DryedMangoez reviews of television series, films and music.
The first three seasons of OCN’s Voice delivered top-notch action and stunning performances. Between the relatively familiar crime solving mystery of season one to the darker psychological thriller of seasons two and three, Voice 4 (보이스4: 심판의 시간) finds the perfect balance between those two contrasts. Continuing the story of Lee Ha Na’s captivating Kang Kwon Joo, Voice 4 introduces us to new characters and new dangers while expanding its world in the most unexpected, yet exciting ways.
Netflix’s latest Korean drama Hellbound (지옥/Hell) is a pensive thriller that blends fantasy, supernatural and horror with thought-provoking discussion and even a touch of biblical epic. Yeon Sang Ho, the mind behind the excellent Train to Busan, directs this series based on his own webtoon of the same name. And Hellbound shares many of the same qualities that made the blockbuster film so successful, including the ability to examine real world ills while engaging in action-packed spectacle.
Last year, I watched seasons 2 and 3 of OCN’s crime thriller Voice (보이스) partly for Lee Jin Wook, one of my all-time favorite Korean actors. Those two seasons were near the top of my Favorite Dramas list at the end of the year. And after watching them, I planned on circling back to season one. When it was announced that Voice would be returning for a 4th season this year, I thought what better time to do that than now. So before jumping into Season 4, I finally decided it was time to watch how it all began.
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a brighter, more loveable and fun pair than Kim Min Jae and Park Gyu Young on KBS’ Dali and Cocky Prince (달리와 감자탕 /Dal Ri and Gamjatang). Sweet and hilarious, the series is the very definition of romantic-comedy. But it also has a lot of heart and is, maybe surprisingly so, grounded in reality while still being infused with a charming fairy tale aura. Simply put, it is one of the year’s most enjoyable and satisfying series.
Koh recalls the day after they were able to help Nada free himself from Gaisorg’s darkness and be able to join their team.
Nada meets with Bamba in the hopes of meeting Dimevolcano. Bamba calls him over and Dimevolcano tells Nada his riddle. A thief has robbed you of all your wealth. What should you do?
SBS’ One the Woman (원 더 우먼) is an absolute fun ride. Honey Lee is charming and irresistible as she leads a strong cast in bringing to life a hilarious, exciting, dramatic and feel-good story. Korean audiences apparently thought the same as it had no problem continuing the network’s winning streak in the slot. A perfect balance of kick-ass action, well-placed comedy and soapy drama makes for a winning combination and one of the year’s most refreshing and enjoyable watches.
tvN’s The Devil Judge (악마판사) is a character-driven dystopian thriller that feels terrifyingly close to reality, especially in today’s world. That “hits close to home” feeling lingers throughout the 16-episode series and makes what’s being depicted on screen that much more visceral and affecting. Powered by an excellent cast that brings multi-layered characters to vivid life, The Devil Judge is an exciting and thought-provoking experience.
MBC’s gritty, intricate thriller The Veil established a fully developed world of conspiracy and corruption. So it’s no surprise that a prequel like Moebius: The Veil (뫼비우스 : 검은 태양) would be just as compelling and warranted. Not to mention just as exciting and action-packed.
Yumi’s Cells (유미의 세포들) is a sweet, whimsical and grounded romantic slice of life. The television adaptation of a popular webtoon by Lee Dong Gun is able to bring to life a colorful, yet wholly relatable world in the most creative and refreshing way possible. Kim Go Eun and Ahn Bo Hyun are absolutely charming and compelling as two 30-somethings navigating life, love and career. And alongside a large cast of immediately loveable little friends, the series ends up being one of the most enjoyable series of the year.
MBC’s The Veil (검은 태양/Black Sun) is a blood-soaked psychological thriller coupled with a character-driven cat and mouse game that keeps everyone guessing up to the very last minute of the series. Namgoong Min delivers a tour de force performance as he leads an ensemble cast through an intricate and tangled web of mystery, conspiracy and complicated relationships.