Before discussing this 16-episode TV series, I offer a few hallmarks of Korean drama. Be prepared for confusing triple-barrelled names and speedy subtitles that demand alertness, as do complex plots that pit the police against the prosecution. Expect an idiosyncratic male character, paired chastely with a female one, to serve as the moral compass in a corrupt, South Korean city. Anticipate scenes of refreshing humour but excuse any off-putting parodic or slapstick ones. With time and adaptation, you may acquire a taste for K-drama.*
THE GOOD DETECTIVE (Korean, Netflix) ♦♦♦♦½
Five years ago Kang Do-chang, a senior detective of 18 years, headed an investigation that led to the arrest and conviction of Lee Dae-cheol for double murders. On the cusp of Dae-cheol’s execution, mysterious calls to the police station about the burial sites, plus a report of a missing girl, cast doubt on his guilt. Do-chang reopens the case with Oh Ji-hyuk, a homicide detective new to the Violent Crimes Division 2. Up for promotion, Do-chang must choose between what’s right for his career or for the case: expediency vs justice. As the buddy-cop bromance evolves, Ji-hyuk accompanies Do-chang on a moral awakening.
Theirs isn’t the only compelling relationship. The encounters between (idiosyncratic) Oh Ji-hyuk and reporter Jin Seo-kyung add on-screen (chaste) chemistry — and humour. When Jin goads Oh into drinking alcohol, for example, he passes out and is rushed by ambulance to a nearby hospital. The diagnosis: a drink allowed him to overcome his insomnia and fall into a long, deep sleep! We also watch collegiality develop among the ragtag team of detectives. Although thwarted at every turn by the perpetrators, the team bumbles through the investigation.
At one point Do-chang asserts the case is too big for Division 2 and wishes he could simplify it. He could be speaking on behalf of viewers. But alongside the detectives we are trying to solve the murder mysteries. And will not know the culprits or comprehend their motives until the resolution. We’re meant to sit back and relish the ride. •
* My viewing partner has not really acquired the taste — though he gives The Good Detective an acceptable rating of ♦♦♦½.
Catherine says
I will definitely have to check it out. One of my favourite genres.
Pam McPhail says
Out of curiosity: does Jeff watch Korean drama with you? Unfortunately, Glen remains a reluctant viewer.
Ian says
Korean crime – looks very good indeed!
We are currently watching a fine Maigret series featuring Rowan Atkinson in the lead role. Budapest stands in for Paris, quite convincingly. It’s strange to see all the men going about in smart fedoras. It’s fun to go back to 1955. No mobile phones or female detectives. No Covid either.
Pam McPhail says
Thanks for the lead, Ian. “Maigret” is on Prime for us to watch. Have you read the novels? I have not but may decide to add Jules Maigret to my list of fictional detectives.
Marlie says
Made me want bulgugi.
Pam McPhail says
K-Drama always whets our appetites with scenes of eating. We’ve not tried bulgugi yet.
Ken McLean says
I am rather reluctant to try Korean drama after seeing the vastly over rated “Parasite”, but I do see that it may be unfair to judge all Korean tv by that movie. In fact, I do enjoy the Korean-Canadian T.O comedy “Kim’s Convenience”, if that counts.
Pam McPhail says
Glen agrees “Parasite” is overrated. I appreciated Bong Joon-ho’s exposé of the class system, told in an unexpected melange of genres. In his bleak world, we confront the ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor. And more. Glen doesn’t think you will like K-Drama but suggests you try “Stranger” to find out.