This is one of my favorite drama this year (up to April 2020. Wkwkwk). The conflict is not too intense but the story is beautifully made. I adore most of the characters. They are not superhuman who is good in anything (how come a prisoner is good in anything? haha) or villain that is so cruel. They are only ordinary human. How they perceive and enjoy life as a prisoner and the background who made them get into jail is so humane and realistic. I think it is that make this drama receive high  rating in Korea. I would rate this drama is 9.5 out of 10.0.

The drama itself categorized as black comedy. It is about life in prison which is place for criminals yet this drama try to portray that the criminals also has "kind heart" and there are some people who get jailed unfairly. Though there are also some real bad people there.

The director is Shim Won Ho who is famous for the Reply series. Actually I couldnt finish any Reply series because I got bored with the early episodes.  This drama is also boring in the beginning but become more interesting after 4th episodes. The final impression is "Waw, I should continue watching Reply". Hahaha. Let see how is my review for that famous Reply.

This drama is filled with many musical actors. Thus, no wonder the acting was too good to be criticized. One of the impressive actor is Lee Kyu Hyung as Yoo Han Yang, a druggie. I already watched him in Life and Stranger (or Forest of Secret). He played serious supporting role on those two drama but here he played an insane, childish, cute and smart person. BUT Wait! he played the GAY role guys!! The conclusion is he played the totally different character and it amazed me. :')

Okay.

Let the synopsis begin. Spoiler alert.

The story is about a very famous baseball player named Kim Je Hyuk, who got in jail because he attacked a person who rape his sister. Later the rapist died in hospital make Kim Je Hyuk have to spend 1 year in prison. There is saying that the big Kim Je Hyuk may look calm and innocent outside but he is the real crazy (and I agree). In prison, Kim Je Hyuk meet with the horrible roommate, Gundal (a gangster), Prof Myung (famous swindler), Ddolmani (Gundal follower), Beobja (person who in and out jail so often) and an Oldie (I forgot his name, a servant to Gundal). In prison also he meet with his childhood friend, Lee Joon Ho, who is a prison officer there. Shortly, because he could not stand Gundal action, he framed Gundal by cooperating with other prisoner and then got tranferred to other prison. This is when the more interesting story begin.

Let me review about Kim Je Hyuk character. First, he is super famous pitcher and I think he is like an idol in Korea. I dont really understand how famous he is because in my country baseball is not popular. Second, he loves others too much. He is too kind to be true. Not think too much about money and give a big portion to the one he cares about. That's why there are many good people around him, like his lawyer, his childhood friend, his girlfriend, his family (of course) etc. Because of his kindness he even able to change Ddolmani and Bbeobja into good people. The negative is he is kinda dumb. I really like his expression when he is dozing off when some trouble happened. I couldnt understand what he is thinking. Hahaha. Despite of his looks, Kim Je Hyuk  did some brilliant job in prison so people would wonder if he is really dumb or not. The other negative side is his super kindness. Sometimes it is illogical and sacrifice himself. But yeah, that makes him unique. 

In new prison, Kim Je Hyuk meet the some character as his roommates. Here they are :

1. Kim Min Cheol - an ex gangster who jailed because of killing another gangster. Kim Min Cheol is like the leader in the room and many people in jail have some respect for him. He is a big guy who loves flower too much. Kind of ironic. hahaha
2. Kang Chul Doo - Kaist  : a scammer and gambler but has a very good hand that’s why he called Kaist. He is married many times and has one son from his first wife. A nosy person and often has argument with Han Yang. His accent and pronunciation is funny because he has problem with his tongue. He got transferred somehow and it makes me sad. :(
3. Dr Go : a straight, very diligent and serious human being. I hate that type of person in the real life. Wkwkwk. But his life is a misery. He is imprisoned as sacrifice for his company and in return he got increasing in salary so he can take care of his sick daughter. He got courage to oppose the idea for second sacrifaction but did not end very well I think. Dr Go is also transferred in the middle of the story.
4. Lee Joon Young - Jean Valjean : Played by  Kang Seung Yoon of Winner. I hope he is a good person (I like Winner song and ever seen him in concert). He is imprisoned because of stealing a truck of bread. He always saying father to Kim Min Cheol but ended up stabbing him in order to get parole.
5. Yoo Han Yang : is a druggie who always think that his mother hates him. His character is very comical and funny. Always pick a fight either with Kaist or Capt Yoo. He has strong determination to live without drugs or flu pills but . . . (plot twist).
6. Yoo DaeWi (Capt Yoo) : a very handsome guy (Jung Hae In) come at last. Imprisoned because framed by his subordinate who has good connection, Capt Yoo is so cold to his roommate at first. But after adjusting, he becomes warmer and friendly. Thanks to Offcer Paeng.
7. Ddolmani : An antagonist character who always want to hurt Je Hyuk but Je Hyuk could handle him and became devoted to Je Hyuk.
8. Bbeobja : is another person who is impressed with Je Hyuk kindness. That’s why he get imprisoned again to meet Je hyuk. I don’t understand how come. Bbeobja is very chatty person but his information help Je Hyuk in many ways. 
   
   
   
   
   

Then there are also some prison guard who are important character to the story :

1. Lee Joon Ho; a childhood friend. Lee Joon Ho and Kim Je Hyuk is baseball friend. Even Joon Ho is better than him. But they got accident and Joon Ho give up the baseball. He enter the university and study to become civil servant. He had good grades and ever established the joint company with his friends but quit afterward. After he left the company has a good profit and become a big deal. I think, Joon Ho is rather sad about himself. Always quit in the middle. But, what Je Hee said soothe him. She said his fate is like that is because Joon Ho is good to everything. Thats why he has many option. Not like his brother who only good in baseball and has no choice except work hard in baseball no matter what happens. Uchaaa~ I like this advice you know. 

2. Officer Paeng; responsible officer for Je Hyuk block. He always says harsh and mean things to his prisoners. Though he always eager to help them. I dont really like his character because he always says no but does the opposite. He likes to argue with officer Na to get more flexible with his prisoners. Despite of his kindness,  Officer Paeng and Lee Joon Ho dislikes each other and I guess I am in Joon Ho side. Wkwkwk.

3. Prison Officer Na; a deputy governor; super straight and diligent human being. He has no room for flexibility. He hates Kim Je Hyuk who gets special treatment offering by Prison Governor or other officer. He is smart but kinda sly. I think his motto is no pain no gain because every time Je Hyuk ask something he would ask in return. His strict treatment sometimes useful but sometimes hurtful. But he is still a good person in this story.

4. Prison Governor; a person who care a lot about his prison publication. He is so happy when Kim Je Hyuk transferred there. He even offer Kim Je Hyuk some special treatment though Je Hyuk mostly refuses. He does not think much about daily problem in prison and always follow Officer Na decision. But one day he opposes Officer Na idea. (a plot twist again) :)

This drama is filled with moral message, warm friendship and funny scenes. Yet this drama has some important plot twist which enough to make my mood down. There are some love story here, between Je Hyuk and his girlfriend, Joon Ho and Je Hyuk sister and Yoo Han Yang with his lover. The love story is not too complicated like usual drama thus I like it. There are some time-jump in this story but I still found it nice. Overall this drama deserves its rating. :)

Review

4:39 AM

This COVID-19 tragedy is bringing me back to writing. I am bored to the max! Besides I don’t really write nowadays. Currently, I do accounting which is not really need writing. Just do routine and calculating.

This is a spoiler FYI. Because I'd like to tell you about the character and how the conflict built up.

At first, this is my favorite medical drama. I put aside my fear about blood because the story is gewd. You would not be disappointed. Well. The story mainly talk about the very skillful doctor named Boo Young Joo who has triple board surgeon ( cardio, general and neurosurgery). It is said to be very rare in medical area.

Dr. Boo Young Joo is very idealist. His dream is to build a trauma center in Joseon regency, initiated in Doldam Hospital, an abandoned branch of Geosan University Hospital, a reputable hospital in Seoul. He say not to reject any patient and would save the patient no matter what. Not really care about how deficit the hospital be and not really care about his reputation and career. His idea is supported by Yeo Woon Yeong, the president of Doldam Hospital. Later, there are some problematic doctors who transferred to Doldam from Geosan and learn how to be good surgeon from Dr Boo Young Joo. This series right now has 2 series with different main characters. I would tell that the 1st series has more interesting story than 2nd series. Hahaha.

The main characters are :

1. Boo Young Joo (played by Han Suk Gyu)

Boo Young Joo is a very straight and hardworking person. Previously he worked at Geosan University Hospital but he was disappointed by his colleagues there who are willing to betray their moral because of career and money, especially after the death of his junior in operating table. Dr Boo Young Joo leave Geosan Hospital and work at Doldam Hospital without everyone knowing. There, he change his name by Kim Sabu (Master Kim) and none call him Boo Young Joo. At first series, his character is more fierce. He didn’t let any mistakes comes in the operation room. He didn’t let any distraction comes in operation. But in second series, I don’t know why, but the character is more soft hearted. Yeah maybe because the doctors he face is different that’s why need different approach. But I don’t like the soft Dr Kim Sabu >.<

Han Suk Gyu is veteran actor indeed. His acting is cool. I never see his work before but his acting portraying Boo Young Joo impressed me.

2. Kang Dong Joo (played by Yoo Yeon Seok) - 1st series

Kang Dong Joo is a smart and talented doctor. He has an unforgettable past when his father died because the doctor change his father's operation dates. Later he found that there are VIP patient who need operation is the same date and conclude that the doctor left his father because of that VIP patient, then he enraged and destroyed the emergency room. It is when he meet Dr Boo Young Joo and impressed by his statement that the best revenge is being the doctor whose skill exceeded them. Kang Dong Joo then became General Surgeon. Though has motivation that he would not differ patient VIP or not, Kang Dong Joo is still looking for recognition. He hates Do In Beom who recognized by everyone just because he is the Geosan president's son though his skill is exceed him. Later he asked by the higher up to operate on VIP patient who is has small chance of living. The patient is dead in operating table and Kang Dong Joo is sent to Doldam Hospital.

3. Yoon Seo Jung (played by Seo Hyun Jin) - 1st series

Yoon Seo Jung is a legend in Geosan University Hospital because of her skill and brave attitude. Her nickname is crazy whale. Kang Dong Joo is impressed by her heroic action to save the patient and later confessed that he is fall in love with her makes Yoon Seo Jung hesitant because she has a boyfriend, a senior doctor in Geosan. The boyfriend then died in an accident when they are going home. Yoon Seo Jung feel guilty about the accident and left Geosan. After the accident, Yoon Seo Jung has PTSD syndrome and treated by Master Kim. She idolized Master Kim and tried hard to work and learn from him. Thus she worked at Doldam Hospital without everybody knowing.

4. Do In Beom (played by Yang Se Jeong)

Do In Beom is the Geosan Hospital president's son. He receives a special treatment in Geosan but still make Kang Dong Joo his rival because he never exceed him in the university. He really wants to be acknowledged by his father that’s why he voluntarily transfer to Doldam to be Kang Dong Joo's rival and spy for his father. Later he enjoys cooperation with Kang Dong Joo in operation room and become a good doctor. In second series, he is back to Geosan to be an inspector.

5. Seo Woo Jin (played by Ahn Yeo Seop) -2nd series

Seo Woo Jin is a talented general surgeon who has a good heart but has money problem. He is known for whistle blowing his senior fraud, make his senior lost his job which led to divorce. Because of it, his colleagues stay distant to him. Seo Woo Jin is fired from Geosan Hospital by Park Min Guk, his department head because of false rumor about his part time job. At that time he is offered by Master Kim to work at Doldam Hospital.

Seo Woo Jin is the only survivor from family suicide. His father is bankrupt and makes Seo Woo Jin pay his debt for his lifetime. Seo Woo Jin is always working hard but never enough to pay the debt (loan shark debt with bubbling interest) makes him sarcastic and pessimistic about life and he hardly talking about his true thought.

6. Cha Eun Jae (played by Lee Sung Kyung) - 2nd series

Cha Eun Jae is hardworking cardiothoracic surgeon but cant stand being in operation room. When she sees blood she would be fainted due to nauseas. Thus she consumed sleeping pill which led her to fall asleep in operation room. Cha Eun Jae comes from a good background. Her father and her two siblings are famous doctors. She becomes a doctor because she doesn’t like to disappoint her mother. Cha Eun Jae is sent to Doldam Hospital after sleep in operation room again and given choices to be suspended or transfer to Doldam. Cha Eun Jae character is rather innocent I thought. She has typical romantic relationship with Seo Woo Jin which I don’t like. Hahaha.

7. Doo Yun Hwan (played by Choi Jin Ho)

Doo Yun Hwan is antagonist character in all series. His ambition is to defeat Dr Boo Young Joo especially after Chairman Shin (the chairman of Doldam and Geosan foundation) want to do artificial heart surgery only with Master Kim. A typical person who would do anything to overpower his enemy. Doo Yun Hwan strategy is to point any mistakes made by Master Kim or acknowledged Master Kim doing as his output. In the end, he is defeated and leave Geosan hospital but make comeback as chairman of the foundation after Chairman Shin death in 2nd series.

This stories evolves in Doldam hospital in a suburb but has casino near it. That’s why weekday in Doldam is very quiet but in weekend patients flooded in. There are many problematic doctor in Doldam. The anesthetist is still in lawsuit, PTSD doctor, not so educated nurses and so on. But they have one spirit not leave any patient and will do anything to save patient. In first series the doctor is only Master Kim, Yoon Seo Jung and anesthetist, Nam Dong Ill. They said many doctor come but go easily because of Master Kim or overloaded patient in Doldam especially weekend. They also only has two operation room with old tools. The problem comes after Kang Dong Joo arrives and Master Kim get financial support from Chairman Shin only after he agreed doing artificial heart surgery on him. Doo Yun Hwan can not accept that Chairman Shin prefer Doldam that is a small and old fashioned hospital than Geosan Hospital which has everything; capable doctors and high tech facilities. So he plants some of his underlings to spy on Master Kim plan wish could point anything that makes him failed operating Chairman Shin. Master Kim happily accept his help not care whatever his intention is. Hahaha. It makes his enemy angrier of course. 

I'd love seeing how Master Kim teach Kang Dong Joo and his other juniors to only focus on saving patient life. Not get distracted to problem which could be solved later. He would always say, "Focus! Focus!" when Dong Joo, In Beom or Seo Jung start get distracted. Dong Joo who is arrogant and at first doesn’t trust Master Kim by the time become respect and try to walk on the same path. Besides he also learn about truth in the past. In Beom who is always under his father shadow finally find what he really want to be. Seo Jung after trying so hard finally able to gain Master Kim trust to do surgery. In the beginning only Seo Jung who work longer with Master Kim understand his true intention.

The first series conflict is well build and it never failed to impressed us about the Doldam doctors and nurses skill. And I would say that only small romantic conflict there (which I like it). Dong Joo finally won Seo Jung heart. Hahaha. One thing that I don’t understand is Dong Joo's relationship with her mom. He should love and protect his mom with all his heart. But he always ignoring her calls and after her mom come to town there is no warm scene afterward. I then made my own conclusion that he maybe feel ashamed after transferred to Doldam. That’s why he cant face her mother.

Dong Joo and Seo Jung left Doldam to pursue their other interest.  Then come Seo Woo Jin, Cha Eun Jae and Yoon A Reum (an intern). When they come there are already Jung In Suk as ER doctor, Bae Mun Jung as Orthopedist and Nam Doo Il as anesthetist. Doo Yun Wan makes comeback as chairman and fired president Yeo and replaced by Park Min Guk, a dept head in Geosan Hospital. The initial staff at first disappointed with the decision but Park Min Guk comes with certain increase of salary makes them happy. Doo Yun Wan ultimate plan is to replace Doldam into sophisticated hospital which only accept VIP patient.

I'd rather disappointed with the story. Because the operation skill is not impressive anymore and more focused on conflict between two parties or if I could say conflict between two morale. There too many characters that has side stories makes me couldn’t enjoy the main conflict. Besides, Master Kim character is weakened. He doesn’t do harsh training anymore instead always being the helper of the other two main characters. Then, I don’t like Park Min Guk character which always hesitant about being good or not. I understand if this character is between trapped by the past and he wants to overcome Master Kim's skill. But his hesitation is too frequent. Last, I don’t like the romantic conflict on this series. It is too complicated and common. Oh whyyyy~~~ why not straightforward love story like the first one.

Other review is I don’t really like how Park Eun Tak (played by Kim Min Jae) developed. Park Eun Tak is a handsome nurse who has crush on two intern doctors (in different series of course). I like his character which always be gentleman, responsive but still assertive. A quiet person who only talk when needed. But oh whyyy~ in second series, he got girlfriend but their love story seems forceful not smooth. :( 

I got news that there will be season 3 next year. I really hope Kim Sabu-nim character would rise again with more interesting story. Kim Sabu fighting~!!

image credit to asianwiki.com

Review

12:37 AM