Lee Dong Sik finally found the person responsible for his sister’s death but it meant Han Ju Won has to go against his own father and bring him to justice.
Beyond Evil, all throughout its run did not shy away in showing and exploring sides of humanity that are laudable as well as reprehensible. The great execution of the dark and gritty themes, combined with excellent acting, made this series one of the best this year.
The entire cast gave their best performances in bringing their respective characters to life. Their realistic portrayals heightened the raw emotions which made specific scenes engrossing and impactful. It is indeed deserving of its Best Drama, Best Screenplay (Kim Soo Jin) and Best Actor (Shin Ha Kyun) trophies in the 57th Baeksang Arts Awards.
- Main Cast: Shin Ha Kyun | Yeo Jin Goo
- Supporting Cast: Choi Dae Hoon | Kim Shin Rok | Yoo Jae Yi | Heo Sung Tae | Choi Jin Ho | Gil Hae Yeon
- Streaming Site: Viu | Netflix
- Thrill / Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- Rewatch Value:
- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: Signal | Tunnel | Voice | Nobody Knows |Tell Me What You Saw | Mouse
Beyond Evil Quick Plot Recap
More than two decades ago a tragic incident occurred in a small and quiet city. A woman was brutally murdered and another has disappeared. Since both were residents of Munju, the crimes shook the peace and tranquility of the city.
It altered the lives of the people, most especially the victims’ families. Lee Dong Sik was the primary suspect for the murder but was later on released due to lack of evidence.
The other victim, Dong Sik’s sister remained missing. Her body was never found except for her fingers. Dong Sik made it his life’s mission to search and locate her whereabouts.
After a stint as a Detective in the big city, Dong Sik settled back in his hometown. He is working as a police officer at Manyang Police Substation. Just as Inspector Han Ju Won, a new transfer from Seoul, arrived they discovered a body in the reed field. It is in a condition that reminds Dong Sik and the town of the 20-year-old crimes.
When another victim’s severed fingers showed up, Lee Dong Sik and Han Ju Won, despite being suspicious of each other, worked together to solve these murders.
Both soon discovered that apart from the serial killer, there are a number of high-profile individuals involved in the disappearance and death of Lee Dong Sik’s sister. One of whom Han Ju Won later found out, was a lot closer to him – his own father.
Beyond Evil Peak Points
Excellent Writing
Some may find the premise of Beyond Evil ordinary. Two police officers who are polar opposites, clash at their first meeting. Through a common enemy, they eventually have to team up to solve crimes. It sounds familiar and something we have seen before.
What made this series stand out despite the trite plot is the way the characters and their narratives are written. Some people may think that throwing in an idea to use as a central theme for a story is not as daunting. That may be true because the real challenge lies on how well the writer can connect the major plot, subplots, and characters to create a story that is engaging and relatable.
Fortunately for this series, the writer managed to draw a realistic picture of the characters’ struggles through the script. The screenplay was also able to capture and narrate the story in a manner that is intriguing and beguiling. It made the audience ponder on the characters’ next moves and anticipate the subsequent events.
The dialogues were not excessive yet not too simple either. It made the interactions between the characters relatable making the audience part of the conversations. The story’s progression, though it started a bit slow, was at a timely pace.
It was enough for the viewers to invest in the story and the characters. Skillfully written characters’ movements, expressions, and actions made viewers feel and understand the emotions and motivations behind their decisions.
Magnificent Character Portrayals
Given the best script to work with, the cast did not disappoint in breathing life into the roles they played. It was fascinating to watch Lee Dong Sik and Han Ju Won outwit each other. Every time these two appear on screen together, viewers can expect a riveting performance.
Shin Ha Kyun managed to showcase Lee Dong Sik complexities. Through his portrayal, the man viewed as a monster for getting out unpunished for a crime he was suspected, but never really committed, appeared more human. Dong Sik was misunderstood and people judged him for it.
It really did not help that from the get-go Lee Dong Sik refused to be part of the norm. Shin Ha Kyun marvelously embodies the man Dong Sik was because of his past experiences and the man he was trying to be – a better version of himself.
Yeo Jin Goo’s character, Han Ju Won was as complicated as Lee Dong Sik. The depth of acting Yeo Jin Goo has seemed bottomless. He superbly depicted Ju Won’s struggles and willingness to atone for his perceived sins and failures.
It is so interesting to watch the play of emotions on his face because Yeo Jin Goo can really convey so much with a slight change in his facial expressions.
The supporting characters also did well in their respective roles which are enough for the audience to empathize and form a love-hate relationship with.
Great Setting and Cinematography
Beyond Evil also boast a timely setting and top-tier cinematography that made watching the series more appealing. The story has two timelines the past and present.
The production was able to capture the feel and atmosphere of the year 2000 when the crimes first took place as well as the present environment. The camera works are also commendable exhibiting and depicting the right mood for the important scenes.
The drama’s overall vibe is dark, with the killings and the greed of some of the characters, but there was a picturesque quality to the City of Munju that Beyond Evil showcased.
Beyond Evil Series Musings
Beyond Evil elevated an otherwise simple premise to become extraordinary. It showed off the worst thing people can do to each other to achieve power and for personal gains. The characters in this series were as raw as the next person. They are representations of ordinary people, with whom we might have a chance to encounter or interact.
The idea of meeting a broken man or what the people of Manyang refer to as “a nut case” such as Dong Sik or a son deprived of love and trying to prove his worth in his own way like Han Ju Won is not far-fetched. Also, it is not impossible to meet a person like Park Jeong Je who has been deemed crazy all his life because he was tormented with guilt.
It is also close to reality to have people of authority abuse their powers. It is believable that a man of stature like Han Gi Hwan has done questionable things to keep his position. Councilwoman Do and Lee Chang Jin are apt depictions of greedy people. Despite these shady characters, the series provided hope for humanity by highlighting how humans can thrive through adversity.
The people of Manyang, especially those in Lee Dong Sik’s circle have formed a bond through their shared pain. Dong Sik, even with his eccentricities, has the respect and protection of Captain Nam Sang Bae (though this may be initially out of guilt he later on genuinely cared for Dong Sik).
He has found deep friendships with his childhood buddies, Park Jeong Je and Oh Ji Hwa. They are protective of each other and even though the events that tied them all together is tragic, their bond akin to a family remains.
Han Ju Won who lacked this kind of familial connection realized it is possible to have a family outside blood relations. Even though Ju Won was not expressive, his actions towards the end of the series showed he understood that.
Final Takeaway
Beyond Evil is as close to a perfect drama as you can get with its realistic depiction of humanity’s worst aspect. It gives the realization that it was not the serial killer who was the foulest of them all. The most frightening is the people in power ready to go to any lengths just to achieve their goals.
While it is admirable that there are individuals wanting to better themselves, what’s scary is the means some utilize to make it happen. Greed can make most people covet things and do actions with serious consequences. Humans are susceptible to make mistakes. Owning up to it or covering it up makes the difference between good and evil.
Images from JTBC
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