[HanCinema's Drama Review] "Whisper" Episode 7

Dong-joon's newfound confidence and rediscovered sense of justice make him determined to take down Jeong-il and set things right for Yeong-joo and her family. The several antagonists of "Whisper" are starting to feel the pressure of their power games and cracks have begun to form in their mighty facade. Everyone has reasons to fight which are important to them and this means that backing down indefinitely is not something they are willing to do.

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I am not sure when Dong-joon (Lee Sang-yoon) went from backstabbing villain to a fighter for justice and moral standards, but this is a thing that is happening right now and so our lead is busier than usual. At the same time, Dong-joon is being way too cocky with even his own allies, willing and blackmailed, which is already starting to backfire. This does create tension, however, so it is a welcome flaw of his approach to things.

I am glad to see Yeong-joo (Lee Bo-young) back in action, because as networked as Dong-joon is, he is not that great with the practical side of things. I do wish Yeong-joo will have more screen time, but the fact that both characters have their unique skills and importance in the proceedings keeps things balanced. Having the female character as the capable brawn is also a fun change in the usual dynamics.

As for our second leads, this episode marks the first true turmoil in their relationship and I can definitely see it getting poisoned by outside influences and inside lack of trust. There is poetic justice in seeing the villains who hurt others for their love destroying each other through a mutual lack of trust. Jeong-il (Kwon Yul) essentially denies that he would sacrifice himself for Soo-yeon (Park Se-young) and she is starting to lose her dream life. Their fallout will be a deserved and enjoyable one.

One thing I do appreciate about "Whisper" is that its characters do not act solely out of thirst for power, which is a typical and boring motivation in Korean drama. "Whisper" gives them human driving forces, making them appealing. Avoiding punishment, protecting one's own, resisting oppression, hiding shame; these are diverse and deeply personal reasons, which admittedly make the underdevelopment of the characters driven by them more regretful.

As for Soo-yeon's closing kiss, however, I would advice her to stop watching so many soaps. I expect the series to explain how exactly this kiss would ruin the trust between Dong-joon and Yeong-joo, who are clearly bound by personal goals, or at least why Soo-yeon feels that it would. That is assuming the kiss is her endgame. An odd ending to an episode, but dramas cannot resist their romantic intrigue too often.

"Whisper" is directed by Lee Myeong-woo, written by Park Kyeong-soo and features Lee Bo-young, Lee Sang-yoon, Kwon Yul and Park Se-young.

Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings'

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