A NAIL BITING GRIPPING ACTION THRILLER WITH STELLAR PERFORMANCES...
Gangnam B Side is a nail-biting action thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its captivating casting, storytelling, impressive acting, and direction. While the plot starts out a bit slow, you might find yourself a bit confused around episode one. However, by episode two, it really settles in and becomes fast-paced, filled with action and thrills that get your adrenaline pumping.The acting is, without a doubt, impressive. Ji Chang Wook, as always, embodies his role perfectly. I actually see a mixture of two of his previous roles in this one: first with his character in The Worst of Evil and then his role in Revolver. He has the aura and charisma that makes his character exciting to watch. His acting is nothing short of perfect, as expected from the king of action in K-drama land. Other actors and actresses, like Bibi, also deliver impressive performances that complement the already exciting plot.
The story does contain violent scenes that may be triggering for some viewers, but they are definitely interesting to watch and contribute to the overall excitement. Overall, so far, this is a nice crime thriller that is worth the watch for action fans.
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A dramatic crime drama
I really love the storyline of this drama. Ji Chang Wook is so wonderful in his acting. I have never seen this side of him in the previous works. Yoon Gil Ho is so attractive. Ji Chang Wook controls his eyes and facial muscles so well. His acting touched my heart. Therefore I can't stop watching this drama. It really reaches the level of a movie instead of only a normal entertainment TV show. Highly recommended!Was this review helpful to you?
A Gritty Crime Thriller Where Revenge and Corruption Collide
*Gangnam B-Side* (as of Episode 6) has proven to be a gripping and intricate drama, blending intense character development, dark themes, and a maze of morally complex choices. Set in the underbelly of Gangnam, it explores the dangerous world of power, corruption, and the exploitation of vulnerable people. The show does a great job of painting its characters as deeply flawed yet compelling, particularly with its leads, who are constantly caught in the tension between seeking revenge and protecting those they care about.The central plot revolves around the criminal activities of Gangnam Trading, led by Joon-seo and various other powerful figures, including Choi and Tak. The illegal trafficking of drugs like Neon and the exploitation of escorts add a sense of urgency and suspense to the narrative. Characters like Dong-woo and Gil-ho have become somewhat tragic figures, driven by guilt, revenge, and a sense of justice, though often falling short in their attempts to protect others.
The pacing has been relatively well-balanced, with the first few episodes establishing key relationships and tensions, while episodes 4 through 6 really ramp up the stakes. There’s a delicate interplay of personal vendettas and larger criminal conspiracies, and the show delves deep into the emotional toll these secrets take on its characters. Episode 6, in particular, marks a turning point with a huge revelation regarding Gil-ho’s past and his identity, which adds another layer of mystery to his motivations.
The themes of power, betrayal, and guilt are consistently explored throughout the episodes, with each character’s arc being carefully developed. While the show can be dark and at times a little slow in its buildup, it rewards patience with intense moments and twists that keep the viewer invested. The cinematography, particularly the use of neon lights and the atmospheric tension of the scenes, also contributes significantly to the show’s tone.
There are hints of resolution in the near future, but with two episodes remaining, it seems that *Gangnam B-Side* still has plenty of dramatic developments to unfold. The final episodes are likely to tie together the fates of its main characters, who have been caught in a web of crime and vengeance, though it’s unclear who will come out on top in the end.
In short, *Gangnam B-Side* is a tense and thrilling watch that pulls you into its gritty world of crime and power, while exploring complex character dynamics and deep emotional stakes. If you're a fan of dark crime dramas that blend mystery with intense personal conflicts, this show is definitely worth a watch.
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Money rules the world....what people do for money/what people do with money
It is a great drama with a heartbreaking story. It makes you think about the world we live in and how people are barely surviving while the powerful and wealthy are taking advantage of it. The saying is right: "Money rules the world." You don't really know what life people are living behind closed doors.The story is based on real events, and the production team and screenwriter did a fantastic job in their research, even working as a driver for a call girl to tell the story accurately. Well, it is not happening only in Korea but all over the world, but ordinary people have no chance to beat them.
The acting was superb, especially Chang Wook and Bibi. I was so happy to see them together again.
For me, the first half of the drama was perfect, as the second half's storyline was not as good. Also, Dongu became very annoying as he suddenly started to care because his daughter became one of them. They should not have made Gil Ho immortal, as it takes away realism. The fighting scenes were great and very realistic. I loved the Gil Ho knife work. It's definitely a great fast-paced short thriller.
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nice drama
I am huge fan of Ji Chang Wook. whatever he films, I will watch…in this drama, I can see that drug use and struggles that women faces in night life is similar in all around the world. even I know in some countries it is much much worse.. anyhow, the thing that Iwantes to write, I really love the chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and Bibi.. I hope in the future I can see both of them leading to a rom-com. It can be bery interesting drama. because they really look so good together in front of the camera.
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Softboy JCW is nice, but Action JCW is better
Fast paced drama that brings you into the dark side of Gangnam, Seoul Korea.A good drama that will hook you in within the first 10 mins of the first ep. Plot line was good, though predictable bc it's not a "new" plot .. just new characters.
Acting was 10/10. BIBI did great in her role, despite having less screen time than I excepted. JCW as always delivered in his action scenes and emotional scenes. There is a hint of romance but don't except much (esp if you're coming from 'worst of evil' and wanting BIBI and JCW to have more romance). Articles said that JCW took on a villain role, but I thought of it more of him being a vigilante.
The moment I started watching this drama, I immediately thought about the burning sun scandal ESP with how the first half of the drama was going.
Overall, 8 episodes was perfect. Didn't feel like it was dragging and every question I wanted answers for were answered.
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A fast paced action story, you can definitely watch it once.
The vices are many and virtues are rare, the society that we live in is becoming scarier day by day. But fortunately humanity still continues to fight. I appreciate the director for bringing forth a realistic story on screen.The Emotional acting and fight scenes from JCW are the captivating factors, and as expected he shines in those. He talks less acts more in this drama and we can only love all his subtle expressions. While his face is covered in bruises, bandages and blood and we can only see his eyes, he somehow still captivates your view and draws you in with his intense gaze. There is a reason why people fall for him! Screen time for JCW is a little constrained, his fans will definitely want more of him.
While the first half of the story was excellent and glued the viewer to the screen, the second half comparatively slowed down.
Since it's a short 8 episode drama, things move at a fast pace The subject matter of the story is drugs and prostitution, there is violence of course but I am glad that there are no explicit scenes.
This could have been a perfect drama if the story narration followed a perspective(either the story of Father and daughter or Gilho and Jayhee), but instead it tries to unbundle everything as it happens, and the viewer needs to connect the dots to understand thoroughly.
While I do not give complete marks for Direction and story narration, the Main leads get 100 percent for their acting skills. Given the scenes, they did their best.
You can definitely watch it once for the gripping tale, action sequences and realistic acting! I would recommend this as a binge watch on a weekend.
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This review may contain spoilers
I lost interest & dnf'ed
I found myself losing interest after Jenny's tragic death, and as time goes on, my desire to revisit the show diminishes. I'm beginning to forget the significance it once held for me, and I have no interest in reading spoiler reviews for the final two episodes. It seems I've abandoned yet another drama before finishing it.Additionally, Amazon is taking a lot of terrible shit from Netflix's K-dramas, with poor lighting throughout. Every episode I've seen features poorly executed fight scenes that seem to be included just to extend the runtime.
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"Oh my, this drama really affected me. The acting, the use of music, the production—everything was almost perfect. I especially need to give special praise to Ji Chang Wook because he just keeps rising with every drama. He’s truly an amazing guy.
As for the drama itself, the first episode might be a bit hard to understand at first, but by the second episode, the story starts to become clear, and you really get immersed in it. I heard that this story is inspired by a scandal that happened in Korea in 2018, which certainly makes the topic more intriguing.
Especially the action scenes in the series are absolutely fantastic.
I really think this drama isn’t getting the attention it deserves, and it makes me sad. This drama focuses on the nightlife in Gangnam and the issues of drugs, rape, and crime that happen there. It also includes individual revenge stories. The excitement and action in the series are truly breathtaking, and it carries a lot of emotional weight as well.
It will break your heart with many of its scenes. In fact, it might even make you cry at times. I definitely recommend watching it.
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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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Bibi e Ji Chan Wook!!!
Um dorama com uma trama com o potencial absurdo, muita ação e pancadaria, mas decaiu um pouco depois da morte de Jenny. A dinâmica do prota com o policial foi muito boa. Ótimos vilões. A filha do policial era muito tola. A atuação da Bibi e o do ji chan wook foram espetaculares! Amo os dois atuando juntos!Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Реальная темная сторона Южной Кореи
надо сказать дорама наипрекраснейшая, если бы не слитая концовка. а так показаны действительно ужасные вещи, которым подвергаются девушки.в сериале показано употребление наркотиков, проституция (в тч подростковая), сексуальное рабство, изнасилования, убийства, гангстеры... и все это действительно есть в нынешней южной корее и это не художественный вымысел сценариста. по ходу просмотра у меня было ощущение, что за основу взяли историю с клубом burning sun.
многие моменты есть в реальной жизни, например:
- в клубах распространяется наркота (думаю ваще ни для кого не новость)
- в дораме есть персонаж-айдол/актер, который наркоман (здесь вспоминаем сколько айдолов и актеров было осуждено за употребление наркоты). он управляет подпольными боями для элиты и любит насиловать и издеваться над проститутками, вместе со своими богатыми дружками. насилие происходит в клубе, где есть тайная комната.
не секрет, что во многих корейских клубах есть специальные тайные комнаты для вип персон. но не многие знают, что там происходит употребление наркотиков и изнасилования девушек (не только проституток). и возвращаясь к burning sun, там была красная комната, где так же насиловали девушек и употребляли наркотики. вход туда был только для супер вип гостей. при чем такая комната была не одна.
- подростковая проституция
часть информации есть в статье выше про изнасилования в корейских клубах. там немного расписано как подростки попадают в эту индустрию.
на эту тему советую глянуть дораму человеческие уроки (Extracurricular).
- хостелы
это такие группировки сбежавших из дома и обездоленных подростков. выживают за счет грабежей и проституции. бывает, что крышуются местными бандами.
некоторые моменты упоминаются и в вебтунах. например в том же лукизме. ох как я его обожаю, потому что он отражает почти все проблемы корейского общества. но касаемо данной темы:
- есть арка про хостелы
- есть арка про сексуальное рабство. например в дораме был момент, где показывали помещение с маленькими комнатками, в которых девушки должны были стримить откровенно эротический контент. принудительный вебкам крч. и в лукизме это есть.
- есть арка про подпольные бои
отдельно хочу выделить игру биби! она как раз таки играет одну из проституированных женщин. я прям не ожидала ее увидеть в этой роли, но она офигенно справилась.
неожиданно было увидеть и джи чан ука в роли бэд боя (хотя по сюжет он не совсем такой), а не ванильного мальчика.
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