Beyond Evil

Beyond Evil There's Justice

I really enjoyed watching this drama. It was a rollecoaster of emotions and it kept me on the edge of my seat because of the plot twists. The acting is stellar, everyone did an amazing job with their roles.

I also kind of liked it that no romantic lovelines were forced but I was lowkey rooting for Ju Won and Jae Yi. I think they would look good together in a romcom. I find the actress who played her beautiful.

Even though this is a dark drama, I'd recommend this to others and it is worth a second watch for me. The ending is satisfying, with a hint of sadness, which I think is also the best way to end it.

Overall, I give Beyond Evil a 9/10. It was a good watch.

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a total mess

I totally recommend to watch the first half or so of this drama, it's got some interesting things to it. Good actors, pretty faces, gripping plot... But it soon becomes totally crazy - and not the good way. Everybody is lying - including the camera!! - , everybody has secrets, everybody has a sort of mental challenge: trauma, retard, anxiety, dellusion etc. The policemen - all of them - are suspects, the rich/ influential people are too, and they are all interconnected one way or another.
The action goes around in circles, again and again, the leads try hard to keep it going by using all facial expressions by the first 4 episodes: they cry, they laugh hysterically, they smirk etc, till there is nothing left. I think one of the biggest mistakes of drama makers is GREED, in the form of ambition: they wanna cover everything in one shot. Keep some balance, will you?
Dropped, too long and too nonsensical.

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Shin Ha Kyun is Excellent is all you need to know!

This is my 1st Korean crime drama, and it did not disappoint. Excellent cast, especially Shin Ha Kyun, playing Lee Dong Sik. really good plot It has me by the seat of my pants most episodes. It reminded me of all the British crime dramas I love. The tension I felt watching was palpable. Each episode my adrenaline was high, well up to the point when they catch the serial killer.

The reason I'm giving the series an 8 even though I thoroughly enjoyed it is because once the serial killer is caught; the series lost some of the energy it had reeling me in and impressing me with the plot machinations and all the potential suspects.

I mean it's a really good whodunit however, in the end it was more the good guys trying to bring to justice the actual murderer of one of the serial killer's 1st victims. Not that it was bad, and we wouldn't get the excellent acting from Shin Ha Kyun without this secondary plot, I just think it was a lot of deaths and cover up that seemed unimportant. Obviously, Dong Sik needed to find out who killed his sister, but I don't know if I cared enough about that part.

I can't wait to see more show with Shin Ha Kyun and watch another crime drama.

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Deeply Thrilling Subversion of Expecations: A Must Watch Drama

In the Midst of Corruption and Death, a small town suffers from the unsolved cold case of missing women. Two policemen, one the brother of an unsolved murder victim and the other a rookie cop with rooted morals. Throughout the drama, Lee Dong‑sik and Han Joo‑won, the main protagonist police officers, have a juxtaposed methods of handling crime: one stuck in a logically strict mindset (where everything must follow a code) and the other a more open-minded emotional standpoint. One of the beauties of the show is the way they handle these two differing policing mindsets, they are not framing either protagonist as wrong or right, instead we the audience get a deeper understanding of the different methodologies and come to our own understanding of solving the mysteries.

PLOT
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This is a show that needs to be watched at least twice. In the first watch, we are taken from a perspective that audiences are able to relate to, that of Han Joo-won, who just like the viewer has entered a new town and is unaware of its rooted history and the characters within it. In this perspective, we're left just as confused, if not more confused, than Joo-won. We are made to question everyone, including the protagonist Lee Dong-sik. One of my favourite experiences in watching this drama was going through the process of literally suspecting everyone, it made me question who I could trust and who I couldn't. Everyone could be guilty and everyone could be innocent, which amped up the suspense in trying to solve the case. Both the audience and Joo-won get parts of the puzzle unfolded to them at the same time, therefore the audience is like Joo-won themselves.

Not only is this a captivating storytelling method, of making the audience question every character including the protagonists, but it creates a plot that never disappoints and continually increases its suspense. I remember a point in the drama where I was sure that Joo-Won was right about Dong-sik, being the murderer, only to find out later on that, what the audience had thought was Dong-sik being suspicious, was actually an understandable emotional reaction to the situation (such as the scene when Joo-won interviews Kang Jin-Mook, and Dong-sik has to leave his house). The drama wanted the audience to feel confused so that they could understand that one can never be 100% certain about anything--without evidence. This drama really put into perspective how, when a murder occurs in Korea, it really does not matter if everyone is certain who the murderer is, if there is no body found. Just as Joo-Won was certain of his hypotheses, many times they were from hunches and logical deductions that lacked physical evidence. This realistic portal of crime, and the need for physical evidence, made the plot even more captivating to watch.

ACTING
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It would be an understatement to say that the acting in Beyond Evil was truly astonishing. This was by far one of the best, if not the best, acting I have seen in a drama. One of the main reasons why, we as the viewers, question Dong-sik initially is due to Shin Ha-Kyun's phenomenal acting. He gets everything perfect--the crazy sadness of an induvial who has been through more pain than many of us will ever see. He embodies his character so well that it really feels that Dong-sik is a real human being. Shin Ha-Kyun is able to captivate both Dong-Sik's desperation and his mental instability, especially in the way he smiles. Dong-Sik has a very crimal-esc smile that is both creepy and captivating. It is the smile where his eyes crinkle, but instead of happy emotion, he displays sadness and emptiness.

Alongside Shin Ha-kyun is Yeo Jin-goo, who is especially skilled in portraying an individual slowly breaking down their outer shell. Initially, Joo-Won is a closed-off individual who does not let his emotions seep through, however as he gets more invested in the cold case, he begins to also display mental instability and craziness (rubbing off from Dong-sik because let's be honest anyone would go crazy in that town), he also has a crazy smile that perfectly captivates Joo-Won's confusion and impatience in solving the cases. Shin Ha-Kyun and Yeo Jin-goo performances go hand-in-hand to create a powerful performance of grief, confusion, and desperation.

One last thing I wanted to point out in terms of the relationship, and acting, of the protagonists, is the ability to switch from serious to playful moments. What makes a good show different from a great show, is its ability to switch from serious to comedic smoothly. There were many interactions between Dong-sik and Joo-won that had me audibly laughing. The writers knew that the major personality differences between the characters would create room for situational irony, so they used that to their advantage and has many funny-awkward moments. Using their differing personalities added comedic relief to a show that could go from 0-100 in a few seconds.

FINAL THOUGHTS
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One of my favourite elements to see in dark thrillers is when the audience is made to believe that the plot is solely a local one, but ends up being linked to a more national-wide issue. This is something that Beyond Evil uses very well, one of my gripes with mystery shows, that I have, is that many times the audience does not find out who the killer is until the last episodes. Having a reveal in episode sixteen tends to drag out the plot. However, this is not the case with Beyond Evil, the audience finds out who the main killer is about halfway through the show. The second half of the show is when the case, which we thought was only local-wide, becomes nationwide. When dramas skillfully write this local-nation shift it creates newfound suspense and more areas to enhance and upgrade the plot--this is exactly what Beyond Evil does, it amps up the suspense and grows the case so that the plot reaches even greater heights.

This is a drama that I will continue to go back to for years to come. Beyond Evil is one of those shows where the more you watch the more you unravel.

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Even with 20 years of darkness, there can still be light in the end

Crime/mystery/thriller. Complex story rich in suspense, not much fight scenes though. The backstory for each characters were also beautifully written. That's why the show demands a lot of attention. If not, you'll get lost easily.

Actors did good with theirs characters too.. I often wonder who's the villain or who's the victim. The overall tone of a small community was also done realistically. How small town gossip works and even how they've got each other's back when needed..

I may not watch this again but I don't regret watching it either. It's entertaining. And even with its darkness, there's still light at the end.

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Amazing Thriller That Will Have You on the Edge of Your Seat!

This is one of the most intelligent and gripping thrillers that I’ve seen in recent years. The only one that I still like a little bit better was “Stranger,” especially the first season. However, that shouldn’t throw anyone off, as it only goes to show how few great thrillers are actually out there.

20 years ago, a young woman if found in a reed field with her fingertips cut off. Lee Dong Shik is the suspect. He’s a young man who has a twin sister, although it’s clear that his sister can do no wrong, and he can never do anything right by anyone. Because his guitar pick was found near the body, he’s arrested.

Cut to present time, and Inspector Han Ju Won is assigned the post of the small, rural town. He also happens to be the son of the Deputy Police Commissioner, the 2nd most important man in the Korean police force. Right from the start, we can see that Han Ju Won’s father doesn’t think much of him, and perhaps, never has.

Inspector Han is partnered with the now Assistant Inspector Lee Dong Shik. It’s a tenuous partnership at best. Inspector Han doesn’t like to be touched or share anything with people (utensils, bowls, cups, etc.). He’s also a bit of a clean freak. It’s a bit of a mystery as to why Inspector Han has chosen such a remote area, given that he could have picked anything anywhere. They find a body in the same reed field. Lee Dong Shik’s sister went missing 20 years ago, and Lee Dong Shik wonders if it might be her. Thus, these two inspectors are suddenly thrust into cold cases, a serial killer, corporate and political corruption that is somehow all tied together.

Lee Dong Shik knows people and how to play them. That is his greatest strength. Han Ju Won’s specialty is as a strategist, and using that prowess to catch people. These two men bicker and fight like two old ladies, and it’s clear that neither likes or even trusts the other, especially when Han Ju Won suspects Lee Dong Shik of being the serial killer. What makes this dynamic work so well is that Lee Dong Shik knows that Han Ju Won suspects him, but he’s never rattled or even upset at the insinuation. Instead, he practically dares him to prove it. And believe me, don’t be surprised if you find yourself suspecting Lee Dong Shik and half a dozen other people before the pieces slowly begin to fall into place. That is how tautly written this series is.

The second half of the series focuses on how these two men are able to trap and catch the people responsible for all this, as well as finding out how Lee Dong Shik’s sister was killed and who did it. There are enough twists and turns in this series to keep even the most savvy person guessing. And once you do figure something out, you realize that it’s only one layer of the onion with many more to peel back.

Shin Ha Kyun (Lee Dong Shik) and Yeo Jin Goo (Han Ju Won) are brilliant together. They play off each other perfectly. It’s like watching two professional tennis players going back and forth.

The series also does a great job of demonstrating how low people will sink and the deplorable things people do to each other. There are some scenes that may be difficult to watch. It’s always hard to watch people suffer.

If you’re looking for a great mystery thriller, you really can’t do much better than this series!

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Masterpiece. Absolutely masterpiece. A great psychological thriller with so much drama and important lessons. I laughed, cried, screamed and I was constantly on guard. Although I managed to guess some of the plot twists, the series still had me questioning some of the questions that would arise and until the very end, I was so excited to discover the truth and witness the downfall of the killer.

The characterisation is one of the best aspects and ultimately, the one that sold the series for me. I became attached to many people of Manyang (Jaeyi, Namsabae, Jiwa and Park Jeongje own my heart) but the ones whom I loved the most were Dongsik and Joowon. What more can I say about them? Their dynamic was one of the main reasons why (if not THE reason why) I loved this series. They didn't start in the best terms and yet as the story went on, they started to respect each other more and care about the other. Joowon's development was so well-written and I loved seeing him bickering with Dongsik. AND THEIR CHEMISTRY WAS SO STRONG, OH MY GOD, THEY REALLY MADE ME GIGGLE LIKE A TEENAGER (I mean, I am 18 years old BUT STILL).

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Beyond crazy: when the best revenge against your rival & partner is to always be one step ahead

You don’t want to stoop that low—but you might just have to. You don’t want to get blood on your hands—but perhaps you already have. You don’t want to be a monster—but it’s actually all you’ve ever been. If there is a line to be crossed, something that separates the good from the bad—could there ever be an effort worked against cruelty good enough to justify crossing it? ‘Beyond Evil’ is a gripping series that has imagined these concepts in a way that is so deep and beyond electrifying, turning viewers into detectives with its thrill and inviting them to juxtapose their own judgements and morals to discern the good from the bad. Not only will it put one’s detective skills to the test, but it also permits exploration of morality, questioning how to label what rests in between both extremes of a crime: all those who are witnesses but choose to turn a blind eye. It is as much an uncomfortable watch as it is heartbreaking—but it is these very qualities that qualify the series as a well-produced thriller that has succeeded in its performance.

These themes are all tackled with great strategic pacing in the unravelling of crimes and brought to scene with its award-winning actors who have greatly succeeded in giving goosebump-raising performances. Its ever-present suspense is amazingly developed and gradually built using play on perceptions between both the characters themselves, and how the viewers perceive them. The buildup to the true culprit is impeccable—the series will shine a spotlight on even the faintest of suspicions just to clear certain individuals out of the portrait of possibilities in being the murderer only to make them targets of investigation again later on when more clues arise. Jam-packed with extremely spine-chilling scenes and revelations, the show’s execution of its promising premise did not let hopes down and instead surpassed the lines of constraints it set.

Twenty years after a gruesome killing spree that targeted illegal women immigrants, citizens of the small town Manyang are pulled into yet another detective case to catch the culprit that no one ever worked thoroughly enough to find 20 years back. Son to an extremely high-ranking father, Han Joo-won is a Seoul-originated detective from the illegal-immigrants department, who is strangely committed to discovering the truth behind the string of serial-murder cases despite initial orders from his father to cease in his investigation. Lee Dong-sik, brother to the successful yet modest 20-year-old girl who was first to cause ruckus in the small town 20 years prior to the present day with her disappearance, was convicted guilty to her abduction and possible disposal of body and now finds himself wound up in the Manyang police department after being demoted following his former partner’s death.

Against their own will, Han Joo-won and Lee Dong-sik are partnered, with their own suspicions of each other’s involvement in the case only growing after another disappearance occurs and seems to have the same MO as the cases prior to it. Both equally determined and eager to catch the murderer, they secretly decide to tackle the case on their own. However, it soon embodies greater issues and becomes something big that may concern the police department itself, leaving other officers and investigators no choice but to get involved. There are those who join the case for personal gain, such as promotions or a raise in status, those who wish to frame a culprit to end things quickly, some who just want to find the peace of mind of catching a killer on-the-loose, and others who get involved to create fake alibis and protect their own interests.

But among them all, only a certain individual, or perhaps more than one person, can be given the label of a murderer, even though everyone is guilty of something and has a role to play in the impending question: who is the serial killer? This is ultimately the question that torments Lee Dong-sik the most, fueling his strive to always remain one step ahead of everyone else so that he can orchestrate the murderer’s perfect demise and revelation. He deliberately makes the murderer's investigation unfold slowly and only publicly points fingers at the killer when a body is found to be careful in the steps he takes before fully closing in on the murderer’s arrest. More than anything, he wants to ensure that the culprit has no way of defending himself because he doesn’t want any wrongdoings on their own side as police being revealed in his capture when so many have been hurt by the murderer. Personally being the brother of one of the victims himself, and partner to an officer that made a mistake by committing a crime against a murderer, Dong-sik emotionally connects with the struggle of not wanting a criminal to turn into a victim. He believes that their acquaintances don't deserve that extra baggage and betrayal of causing the criminal to have something to be sympathized and victimized for.

Lee Dong-sik knows Han Joo-won already has his eyes set on him being the killer and makes this work in his favour, using his suspected culpability to ensure Joo-won’s role in working on the case since he’s convinced he is the only person capable of taking on such a big role in a case that requires everyone in the police station to be suspected. By encouraging Han Joo-won to invite more suspicion on himself, he teases the clear possibility of there being a murderer and that it is still possible for that individual to get caught, making the 20-year-old case still relevant to be investigated. Lee Dong-sik’s goal in doing this is so that he can use Han Joo-won to investigate the case all whilst gathering new information through him, since Lee Dong-sik’s role in its investigation would otherwise be illegal considering he is family to the victim and had previously been declared guilty of the murder.

With Lee Dong-sik scared to frame the wrong person in fear of taking away from the victim’s injustice, and Han Joo-won narrow-minded and set on his own suspicions, they speak in riddles, manipulate each other into helping one another in their investigations, and intricately fabricate their own facades to draw out what they want from one another. They build frames of storytelling to shed light on clues, trying to draw attention to a bigger picture. Both leads pull each other in by raising suspicion to one another, building a sense of mutual mistrust. However, this eerie sense of mysteriousness in their relationship gradually grows into a unique and strong bond that is built on a strong reciprocal trust that both pretend don’t exist. Between them sizzles an intense rivalry and chemistry—they go from pointing guns to each other’s throats in one scene to working side-by-side against everyone else in the next.

‘‘There are times where you’re not sure. If you pull out too soon, you’ll chase away the fish. And if you take too long, the fish will get away. Should I reel in? Or not?" With such an endless array of possibilities of things that could go wrong, Lee Dong-sik and Han Joo-won have to feign ignorance, resist acting on impulse, and accept doing the unimaginable in order to find the perfect proof that would immediately prove the murderer guilty before reeling in so that there would be no space for doubt to be raised during the official investigation—and no chance for the killer to slip away from their grasp. This goal of the main leads' explains the importance and focus that the show places on a certain conversation both investigators shared—where Lee Dong-sik wanted to be sure that Han Joo-won understood that even against any accusations, it is juridically impossible for a murderer in South Korea to be convicted guilty for their crime if there is no body found.

Twisted and dark, from the first episode to the very last, it’s a timeless masterpiece of a detective series that'll pull viewers into its game of show and tell—but only show, and then tell in a few more episodes just to keep them guessing. It’ll propose ideas, make the audience believe them, and just when they think they're on the brink of coming up with a conclusion, it turns out that everything they believed is wrong, and viewers have been tricked so well that they’ve swapped the innocent for the guilty. The hefty plot heavily relies on the narrative that no one is free of suspicion or can be trusted to embark viewers on a journey that’ll leave them desperate for answers and relentlessly searching episodes for hidden meaning or new clues. There is no other thriller that does it better in building suspense, delivering acting performances, character intricacy, offering a top-tier OST, unmatched tension, and showing remarkable storyline complexity.

Overall, ‘Beyond Evil’ has beautifully mastered the art that is storytelling—from its intricate little details to the bigger picture it creates and everything that stretched in between its many mysteries’ unraveling, exceeding the precedents of its genre with its unexpected, thrilling, and flawlessly executed plot.

2025/02/14

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Série muito empolgante, impossível parar de ver

Meu deus que série!!!! Comecei a assistir e simplesmente não conseguia mais parar e quando parava ficava teorizando sobre ela. Não sei nem como descrever, fazia muito tempo que eu não me empolgava assim. Todo episódio você é levado a achar algo, pois o público só recebe parte da informação, mas nunca nada é como parece ser. Eu realmente achei no episódio 2 que o Dong Sik era o assassino e a série seguiria um estilo Hannibal, mas não foi bem isso que aconteceu. Quando revelam o assassino achei que ficaria chato, mas que nada, continua interessante e quando Joo Won e Dong Sik finalmente se unem a série atinge o ápice. E o que falar da química entre esses dois kkkk várias cenas eu fiquei torcendo pra eles se beijarem, eles tinham uma tensão incrível. Também quero dar destaque para as maravilhosas atuações, nenhuma fora de tom, todas perfeitas,
Yeo Jin Goo é tão novinho e mesmo assim entregou tudo e Shin Ha Kyun também foi incrível, e a série foi muito bem dirigida. Outro ponto de destaque é a ótima trilha sonora, confesso que estou bastante viciada e não paro de ouvir. Enfim, pra mim essa série é nota 10, gostei demais, amo esse estilo de série, mas raramente encontro uma tão boa quanto essa, então estou muito feliz de ter assistido e já vou começar de novo, vale a pena demais.

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