The latest tvN Monday/Tuesday drama Dong Jae, the Good or the Bastard, Episode 1 premiered last night to solid ratings, and to fans commenting the drama was well-written as it managed to turn a pretty horrific murder scene into a comedy routine.
Those ratings were 3.76 percent nationwide in South Korea, with a slightly higher 3.94 percent in Seoul.
The drama itself is a spin-off from the 2017 thriller Stranger (aka Forest of Secrets) starring Cho Seun Woo, Bae Doo Na and Lee Joon Hyuk.
In the case of Dong Jae, the Good or the Bastard, it follows corrupt prosecutor Seo Dong Jae from Seasons 1 and 2 of Stranger (again masterfully played by Lee Joon Hyuk) who is now trying to mend his ways.
The problem is, due to his shady past, things aren’t going particularly well for him.
Alongside Lee Joon Hyuk, we also have the brilliant actor Park Sung Woong (The Killing Vote) and the equally superb Hyun Bong Sik (A Killer Paradox).
Hyun Bong Sik is in his first lead role in a Korean drama, so that adds even more coolness to the series.
The drama is directed by Park Geon Ho in his drama directorial debut.
The 10-episode Dong Jae, the Good or the Bastard is scheduled to air every Monday and Tuesday evening on tvN through November 12th, with TVING streaming it earlier on Thursdays.
Paramount+ is also streaming the Korean drama in a very select number of regions outside South Korea.
If you enjoy a good law-based mystery thriller with some brilliant comedic scenes and stellar acting, this one looks promising.
Although I would recommend watching the two seasons of Stranger first, as that way you will understand Seo Dong Jae’s character development much more.
Now let’s see how well it’s ratings go for Episode 2. (not so well, sadly)