lee Min Ki, the leader, main vocalist, and guitarist of Excellent Souls, who wallows in a drunken stupor prior to their performance. He is accompanied by keyboardist turned medical intern Kang Hyuk, who is portrayed by “Roommates” and “Flower Boy Ramyun Shop” star Park Min Woo.

Lee Si Eun of “Reply 1997” portrays Yoo Han Cheol, a bassist who journeys from the simplicity of music into the constrictive life of the salary-man. Kwak Dong Yeon (Inspiring Generation) rounds out the members of Inspiring Soul as Han Ki Joon, the wayward drummer turned student.

“Modern Farmer” ventures into the dark and relatively unexplored territory of a washed up Korean rock band which struggles to assimilate into society, after the group is past its prime.

The opening montage of the first episode of “Modern Farmer” features the 1991 track “Smells Like Teen Spirit” from the American Grunge group Nirvana. The incorporation of Nirvana in a drama which focuses on a rock group is particularly dark when one considers that Kurt Cobain, the leader singer of Nirvana perished in a heinous act of suicide at the age of twenty-seven in April 1994. Fans of '90s rock will appreciate this nod to disillusioned musicians which is as neat as the inclusion of Radiohead's “Creep” in episode four of “Boarding House #24.”

The debut of “Modern Farmer” followed an apology from Lee Hong Ki and the writer of the drama, regarding the controversial name of the band which is at the center of the drama. Prior to promotional activities surrounding “Modern Farmer,” EXO fans expressed concerns regarding the name of the fictitious group Excellent Souls which abbreviates to ExSo. However, the first episode of “Modern Farmer” makes cheeky reference to this controversy through the incorporation of anti-fans who attend a pepper festival concert.

In the future sequence of “Modern Farmer” the group ExSo (Excellent Souls) are no longer popular and are forced to explore career options outside of rock music. Lee Min Ki is one of the most resistant out of all of the members of the group, when it comes to embracing what society considers to be a normal profession. When his grandmother dies, she leaves him 10,000 acres of land, which Min Ki does not initially appreciate.

Min Ki realizes that the plot of land has value, beyond mere real estate, as a cabbage farm. This launches the rather bizarre premise in which Min Ki begins to convince his former band mates to join him in the quest to become an agricultural mogul.

1. Lee Hong Ki demonstrates strong musicianship from the first episode of “Modern Farmer.”

While Lee Hong Ki was captivating in his performance for the supernatural drama “Bride of the Century,” “Modern Farmer allows his musical talents to shine. From the opening sequence, Lee Hong Ki incorporates his soaring vocals and consummate guitar skills which entranced audiences during his role as Jeremy in the 2009 musical drama “You're Beautiful.” His character Lee Min Ki is initially less kind and lovable than Jeremy but his bristly personality will undoubtedly soften in future epsiodes.

 2. “Modern Farmer” provides commentary on Korea's evolution from an agrarian society to an industrial nation.

“Modern Farmer” helps to provide context regarding the industrial revolution in Korean society. Lee Min Ki initially views his inheritance of 10,000 acres of land as a prime opportunity for real estate development. Once he discovers that the price of the land is only worth the produce that is planted on it, he begins to gain a better sense of the trials of hardworking farmers. The disconnect that remains between farmers and city dwellers is one which resounds throughout the world.

3. Park Min Woo is ready to emerge as a leading actor. 

Actor Park Min Woo receives second billing in “Modern Farmer.” Park Min Woo began to win over K-Drama fans with his sweet performance on the 2011 tvN drama “Flower Boy Ramyun Shop” in addition to his appearance on “Roommates” and “Grandpas Over Flowers Investigation Agency.” Park Min Woo portrays hospital intern Kang Hyuk, who has the lowest stakes out of all the members of Excellent Souls, as the group members attempt to reform themselves as farmers.

4. “Modern Farmer” provides a sharp contrast to Honey Lee's role in “Tazza: The Hidden Card.”

As Min Ki approaches the funeral session for his grandmother, he has a run in with Kang Yoon Hee. Kang Yoon Hee is the hardy yet crafty leader of a local village portrayed by Honey Lee. The role is a vast departure from the sophisticated and cultured role held by Honey Lee for “Tazza: The Hidden Card.”

5. FNC Entertainment musicians Min A of AOA and Kim Jae Hyun of N.Flying are given an opportunity to shine in “Modern Farmer.”

 Lee Hong Ki is joined by fellow FNC Entertainment artists from AOA and N.Flying for “Modern Farmer.” Min A of the girl group AOA has a role in the drama, as well as Kim Jae Hyun of the rookie group N.Flying. It will be interesting to see how the setting of the fictitious agency FT Entertainment incorporates itself into the rural lifestyle of ExSo.

 “Modern Farmer” airs on SBS in the 8:45 KST time slot formerly occupied by “Glorious Day.” “Modern Farmer” is also simulcast with English subtitles on Viki and DramaFever.