Lee Min Ho has been blessed with all his drama ventures so far. One of his most notable works is arguably – City Hunter.
Lee Min Ho playing devil-may-care-ass-kicking-casanova was enough not to check the story sketch for City Hunter and just go straight on board the drama. I should know, because that’s what I did.
Main Cast: Lee Min Ho | Park Min Young | Lee Joon Hyuk | Kim Sang Joong
Network & Episode Count: SBS | 20 Episodes
Official Website: City Hunter SBS
Quick Review
- Plot Trajectory: Consistently engrossing all throughout
- Plot Pace: Nicely Done
- Character Portrayal: Great main leads and supporting cast
- Writing: Full Marks on balanced execution of themes
- Watch on a binge or intervals?: Binge
- Crowning Moments: Riveting Action Frames | Addicting Romance Story Build Up | Spectacular character portrayals
- Romance Addictive Meter:
- Overall Rating:
- K-Dramas of Similar Vibe: Healer | Crash Landing on You | Descendants of the Sun
City Hunter Quick Plot Summary
Raised by his dad’s best friend, Lee Jin Pyo (Kim Sang Joong), Lee Yoon Sung (Lee Min Ho) grew up living an extensive superhero training to avenge his real father’s death in the future. His father was assigned to a covert mission to North Korea with Jin Pyo but the government officials turned their backs on them and have them assassinated.
Using his body, Yoon Sung’s father sheltered Jin Pyo and was able to survive. He vowed right there and then that the people involved to that massacre will pay someday. With that he stole his bestfriend’s son and raised him as his own in Thailand.
Fully-grown and with exceptional martial arts and other super-heroic prowess, Yoon Sung lands on Seoul to bring to pass his father’s dream. He was able to penetrate the Blue House posing as an IT expert and set to execute the plans.
Jin Pyo warns him not to delve on any love interlude, but then Kim Na Na (Park Min Young) happened. No matter how much he tried to dismiss the growing feelings, he just keeps on drowning.
Conflict between the father and son arose when Yoon Sung’s convictions differed from Jin Pyo’s death wishes to the government officials who abandoned them. Whilst City Hunter prefers justice to be executed and served properly, Jin-pyo wants a dark ending for the involved officials.
Peak Points
Riveting Action Frames
With a pinch of romance, gorgeous fight scenes and definitive plot, City Hunter raised the bar to action drama set in modern times. The nifty plot left life lessons and each episode was done where the tussles did not exhaust the viewers, but left them wanting for more.
Lee Min Ho coupled with Park Min Young in stellar modern-day justice servers provide plausible portrayals. Directing and editing wise, this is one of those dramas which knew how to pull cliff hangers even to the finale episode where the hate-you-love-you character of Jin-pyo showed a befitting redemption.
I really thought his dark heart will not be swayed otherwise and that finale scene sent me moping reminiscing Vader saving Luke when the remaining inconspicuous goodness in his heart reminded him that he was his son regardless.
Addicting Romance Story
City Hunter leans more on the masculine side, nevertheless, the solid romantic frames are added treats that made the series all the more engrossing. The saccharine scenes of Yoon Sung and Nana interestingly resonates. I liked that Kim Nana was also strong-willed and that he didn’t go to the usual sometimes mopey and always looking for a rescue lead woman.
Stellar Character Portrayals
Working efficiently in sync, the characters of City Hunter made the series ever moving and exciting. From the heroes to the villains, the beauty of the story was executed well because of the on-point characterizations of the lead and supporting actors.
The show stopper “ajussi” and his online shopping addiction made me look like an occasional shopper. The other dark apprentice superbly orchestrated ruckus thereby bringing the flavors of the hero.
Series Afterthoughts
City Hunter ranks high among the list of my K-Drama favorites because of its smart picture. Everything was nicely done, and the characters moulded well to the story. It is a safe drama I also recommend to male population since the blend of action and romance are palpable.
From romance to action, Lee Min Ho is definitely on board to exploring experiences as an actor. Flaunting his stage combat presence, his role as Lee Yoon Sung in City Hunter produced one of the most polished action dramas worth watching.
Photos: SBS
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