Falsify (2017) 조작
Directed by Lee Jung-heum, starring Namkoong Min, Uhm Ji-won, Yoo Jun-sang, Jeon Hye-bin and Moon Sung-geun.
Watched 17 - 26 October 2024 — 32 episodes (DRAMACOOL/YOUTUBE)
*Enjoyable but flawed series about fake news and corruption.
*It took me some time to connect with the main characters, and even then I never felt an emotional attachment to them and I was never completely immersed in the story. At first I thought it had something to do with the fact that I watched several shows simultaneously, but even when I was eventually binging this show, it never wowed me or captivated me entirely. The series got steadily better as it progressed but at the same time the plot also got more convoluted. It felt a bit messy.
*Namkoong Min plays Han Moo-young, a reporter, intent on avenging the death of his reporter brother who was murdered while trying to reveal a big corruption scandal. Namkoong Min is a great actor and has some really good scenes.
*I liked Uhm Ji-won as prosecutor Kwon So-ra. She has her moral compass pointing in the right direction and it was clear from the start where she stood. Although I welcome a romantic subplot, the hint at romance felt forced here. There was some romantic dialogue, some meaningful looks, but I never felt Moo-young's infatuation with So-ra. I'm glad they didn't follow up on the hint and just left the relationship as it was.
*Chief Prosecutor Im Ji-tae is a ridiculous character, or anyway the way Park Won-sang portrays him. So over the top.
*Moon Sung-geun gives a good performance as Koo Tae-won, Director of Daehan Newspaper. His remorse came too late and I felt a bit sorry for him.
*It's a shame the real corrupt culprits are never shown and aren't caught. That bit is unresolved, unfortunately.
*The ending is a bit strange. The humorous camaraderie between Han Moo-young and Lee Seok-min felt forced. Although there was a connection between the two men, it was never a bromance.
*Overall it was an entertaining drama but I think the script would have benefited from tighter writing. I did like how the three main characters were all passionate about finding the truth.
*Probably the most important thing this series tells us is how the media influences our lives and what a huge impact a fake publication can have.