Gangnam B-Side

A violent gritty thriller set in the shady underworld of Gangnam where the lives of young girls have little value for anyone apart from the friends and families of these victims. The three main characters are Kang Dong-woo as Jo Woo-Jin a detective who is trying to save his estranged daughter from this world, Kim Hyeong-seo as Kang Ye-seo a violent pimp trying to save his friend and Ha Yoon-kyung playing Min Seo-Jin a prosecutor who may or not be on the side of the evil drug company boss behind it all. It is only eight episodes and is entertaining enough with good performances from the cast but in my opinion the plot is too simple and the characters behaviour and portrayal are over the top and if it had been reined in a bit it would have been more entertaining.

A great drama that touches the soft underbelly of society, and I was even more surprised that the story is based on a true story, perfect casting of the actors, perfect acting by Ji Chang Wook, such a talented actor, who doesn't need much text, he simply has a phenomenal ability to convey a variety of emotions with his facial expressions and eyes. It's true that there are violent scenes in the film, but they are necessary for the plot. The plot reminds me of the scandal of Burning Sun in Seoul, which involved politicians, celebrities, police officers, lawsuits/prosecutors, trafficking in women, drug use and trafficking, corruption, sexual favors. And all of this happened in a nightclub for friends only.

It's true that the first two episodes are a bit confusing, but in the following episodes the picture becomes clearer.

Excellent soundtrack Perfect direction And as I said, perfect casting A drama worth watching.

I started watching without expecting it to be good and almost gave up during the first episode. However, from the second episode onward, it turned out to be amazing! The plot and timing felt incredibly realistic-it didn't even feel like I was watching fiction. It's such a shame that a series this great only has eight episodes. Come on, producer, make a second season! I'm really curious about Minseok oppa and Jenny's backstory.

If I may give some criticism, I found that only the first episode felt a bit convoluted and confusing, making it somewhat boring. Honestly, if it weren't for the top-tier actors in the cast, I probably would have stopped watching midway through the first episode.

I think this is one of the best dramas of 2024 (if not the best). This is a hard look at really that society wants us to forget and ignore. Choosing Gangnam as the backdrop of this story was a great move, because behind the glitz and glamour that this place represents lies the dark truth at all is not well in this world. The stories of survival in this drama touches on reality , and it was really very well told, it did not hold back, whether it is painful or not, acceptable or not, the story told it as it is. Those who watched it and understood what it is all about will find it thought provoking (and painful at times). With 4 episodes down, we are really rooting for the characters to have a "saving grace ending" (to be less painful and a lot hopeful)...This is a must watch.... Great work to all those who made this masterpiece of a drama.( Special mention to Ji Chang Wook who must have had the hardest time shooting, great choice of work) Bravo!!!!!

Korean Drama '' Gangnam B-Side '' is a dark, action drama.

The drama has a quite dark story, and is unafraid to show a more realistic approach on the underground of Gangnam, as its title gives away.

It also has many action scenes and fighting sequences that were well-choreographed.

The characters were interesting as well, even though some of them were moving stereotypes.

In addition, the drama rushed things through, and so the chemistry and the relationship between the characters were inorganic and unrealistic, as well as some parts of the plot. The time jumps were not smooth either.

Finally, the performances were great and enjoyable by everyone in the cast.

So, overall, six out of ten.