연합뉴스
| yna@yna.co.kr 2024-07-09 11:57:19
SEOUL, July 9 (Yonhap) -- "The TV medium, with its low barrier to entry, necessitated a careful approach to 'Connection.' We had to ensure that the series did not stray from societal moral standards. We didn't want to incite curiosity about drugs or weaken viewers' aversion to them," said director Kim Moon-gyo.
The SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'Connection,' which concluded on the 6th, is a mystery thriller that follows narcotics detective Jang Jae-kyung (played by Ji Sung), who is kidnapped and forcibly addicted to drugs. The series traces his quest to uncover who orchestrated this and why.
In the drama, drugs are depicted as non-existent "lemon pong" pills. Unwillingly addicted, Jang Jae-kyung endures severe withdrawal symptoms every few days and struggles to overcome them. In a written interview commemorating the series' end, director Kim explained that he focused on portraying drugs with a clear stance, maintaining a sense of alienation towards them, and avoiding unnecessary curiosity.
"Uncomfortable scenes were necessary to heighten awareness about drugs as an obstacle for the protagonist. To regulate the intensity, the actors performed multiple versions of scenes, from which we carefully chose," Kim revealed. He added that removing the drug theme from the script was never considered, as the compelling logline—"a narcotics detective addicted to drugs"—was too strong, and the issue's timeliness in Korea was significant.
While drugs are a central element, 'Connection' is not solely a drug investigation drama. It gradually unveils that Jang Jae-kyung's high school friends are behind the incidents, revealing their true natures in the process.
The story begins with Jae-kyung's old friend Park Jun-seo (played by Yoon Na-moo) coming to him, declaring his intention to right a wrong before disappearing. Soon after, Jae-kyung receives a message from Jun-seo, leading him to a location where he is kidnapped and drugged. Days later, Jae-kyung learns of Jun-seo's death, with the friend leaving a large insurance payout to Jae-kyung and another friend, reporter Oh Yoon-jin (Jeon Mi-do), as if anticipating his demise and asking them to uncover the truth.
The investigation reveals that their high school friends, now involved in drug dealing for money, are behind both the drug incidents and Jun-seo's death. They deceive and betray each other to cover their misdeeds.
Writer Lee Hyun described the core message of 'Connection' as "the multifaceted nature and value of friendship." He noted that friendship, neither familial nor entirely separate, can easily break or change. Most characters in 'Connection' are friends yet exist in hierarchical relationships, betraying and hurting each other, ultimately showing that such relationships are mere "connections" rather than true friendships. The drama ends by reaffirming the value of genuine friendship.
Director Kim expressed his belief that the series aimed to uncover what must be preserved beyond its dark aspects. He hoped viewers would remember 'Connection' not just as a dark and somber drama but as one that highlights the value of the precious, shining elements found amidst darkness.
'Connection' received strong viewer support, peaking at a 14% rating, praised for its plot twists, tight narrative, and heightened tension. The actors' performances, particularly Ji Sung's portrayal of a drug-addicted detective, contributed significantly to its success. Ji Sung lost 15kg for the role, enhancing the realism with his haggard appearance and anxious eyes.
Other notable performances included Jeon Mi-do as a relentless reporter, Kwon Yul as a cold, elite prosecutor, and Kim Kyung-nam as a chaebol heir plagued by inferiority. Viewers lauded the cast's impeccable acting, with no weak links.
Writer Lee praised the actors' character portrayals as outstanding, often surpassing his imagination. Director Kim felt honored to work with such dedicated and talented actors, commending their deep understanding of the script, acting, art, and humanity.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]