The Worst Evil

This drama tells the journey of an undercover police officer to infiltrate a major crime syndicate. This syndicate often distributes illegal drugs. Presenting a storyline that is unexpected or even has a surprise effect, even though many Korean detective themed drama have already been recognized, this story is fresh and hard to predict, it is not monotonous, the audience is also shown how persistent a police officer is in eradicating crime, especially in dismantling large organizations or Drug Cartel. Set in the 1990s, this drama series looks more natural with good cinematography. In my opinion, many people like dramas with criminal themes like this because the unique storyline shows each case and how to solve a case and how someone can stand their ground and remain strong until the end.

How the hell do you write a review of this series without making it all about Ji Chang Wook and how he owns this character!? I mean, I have watched all of his dramas and I knew he was good but this was just another lever. You literally can see him transform going through all the experiences he is living, and evolving from human to emotionless monster in seconds from one scene to another. Such powerful performance.

Wi Ha Joon was great too, I knew he was great in action dramas but I thought his role in Bad and Crazy made him shine more.

I also have to make a special mention to BiBi who I already loved as a singer but this is my first time watching as an actress, she is freaking 25 and her presence on screen was outstanding. Her chemistry between the male lead is off the roof.

And you can actually see the moments were the male lead is conflicted and he knows his morals and values are being compromised and he is just surrendering...

I really loved how grey and non predictable the characters are written and the dynamics of the relationships are.

Least cliché ending ever too, and that was just perfect.

The drama overall is just amazing. Pace is just right, not one moment of boredom while you are watching it. Thrilling, with great action scenes to watch too ( if you are like me a fan of bloody fights) and amazing music, really tasteful and unique, made it sound somehow like we were watching movie set in southamerica and their mafias with the Spanish guitars, awesome feeling.

Watch it now, you won't regret it.

The show has impressed me so far. The action is raw and real. Somehow the fancy choreographed action scenes that JCW did brilliantly in The K2 would not have fit here. JCW is my favourite but the show did not immediately get me hooked. As I went through each episode, I got invested in the story and characters without realizing and look forward to what happens next. It's a bummer they didn't release all episodes together. I would have seen them in one go. I like that. JCW's character is driven to the undercover operation for the selfish motive of rising up the ranks. It makes his character more believable.

An action epic drama

let's start from last to first.

Critical Analysis: While "The Worst of Evil" is an exceptional series, it may not be suitable for those seeking a light-hearted watch. Its unrelenting darkness and morally ambiguous characters can be unsettling. Additionally, the series' brevity leaves audiences craving more, but perhaps this is intentional, leaving room for speculation and discussion.

Conclusion: In a landscape filled with crime dramas, "The Worst of Evil" Season 1 stands out as a gripping and thought-provoking masterpiece. Its exploration of moral decay, outstanding performances, and impeccable direction make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Brace yourself for a visceral experience that will challenge your perceptions of good and evil

Emotional Resonance: What truly resonates with "The Worst of Evil" is its unapologetic exploration of morality. It doesn't shy away from depicting the darkness that resides within its characters. As the lines between good and evil blur, it prompts viewers to question their own moral compass. The series leaves a lingering sense of unease, forcing introspection long after the credits roll.

Themes and Tone: "The Worst of Evil" grapples with themes of power, loyalty, and the blurred lines between good and evil. It's an unflinching look at the criminal underbelly and the corrupting influence of power. The tone is dark, gritty, and unforgiving, perfectly complementing the story's exploration of moral ambiguity.

Acting and Characters: The cast delivers stellar performances across the board. Ji Chang-wook's portrayal of Park Joon-mo is nothing short of captivating. His transformation from a dedicated cop to a cunning infiltrator is a testament to his acting prowess. Wi Ha-joon as Jung Gi-cheol brings an eerie charisma to the leader of the criminal organization, making him both menacing and oddly charismatic. Im Se-mi's Yoo Eui-jung adds depth and emotional complexity to the series.

Direction and Cinematography: Han Dong-wook's direction shines in "The Worst of Evil." His ability to build tension and maintain suspense is commendable. The series is visually striking, with a noir aesthetic that enhances the ominous atmosphere. The cinematography captures the neon-lit streets of Gangnam and the shadowy underpasses, creating an immersive experience.

Score and Production Design: The haunting score elevates the series, enhancing the sense of foreboding. It's a perfect companion to the dark and moody production design. From seedy nightclubs to dimly lit alleys, the attention to detail in the set design is exceptional.

Special Effects and Editing: While "The Worst of Evil" doesn't rely heavily on special effects, when they are used, they're seamlessly integrated. The editing is crisp, allowing the story to flow smoothly across its three episodes. There are no wasted moments, every scene serves a purpose.

I didn't intend to leave a review, but after seeing the title of a review "Been there, done that", it's hard to not write a review about the show since that's not all about this show. Based on the review and the date the review was published, I can tell the reviewer only have watched the first episode only, or the half of the second episode at most. The show's trailer and the first 2 episodes did come off as a typical double spy escapade. I also didn't expect anything new. However, the plot gets more complicated and fresh from the 3rd episode. The episode 4 and 5 are even better. 2 hours have just gone so fast. This isn't just a tug of war kind of show where a guy tries to hide his identity, and another guy tries to reveal a rat. It's not that simple, and the plot is more 3 dimensionally interwoven with other characters which is the fresh take of the genre indeed. It's probably better to judge the show after watching the whole episodes, but so far so good. It's hard to find the flaws yet. It's also nice to see that the production of the show expressed homage towards late 80s and early 90 hong kong noir during episode 4 and 5. Don't get discouraged by the common theme of this show. Give it a try. I guarantee you'll notice a fresh breath of air.