A rollercoaster of highs and lows

I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire series to give a fair and thorough perspective.

This drama is a rollercoaster of highs and lows, offering an intriguing blend of heartfelt moments and over-the-top storytelling.

The characters are undoubtedly one of the drama's strongest points. They're layered, engaging, and easy to root for, particularly in the friendships and love stories that form the heart of the series. The cast delivers strong performances overall, though it does occasionally lean too much into exaggerated acting, which can be off-putting at times.

For viewers new to K-dramas, this show may feel like an instant favorite with its charming leads and emotional storytelling. However, for seasoned fans of the genre, it may not resonate as strongly. Unless you're a devoted fan of the lead actors, the drama's flaws might outweigh its strengths.

The storytelling is uneven, excelling in the portrayal of relationships but faltering elsewhere. For example, the first responder scenes and the depiction of a pivotal event that drastically changes the male lead's trajectory feel cringe-worthy and lack the realism needed to support the narrative. These missteps make certain parts of the drama feel over-the-top in a bad way, detracting from the emotional weight of the story.

Additionally, the long runtime of certain episodes clocking in at 1 hour and 30 minutes per episode can test patience, with some scenes feeling unnecessarily drawn out. A tighter edit would have made for a more compelling watch.

On a positive note, the OST is a highlight, beautifully enhancing the drama’s emotional moments and leaving a lasting impression.

In conclusion, while this drama has its charms, particularly for fans of the leads or K-drama newcomers, it might not hold the same appeal for more seasoned viewers. Its engaging characters and touching moments are worth watching, but the uneven storytelling and unrealistic elements may make it less satisfying overall.

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A Dark and Brutal Ride Through the Underworld

I aim to keep my reviews short, spoiler-free, and focused on the key points to help you decide if a drama is worth your time. I never fast-forward and always strive to watch the entire series to give a fair and thorough perspective.

This drama delivers an intense and violent depiction of South Korea's underworld, exploring themes of drugs, corruption, and survival.

The first episode is intentionally disorienting, leaving you questioning how the characters are connected and what their motives are. While the premise is intriguing, the series struggles with character depth. It's hard to connect with anyone besides the pimp, who himself feels so hollow that it’s challenging to fully invest in his journey.

The action scenes are a standout, with well-choreographed fights and relentless pacing. While the drama includes the familiar trope of 1v10 fight scenes, the choreography is generally well-done and satisfying. However, the violence is graphic, and the themes of drug use and prostitution make this show unsuitable for everyone. While the latter is cautiously portrayed due to its taboo nature, it still aligns with current social issues in South Korea, including runaway youth and systemic corruption.

The drama does well in explaining how the main characters started working together, but more character development would have made it easier to care about their fates. Most of the cops and prosecutors are shallow caricatures of corruption, lacking the complexity that would have made their motivations more compelling.

Despite its shortcomings, the show remains entertaining, with a steady stream of chases, murders, and kidnappings. For once, the villains are smart, and the main characters don't have to make foolish decisions to drive the plot forward. However, the story falters in the final episode, where poor writing and unnecessary missteps by the villains drag down the climax.

The OST is understated, complementing the action scenes but not leaving a lasting impression.

Ultimately, the show falls short of the best in its genre (like My Name), but it’s still an entertaining watch for fans of gritty, action-packed dramas. Its depiction of the harsh realities of the night life, including drugs and corruption, feels relevant but occasionally theatrical. With a stronger ending and more nuanced writing, it could have been a standout series.

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