Hyena

하이에나 ‧ Drama ‧ 2020
Completed
Dagmar03
1 people found this review helpful
May 22, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 5.5
Rewatch Value 10
I didn't really have high expectation on this drama, I wasn't so excited to watch this either. But it kept showing up as one suggested drama to watch in my netflix and so I watched it. And just within 10mins I am hooked! I love the FL, she is so cunning and smart and a real badass.

I love the ML lead too, he is just as smart as the FL. They really have good chemistry.
The story line is refreshing, it kept me wanting to watch each episode without skipping any scenes.

This is unexpectedly excellent drama. If anything, I would prefer it to have more romantic scenes, the chemistry between the ML and FL just sizzles!!

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Completed
Goblin_kdramafanboy
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 16, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 10
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Hyena – A Fiery Legal Showdown with Unmatched Chemistry! ?⚖️

Hyena was an absolute masterpiece that had me hooked from start to finish! The battle of wits between Ju Ji-hoon as Yoon Hee-jae and Kim Hye-soo as Jung Geum-ja was electrifying. Their romance? A perfect mix of tension, rivalry, and undeniable passion! 💥🔥 Watching these two top-tier lawyers go head-to-head—sometimes as enemies, sometimes as reluctant lovers—was both thrilling and addicting. Every glance, every confrontation, and every moment of vulnerability between them was so well-executed, making their dynamic one of the most intense I’ve ever seen in a K-drama.

But Hyena wasn’t just about the leads; the supporting cast played a crucial role in bringing the drama to life. Oh Kyung-hwa, as a key part of the legal team, added depth and weight to the intense courtroom scenes. Park Se-jin, with her sharp and calculating nature, made the office politics even more gripping. And of course, the powerhouse figures at Song & Kim Law Firm—like Lee Kyung-young as Chairman Song Pil-joong, Jeon Suk-ho as Ga Gi-hyuk, and Hwang Bo-ra as Kim Hyeon-a—each brought something unique, from manipulative power plays to unexpected humor. Every character added layers to the drama, making the legal world feel even more intense and cutthroat.

And the OST? Absolute perfection! 🎶🔥 Every track complemented the drama’s energy so well, elevating the tension, the romance, and the mind games. Whether it was a fierce courtroom battle or a quiet emotional moment, the music made everything hit even harder. From the powerful storytelling to the stunning performances, Hyena was a flawless ride—bold, smart, and irresistibly entertaining. 10/10, I LOVED every second of it!

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Completed
dhaarsiniihema
1 people found this review helpful
Feb 9, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 6.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

powerful, explosive, unexpected drama

flipping through netflix one day, i suddenly stumbled upon this drama. i was not really invested after reading the synopsis but i decided to give it a go anyways and my god was i shocked. from the very first episode i was invested. my jaw hit the floor after the first episode, totally unexpected. this drama definitely empowers women in some sort of way mainly showing you that women can trample over anyone who comes in their way and emerge as strong goddesses. the best thing about the drama for me was the chemistry and the dynamic the two main characters had. with the constant squabbling and fights they would have to them being there for each other. the male lead is fine as hell and he really fits the part of the main character. the female lead is on a whole other level, i truly did admire her persistence in this drama. she is one hell of a woman. the cases are somewhat interesting, but they should have introduced other cases as well, there were maybe around 3-4 cases and they spun that around for all the episodes. Hyena is the perfect title for the show as these lawyers tear they're competitors apart from limb to limb. i thoroughly enjoyed this drama. if you're looking for the romance element, this drama does not really have much, its present in specks but not really very evident. in a nutshell, its a fantastic drama to watch, its fun, its fast-paced and very enjoyable. if you're looking for something out of the ordinary compared to other dramas, then this drama is a must watch.

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Completed
Turtle Stomper
1 people found this review helpful
May 31, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.5
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 10
This review may contain spoilers

Horrendous sideburns aside, this drama was INTENSE in the best possible ways.

NGL, I skipped over this drama soooo many times because the female lead's hairstyle just looked so ugly with those weird chunky sideburns. I know that's a stupid reason to skip a drama...but dudes, they are like a toupee for her ears. It grew on me though, after awhile...or at the very least it stopped bothering me. Once I did finally start watching this drama I was floored by how great the acting and chemistry between the two leads is. The story is also super engaging and entertaining, especially in the first several episodes where the leads are essentially enemies. Their interactions were intense and clever and so so funny. They both have exceptional facial expressions and know how to use their eyes to deftly convey messages without words. The female lead, especially, dude she shoots harpoons from her eye holes...not daggers, literal harpoons. She's SO intense. Although, with all that badass intensity it was pretty hilarious to see her walking around with a grandma level phone chain.

The side characters were also all extremely well done, each had a very distinct presence and well defined reactions. The acting in this drama is impressively coordinated. I mean...not to play favorites too much but any comedy with Jun Suk Ho and/or Hwang Bo Ra is going to be hilarious as a given, those two are stellar at supporting character comedy. But really, all the comedic side characters were so well performed down to the lowest screen time thug. Whoever cast this drama did an amazing job.

I will say...there were several points where I wasn't sure if the male lead was maybe having seizures. Like most of his body comedy is really funny, but every once in awhile he'll do something that seems...well...like he's got Tourette's. Like episode 4 at about 41:20. What is he EVEN doing with his face there. I was 900% sure he was having a stroke (at this point in my review I popped out and googled him a little to make sure he wasn't actually having a stroke cause it would be pretty mean for me to poke fun at that right). I just cannot figure it out at all...like I guess if it's not a "oops I have brain damage" plot twist, then he must have been trying to express annoyance or...hold in his anger? IDK. It was SUPER strange though. Like if he were actually having a medical issue they would have refilmed or cut that segment right? So it must have been intentional? IRL if you see someone do that...idk wouldn't you ask him if he's ok? Like she just doesn't even seem to notice his face is spazzing out in the middle of delivering a serious line. I'm still astonished tbh.

The OST was also really well done, however I was super confused when I looked up the OST online because it felt like the songs listed weren't the songs I was hearing. The OST you'll find online is all filled with lovey dovey slow songs, but the actual music in the drama has so many upbeat and badass lyrical songs. This is the first drama where I haven't been able to find all of the soundtrack songs on Spotify/Youtube/etc. I'm a huge fan of dramas that use the OST to amplify the story being told, and this drama did it so so well.

I would 100% watch this drama again just to see the great character development and the intense interaction of the exceptional lead actors. ...maybe it was gagging? Based on his dialogue at that moment, he says she disgusts him right after he makes that face...maybe he was like...idk trying to gag? Like to show how disgusted he was? If that's the case, dude needs to seriously eat or smell something disgusting in front of a mirror so he can understand what disgust actually looks like...to prevent himself from having seizures on screen in the future XD

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Completed
haritha2552
0 people found this review helpful
May 9, 2025
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 7.5
Story 6.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 10
Rewatch Value 6.0
This review may contain spoilers

showcasing the people behind justice not being served :)

Hyena was a show that showed the other side of justice, the bad side of laws and how corrupt everything can be. The disregard for justice and how lawyers clean up behind rich kids was so hard for me to digest. This side is something I haven't seen a lot in tv shows and its both a pro and a con tbh! It was certainly an amusing watch from that point of view but made me uncomfortable the whole time due to the decisions each person was making. but id say the show wrapped up showing the consequence of bad decision so overall I'm satisfied.
The actors did a good job, and the music was very apt for each scene! Many people either hate or love the female lead, but for me, she was just alright. Some of her actions were truly badass, and some were just super weak. The romance was truly unnecessary, and I do not like how they executed it at all! In the first few episodes, her scamming the guy was literally too much!! And the fact that hee jae never got over her no matter what the female lead said is kinda crazy to me.
I did like most characters on the show all gray and all doing selfish things. the cases and events in the drama was also quite enjoyable- though a little unrealistic. id say some slight adjustments on the romance and a little bit more justice fighting could have made this a 10 for me!
overall a decent watch that shows the corrupt side of the law world- be cautious if you love the justice to be served and people fighting for justice all the time- this is not for you! but id watch it for the dapper suits on ju ji hoon and some strong representation of women on screen :)

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Completed
MOA
0 people found this review helpful
Dec 24, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 3.0
Rewatch Value 8.5

Hyenas do their job

Plot and Storyline
The storyline revolves around Jung Geum-ja, a scrappy, cunning lawyer who will do whatever it takes to win a case, and Yoon Hee-jae, a polished, highly competent attorney who prides himself on his elite status. Their opposing personalities and strategies create a fascinating dynamic as they clash and collaborate in a world rife with corporate corruption, personal vendettas, and moral dilemmas.

The drama does a stellar job balancing intense courtroom battles with personal growth arcs. It’s more than just a legal drama—*Hyena* delves into themes of ambition, loyalty, and the blurred lines between justice and personal gain.

Performances
Kim Hye-soo delivers a standout performance as the resourceful and fearless Jung Geum-ja. Her portrayal of a morally ambiguous character is both refreshing and empowering. Ju Ji-hoon, on the other hand, shines as the arrogant yet vulnerable Yoon Hee-jae, perfectly complementing Kim Hye-soo's fiery presence. Their chemistry is magnetic, oscillating between rivalry and romance, keeping viewers hooked.

Highlights
1. **Complex Characters**: The depth and layers of the protagonists make them relatable and intriguing.
2. **Tight Pacing**: The drama moves briskly, with twists that keep viewers on their toes.
3. **Visuals and Production**: From the sleek office settings to the dramatic courtroom scenes, the cinematography is polished and engaging.
4. **Romantic Tension**: The relationship between Geum-ja and Hee-jae adds a compelling dimension to the drama, blending humor and intensity.

Weaknesses
While *Hyena* is an overall excellent drama, some subplots could have been explored further. Additionally, a few of the legal cases feel slightly rushed, leaving less room for deeper emotional impact.

Final Verdict
*Hyena* is a thrilling watch for fans of legal dramas and character-driven stories. With its sharp writing, powerhouse performances, and an electrifying mix of rivalry and romance, it stands out as a unique entry in the K-drama world. Whether you’re drawn to courtroom drama or fiery character dynamics, *Hyena* will leave you thoroughly entertained.

Rating: 3.5/5

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Completed
AelinG
0 people found this review helpful
Feb 10, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 10
Acting/Cast 10
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.5

Best KD Drama so far

I started watching KD Dramas last year (Pandemic is to blame!) and have been watching pretty much non-stop (I have a lot to catch up on!!). Watched all Genres from Medical, Action, Historical, Zombie, School/Teenage, Coming of Age, Comedy, Melodrama... everything...
If there is one Drama that really stood out it's Hyena. I enjoyed this Drama so much! The female lead, you just gotta love her (especially the women will love her, not sure how she goes down with men), she is so tough, cool, clever and totally got it together. No simpering heroine in this drama that's for sure! The interactions between her and the male lead (he was in Kingdom... which was my first KD Drama!) was just brilliant. I loved the way they tried to outdo each other and his childish glee when he thought he got one over on her.
This is the first drama where I rewatched certain scenes over and over (gosh that one when he meets her in the courtroom as herself the first time... dang.. its just so good!! ).
Like all KD Dramas it was a bit drawn out at the end (it sometimes feels they have to have 16 Episodes in a Series even if the story has been told and there is just wrap up in the last episode) but apart from that this show was fab.


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Completed
namjhyuns
0 people found this review helpful
May 6, 2024
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 8.0
This drama was a freaking rollercoaster. Our characters’s moral compass was all shades of grey and they sure had the work ethic of getting things done. The drama rest heavily in the character and it could not have been possible for this story to be this good if not for the performances of the entire cast. I was happy about how the drama develop itself but mostly I am thankful the drama made Ju Ji Hoon a living meme. Well done!!

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Completed
PENTHESILEA
0 people found this review helpful
Jul 19, 2022
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 10
Rewatch Value 7.0

So many reasons to watch this!

Production Characters Chemistry Story Actors...I don't know where to start!

Ok let's put things in order.

Music:You will fall for all the music themes.OSTs and every piece is just beautiful.I loved how they used different outros/closing music scores depending on the mood and ending of each episode.I have never seen that in any other drama.If the episode ended with a funny tone, the music was playful and funny.If the last scene was sad and dramatic,music followed the same mood.Smart!Bravo!

Production/Cinematography/Directing:High class!You can see and feel the quality here.From props to costumes and not forget to mention the fancy luxury cars(Mercedes-Benz was one of the sponsors)everything screamed they didn't spare the budget!

Cast/Acting:One word.EXCELLENT!Not one single misfit here.Tailor-made roles for all the actors.Main and supporting.

Joo Ji Hoon & Kim Hye Soo!Producers couldn't find a better match!
I read somewhere that the age gap between the 2 actors was shameful!Seriously?Just ridiculous.I couldn't stop laughing!If there are any other actors out there who can deliver passion-at any form-as those two did,i wouldn't give a F*** if their age difference was over 20 years or so!This is Act and Art.Sorry for the kinda irrelative comment but i had to get it out of my chest.

I want to make a special reference to Lee Kyung Young.He is my ultimate Villain(at least in every drama ive seen him he is always the bad guy)
He is so experienced.A true Veteran.This man CAN act.No shit here.And i think he must be the most busy actor in Korea.He is starring in almost every drama ive watched!
Of course the rest fo the cast did an amazing job so Cudos to all.

Story/Plot: This is not a heavy Law Drama.There are not many court scenes and the law cases our lawyers dealing with,are simple and easy to follow.So if you are looking for a serious Law & Crime Drama,this is not the case.Without this meaning the story is not interesting.Is all about the dirty world of Big Law Firms but above all the story is mostly centered in to our two main leads and their entourage.
It is not the typical rom-com either(yeahhh to this,i can't stand cheesy stories)Is a Cat-Mouse game especially in early episodes.Or better say a Hyena-Mouse game.The plots..the traps..whos gonna have the upper hand.Whos gonna win the case.
As i said the story is not something new but our main leads clicked so perfectly and they both brought freshness to this drama.You can't help it but continue watching.

Characters:The main reason this series is a super hit to me(combined with the actors who played those chars ofc!)

The FL.The Hyena:She devours everyone near her.She is manipulative,opportunist,smart,cold-hearted,competitive,stubborn,strong and a badass.In one word she is a total Bitch!Bingo!
What?You don't like this kind of woman?Too bad.She ain't get any better but i kept loving her episode after episode.She never claimed to be a Saint either way.
In the strict lines of ethics and morals our FL is a villain.She is evil too.But life is never black and white.And here we have way more than 50 shades of grey.This is a harsh world and if anyone thinks that everyone walks with a cross in his hands..Sorry to burst the bubble..
What iam saying here is that the writer didn't create a "Barbie" character,soft and sweet.Our FL doesn't wear a crown a gown and her hair is not a doll's style!Well talking about hair and clothes..Ehmmm.Her fashion choices least to say are weird!
She has her own unique style.Love it or hate it!As for the hair many will disagree with me but i loved it.That short haircut just made her look more badass and dynamic.Suited her personality!(i have my hair that short for the last 20 years!)
I can continue and praise this char forever so lets go to..

The ML:A true gentleman.The softy one.He seems cocky and arrogant and he is too,sometimes.He is also smart.witty,kind-hearted funny and super sexy!
Although the first impression is that he does all for power and money,deep down he has ethics and conscience.He rights all the wrongs he had to do.
Our Hyena hurts him constantly,she uses harsh words on him,she raises her walls higher and higher.
And he is always there by her side.A man inlove,ready to comfort her.To be her warm blanket at any time.He just needs to give him a chance.He falls for her so hard.He threw himself in the deepest pit.Totally bewitched by her.

"My heart is mine to handle.If you need to,use me"His words.The ultimate love-line.How on earth you can't fall for this man?Lol!

Hyena's Assistant:Funny loyal quirky low profile and too talkative!The best supplemental character to our Hyena.
Ml's Assistant:Funny and sweet, a good friend too.Another supportive char who fits great in the story.
Mr Song:As i mentioned the ultimate Villain.His schemes are at another level.Equally smart to our main leads,the best opponent to match them.

And last but surely not least, i must talk about...

THE CHEMISTRY!
If wasn't rude id love to use caps to describe how i felt about our couple's chemistry.

To say that their chemistry is off the charts is just an understatement!The tension between them is unbelievable.Out of this world!Not only the sexual tension,but there is fire every time they argue,fight or just talk to each other.Not sparks.FIRE!
I don't think i have ever experienced this in any other drama(Im not talking about partners/colleagues and/ or teams but between lovers!)
My only complain abut this drama is that i really wanted more intimacy scenes and ofc moreeeeeeeee kisses!I mean i felt the electricity with just one kiss.I can't imagine how hotter this show could be if Koreans are not that stingy!Lol!
(seriously that kiss scene is for seminars.The most passionate kiss,turns your face red!)








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Completed
Usui Misaki
0 people found this review helpful
Nov 30, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.5
Story 8.0
Acting/Cast 10
Music 7.5
Rewatch Value 8.5
This review may contain spoilers

A breath of fresh air

While many might dislike female lead' characteristic, I have a soft spot for her.
Actually she is independent, clever, and practical. And I feel that she and male lead are a perfect match.
As for YHJ I love him (not in a romantical way) but because he is so damn attractive, his sexiness just ooze everytime I see him.
And I love the title of the drama, the scene when they leave the K&J law firm along with their gangs. Man that was some cool shiat.
All of the cast were great. I binged watch this in just 2 day on Netlflix. I like its pace, however the directing was a bit...The music it was so so feel like there could be more soundtracks to add flavor to some scenes. Baekhyun's voice was beautiful tho.
On the whole this drama is really worth the watch
I can watch it again and again because every character is enjoyable and interesting.



.

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Completed
ErolKDrama
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 2, 2020
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 9.0
Story 9.0
Acting/Cast 9.0
Music 9.0
Rewatch Value 9.0
Maybe the best law drama so far on how the drama plotting each scenes to make it more detailed and logical. The entire drama of 16 episodes should not be boring as it will get you into world class investigation that will make you thinking on how to solve it in every ways you could think. The romantic modes also included in the drama as to make it more funny and exciting. The ending not really bad actually, satisfied with what have been done after. In overall, its worth to watch it if you like the law drama as well. Thank you.
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Completed
fluffysquishy
0 people found this review helpful
Jun 12, 2021
16 of 16 episodes seen
Completed 0
Overall 8.0
Story 8.5
Acting/Cast 8.0
Music 8.0
Rewatch Value 7.0
at first prior to watching it, I expected it to be like any other normal lawyer dramas. and it is. but, the unique part of this drama especially in the first half is the rivalry between 2 different lawyers. like different different. the whole cases and how these two solves it is very interesting and does makes me focus to watch it. except for the fact that I was busy and that my passion for dramas left me at that time and I couldn’t finish it fast yet it was still fun everytime I watch it. the rivalry was really interesting i couldn't choose a side and ends up supporting both of them. chemistry? amazingg. there are lots of fun and funny events making the drama feels like it’s not too boring and heavy. there are parts where I was like uhh fasterrrr pleasee ~ but it was still bearable. their characters are very cute as well hihi love it :)

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Hyena poster

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  • Score: 8.2 (scored by 8,339 users)
  • Ranked: #1649
  • Popularity: #908
  • Watchers: 23,614

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