Flower of Evil

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED DRAMA!!!

Moon Chae Won and Lee Joon Gi both shown so realistic emotional acting and also the supporting actors which makes it a great cast ensemble. The directing, writing, storyline, cinematography, acting, and others (you name it) are worth to watching.
Both Moon Chae Won and Lee Joon Gi brought out the best in each other. They were casted perfectly for the characters they played. The directing is very meticulous which highlights every scene so that viewers can understand the story well. The writer (Yoo Jung Hee), did a great job to tell the beautiful story of the drama where it has many catchy lines, and it flows smoothly.

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I was scrolling through viki when I found episode 1 of FOE and I randomly just went for it and I was instantly hooked. I would get excited each week for a new episode to come and this is one drama that has maintained quality from start to finish. There is not one storyline that feels unnecessary- there is absolutely nothing I would change about it.

The plot is very engaging and each episode concludes beautifully and ends in a manner where you are eager to see what's next to come. There is some much depth in the story and both the leads have CRACKLING chemistry and all you do is root for their happy ending. Each emotion is portrayed so well by the actors you really think the actors are in love. LJG and MCW completely make the show what it is.

The OST is limited to three songs but when you pay attention to the lyrics you'll realize how perfectly they capture the character's emotions with respect to the scene they are played in.

As the description already tells, the drama is very serious and maintains that tone throughout. It is very consistent in terms of quality and maintains a good pace.

To anyone reading this, this drama is a must watch and if you're double minded about seeing it leave your doubts aside as it this will surely not disappoint you.

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Everything is Bomb!!

This is the best Kdrama in 2020! I promise you won't regret watching this. I'm addicted. This drama taught me that love can change someone. Jiwon's character is full of love, not only she love him for his looks but she loves everything about him. Her love for Hyun Su drives him out of the darkness. Hyun Su has a dark past and doesn't experience much love. He is a loner and seems to be isolated from the world...
~ But everything change since he meets Jiwon. Hyun Su thinks he is not capable of falling in love but he doesn't know it.
Even though he doesn't know it, his actions and feelings prove it all. I knew from the start that this drama will be a happy ending because of episode 1 when the scene starts with them kissing underwater.
~"I will like you a lot from now on. I'll be good to you. Then, everything will change. Like a lie"
The romance chemistry between these two lovers is beyond words. It took me by surprise and breathless. Their love is so intense and gives me a warm feeling just by watching every episode. ♡♡♡ I never found this drama boring, it's exciting every episode. At the bottom of my heart, I want to Thank the director/writer/ and the flower's team for releasing this drama.

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A perfect show for the unperfect character

I’ve watch a few crime dramas but I rarely finish them or enjoy them ! Story :
FOE is different , each episode draws you more into the story and never makes you bored ! It’s really intense so I would recommend not bingeing it but watched it over a few days ! I really thought I predicted the villain but they managed to surprise me !
Acting : I’m speechless! Like how can the leads be this perfect ! I love the ML shows so I watched the show because of him and he was beyond amazing but I am now a fan of the FL , she had some amazing scenes and she was perfect !

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Mature Romance, Gripping Thriller

The writer is probably the biggest star of this production. Her storyline was carefully planned. The script was excellent (albeit some small loopholes but not so glaring that it disturbed the flow of the drama). The mystery was not dragging. The romance was just as solid from start to finish. The cliffhangers and plot twists were well placed. The director and editor were good too. There was good balance between the romance and suspense/thriller scenes. It flowed almost seamlessly. The cinematography and locations were not spectacular like other dramas but I liked their colour palettes when they do the romance scenes and then the thriller scenes. As for the acting, I am happy to say this drama was an acting master class. From the child actors, to the main cast, supporting cast to the antagonists. No acting flaw anywhere. The chemistry between MCW and LJK was great. They compliment each other well both in acting and visuals.

So if you would like a quality mature melo-romance that grips your heart and a thriller that engages your brain. This is the drama for you. Highly Recommended!!

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Do Hyeon Su - the master of gaslighting… himself.

I dropped it in 2020 when it was airing, but that was my mistake - I took the show far too seriously. I should have accepted it for the clownery it was and just have fun with how entertaining it was.

I don’t even know where to start. Probably with the king clown himself, Do Hyeon Su. My man was so determined to convince himself he was in fact a psychopath, I was in awe. He was crying and having borderline panic attacks while at the same time claiming he does not feel hurt, guilt, sadness. It amazes me honestly. And then when he finally accepted that he in fact does feel things, he can love, what do we get? A fucking amnesia in the last episode, so he can yet again gaslight himself as a cherry on top of his clownery. I had to pause the episode, I could not believe my eyes.

Don’t get me wrong, on paper this plot is not as ridiculous. A person can be groomed into believing they are something they are not. But that would be an average person for you. And with how male lead was written, he was not average and I think the writer did not actually see how they wrote highly intelligent people, but also conventionally made them dumb just for things that were required for the plot. Examples: he did all that research on mimicking expressions and reading even microexpressions, and yet he did not once googled his actual diagnosis? Not to mention he himself knows he was diagnosed based on lies he told the psychologist. I feel like someone could have literally sat him in front of a world renowned group of psychiatrists who would explain antisocial personality disorder and how he does not fit the diagnostic criteria, and he would pretend to be deaf and blind just to not hear them. And for that clownery I am thankful, because it was one of the more fun aspects of the drama.

Then we have Cha Ji Won, who by all means also had a lot of psychological issues, even if they were not addressed in the drama. Obsessive tendencies? Sure. Lack of understanding boundaries? At times unfounded ideas of her knowing better what other people think and feel? Also true. Maybe because Do Hyeon Su was written with more depth, the female lead felt rather flat and two-dimensional - quite literally. One dimension of her existence was the serious and professional detective, the other was the bubbly loving wife. While on paper I liked that mix (you can be sweet and loving, but also badass - these are not mutually exclusive) somehow there was something uncanny about Moon Chae Won's performance.

The thing is - I like how the character was written. I also think Moon Chae Won is a great character and I enjoy many of her previous roles. Somehow I could not truly connect nor relate to her as Cha Ji Won. Yes, some scenes were phenomenal, but the overall portrayal was lacking…

As for their dynamics - many ups and downs. To some extent I lived for the angst between them, but since I found the setup ridiculous, I was not fully emotionally affected by it. Initial lack of trust and the cat and cat chase (there was no mouse here - they were both hunting) was extremely entertaining, but at some point when they started to work together, the sudden twists and throwback to negative assumption was a bit too much of an out of ass whiplash.

You know who I did enjoy though? Kim Mu Jin. Personally I think he was the best character. Extremely consistent in how he was written, what his personality and skill set was, what were his good and bad points. I love how he struggled a lot with trusting the male lead. How he was rather quick to believe the rumours and what was the explanation to it. Not to mention his amazing one liners. He had great chemistry with every other character he shared the screen with.

On the other hand Do Hae Su was really bland. I don't know if it was writing or the performance, but the hardships she had to face and the emotional distress she kept feeling did not translate on the screen at all. I don’t have much to say about her. She was there to push the plot forward and give reasoning and motivation for other characters’ choices.

I saw quite a lot of potential in Kong Mi Ja and I wish they developed her more. There were just hints of her feeling actually connected to Do Hyeon Soo. It could have been an amazing and heartbreaking internal conflict between her picking her own son, and the son she raised. But as many other things, at the end of the day it just felt flat. Baek Man U gave me nothing.

What’s more to like? The crime team. At first they seemed like such a weird mix of characters that do not fit together, but these differences were actually what kept them driven and in check. I love how loyal they were to each other, and how humane their decisions were.

As for the actual psychopath - what a fucking disappointment. Baek Hui Seong was boring. He was neither intimidating nor complex. Yes, they tried to show how at least to some extent he was looking for acceptance and validation, but the character spent most of the show in bed… no time for proper development. I also cannot get over the unnecessary black eyes of Do Min Seok in Do Hyeon Soo’s visions. That said - his relationship with his son was yet another wasted opportunity. Him trying to mold Do Hyeon Soo into someone like him. Him failing, and yet still feeling some kind of weird protectiveness over him. That’s some interesting aspects that could have been explored.

Quick question, maybe I missed it. But… how was his death ruled as suicide when he literally had his head smashed with a rock? They thought what? He ran into a wall until he died?

Performances wise? Amazing in almost all cases. I already talked about how Moon Chae Won was both hit and miss for me. Lee Joon Gi though? Damn. The way his eyes and corner of his lips twitched when he tried to suppress the emotions he was feeling - amazing, beautiful, breathtaking. I am not even completely mad about that last minute amnesia trope (which was so ridiculous I just…), because it gave us the scene between the lead in the work studio which was probably one of my favorite scenes from the whole drama.

Production wise it was fine? I am so mad about the styling of Cha Ji Won in her 20’. Why did they give her career mother hairstyle (aka exactly the same hairstyle she has in the present timeline) - they did nothing to make her look younger, so the majority of flashbacks just made me feel uncomfortable since I could not immerse myself into the scene. It was just a grown up woman in her 30’ acting cutesy.

Overall, I had fun for the wrong reasons. Kim Mu Jin was amazing, Lee Joon Gi’s performance was perfect, the story was ridiculous.

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Unforgettable

Korean series for many years. This series has made it into my top 3 ever. Outstanding performances, very good music with only two songs but wonderful, fabulous script, it catches you without failing in any of the chapters. I needed a series like that. He deserves my first 10 for all the emotions he has made me feel. No one should miss it. Hopefully it won't be long before I find a series with such quality. All the actors do a perfect job although logically you have to highlight the 2 protagonists. Don't be fooled into thinking it's just an action or suspense series. This series is more a story of love and improvement even

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Life Isn’t Always About Finding Clear Answers—It’s About How We Choose to Respond!

Well, if you know me well, I choose to write only for those damas that deserve, so this is definitely one of them. My way of writing is really recognizable because I analyze all parts of the drama in detail, sharing my opinions and attitudes. But for this drama I decided to change that a little. I will mention all that I think should be mentioned, but I will focus on the one which left on me deepest impression.

Some dramas are just meant to be watched when you have nothing to do or feel bored, but then there are those deeper ones that make you connect emotionally and mentally, making you reflect on life, love, the human mind, and complex life situations. Flower of Evil is one of those profound dramas—a masterpiece of refinement and perfection that offers an unforgettable experience.

The Story

The drama falls under multiple genres: mystery, psychological thriller, crime, romance, family, and drama. However, what left the strongest impression on me was the psychological struggle of the characters, which I will explore further.

While watching, I realized how unpredictable life is. It brings countless setbacks and falls, victories and defeats, yet it remains a constant battle. Sometimes, we cannot find answers to certain questions; we struggle to understand why things happen because either there is no clear answer or the answer is not the one we seek. Life is not about finding definite answers—it is about finding ourselves. That is why we must decide whether to face difficult situations, learn from them, and grow, or hide from our problems, knowing they will not simply disappear.

This drama also helped me understand the complexity of the human mind. The psychological struggles we go through from an early age can be so difficult and damaging. Our traumas, upbringing, and circumstances shape us in ways we never expect. It is terrifying but also eye-opening. People are not simply good or bad—they are full of emotions, experiences, and choices. It is up to us to discover ourselves and embrace life in all its shades and colors. The world may seem black and white, but all those gray clouds that obscure our vision will one day fade, revealing hidden colors we never knew existed. In discovering these colors, we confront ourselves and the emotions we experience. Facing our emotions and embracing every part of our journey is what gives life meaning. Even the painful moments serve a purpose—they teach us, change us, and make us stronger.

The Characters

The characters in Flower of Evil go through all of these struggles, making this drama even more profound.

Lee Joon-gi, who perfectly portrays Hyun-su and his emotional struggles, left me speechless. I believe this was his most difficult, complex, yet best and most diverse role. I particularly loved how Hyun-su reacted to things he encountered for the first time. His character showed me that in order to win, we must anticipate our opponent's next move, always staying a few steps ahead and understanding how life unfolds. Every expression, every silent struggle, and every moment of realization felt so raw and real. His performance was nothing short of incredible.

Cha Ji-won displayed remarkable strength and stability throughout the drama. While Hyun-su underwent the greatest transformation, Ji-won not only faced every situation but also demonstrated that the truth is not just what we see—it is what we feel and believe in.

If people believe something is real, even if it is not, it can become the truth in their eyes. That is the saddest part—facing injustice even when we are innocent, unable to prove ourselves. Society imposes prejudices and labels that can destroy a person's self-worth. People are quick to judge, to assume, and to attach labels that make others feel worthless, guilty, or undeserving. But what matters most is never losing faith in ourselves. There will always be someone who trusts us without demanding proof, someone who appreciates us for who we are and supports us in our struggles. Ji-won's character embodies this message beautifully—truth is not always what appears on the surface; sometimes, it is what we believe in our hearts.

Overall Thoughts

I believe I have spoken enough about the impact this drama left on me. Every part of the story took me by surprise in the best possible way. The plot is the pinnacle of excellence, a flawless creation that kept me deeply engaged with every scene. What I found most fascinating was how I ended up connecting with characters I least expected to relate to at the beginning.

Soundtrack & Rewatch Value

The soundtrack was not particularly noticeable to me, perhaps because the story itself was so dynamic and strong that it overshadowed the OST. However, it was not bad by any means.

As for rewatch value, I rate it very high. I enjoyed immersing myself in this journey, and I know that if I watch it again in a few years, I will discover new things that I am currently unaware of. The drama is easy to watch because it keeps the viewer’s attention constantly engaged, making you love it even more as you see it unfold.

Final Rating: 10/10

I must also mention the powerful romance, which was adorned with beautiful chemistry between the main characters. The acting in this drama was phenomenal. Their endless connection was a key element in making this story a success.

Life is cruel, but it is up to us to face it and turn it into something better. So don’t wait any longer—watch Flower of Evil and face yourself! 😉

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Love Endures. Love accepts.

Although Flower of Evil is a thriller-suspense-mystery drama, it is first and foremost a love story for me too.

Hyun Soo, Lee Joon Gi’s character is a husband and a schizophrenic. Finding someone who will love him, made him change and forget the past is something to be contested with if that will happen in real life. The human brain is the largest and most complex organ in the human body and hardest to understand after all, but if you add in the heart, pretty much sums it all up…this is a love story.

Long before this drama aired, Joon Gi, in one of his promotional interviews, emphasized how he is going to portray the role of a husband when he has never been one. It is his first time portraying the character. Of course, he needs to make the romance and intimate moments only a husband and a wife shares realistic enough. I must say, considering how much skin or kisses you can show in a weekday TV drama (considering the censorship), he did a pretty good job!

I was amazed at how our female lead, Cha Ji Won (Moon Chae Won) battled with herself on the drama. She was in a constant battle with her principles. She was torn between her beliefs as a citizen of the law versus a wife.

I cannot imagine knowing someone who isn’t capable of feeling anything. It must be pretty hard on both. Even if this drama falls on the genre of a thriller or suspense mystery, it's a drama that is full of vent up emotions and for someone who isn’t in touch with his emotions but turned out to be the most caring, doting husband and father is a sick twisting reality for me. This drama resonates with me as I was watching it.

If I had to watch this when it was still airing, I would end up getting frustrated waiting for a week for the next episode. Good thing though I let the drama end first before binge-watching!

Thoughts to ponder:
What is the difference between important and precious?

The stuff that you think were important ends up becoming less important as time goes by. But when something is precious to you, it hurts you as time goes by

What is amazing about FOE is that the writers, cast, director, writer, and the whole production team paid much attention to detail. A minor thing or minor detail may appear to be insignificant in the early episodes but turned out to have a significant role in the end.

Downside.
I wish that Do Hae Soo’s character (Jang Hee Jin) should have been stronger. Being an older sister myself, she appears to have a lot of fights within her at the beginning. I guess that change after the fact. I wish that she put up the same fight in the late episodes when confronted with the thing from her past.

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*No spoilers in this part of review*
Acting-The acting was amazing, it was my first time seeing Moon Chae Won act, and I'm very surprised she did a really good job. I was already familiar with Lee Joon Gi's acting and it was no surprise seeing him being able to pull off his character so well.
Overall- I think the drama did a good job overall. The drama had me by the edge of my seat, anticipating what would happen next. It was definitely thrilling. The chemistry between the main couple was also good. The issues they had in the relationship and how it was developed, I think was realistic for the most part. Some parts in the drama were predictable though.
My one problem with this drama is that the ending is dragged out. Some episodes had a lot of things which I felt was unnecessary, and I'll explain that below in Spoiler section of review.



*Below, contains heavy SPOILERS*

The drama kept tried painting Do Hyun Su as a villain in the start and make it look like it was Do Hyun So who killed people, and after a point, I realized the drama's just using the same tactics over again and trying to mess with you which kinda got annoying.
Around Ep 13 I believe is where I got initially frustrated. I wanted them to quickly find out Baek Hee Song's identity, but then seeing how he was cunning enough to plant evidence for Park Soon Young's murder to frame Hyun So, I was like "Oh no. They're going to drag Hyun Su again and this is going to start over with him being a suspect" But I was glad that even though Ji Won & the rest suspected him, the drama went in an way where Ji Won goes with him half way to the hotel to see his innocence. Then everything till episode 15 was great.
Now Ep. 16 starts, you find out Hyun So has forgotten his memories. NOW that was unnecessary. They could have kept that out honestly. Ep 16 should have been where everything was tied up, they should have kept how they found a witness for Hae Su and everything BUT Hyun So should have his memories. They added another problem in the last episode where he's trying to figure out his feelings for Ji Won again and if he was sincere, like there's no time for that. He already realized that he loved her and cared for her before he lost his memories knowing he deceived her. There's no need for them to establish that again and have him go through a journey where he tries to figure out what he wants when he clearly realized before he lost his memories.
Ending was still happy, but that part frustrated me a bit.

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