Jung Hae In's best acting yet
It's hard to watch in that it deals with difficult issues and doesn't shy away from the brutality. But it's also a beautifully told story from beginning to end. Everything from the dialouge to the cinematography to production is so finely crafted. The cast was excellent - especially Jung Hae In. Before this, I thought he does best in Romance/Romantic Comedy but he did such a fantastic job here. Without giving away too much ...there is a heart rending scene near the end that in the hands of a lesser actor, a more self-conscious actor would not have had the same impact. He threw himself in 100%. Cho Hyun Chul was also a standout as an abused soldier. His character arc played by less talented actor wouldn't be as believable.Was this review helpful to you?
I remember back in my high school days I had two years of JROTC. It's not the same as being in the military but you get a taste of what it's like. I was going to join the Marines but at that time women were having problems in the military and I have issues with people who were the same age as me getting in my face telling me what to do because their rank was higher than mine. I even had issues with the actual sergeant majors telling me what to do because they knew they could. I was dismissed from the platoon so many times. I quickly decided going into the military just wasn't for me.
Watching this series reminded me why I made that choice.
This series is mainly one toned but thankfully there were some comical elements to lighten up the atmosphere a little. I don't know if the series would've made it if Koo Kyo Hwan wasn't in it. Kim Sung Kyun threw me for a loop because I was just so use to seeing his demeanor in Fiery Priest that I forgot he can be serious and he was.
If you've ever been bullied or you were one then this may not be a thing to watch. I gave it a low rewatch value because this is something I can't watch twice. There were moments where I was glad that things happened the way it did but overall this is real and it does happen not only in the military but in the police force as well.
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Shows the reality of SK's military as it is.
This was a really intense watch, but enjoyable nonetheless. I think the show did a fairly good job of portraying the reality of a broken military system. It definitely didn't shy away from showing all the abuse and brutality that takes place in the military. With only 6 episodes, the plot moves quite fast - things will go from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye, but I think the fast pace was perfect for this kind of show.I especially appreciated the show's abundance of funny scenes to make up for the heavy bits. The comedy didn't try to downplay the serious topics but instead tried to lighten the atmosphere. So, kudos to the writers for balancing that mix well. That being said, D.P. is filled to the brim with many emotional and serious topics, so make sure to look into trigger/content warnings before you watch (i've listed some below).
As for the acting, I think everyone in the show did an amazing job portraying their characters. The development of Jung Hae-in and Koo Hyo-wan's friendship was done very well and I found myself feeling so cheerful watching their interactions. Koo Hyo-wan's character was probably my favourite part of this show.
Trigger Warnings for those interested in watching D.P.: bullying, sexual harassment, blood/mild-ish gore.
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DARK TRUTH about the Military enlistment in Korea
It's a really good Korean drama. The first episode was so bloody good. I love the opening shots. I really love how the whole drama is so realistic in showing the military enlistment horror that every Korean man has to face. Go Kyung Pyo cameo in the first episode was unexpected but loved the cameo so much. I just love how the whole episode is so smooth and heading to a whole new level of craziness. The abuses and torture that most of the men have to suffer in the military enlistment were so well shown in this episode. I like how raw and natural this drama is. Koo Kyo Hwan (Han Ho Yul) definitely brightened up this episode.Jung Hae In (Ahn Joon Ho) acting is so dammn brilliant. I have no words. He has this sad face. He looks like he has already given up on this world, but there is this burning anger inside him. His past memories tend to haunt him all the time. From the abuse, he saw in his family to all the abuses and injustice he is seeing in his military enlistment.
Overall, Loved this drama! The last episode, first episode and the ending of episode 5 was BOMBastic
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A journey of military corruption
Having not yet seen season two, season one could stand on its own without one. In only six episodes, this series put me through a journey of much more. My heart swelled in both warmth between our two young MLs and from their desperate crossroads of choosing to do their duties and being human.While the plot is grim, I wouldn't consider this as dark fiction as it's a very realistic depiction of corruption. There's no excess dramatization, no saviors, and no particular antagonist. It simply portrays the difficulty in choices everyone has to make or continuously make at some point in their lives. This one was just uniquely centered around the military dynamics. If you are someone who ever chose to join a company, a sorority/fraternity, or any group that has any type of hierarchy, how many would speak up for another if it meant risking your own position and livelihood? And even if you were to speak up, would you even have any ability to even make a difference? Then those who blame their immediate authority fail to recognize that the same authorities themselves have high authority to answer to. In the situation of the military, it's even worse than being an employee at a company where you have the option to quit and find a new job.
Most series want to showcase a hero who steps up and manages to somehow defeat all that is bad. This one captures the realism in how multiple people try their best in their own capacity to do what they can, and how a small act of kindness can go a long way. Unlike what we want to believe in our idealistic worlds, the "good and righteous" does lose the battles most of the time so those who live under a rock in stubborn ignorance may not appreciate this series as much. Reality is far darker and stranger than fiction and this series definitely does not have a feel of over-exaggeration.
All of the actors did such a fantastic job in their respective roles. What really elevated the series was the natural injection and focus on the relationship between the two MLs. Their bonding with one another shone some light and humor on the hands they were dealt with and it made the series much more digestible to watch.
P.S. I think every organization out there needs a Han Ho Yul, because he's someone I would totally want around.
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This review may contain spoilers
Heartbreaking truth on bullying
Bullying is a prevalent problem in many countries and its the bigger problem lies with the fact its a problem that is swept under the carpet most of the time. This drama holds no barred from revealing the impact of bullying has on its victims. The violence and abused shown is acceptable for my end albeit still disturbing on your mind and it's needed to show us that bullying is never to be taken lightly. Jung Haein carries his role so convincingly and he is such a likeable character even though he is not your typical hero but he held his moral grounds where its needed and defend his dignity. Sergeant Park with his limited power did his best to do what is right even though the outcome might not favour him. Lets not forget the comical sidekick Corporal Han , he has the best chemistry with Private Ahn n i secretly wished they can continue on to police academy n become detective partners where they solve the crimes together. The ending surely breaks my heart n i cried over the death sokju, when he asked them what have you done to stop it (the abuses) it hits right to my heart because in real life how many of us choose to close a blind eye to unfairness, bullying n abuse, in a way all of us are guilty of becomimg the onlooker which is the finale episodes title. The ending is tragic but it is the more reason why it tells us change must take placeWas this review helpful to you?
Making it through another day
"D.P." to me was a captivating Korean drama that striked a deep emotional chord, knwoing it would strike a lasting impact on my thoughts. From the very first episode, it drew me into the world of military life in Korea which i was clueless about... presenting a raw and authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by these soldiers. What truly sets it apart for me is the profound bond between the two main characters, Ahn Jun-ho and Han Ho-yeol, whose camaraderie made the journey slightly less painful although not completely. Their journey, fraught with moral dilemmas and personal growth, before after the final credits rolled i knew "D.P." wasn't another regular kdrama; it's an emotional rollercoaster that earns its place among the best of Korean dramas for me and will absolutely resonate with for a long time as i re-visit it.ALSO PLEASE CONTINUE WATCHING AFTER THE END CREDITS ROLL IN (Not spoiling beyond this)
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Perfection!
Jung Hae In's performance is top-notch but Koo Kyo Hwan is GOAT. His comic scenes are amazing! This series is sad and dark in many moments but they kinda balanced with the comic scenes of Han Ho Yul x Ahn Joo Hoo, making it an incredible subtle bromance. They both have amazing chemistry. What a supporting cast! Some actors are also in "Weak Hero Class 1". Son Suk Ku character was so perfect that made me to dislike him most of his scenes. Can't forget the amazing OST and opening theme. Perfection! 10/10Was this review helpful to you?
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DIFFERENT JUNG HAE IN - DESERTER PURSUIT (D.P)
I came to watch this drama for Jung Hae-In, he's so adorable and the sweetest in 'Something in the Rain', the best boyfriend any girl can hope for but in this drama though he's transformed himself into a tough smart capable Private Ahn Joon-Ho. who go out on pursuit Deserters from the Korean Army with his partner Corporal Han Ho-yul (Koo Kyo-Hwan). Army deserters, young men under obligatory 2 years military service in South Korea who went through hell of being bully, abuse, harass, humiliate, ignore by their seniors in broken military system. By each case, it discovers how these bad things effect their mental health when they rather decide 'NO' other choice but to run from the Army and face the consequences. Bully is NEVER ok, Military is the place to toughen and train men/women up, to be ready in more harsh and tough condition in case of war. Many higher ranks use this form of reason, abusing their power or seniority that many become powerless and held contempt. Who's to blame? Officers that pretend not hear & seeing anything? The system that ignore the victims, encourage the abuses as form of group discipline.Despite all that, Private Ahn Joon-Ho (Jung Hae-In), Corporal Han Ho-Yun (Koo Kyo-Hwan) and Sergeant First Class Park Bum-gu (Kim Sung-Kyun) come out as more compassionate and reasonable soldiers than the most. Corporal Han has more comedic side of him, taking his job funner with passionate approach to the problem, Private Ahn is the 'brainier' in finding deserters using logic and analysis although he did not go to collage and has a rough abusive upbringing, Sargent Park is their superior who gives orders - he sees reason behind every deserters. The story is great, the actors do amazing job, the supporting actors do nothing less than the main actors. When they chase - they really run, Hae-In really do boxing - his stance is perfect. Pack of emotion, comedy, action, smart dialog, great music (OST), no romance which is awesome. Although some of the scenes are gruesome...nothing I can find wrong to every episode, although it's only 6 episodes! End episode with shock, ehemm...what? This is the end???
I can see a mole in the corner of Jung Hae-In's lip (want to bite that), he's boxing and no smiling, tough exterior somehow doesn't erase his sweetness and charms of Seo Joon Hee (Something in the rain). I am looking forward for season 2 and hopefully it will be more than 6 episodes....oh can't wait!! I'd like to see more of Jung Hae-In in more manly impressive character instead of his brand as a romantic cute sweet lovable guy in romance drama. I like him here...a complex deep heartfelt man who has inner struggle, who wears baseball cap and a hoody than polished apparels, who doesn't smile to charm the ladies but seriousness like he's been through rough and witnessing sadness and disappointment in life.
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look, overral its mid, a good thing to pass time, but the last episode annoying me, everything its so pushed, the man escape on a way so stupid and convenient, the whole episode i staying just thinking how the plot is poor.Something who was a max 6.0, now annoying me so much and i give 3.5 for this.
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