S.Korean Netflix original series ′Narco-Saints′ to premier on September 9

S.Korean Netflix original series 'Narco-Saints' to premier on September 9: K-DRAMA&FILM / 연합뉴스 / 2022-09-03 11:19:22

▲This photo, provided by Netflix shows, a scene from 'Narco-Saints.' (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, September 3 (Yonhap) -- South Korean Netflix Original series “Narco –Saints” attracts the audience while following the basics of structure of Crime series

Netflix Series, “Narco-Saint” is about a civilian who has no other choice but to work with the national intelligence service because he is framed by the drug kingpin who rules over the South American country Suriname.

The drama series is based on a true story of South Korean drug lord known as Mr. Cho who got captured in 2011. By featuring actors Hwang Jung-min, Ha Jung-woo, Jo Woo-jin, Park Hae-soo and more the drama adds solid finishing touch to the production.

Throughout the drama, plot thickens the tension continues on rising as each of the characters are suspicious of one another.

A businessman Kang In-gu acted by Ha Jung-woo faces sudden change in his life due to pastor Jeon Yo-han, acted by Hwang Jung-min who wanted to use Kang In-gu’s business as a mean of transport for his cocaine business. Therefore Kang In-gu decides to team up with the national intelligence service and go on an undercover mission as a drug trafficker and approaches to Jeon Yo-han.

One of the greatest swindlers of the world Jeon Yo-han wields absolute power among his faithful devotees who he uses as a mean of distributing his cocaine. Insanity portrayed by cocaine addict followers of Jeon Yo-han adds tension throughout the series.

Plan provided by the national intelligence service is to help Jeon Yo-han with supplying cocaine to South Korea through United States, Agent Choi Chang-ho acted by Park Hae-soo goes undercover as a colleague of Kang In-gu, however due to his curiosity, both of the undiscovered assets go through numerous difficulties throughout the series creating the intense atmosphere. Potential betrayal of Kang In-gu is one of the reasons why the national inelegance service consider this operation to be risky.

Rivalry which cannot opt out in crime series also appear throughout “Narco- Saints.” Chinese drug ring specializing in Methamphetamine due to firm grip of Jeon Yo-han who monopolizes cocaine business adds additional tension throughout the series. Kang In-gu who contacted with Chinese drug ring in order to draw Jeon Yo-han receives death threats and the success of the whole operation gets jeopardized.

One of the biggest attracting point of “Narco-Sains” is the realistic act of the South Korean actors

South Korean actor Hwang Jung-min realistically portrayed psychotic, devil like cult leader while Ha Jung-woo portrayed rough, but humble character Kang In-gu perfectly throughout the series.

Actor Park Hae-soo who left long lasting impression to the audiences due to his roles as an antagonists throughout the series, transformed into very sharp, calm and realistic agent of the national intelligence service. Actor Chang Chen from “Crouching Tiger; Hidden Dragon” stars in “Narco-Saints” as the leader figure of the Chinese drug ring, adding power to the series.

Series “Narco-Saints” is directed by Yoon Jong-bin who is known for his movies “The Spy Gone North,” in 2018, “Nameless Gangster: Rules of the Time,” “Beastie Boys” in 2008 and more. In the beginning of the production, “Narco-Saints” was going to be produced as a movie; however it went through a structural change and became a six part series drama.

Since “Narco- Saints” which will be released by Netflix is premiering on Chuseok, Korean Thanksgiving holiday, despite of the series being a very well made show, it is hard for the series to fulfill the audiences expectation and interest.

Since all six of the episodes are interconnected to create a one whole big picture, the series lack in introducing new fresh factors. Adding on, despite of the rigidly process of national intelligence service’s undercover operation the series lack in plot twist as well.

Since it was originally created as a movie the drama drags a little, by spending over 20 minutes for protagonist Kang In-gu to actually go to Suriname, and one of the main figures of the drama Jeon Yo-han appeared towards the end of the first episode. In order to put emphasize on the drug kingpin, the series feature a lot of female figures with very provocative clothes, therefore some of the audiences might feel uncomfortable watching the drama. ,

However, South Korean actor Hwang Jung-min and Ha Jung-woo’s act throughout the drama was spot on. But the typical protagonist and antagonist’s image of how protagonist cleverly overcomes all the difficulties and the antagonists are always worked up with insanity decreases characters charisma a little.

Character which actor Ha Jung-woo acted throughout the drama Kang In-gu’s extravagant ability to quickly reacts and wisdom to over every difficulty is far off from reality. Also the glorifying the agent of the national intelligence service makes it hard for audience to truly engage into the drama.

Netflix series “Narco-Saints” will be available starting in September 9.