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| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-07-08 09:39:39
SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- Oh Wan-soo (played by Kim Ha-neul), the daughter-in-law of the wealthiest conglomerate in Korea and a former famous professional golfer, heads to downtown Manila, Philippines, for a charity event. However, an assassination attempt is made on her life. The sniper's bullet misses her due to the crowded street, hitting another person nearby. Panicking as she's covered in the fallen person's blood, Seo Do-yoon (played by Jung Ji-hoon) appears and rescues her.
This is the beginning of the Disney+ original series "Red Swan," which premiered on the 3rd with the release of episodes 1 and 2. The action-romance drama, starring Kim Ha-neul and Jung Ji-hoon (also known as Rain), grabs viewers' attention with high-intensity scenes from the start.
After the sensational success of last year's original series "Moving," Disney+ has struggled to produce another major hit, leading to a decline in subscribers. Now, "Red Swan" is in the spotlight to see if it can be a game-changer.
Wan-soo grew up poor, raised by a single mother who worked as a caddie. Her mother was fired by Park Mi-ran (played by Seo Yi-sook), the owner of the golf course and chairman of Hwa-in Group, worsening their financial troubles. Wan-soo dropped out of high school to work as a caddie. She eventually moved to the U.S., becoming a top golfer and earning significant prize money. However, her mother's gambling addiction left her penniless, leading Wan-soo to cut ties and donate her earnings, gaining a reputation as a "charity angel."
Continuing her charitable activities, Wan-soo married Kim Yong-guk (played by Jung Gyu-woon), the vice chairman of Hwa-in Group, who had supported her. Ironically, Park Mi-ran, who once fired Wan-soo's mother, became her mother-in-law. Ten years into her marriage, Wan-soo continues her charitable endeavors globally. After giving a speech in New York against terrorism, she receives a threat from a terrorist group but proceeds to Manila for a charity event, where she faces an assassination attempt.
Seo Do-yoon, a former police officer, is shocked by the murder of a close friend by an assassin in Manila. While tracking the killer, he learns of the next target and encounters Wan-soo in danger, saving her.
"Red Swan" delves into conflicts between a poor daughter-in-law and her wealthy mother-in-law, her husband's infidelity, and mysterious murder threats, resembling a typical "makjang" drama. As an OTT original series, it features numerous high-intensity scenes to captivate viewers visually.
For instance, the initial shootout scene dramatically shows Wan-soo covered in blood, heightening the tension. The series continues with exploding vehicles and surrounding flames.
Jung Ji-hoon showcases his masculine charm in the drama. Initially appearing with a rugged beard and angular sunglasses, he later shaves and dons a sleek suit as he joins Hwa-in Group as a bodyguard.
Some provocative scenes might be uncomfortable for viewers. In episode 2, Wan-soo witnesses her husband Yong-guk's affair in explicit detail. Park Mi-ran, the chairman of Hwa-in Group, frequently shouts and throws objects in anger.
Despite its attempt at differentiation through intense visuals, "Red Swan" relies on overused themes, raising questions about its originality. Its focus on provocative elements might be a drawback for viewers seeking cohesive plotlines and logical consistency.
For example, after an intense action scene where two people, including Wan-soo's bodyguard, are shot, no one inquires about their condition, and a lavish charity party proceeds as if nothing happened. Additionally, unrealistic scenarios, like reporters not allowing Wan-soo to answer questions during a press conference or Wan-soo's mother taking on a caddie job without prior knowledge of the golf course owner, might confuse viewers.
On online communities and review sites, some viewers expressed disappointment, citing outdated plotlines and poor execution. Comments included, "The script feels too old," "Enough with the 30-year-old chaebol stories," and "It feels like a reenactment video."
Conversely, others praised the series, saying, "Jung Ji-hoon fits the bodyguard role well," "The plot is fast-paced and thrilling," "It's a dopamine rush," and "It's a spicy drama I've missed."
The 10-episode "Red Swan" releases two episodes every Wednesday, with the final episode airing on the 31st of this month.
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