Reminds me of a quote by Voltaire that goes like, "It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one." Indeed, one innocent must not be convicted of guilt even so it acquits a thousand criminals; in simple words, Innocent until proven guilty". The entire story of "One Ordinary Day" revolves around this single moral and is a perfect example of how truth and justice always prevails over injustice.

Trigger Warning: The drama involves violence, sex, nudity and blood.

Directed by the star PD Lee Myung Woo and written by seemingly rookie writer Kwon Soon Gyu, One Ordinary Day (어느 날: oneul nal) is a crime thriller or murder mystery story that revolves around Kim Hyun Soo (Kim Soo Hyun), a regular university guy who on an usual day of his life, becomes a murder suspect and find himself trapped in complicated situation. He, an ordinary guy who had led a simple and ordinary life had no idea what was gonna happen to him on another ordinary day.

We also have Shin Joong Han (Cha Seung Won) as a lawyer, who becomes Hyun Soo's attorney to get him justice. He got a bad reputation among the area of profession but is quick-witted and a brilliant investigator.

The acting department is full of all amazing actors; starting from Kim Soo Hyun and Cha Seung Won, the drama also has, Kim Shin Rok, Lee Sul, Kim Hong Pa, Kim Sung Gyu, Yoo Seung Mok, So Hee Jung, etc. in major characters.

I checked the writer has worked on only 4 scripts including this, that too with long gaps and previous 3 were all sageuk (historical). I know the drama is a remake from the BBC original show "Criminal Justice" but recreating it with Korean elements and making changes with relation to Korean laws would have not been as easy as it seems. The elements used to connect plots, underlaying Hyun Soo's subconscious is something that intrigued ne to be honest. Morever, the steady progression was gripping and several revelations made were at appropriate timing.

The plot development is a quick one, in fact the first episode itself indicates how the grip of the story didn't want to calm down. It felt like the writer didn't want to lay a foundation by thorough introduction of characters or the storyline; I'm just saying and not complaining at all, because nobody had the time given it's only 8 episodes. There are also few related side plots used. The screenwriting deserves good points.

The post-crime procedures portrayed in the drama are different as the writer has introduced realistic methods of police-level investigations with proper sequences. The realistic approach is also made for courtroom scenes and legal proceedings; obviously there are melo and thrilling elements as well. The dramatic investigative ways by Joong Han was also nice, loved how tenacious and witty he was when it came to figuring things out and drawing a picture of any scenario. There was also a soft side to him that only Hyun Soo could brought forward, it was visible.

The direction is amazing, no wonder Lee PD-nim is a pro. The screenplay is amazingly handled, along with the organization of scenes and overal screen-editing. The sound-editing also uo to par.

Both alcohol & drug abuse and it's consequences is a major element used in the drama. The common habit of attachment to strangers as well as the unusual urge of sexual activities among youth are also something emphasized in the drama by indirect means. Criminal psychology is an aspect that the writer has also tried to showcase through the main character. The life in prison (both during detainment and imprisonment), corruption, inmate behaviour and illegal activities taking place inside are also a part of the script.

Apart from the topnotch acting or performance from this superb actors, the impulsively gripping plot development and investigative methods used are the reasons, that make OOD is a superbly produced piece of work, despite the number of episodes it has. The credit should be given to the entire cast and crew for bringing forward such an amazing drama in just 8 hours (approx.); i wish it were a full-length 16 episode cable drama.

The ending.... I think the ending sequences could have a little better. I am not disappointed or something but I had high expectations from it given the way the story was progressing. Also, it felt a bit rushed but again that's a side effect of 10 eps or less Korean shows. I wish they would take one more episode, at least by taking out the extra 10 minutes from ep 3-6.

To sum up everything, the drama is not about what's wrong or what's right, nor does the show emphasizes on punishment or rewards, it particularly is a reflection of the judiciary, the way it works and it's impact on the society as well as the individuals.

Final Thoughts: One Ordinary Day with amazing actors and high production value, is definitely a fabulous drama to look forward, so go ahead with a second thought. I can't put it in the "must watch" category but for me, it was surely an enjoyable watch. It's a treat for everyone, despite their choice of genre or tatste in Kdramas.

P. S. I have tried my best to not write a lot about the story and characters as the drama has only 8 episodes and I was afraid I would end up spoiling. In case you come across anything that can serve as a spoiler, please let me know.