Review notes were previously posted on Letterboxd, on a private list with watched K-dramas. I deleted the list so will publish the notes here.
Designated Survivor: 60 Days (2019)
Watched 9 - 13 June 2022 — 16 episodes (DRAMACOOL)
*Really enjoyed this thriller series based on the American series Designated Survivor starring Kiefer Sutherland. I haven’t seen the American series but apparently that one is more fast-paced and action-packed, whereas the Korean series puts more emphasis on character building and emotional investment (which is what I love about K-dramas).
*I sought this out for Ji Jin-hee whom I had never seen before in a series but I was looking for a nice mature male lead and he is handsome. I like him as Acting President Park Mu-jin, and he gives credibility to his role, though I have to say that in the beginning his role is less challenging, he just looks bewildered and doesn’t have a lot of lines. But I like his character development and how he stands strong in his beliefs, and how honest and decent he is.
*It was such a pleasant surprise to see Son Suk-ku here (from My Liberation Notes). Not only does he appear in this series but he also has a big role as Secretary Cha, and I think he might even have more screen time here than as Mr. Gu in My Liberation Notes. I love his character and the positive development he goes through. Another pleasant surprise was that they gave him a romantic subplot. I liked his bickering with Park Mu-jin’s female secretary Jung (played by Choi Yoon-young), though their relationship could have been developed more. Some of their scenes together are very cute. I love the fact that they are dating in the end, so that’s a nice romantic outcome for them.
*Love the entire Blue House staff and how well the characters are depicted. I also would have liked to see a romance happen between press secretary Kim and the female reporter. They had good chemistry.
*I also liked Kang Han-na as the NIS Terrorism Task Force Agent. I’d seen her before in Familiar Wife where she doesn’t play a very sympathetic role.
*That scene where press secretary Kim and secretary Cha are playing basketball! Love it!
*Also love the scene where Acting President Park Mu-jin meets General Lee after arrests have been made and a military coup has been prevented. The firm handshake, the moist eyes, the obvious mutual respect for one another … it made for a very emotional moment.
*Also, the heartfelt moment where Park Mu-jin says goodbye to his staff and leaves the Blue House left me teary-eyed.
*I was a bit disappointed that Acting President Park Mu-jin withdraws from the presidential elections. But I did love the actual ending and how Park Mu-jin is reunited with his adorable staff. It would be great to have a second season where he’ll run for president again.
*OST is not very memorable but the show’s production values are good.
*Despite its flaws (seriously, the stupidity of the NIS agents at times, e.g. driving their car IN FRONT OF the ambulance carrying the villain), overall this was a very enjoyable watch!