Latest news with #BeyondEvil
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Mercy for None Review: So Ji Sub's sad eyes are the only redemption in Netflix's flawed adaptation
Mercy for None, on paper, might seem like another gritty Korean noir, Netflix's shot at recreating the success of The Glory, Beyond Evil, My Name, Abyss, and the likes. But this one's not just about blood and brawls. The story's carried by emotion and the weight of unfinished business. Casting So Ji Sub was a masterstroke; the actor practically breathes life into the live adaptation of the popular webtoon War of Plaza. The plot holds up, but it's the strong noir lineup that compensates for the weak execution. Over time, South Korea's landscape of storytelling in the dark genre has grown sharper and more commendable than most industries out there—be it Bong Joon Ho's Parasite or Kim Jee Woon's I Saw the Devil, drawing in global audiences. And while plenty have tried gangster sagas with a Hollywood gloss, So Ji Sub just did it better. Also read: Mercy For None: 3 reasons you can't skip this Netflix webtoon adaptation serving up Korean noir action with So Ji Sub and Lee Jun Hyuk A former gangster limps his way back into the crime world, 11 years after his Achilles tendon was cut as punishment for tipping the balance between South Korea's two biggest gangster groups. Gi Jun, played by So Ji Sub, one of the deadliest fighters in the business, had struck a deal with the bosses: he'd walk away from their world, but in return, they'd keep his younger brother Gi Seok safe. But when Gi Seok falls prey to an inside betrayal, Gi Jun throws himself back into the chaos to settle the score. The best part of So Ji Sub's acting is the calmness he carried throughout the seven-episode run. He came back to find his brother's lifeless body and didn't shed a single tear. Took down everyone involved, one by one, in a slow-paced but steadily burning storyline. Had minimal dialogues, but strong ones. Most of the time, I wasn't even watching the action—my eyes focused on his. Gloomy, heavy, grieving. His face held the same mix of disgust and heartbreak, watching the betrayal unfold around him. Since his leg's damaged, most of the action leans on his hands. He handles the choreography clean, sharp, like muscle memory, just brutal, efficient hits. Also read: Good Boy first Impression: Don't be fooled by 'Pouty' Park Bo Gum, he's delivering career-best punches Nam Gi Seok, played by Lee Jun Hyuk, barely had a few minutes on screen, but the Stranger actor made every second count without letting the audience down. Gong Myoung (Extreme Job) as Gu Jun Mo, honestly, the casting didn't fully hit for me—he's got too much of an innocent face to pull off true villainy. The Trauma Code's Choo Young Woo caught us off guard as the prosecutor with a hidden agenda. Huh Joon Ho and An Kil Kang, both playing veteran gangster bosses, brought the weight of their long, rich careers to the table. This is the kind of show you start already knowing no one's squeaky clean, and you're half-expecting the protagonist's downfall. But, apart from action and revenge, Mercy for None also has some symbolic expressions, which tease the end in just the first episode. Like when Gi Jun wipes out his first targets, then limps off into a pitch-black underpass. That's the point of no return, no happy ending. But for So Ji Sub, this kind of role is second skin by now. Over his 30-year run, he's mastered the quiet storm act, a boxer in Always, a gangster in Rough Cut, a conflicted hitman in A Company Man. But the show's not without hiccups. So Ji Sub spends most of the series looking quietly broken, always silent, always vaguely grieving. His vibe feels like someone carrying the ghosts of a past way darker than just what happened 11 years ago. But we never really get to peek behind that curtain. There's no personal backstory, no emotional unpacking. We're just expected to accept what's happening and move on. For a series that's supposed to be packed with action, the villains don't even stand a chance near the protagonist. Gi Jun feels untouchable from the start, which takes the tension out of every fight. And despite the whole thing circling around family and loyalty, there's no female arc. The plot's patchy, the action sometimes clunky, but if you're here for So Ji Sub, it still works as a decent one-time binge.
India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Good Boy review: Park Bo-gum-led K-drama is goofy, gutsy, and packed with potential
Athletes turned cops, an absurdly botched sting operation, a villain named Golden Bunny, and Park Bo-gum with the face of an angel and fists of fury—Good Boy arrives with a punchy by Shim Na-yeon (The Good Bad Mother, Beyond Evil), the Korean series kicks off with a high-octane 90-minute premiere that introduces a ragtag squad of former Olympic medallists recruited through a special program to join the police force. With medals in tow but credibility in question, these ex-athletes must prove themselves in a field where physical prowess isn't the only requirement—and where they're constantly undermined by their the centre of this action-comedy is Yoon Dong-ju (Park Bo-gum), a boxing gold medallist whose unwavering idealism and doe-eyed sincerity quickly earn him the moniker of the 'good boy.' Demoted to rookie status and teamed up with wrestling veteran Min Joo-yeong (a hilarious Heo Sung-tae), Dong-ju is determined to do right—even if that means accidentally fumbling a major mission or getting winded mid-chase. Bo-gum, fresh off his stellar performance in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', strikes a brilliant balance between cheeky underdog and earnest hero. His comic timing lands without undercutting the character's heart, making Dong-ju instantly there's Kim So-hyun's Ji Han-na, an Olympic shooter now relegated to office errands—much to her frustration. Calm, composed and no-nonsense, she plays the perfect foil to Dong-ju's awkward crush, and her action scenes prove she's no desk officer. Rounding out the romantic triangle is Lee Sang-yi's Kim Jong-hyeon, her ex and a silver medallist who joins the internal audit team. Sang-yi, charming as ever, makes his entrance with flair, and when paired with Bo-gum, the two generate a competitive energy that's pure not laugh-out-loud funny, the series leans into its absurd premise with a wink. The pilot's main plot is an undercover mission to capture criminals and polish the police department's tarnished image. The plot, hence, is both plot device and comic gold. From Joo-yeong missing a crucial moment because he's peeing, to Dong-ju struggling with his cardio, the show isn't afraid to poke fun at its heroes. But when the action kicks in, you better be ready for a well-executed punch. The action offers innovative fighting techniques, relying on hand-to-hand combat, fencing techniques, street chases to tense home invasions. advertisement What 'Good Boy' gets especially right is the tone. There's enough camaraderie and character chemistry to keep the plot afloat, even when the pacing occasionally stumbles. It's not overly serious, but it's not slapstick either. It finds its footing in a sweet spot that is light on its feet, but ready to punch when just two episodes, the character arcs and innocence of them will compel you to root for this team of misfits. If future episodes double down on the kinetic energy and lean further into its fun, Good Boy might just be the action-comedy K-drama to watch this Boy is goofy, gutsy, and packed with potential. Come for Park Bo-gum's heartthrob heroics, stay for the action, the bromance, and the hope that this underdog squad finally gets their review is based on the first two episodes.3.5 out of 5 stars to Good Boy. You May Also Like
Muscat Daily
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Muscat Daily
Japanese remakes announced for popular K-Dramas
Seoul, South Korea- Two of South Korea's acclaimed dramas, 'Suspicious Partner' and 'Beyond Evil', are set for Japanese remakes, promising to bring fresh interpretations of these much-loved stories to new audiences across Asia. First up, 'Suspicious Partner', the 2017 legal romance drama starring Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun, will premiere its Japanese version on April 29, 2025. The remake, led by Yusei Yagi and Kyoko Saito, will be available to stream on Disney+ in Japan, South Korea, and other parts of Asia. While the original series only achieved moderate ratings in Korea, it became a global sensation following its release on Netflix. The story centres around a young prosecutor trainee who becomes entangled in a murder case, with her mentor stepping in to defend her. Speaking about the project, Yagi said he was honoured to take on a role made famous by Ji Chang Wook, while Saito promised a version packed with unexpected twists, romance, and suspense. Meanwhile, the award-winning psychological thriller Beyond Evil will also receive a Japanese adaptation. Originally aired in 2021 and winner of three Baeksang Awards, the gripping drama explores morality and trauma as two detectives hunt for a serial killer linked to a 20-year-old cold case. The Japanese version of Beyond Evil will air on WOWOW in July 2025, starring Ken Yasuda and Koshi Mizukami. Although the core storyline will remain intact, the adaptation will be tailored to reflect Japanese culture and storytelling styles. Both remakes highlight the continued influence of Korean dramas in the Japanese market and the broader region, offering fans a chance to experience these beloved stories with a fresh perspective.
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ji Chang Wook's Suspicious Partner and Beyond Evil get Japanese makeover: release date, cast, OTT, and more
Two of the highest-rated K-dramas, Suspicious Partner and the Baeksang winner, Beyond Evil, are getting the Japanese remake treatment. The country, which has one of the largest K-drama viewing demographics, already boasts a range of shows that have been adapted, including Nevertheless, The World of the Married, Boys Over Flowers, Signal, and more. These latest remakes are expected not only to entertain Japanese audiences but also to expand the reach of K-dramas across Asia. Suspicious Partner Japanese version release date The 2017 legal K-drama, starring South Korea's A-lister Ji Chang Wook, initially pulled in a modest domestic viewership. However, its popularity soared after Netflix acquired the rights for international distribution, and since then, the show, with its 20-episode run, has become one of the all-time hits. It also stars Choi Tae Joon and Kwon Nara. The news of the Japanese remake was first confirmed by SBS on March 25. The story follows a prosecutor trainee who unexpectedly becomes a murder suspect, forcing her mentor to become her private attorney and protect her from chaebols trying to frame her. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO The Japanese remake will air not only in Japan but also across Asia, including South Korea, via Disney+. Written by Kwon Ki Young and directed by Park Seon Ho, the adaptation will premiere on April 29, starring Yusei Yagi and Kyoko Saito. In the original show, Ji Chang Wook and Nam Ji Hyun played a prosecutor and a rookie lawyer who fall in love while solving a crime mystery. In a press statement, Yusei Yagi said, 'I feel honoured to play the role originally portrayed by Ji Chang Wook, whom I've known for a while. I never thought I'd have the chance to take on a character with such significance in the original series, and I feel a deep connection to the story.' Meanwhile, Keiko Saito emphasised that the Japanese version of Suspicious Partner will offer unexpected twists with plenty of romance and suspense. 'This series will be filled with unexpected developments and a mix of romance and suspense. Each character possesses unique traits that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish. I hope everyone will come to love the Japanese version of 'Suspicious Partner' as much as we do!' Beyond Evil to get Japanese makeover Released in 2021, the Korean psychological thriller Beyond Evil received seven Baeksang Award nominations and won three—Best Drama, Best Screenplay, and Best Actor for Shin Ha Kyun. On April 23, SLL, the company behind the series, confirmed that the show will be adapted into a Japanese version, set to air on their local broadcaster, WOWOW, in July. While the remake will retain the core story and key themes, it will be reworked to suit the Japanese culture. Japanese actors Ken Yasuda and Koshi Mizukami will take on the roles originally portrayed by Shin Ha Kyun and Yeo Jin Goo in the Korean version. The story revolves around a series of crimes connected to a tragic case from 20 years ago, as two fearless detectives from the Manyang Police Substation relentlessly pursue a killer whose disturbing mindset forces them to break the rules. The drama explores heavy themes like morality, trauma, and what it truly means to be a 'monster.' As the investigation begins, the detectives begin second guessing everything, even doubting the innocence of those involved, including their own. Though it earned only average ratings in Korea, the series gained widespread critical praise and took home multiple prestigious awards. While not based on any real-life events, it's loosely inspired by the infamous Hwaseong serial murders in Korea.
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Good Boy: After When Life Gives You Tangerines, Park Bo-gum returns as police officer tasked with taking down a crime syndicate
It's good news for K-drama fans. A new multi-genre Korean series, titled Good Boy, was announced on Tuesday. The show will star Park Bo-gum, Kim So-hyun, Lee Sang-yi, Heo Sung-tae, and Tae Won-seok in lead roles. It is directed by Sim Na-yeon, who is known for hit series Beyond Evil and The Good Bad Mother. The show will be a blend of comedy, action, crime investigation, and romance as it tells the story of former medal-winning athletes who become police officers and fight criminals. They form a ragtag team determined to take down the forces behind a large crime group. The show will feature Park Bo-gum, who is enjoying the success of When Life Gives You Tangerines, as he transforms into a lovable character, Yun Dong-ju. The audience will see Dong-ju get involved in fistfights during his school years. Later, he learns professional boxing and goes on to win a gold medal. However, his boxing career is cut short due to an unfair expulsion, and he makes a fresh start by becoming a police officer. The show will also feature a romantic arc between Dong-ju and Ji Han-na, played by Kim So-hyun. Kim So-hyun's Ji Han-na is a police officer who was once a shooting prodigy but had to leave the sport after facing a controversy that led her to lose focus at the most crucial moment in her shooting career. Eventually, a stress-induced condition and frequent dizziness forced her to retire from her once-promising shooting career. She later joined the police force and now works in the special team alongside Dong-ju. Interestingly, her ex-boyfriend Jong-hyeon, played by Lee Sang-yi, is also part of the same team. Spice Up Our Love and No Gain No Love star Lee Sang-yi plays silver medalist Kim Jong-hyeon in the show. Formerly a fencer, Jong-hyeon works hard to graduate from the police academy, driven by his desire to reunite with his former girlfriend, Han-na. Heo Sung-tae, known for his roles in Squid Game and Decoy, plays team leader Ko Man-sik. Finally, actor Tae Won-seok portrays the gentle giant Shin Jae-hong. Good Boy is written by Lee Dae-il, who previously penned Life on Mars and Bring It On, Ghost. The series will launch on Prime Video on May 31, with weekly episodes streaming on Saturday and Sunday.
