Good Boy – K-drama Episode 1 Recap & Review

The Review Geek

01-06-2025

Episode 1
Episode 1 of Good Boy begins with Dong-ju's narration, where we learn that he had been a boxing champion until he wasn't. Cut to the present, we find Dong-ju working in the police force. He has been demoted and is selling his gold medal for cash.
Meanwhile, Ji Han-na, the shooting champion, is treated as little more than a model for the police force instead of being involved in active duty. We realize that athletes are discriminated against in the force because they received a free pass instead of joining through the mainstream channels of examinations and training.
Dong-ju's former mentor, Ko Man-sik, has been assigned to assist in catching a gang ring. While the operation is underway, Ko Man-sik goes to pee, leaving Dong-ju to keep watch on the street. A sudden explosion alerts the gangsters, who begin to escape.
Dong-ju comes face to face with the target, Golden Bunny, but ends up getting hit and knocked unconscious. The operation fails, and both Man-sik and Dong-ju are scolded by the other officers.
We then meet one of Dong-ju's former colleagues, Shin Jae-hong, now working as a traffic police officer. Dong-ju also reunites with Han-na, and we find that the two have a past. Dong-ju cheerfully declares that he still likes her.
At the same time, another former athlete, Jong-hyeon, approaches Han-na. There's a hint of a romantic history between them. He is later revealed to be a promoted audit officer at the police station. Even though Jong-hyeon is doing the best in terms of career among all the athletes, he is disliked for reporting corrupt officers and seeking promotion.
Meanwhile, Man-sik leaves Dong-ju alone on a stakeout. Later that night, Dong-ju is hit on the butt by a car. He injures himself when the unknown driver traps his hand in the window as the car speeds off. When he returns, he finds thieves filling fuel in Man-sik's car and then fleeing with it. A little further down the road, he finds a hit-and-run victim and gets him hospitalized.
Later, Dong-ju tries to contact his brother, but there is no response. He shows up at a ceremony honouring his former coach, where we learn that the coach had spread rumours that Dong-ju had won his gold medal through doping. This happened because Dong-ju refused to participate in MMA. It is also hinted that the coach got Dong-ju's brother addicted to drugs, and now his brother is missing.
The next day, Dong-ju decides to find the culprit behind the hit-and-run case. He breaks into the audit room and steals a paper from a case file after remembering a report about a smuggled car. It turns out to be the same car that hit him and was involved in the hit-and-run.
At the same time, Jong-hyeon, who has been investigating the explosion during the failed undercover police operation, discovers that the hit-and-run victim had reported arson five minutes before the explosion. He shares this information with Man-sik, and they agree that someone inside the force leaked details about the operation. Jong-hyeon also realizes that Dong-ju may be in danger.
Dong-ju, acting on a tip, heads to an address where he believes he will find information about the hit-and-run suspect.
Meanwhile, Han-na is tasked with returning the victim's personal effects. When she finds out the victim has passed away, she decides to deliver them the next day and takes the belongings home. Suddenly, a group of gangsters tricks her into letting them into her home. They are looking for important documents. As they attack, Han-na pulls out her gun and fires at them.
Elsewhere, Dong-ju enters a gangster hideout, ready to fight. At the same time, a group of thugs attacks Jong-hyeon in the middle of the road. They were hired by a police officer who holds a grudge against him. Jae-hong witnesses the attack.
All of them fight using their distinct styles: Dong-ju as a boxer, Han-na as a shooter, Jong-hyeon as a fencer, Man-sik as a wrestler, and Jae-hong as a discus throw athlete. He hurls a massive iron sewage cover at a car speeding toward him. The episode ends on this exciting note!
The Episode Review
The episode opens after a significant part of the characters' lives has passed. The four athletes are now living ordinary lives, dealing with everyday struggles instead of standing out as champions. Most of the episode is spent developing the characters and the plot.
We are left piecing together what exactly is happening. But halfway through, the show begins to reveal its flavour with glimmers of hilarious slapstick comedy, brought to life by the individual charm of the cast.
The last 20 minutes are a complete shift in tone, with breath-taking camera work and editing. It may feel a bit chaotic, but it turns into a visual carnival of action scenes packed with tension and energy.
Although the plot doesn't start as strongly as one might expect, the episode delivers a solid punch by the end. This is thanks to the direction of Shin Na-yeon and some standout performances from the cast. With this, we're left excited to see what more Good Boy has in store.
Next Episode
Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!