Although the drama initially focuses on developing Ho-Woo’s plotline, it is ultimately the integrated story of many individual characters. It’s the story of everyday people facing what feel like impossible ethical dilemmas. People forced to confront their bottom lines and establish how far their limits can be pushed. Can these individuals act against their own interests for the sake of the public good? And in the face of powerful and wealthy manipulators, to what extent can humanity be driven to act against their better instincts?
One amazing aspect of this show is the diverse display of ‘ethical’ people throughout. Many Korean shows feature the theme of an individual or small group of ‘morally good’ people working alone to re-establish justice while the wealthy and powerful antagonist holds everyone else immobile through fear or greed. It is the oft repeated tale of David and Goliath, Robin Hood robbing the wicked rich, and the ‘white collar worker saves the day.’ Rather overdone at this point.
“Numbers” does not take that route —instead, Ho-Woo finds support from those amongst all socio-economic backgrounds. From bank presidents and corporate chairmen to national journalists, government officials, prosecutors, small restaurant owners, and the general public; each has a representative in the ultimate crowd of ‘good guys’ by story’s end.
In a highly uplifting message, it becomes clear that the heroes far outnumber the bad. Ho-Woo comes to understand it is insufficient to rage against unfairness and corruption if your rage is not backed with action and where many take action (and there are many good people), there is little they cannot accomplish.
Ho-Woo (and all those around him) are depicted as intelligent and competent individuals, well versed in the laws and regulations and able to wield them as weapons when needed. We loved that the female cast are also portrayed as bright, emotionally stable people who work together with their male colleagues with few if any gender discrimination issues arising. It was a pleasant change and allowed the characters to build an amazing repertoire as a team.
To that end, the screenwriters also expect the viewers to be intelligent, educated individuals as well. The crimes were complex and involved actual issues in the accounting profession (from stock manipulation to hiding assets in the financial statements). It is not the sort of drama where you put it on and go about your business with it in the background. You need to listen and pay attention to their explanations to understand how the crimes are being committed and how the accountants are able to bring it to an end.
From a social perspective, we thought this was an amazing way to introduce the public to accounting issues and how those decisions can impact the general economy (e.g., a bank run).
Slight Possible Spoiler Below I Suppose. . .
Some people did not enjoy the ending of the show because they feel it leaves things somewhat unfinished; however, that was to me quite natural for the flow of the story. . . The fight between ethics and corruption in society is not the simple open and shut case of books and films. . . it is an ongoing struggle with new issues and new attacks launched daily in all aspects of the financial industry. The importance lies in continuing to fight anyway.
The cast has significant experience among them and some have worked together in other dramas which allowed them to have comfortable chemistry on screen. Choi Jin Hyuk and Choi Min Soo are always excellent actors and bring a high level of professionalism to the wide range of characters they have played. It is nice seeing Choi Jin Hyuk as a mature actor having seen him develop over the years.
I can’t name a single character who did not do a wonderful job with their role their written portrays were very well developed. The technical aspects were well done though it didn’t require any major scenes beyond the big fire in one episode. I can’t recall the music so it didn’t leave a lasting impression, but that’s neither good nor bad.
Overall, definitely one of our few five stars!
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You don't need Accounting Knowledge to enjoy this show
This is a great show! Don't be put off by the fact it's based around banks and accountants, I know nothing of those things and I enjoyed this series. Also to show greed and power, most of these situations were extreme.The hero - An awesome actor wo holds his character throughout, he certainly was the right person for the role,
MDL throws in bromance as a category, not true at all. The slight romance in the story is all M/F - and it's very, very slight.
Some of it can be a bit confusing, because there are so many different characters, but if you stick with it, it will make sense.
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Clever but became too much so at times
Feb 2024Corporate shenanigans, with a greedy, power crazy Director using accounting, company law and number crunching to realise a shocking dream.
Opposing him are characters out for revenge and others closer to home.
Loved the cast and the characters were a decent mix. No whiney, ineffective, needy females either. All are intelligent and their own women.
It was a gripping story, intelligently written and presented, although towards the end there were some, frankly, ridiculous scenarios.
There is some action, but most of it centres around trying to stay one step ahead using brains not brawn. There are times that focus becomes too heavy and tedious.
Not the most satisfying of endings at all, with the usual message that corruption and worst, can be buried by money and power, which should be totally unacceptable, not the other way around.
Whilst this story was concluded to a point, the ending has left a door ajar, should a S2 ever be considered.
It was OK overall and whilst I wouldn't watch it again, the excellent cast and the plot, did keep me engaged.
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may contain spoilers
THE KDRAMA IS LITERALLY DIFFERENT LIKE FOR ME, it has no cringey romance, it focuses on its real story like taking revenge and whatever i gave it a high rating because its really good, idk about other but in my opinion this kdrama wins and i may rewatch in the future, like and adopted son who would take revenge for his adoptive father, i mean it is really touching that he worked hard to get revenge, the acting is so good the way it sends the message to the audience too its really a recommendation for meWas this review helpful to you?
Not Good Enough
Korean Drama " Numbers " is an office drama with some romantic subplots to it.The drama has a predictable plot, with the underdog being mistreated in the beginning and seeking revenge as well as recognition for his talents. The bad guy was too standard and the office drama was so so.
On the other hand, the bromance between the two main leads was enjoyable and often saved the drama from being too boring to watch.
The romance was also okay, cute at times, but the side one was better and more dramatic.
Finally, the performances were enjoyable by everyone in the cast, but the two main leads were truly shinning.
So, overall, three out of ten.
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Bland storyline, slow progress
In the beginning of the story get my attention to watch it but after episode 5 I can't keep the track. The story is so slow and even I play it 2x speed it's still feel slow. Doesn't have a lot of storyline and several characters feel like only cameo because they don't have good first impression. I'm sorry that I can't keep watching this..I've dropped this drama for about a month then I try to watch it again but still doesn't attract me to keep watch it. ?
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New genre.... Accounting
It's like watching Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner. In the end, you feel really sorry for the coyote, Hyung Woo.Choi Jin-Hyuk, L and other actors are excellent. The technical part of the script is splendid, explaining the terms, etc. However, the script lacks the engaging parts between the scenes that make kdrama enjoyable to watch.
Accounting is serious business, but so is medical and judiciary, but those kdrama genres like Ms. Hammurabi (L really nailed this) are able to make it engaging and fun to watch, so why does Number feel like it's being carved from stone?
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This review may contain spoilers
Forgiveness for everyone, Murder will end up with victim daughter in same bed
i thought it would be different from other shitty stories but same bullshit againour male lead is real son of killer who killed his adopted father
died man's daughter still waiting for co-murder to come and give her good Fu©K
ending is obvious that Murders would be forgiven because they did not kill him directly and they are related to Male lead so he has right to forgive everyone
Co murder is sincere so he is forgiven for murder because he feel guilty and that's it, Director shitty logic
he did not feel guilty for the death of innocent man but he feel wrong that because he can't have FreeXxx with that died man's daughter now
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MUITO BOM
Eu não dava nada por esse drama e por isso demorei um pouco para terminar, mas quando resolvi dar uma segunda chance me surpreendi, cada episódio eu ia querendo saber, ia me intrigando, me deixando ligada e atenta a todos os detalhes, chegou um momento que eu sabia tanto de contabilidade que pensava "mds tal coisa daria super certo" e o prota ia lá, fazia e dava mesmo, eu achava uma graça.a forma como a história se desenrolou do começo ao fim foi perfeita, as lacunas foram sendo preenchidas conforme o tempo, mas cada episódio ia se complementando e fazendo sentido, e os personagens principais são tão bem desenvolvidos que se torna uma obra perfeita.
infelizmente não gostei do final aberto, mas entendo que o vilão fez as coisas tão bem e usando a lei ao seu favor que é impossível que ele caia da forma que deveria de verdade.
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