After years of isolation brought on by the pandemic, Korban II arrives as a soul-stirring drama that transcends borders. Blending Malay and Māori cultures into a seamless narrative of love, healing, and sacrifice, this series speaks to something deeper than just entertainment – it explores what it means to belong.
A Cultural and Visual Feast in the Heart of Aotearoa
Filmed entirely in New Zealand, Korban II is a visual masterpiece. From its lush native forests to dramatic coastlines, every scene is infused with the country’s natural beauty and cultural spirit. But more than just scenery, it’s the show’s embrace of authenticity, particularly Māori traditions and language – that stands out.
“Where I grew up, there’s just Māori everywhere,I was kind of oblivious to Malay culture… but everyone was so open, so willing to teach. That made it feel like home.”
Evander Brown
This cultural bridge is what makes Korban II unique – it’s not just about storytelling, but about creating space for mutual understanding.
A scene from Korban Part II. (Photo: Mediacorp)
Aisyah’s Journey: Cooking, Connection, and Closure
At the center of Season 2 is Aisyah, a passionate Singaporean chef who relocates to New Zealand with her husband. But this isn’t just a story about food – it’s a story about facing grief, reconnecting with an estranged family, and learning how to find one’s place in a foreign land.
“There’s so much happening this season,” said actress Rae Saleha. “You might just find answers in this story that you didn’t even know you were looking for.”
Aisyah’s quest isn’t just for the perfect recipe – it’s for emotional truth. As she searches for the heart behind her signature dish, she uncovers deep-rooted parallels between the cuisines, cultures, and communities around her.
“She moves to New Zealand to be with her husband,” explained actor Aaron Khaled, “but the real journey is how she overcomes her own personal hurdles, especially with Chef Sam, who teaches her a lot about life.”
The Power of “Korban”: Sacrifice as a Way Forward
The title Korban means sacrifice – and the series lives up to it.
But here, sacrifice isn’t just about giving something up. It’s about courage. It’s about choosing vulnerability, forging human connections, and chasing purpose, even when the path is uncertain.
Whether it’s Aisyah confronting her grief, Evander learning about his partner’s roots, or families trying to heal, Korban II shows that sacrifice often leads to strength – and that true healing begins when we open ourselves to change.
A scene from Korban Part II. (Photo: Mediacorp)
A Drama That Holds Up a Mirror
Director Jeevan Anthoney puts it best:
“I think we’re all trying to find our place in the world. Do we belong here? That question drives the characters, too – they’re all navigating space and identity.”
Through its layered storytelling, Korban II reflects the audience’s own emotional journeys, inviting us to ask big questions about love, loss, family, and who we truly are.
Why You Should Watch Korban II
If you’re looking for a drama that looks beautiful, feels real, and says something important, this is it.
Korban II is more than a show – it’s a cultural celebration, an emotional journey, and a moving testament to what connects us. Through stunning landscapes, raw performances, and stories that dig deep, it reminds us that sometimes, the bridges we build between worlds are the ones that heal us most.
