K-Drama Review: “Artificial City” Disappoints With Heightened Narrative That Was Not Justified By The Story’s Ending

Clueless of what tomorrow would bring for Jae-hee, she unexpectedly did not see that her goal of leading Jun-hyeok to the top would be daunting as secrets about her husband began to surface one by one.

Despite her awfully disturbing character, the actress did not fail to embody her role in the drama. From her emotions to her poise and diction, all are undeniably impressive and perfectly suited to her character as Yoon Jae-hee.

Expressing Jae-hee’s vulnerability and notorious personality simultaneously, she conveyed them beginning with the moment she learnt what her husband did to Kim Yi-seol and ending with her regaining control from Han-seok.

Besides that, considering that her illegally adopted son is from her husband’s woman, she still cared for and loved him as her son.

It all starts with Yoon Jae-hee tolerating her husband’s infidelity. Although it is natural for most wealthy people to have a loveless marriage, it is truly an eyesore when Jae-hee, knowing her spouse is cheating on her, brushes it aside for her thirst for power.

Following that, how Seok Han-seok handles powerless individuals such as Jae-hee and Kim Yi-seol as though they are not human. By personally determining whether Jae-hee is chaste, Han-seok diminishes another woman’s worth, just as she did when she swiftly took Kim Yi-seol’s life as if she were nothing.

Apart from that, on the verge of giving up on this series, the villains in it are so impressive that they almost made the spectators hate them and feel the pain they inflicted on the main protagonist.

Seok Han-seok, Lee Joo-yeon (Kim Ji Hyun), Han Dong-min (Lee Hak Joo), and Jung Jun-hyeok – viewers should consider themselves forewarned as these characters’ true colors will be revealed as they wish to see the series.

Notably, they make Yoon Jae-hee’s life miserable and making her suffer even more by taking away from her the people she truly trusted and loved, these antagonists are truly the ones you would not want to mess with.

Artificial City exemplified the condescending figures in society. In particular, those abusive, wealthy, and poweful people who are inconsiderate of their surroundings and just concerned with their own gain.

This series disappoints in its narrative because, contrary to our expectations, the antagonists remain in their positions and the protagonist’s moment of triumph did not occur, as she instead experienced the consequences that the villains should have received.

Furthermore, all of the actors in the drama, especially Soo Ae, deserve praise for expertly playing their roles, which left the audience in admiration despite the depressing storyline.

Finally, a lesson to be learned from Yoon Jae-hee is to avoid choosing the easy path but to endure the tougher road, as it is more rewarding and peaceful to live with.

All episodes of Artificial City are available on K-Plus!