I have watched quite a number of Korean dramas, but I must say that Bloodhound is quite the drama. While many would describe it as action series, I think that barely scratched the surface. Beneath the thrilling fights scenes is a story about friendship, sacrifice and devastating effect of greed during one of the world's most difficult period, the COVID -19 pandemic.
The story begins when the pandemic pushes countless small businesses to the brick of collapse. Kim Geon-Woo (woo Do-hwan), a humble and discipline boxer, watches his mother's cafe struggle to survive.
Like many desperate business owners, she takes out a loan, hoping to keep the business alive. Unfortunately the decision places her in the hands of the ruthless loan shark Kim Myeong-gil (Park Sung-Woong), a man who builds his fortune by exploiting people when they are most vulnerable.
I loved the way they used COVID -19 not just as a background setting, because businesses failed, families struggled to pay bills and some people took advantage of that desperation. It made the story look so real rather than fictional.
One of my favorite parts was the friendship between Kim Geon-Woo and Hong Woo-jin, they trusted each other, protected each other and remained loyal to each other even to the end.
Another character who won my heart was president Choi Tae-ho (Huh Joon-ho). Although he was once involved in the lending business, he chose to use his wealth to help victims instead of exploiting them. His kindness and wisdom gave the story that emotional depth. He became more than just a boss to Geon-Woo and Woo-jin. He became an ally and a mentor to them.
On the other hand, Kim Myeong-gil a villain who perfectly embodied greed without conscience made me applause how realistic the series was.
The action sequences are among the best I have seen in Korean drama. Beyond the thrilling actions, bloodhound explores theme that most people can relate to, the financial desperation that can trap people into deeper problems.
I also love the pacing. The series wasted very little time. Each episode revealed new challenge while keeping the tension high enough that constantly made me to watch the next. Although few moments later in the story were slightly rushed, they didn't take away the overall experience.
My Rating is 95/100
Rating: 95/100
Originally posted through scrobble.life/tv.
