Stream Classics to Latest K-Movies & Shows at OnDemandKorea

[HanCinema's Drama Review] "The K2" Episode 11

The attempt to kill Gwan-soo fails and Je-ha finds himself trapped with his target and unable to kill him. Tough negotiations begin and Je-ha manages to get out and at the same time form a powerful, but false alliance. Our hero returns to his lady, but things are still falling apart around them. Yoo-jin has reached a breaking point and physical violence from Se-joon which pushes her off the edge.

Advertisement

Due to the drama's writing being lacking for the most part, I appreciate moments where the actors can use their skill to elevate a scene. The delicate game of control between Gwang-soo (Kim Kap-soo), Yoo-jin (Song Yoon-ah) and Je-ha (Ji Chang-wook) is one such occasion. The scene is presented nicely and the tension works, because it relies on a simple concept and lets its actors do their work. We know there will be no death, but who will win is the engaging bit.

Gwan-soo letting Je-ha goChief Kim crying due to Yoo-jin's threats

Tensions run pretty high at this point and not only in the safe room. I have to assume Chief Kim (Shin Dong-mi) is either in love or obsessed with Yoo-jin, but I cannot really feel the latter's betrayal and the former's sense of being betrayed when Yoo-jin threatens Chief Kim. Once again, we are missing the necessary backstory to give this relationship impact past the actresses' performances. Why is Kim so hurt? I cannot feel the extent of her pain this way.

One thing I both appreciate and am disappointed in is that we finally get to know Yoo-jin killed Hye-rin (Son Tae-young)or rather had someone do it, as I imagine she would not get her own hands dirty. The reason I appreciate this is because my curiosity is satisfied. The reason I am disappointed is because it really does seem like Yoo-jin is delusional and at the same time suffering from victim mentality. Since the backstory is missing here as well, this is all I can assume without having seen what has driven her to this.

Yoo-jin telling Se-joon offJe-ha and Ahn-na cuddling

Despite mostly everyone being a mess, at least Je-ha and Ahn-na (Yoona) are having fun. I am not sure how the man skipped from "She reminds me of Raniya" to "Everything is fine" so quickly, but then love sometimes has as much logic as Jang Hyeok-rin's writing, so I suppose the shoe fits. Unfortunately Yoo-jin's decline as a character is about to be connected to this.

I have seen her jealousy and the hunting down of Je-ha and Ahn-na coming, but it is still disappointing to see the villainess reduced to her emotions and mental problems. It is a common way to belittle strong female characters and it is a shame to see it happen in a series which has been doing so well with its villain. Then again, I should expect "The K2" to get most things wrong by now.

"The K2" is directed by Kwak Jeong-hwan, written by Jang Hyeok-rin and features Ji Chang-wook, Song Yoon-ah, Yoona and Cho Seong-ha.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

Note: Due to licensing, videos may not be available in your country

❎ Try Ad-free