If you haven’t become a devotee of Korean action films and series, then “Bloodhound” could be the one to convince you. These new works coming out of Seoul makes the predictable pulp Hollywood Blockbusters look downright silly. And I am referring to anything by Tarantino, Fast and Furious series, John Wick series, Expendables, and god forbid I that even mentioned the ’Extraction’ series with that Australian bimbo Chris Hemsworth.
Based on the webcomic “Sanyanggaedeul” by Jung Chan, Netflix’s “Bloodhounds” takes us back to the dark days of 2020, during the height of COVID lockdowns. Set in Seoul, this K-drama follows two young amateur boxers, Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi), who first meet in the ring when they square off in the finals of a national tournament. Their fighting styles instantly tell us all we need to know about them. Gun-Woo is disciplined and fundamentally-sound, an extension of his sincere and principled nature. Meanwhile, Woo-Jin is flashy and unorthodox, an expression of his brash and outgoing personality.
After pummeling one another, the mismatched pair form a fast friendship, based on their mutual respect for each other’s skills and their shared history in the Marines during military service. As heartwarming as this developing bromance is, things take a turn when predatory moneylenders scam Gun-woo’s poor mom into crippling debt. As part of their feast on struggling individuals , the moneylenders force Gun-woo and Woo-jin to become bloodhounds, or debt collectors, for their organisation. Reluctantly, the two boxers embark on a dangerous but brief journey, hunting down those who owe money and using their fists to extract payment, until they realise its all too immoral and decide to help those oppressed.
As they delve deeper into the world of debt collection, Gun-woo and Woo-jin begin to see the ugly side of humanity.
They encounter desperate people who have fallen on hard times, and ruthless loan sharks who will stop at nothing to collect their debts. The two friends are forced to grapple with their own morality as they struggle to survive in this unforgiving world.
It’s a classic goodies versus the overmatched baddies, but whilst it’s a predictable trope, there’s a reason why the trope works. Everyone loves an underdog story where the goodies take down the baddies. And trust me Kim Myeong-gil is a baddy to rival any past Bond villain.
Bloodhounds is a gritty and intense drama that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the human cost of greed. The show’s portrayal of debt collection and the shady characters involved sheds light on a dark and often overlooked aspect of society. The strong performances by the lead actors, Woo Do-hwan and Lee Sang-yi, bring depth and nuance to their characters and make this K-drama a must-watch for fans of the genre.
Battling against Kim Myeong-gil and his criminal organisation, Gun-woo, Woo-jin, and Hyeon-ju must use all their skills and resources to stay alive and bring down Smile Capital.
As the story unfolds, we see the characters face difficult moral choices and grapple with their own past mistakes. Gun-woo and Woo-jin must reconcile their desire to help their families with their involvement in the dangerous world of debt collection, while Hyeon-ju must come to terms with her traumatic past and her own thirst for justice.
Bloodhounds is a gripping and intense K-drama that offers a unique perspective on the underbelly of society. With its complex characters, thrilling action sequences, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre.
But beyond the action, the show also excels in its portrayal of complex characters and their relationships. Each character is given depth and nuance, and their motivations are explored in detail. Gun-woo and Woo-jin’s unlikely friendship is a highlight of the series, as we see them grow and evolve together, facing difficult challenges and making tough decisions. Hyeon-ju is a fascinating character in her own right, with a tragic backstory that is slowly revealed over the course of the show.
Overall, Bloodhounds is a standout K-drama that delivers on both action and drama. With its stellar cast, expertly choreographed fight scenes, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone who enjoys a good action-packed thriller.
While the plot may be straightforward and lacking in surprises, Bloodhounds still manages to deliver a compelling and entertaining story. The focus is more on the characters and their personal journeys, rather than the intricacies of the plot. The show explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and the human cost of greed, and does so in a way that is emotionally resonant and impactful.
While it’s true that Bloodhounds may not be the most emotionally resonant or socially conscious K-drama out there, it still manages to deliver a compelling and entertaining story. The show’s focus on character development and thrilling action sequences make it a must-watch for fans of the genre, and its exploration of themes like loyalty and the human cost of greed give it a deeper level of meaning and resonance.
Ultimately, Bloodhounds is a well-crafted and highly enjoyable action-thriller that delivers on both style and substance.
Its expertly choreographed fight scenes, striking visual style, and powerful performances from its cast make it a standout K-drama that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling and entertaining viewing experience.
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