My Name

An action thriller which delivers exactly what it promises

A solid watch which will keep you engaged all throughout. The fight scenes really were the star of the show -- SO good, made me want to learn fighting. I read that Han Sohee did her own stunts which is incredible, and I also commend her decision not to wear makeup. As for the story, there was nothing crazy or unforeseeable that happened, but that's precisely why it made for such a strong plot. It didn't try to be oversmart, stuck with the basics, which really paid off in the execution. If I had to criticize, I'd say her romance with the cop was pretty underdeveloped so the sex scene felt a bit ?? But I didn't mind much. Though I will say that the pacing of the last episode felt kinda rushed which made the ending slightly anticlimatic.

Special mention to Choi Mujin who was insanely charming, and to the OST which added to the coolness of the drama.

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good ol' fashion REVENGE!

It is clear that this is a Netflix production, with plenty high octane fight scenes and one too-steamy-for-broadcast-television sex scene.
Yoon Ji Woo, a troubled young woman whose father was murdered on her birthday, seeks to avenge her father's death by climbing the rungs of his former gang. Taken under the wing of her father's friend and crime boss, Ji Woo hones her combat and investigative skills and becomes an undercover member of the gang. If you're looking for a show that passes the Bechdel test, this probably isn't for you, as Yoon Ji Woo is almost the sole woman in the 'My Name' creative universe. Although Ji Woo's character is, at times, written to revolve around solely around influence of the men around her, she subtly reclaims her agency *SPOILER* in true 'Final Girl' fashion, effortlessly defeating throngs of knife wielding assassins despite being mortally wounded. From powerless to powerful, the resilient Ji Woo exacts revenge with every punch, kick, slash and bullet and gets the last (mournful) laugh in the end.

OVERALL, the plot twists were relatively predictable and the 'whodunit' aspect of the story was meh at best. Luckily, My Name was brought to life by its excellent crew and cast, namely Han So Hee, who absolutely shined as the protagonist Ji Woo/Oh Hyejin. Han So Hee's impressive physical stunt work and fighting scenes were truly the highlight of this series. She fully served us some Charlize (Theron, of course) energy! Han So Hee shows immense promise as an action star!

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Action Packing and Engaging

There is a lot to like about this drama. It's addictive, fast-paced and very-well produced and acted. This was a solid 9-9.5 until almost the last episode where plot seems almost rushed and character decisions toe the line between making sense and not. Still, it is a solid conclusion and the drama as a whole is incredible so I averaged it to 8.5

At 8 episodes screen time but the same amount of content as a standard K-drama, the writing is pretty well-paced with little to no filler. As someone who watches some but not a ton of crime/revenge dramas, some of the twists and turns were cliché but executed well enough to be entertaining while others were a true revelation. I really appreciate that this was female-lead driven. Despite the plethora of physically/mentally strong females in drama nowadays, 1) action dramas are still mostly male-lead driven and 2) the writing for these females can be inconsistent or overdone. Jiwoo consistently maintains her physical strength and her thought process remains consistent with her characterization. More importantly, her actions help drive the plot and at the, this is her story. Mujin is also a very interesting character who evokes a lot of different emotions and Pildo just brings so much positive energy.

On this end, the story is brought to life with amazing acting. All the actors/actresses did a phenomenal job, especially Han So Hee. The production, sets and lighting are also incredibly well-done; I loved that somewhat somber lighting. The music is also astounding. Not only are the tunes catchy and entertaining on their own (I was listening to Mediocre Life on repeat these past few days), they completely complement and elevate the drama. This is decent re-watch.

In conclusion, honestly, the only reason I watched this was because it was a female-lead led action drama. That aside, it is an engaging drama with good writing, great production, terrific music and supreme acting that I would definitely recommend.

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Easy binge

OVERALL
This drama is short and thrilling, so it's an easy watch. Consider if 1) you're looking for an action-packed series, 2) you like revenge stories, 3) you don't need much more than that. Skip if 1) you want well-developed characters, 2) you're craving a good romance, 3) you don't like tragedy.

THE STORY
A pretty conventional revenge story. No major event is really unexpected, even the main plot twist. The ending is also quite predictable if you know anything about Korean action films and their unconditional love for the tragic. Where My Name shines is in the delivery. In the little details.

The Good
- The drama REALLY makes you feel and root for FL. She goes through hell and becomes strong but also so vulnerable. Her life sucks too much and you're dying to see it suck a bit less.
- Although the drama is short, they do try to squeeze in a bit of a love story and they do it successfully; it actually makes sense and is even kind of cute?
- Although nothing's out of the ordinary, the show still remains gripping enough to be binged in a day. There's the suspense surrounding FL's cover, the mystery of her dad's death, the drug cartel, so much to keep you on the edge of your seat. And there's the occasional joke too. The drama is conventional, but good conventional, definitely.

The Bad
- How unoriginal the plot is, though I guess if you only care about action this isn't a problem. The biggest let-down is the fact that the most promising aspect of the drama, FL going undercover in the police, ends up being so unimportant. So lackluster. They could have played it up and it would have made the show much better and much more original.
- The unnecessary tragedy (because trust me, it's absolutely unnecessary. A death that is unavoidable is fine, a death that is just there because the writer wanted it there is an abomination).
- The lack of depth, especially character or relationship development. Granted, this is a very short series, so there's only so much we can ask. But at the same time, there're so many fighting scenes...a few could have been replaced by deeper stuff.

THE ACTING
I LOVED her. ML was also fine though. In general, they were all great! A huge asset for the series, because acting makes an average plot ten times better.

THE MUSIC
No comment.

REWATCH VALUE
Not high for me. Don't get me wrong, this drama is a good binge. But it's a one-time binge. There's nothing there that'll make me come back to it.

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Decent Action, Underwhelming Plot

My 4 categories are Acting/Cast, Writing, Direction/SFX/Music, Entertainment Value.

I decided to watch this drama because I was in the mood for something darker and this one is only 8 episodes. So why not? I’m kind of also trying to get a sense of Han So Hee’s (한소희) acting ability because I haven’t liked anything I’ve seen her in so far.

Acting/Cast: The acting is fine, but the casting of the female lead could have been better. She’s supposedly 5’5” but she seems even smaller in the drama. It makes no sense for her to be able to take on all these dudes at once. There’s a scene where she’s picked up and thrown into a wall like a ragdoll. She looked so tiny...I can suspend some amount of belief but this is ridiculous. I think Guem Hae Na (금해나), who plays Min Hye in A Shop For Killers, would have been perfect for this role. She’s awesome at action, whereas Han So Hee (한소희) had a few kicks and hits in there that lacked any power behind them at all. Then, the sound effects added in just made it cringey. I could see Claudia Kim (김수현) from The Atypical Family and Gyeongseong Creature as a potentially better option, too. Anyway, it was a pleasant surprise to see Ahn Bo Hyun (안보현) in this drama. I liked his character and I felt the drama got significantly better once he came into the picture. The major gang member characters had good acting, but Park Hee soon’s (박희순) character came across as too overly dramatic for me. 4/10

Writing: The plot is pretty lame. A lot of holes, basic, predictable. Just unintelligent writing all around. And the ending came across as lazy and uninspired. The plot became interesting for a second when the female lead’s identity gets revealed but unfortunately it doesn’t last long. They should have exposed her earlier on in the drama (at least to her partner) and played around with themes of “going by the book” versus vigilantism mixed with elements of understanding, love, and the struggle of saving a traumatized soul. But...a plot like that would have taken a lot more thought to write; it’d have to be heavy in psychology, character development, character growth, and dialogue that really hits. Another issue I had with this drama (surprisingly) was all the blood. How can someone get stabbed, cut, and shot so much and not pass out from blood loss? Especially for a girl as small as her. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate seeing fight scenes with a female character that gets visually messed up (swelling, bloody, scars, stitches, messy hair, etc.) - but realistically, she wouldn’t be able to keep going day after day losing more and more blood like that. 1/10

Direction/SFX/Music: No huge issues in this area except a couple times where some sound effects sounded cheesy. However, comparing the action in this drama with the action in The Worst of Evil, there's a clear difference in quality (with The Worst of Evil taking the prize here). The music was fine, not memorable though. I think this drama would have done much better as a movie, since the plot is severely lacking. I think as a movie, all of the holes in the plot may not have been as obvious. 5.5/10

Entertainment Value: They really got the cliffhangers down in this drama. Good cliffhangers are important; do not underestimate their power. I can binge watch a terrible drama easily as long as there’s good cliffhangers. A lot of action, too, so that always helps with keeping me entertained. And a hint of a romance (that probably should have stayed at ‘just a hint’). Nevertheless, I got through this drama very quickly and was highly entertained despite all of the plot issues. However, I don’t think this drama will be very memorable to me in the long run. 6/10

Overall, I gave this drama a 4/10. I found myself comparing this drama to The Worst of Evil. I liked the plot of My Name better in the sense that it wasn’t as depressing. However, the action in The Worst of Evil is so much better and the writing is technically better (with more of a focus on psychological aspects). If you want to watch this just because it’s a girl kicking ass, then ok I get it. But because of the casting choice, it doesn’t seem believable here. I would recommend A Shop for Killers for that.

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my somewhat biased opinion.

PLEASE BEFORE WATCHING THE SHOW LOOK AT THE TRIGGER WARNINGS.


I believe this specific genre and story is suited for a very specific audience, from other reviews, I believe this drama is either hit or miss. My name is a story of a girl who joins a gang, to avenge her father's death, and soon becomes an undercover cop. the story is suspenseful, it's action-filled. But most of all this story is dark and suited for once again a specific audience. Before watching this please look at the trigger warnings, and age restriction as it dives pretty deep into gore, and a lot of violence in many different ways.

The story is eye-catching, we all love a strong independent female lead, and my name delivered exactly that. They delivered those suspenseful moments, which had us hold our breath if you're looking for something like that. this drama is suited for you. But if your arent, and looking for a sweet romance-filled good guy wins story this isn't for you, My name did not speak to me in ways other viewers did. To me, it was a very hardcore, in-your-face type thing, and in all honesty, I truly did not enjoy the themes of sexual violence. I didn't enjoy the fact our female lead almost got raped, it was triggering and brutal, but I know it was necessary for the plot which I respect. I didn't enjoy the explicit gore, but once again others may. It really depends on how much you can take and where your interest lie when it comes to a show like your name.

The set design was good for the story, the characters were complex, in ways where they differ from good to bad. The costume design was good enough for me, and the s were great choices. But there were many times where the story got sloppy and sometimes overwhelming. But then again, this isn't my usual cup of tea so I am being biased when it comes to my review. Would I watch it again? Definitely not. Should you? That's your choice but just please look at the rigger warnings and if you are not comfortable do not keep watching ( this goes for all kdramas!)

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Can't get enough of woman-led action shows

As some reviewers have noted, the plot isn't entirely original—but the storywriting makes it so that you're still left on the edge of your seat throughout the 8 hours. This drama has also converted me into a big fan of Han So Hee. I can't believe this is only her second lead role! I previously saw her in Nevertheless, where I thought her acting was somewhat stiff. She shines in My Name, playing an anguished, rage-filled, and revenge-driven heroine who fears nothing and will stop at nothing to fulfill her life's goal.

Although the plot isn't entirely new in the realms of revenge noir films/dramas, there's something about woman-focused action shows that I can't get enough of. And the action in this drama is SO satisfyingly good.

Also, the soundtrack is exceptional and deepens the drama's emotional value. 10/10 would recommend. And get ready for a bloodbath.

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Predictable but still amazing, nonetheless

I loved everything about this drama... except for the story line that was predictable from the get go. But still, the production and the execution of the plot was amazing. Every episode kept me at the edge of my seat. Everyone was perfectly casted. There were no dragging points and I love that about this drama. I guess that's one of the perks of having 8 episodes rather than the usual 16.

Han So Hee was amazing. It was refreshing to see this tenacious side of her, compared to the characters she played in her previous projects. I really think action suits her. Her pre-debut self would have been proud to see where her future self is now. The team-up with Ahn Bo Hyun was kind of unexpected since I've never seen him anywhere else aside from Itaewon Class (and I HATED him there), but they looked so good together. I felt the sexual tension between them as soon as their characters met.

The action scenes were flawless and the OSTs of My Name were just hands-down perfect. It's so nice to see a strong FL. I was getting pretty tired of the damsel-in-distress tropes in other dramas. I'm looking forward to rewatching this.

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Delivered what I wanted and it was exciting for sure!

First, If you were excited about the action scenes you won't be disappointed because these scenes were amazing and very well directed. We have a lot of fighting scenes in this and they don't disappoint. We also have a lot of gore scenes too which I found a good thing because we`re talking about a revenge drama involving gang so we needed more realistic things. The photography and OST were also very good, I loved the OST. Talking now about the acting, for me Sohee and Hee Soon were beyond amazing. I was worried if Sohee could pass a badass image but she did. She was amazing in the fighting scenes and very good in the emotional scenes as well. After Nevertheless, which a lot of people doubted her acting skills, I think now she really proved that she's an amazing actress indeed. She was fierce and very strong physically and psychologically. And OH MY GOD, Hee Soon`s acting was INSANE. he was my favorite character of the drama. The actor did an amazing job here portraying the character and I think its almost impossible not liking him here. Moojin was sexy, bad and at the same time very human too. And the actor delivered everything PERFECTLY.

But, I do think the drama have some flaws and things that I think it could have been better. First, Jiwoo`s father killer was too obvious since the beginning. Although I don't particular think that the drama was ruined because of that, they could have tried to surprise the viewer more and the whole revelation was meh for me as a viewer. Second, some characters was really off for me and could have been better or more explored. Taejoo for example, I think they could have made the character more capable because I can feel that the actor can act and if they had made the character more interesting he would probably be one of the best or if not the best in the series. Instead, the character was just there to be Moojin's right arm and that's it. There weren't any impactful scenes of this character and he practically didn't do anything relevant. Pildo too... I LOVE Bohyun but for me his character was really meh. His whole relationship with Jiwoo also seemed a bit forced and I didn't even think the actors had that much of chemistry (I even felt more chemistry of her with Moojin). The crazy dude with a scar was amazing in acting but his character was really cartoon like. And least, one thing that I think it can bother some people is that making a badass character it can bring a negative side too such as he or she being TOO strong sometimes. Jiwoo was weak when the script needed and hella strong when needed too which looked unrealistic sometimes.

Still, for me, although the negative things can bother sometimes it can also be forgotten because the narrative is really convincing and the drama is really well made. Also, they delivered the things I think we were all waiting for: an exciting thriller with good fighting scenes and a a badass female character beating some trash men. If you're looking for that, I think you'll finish this with more pros than cons.

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Great acting and Fighting scenes

Story: The storyline is a very familiar action type of storyline and is predictable. Like almost every strong female character in an action drama. Most of the time I don't like to predict the drama or story, but this one was to easy to predict. Maybe because it's a very short action drama. The screenwriters, directors, producers really took all the good elements out of an action story that can be find in any action drama and put it in the 8 episodes. The downside for me in this storyline was the love story between FL and ML character. The focus was a lot on the female lead and Pildo's (the female lead's lover ) story was to short or 'weak' to feel his ROLE's importance in this story. It's like a last-minute added LOVE story for the plot and a bit sweetness for this dark/heavy life the female lead had. In my opinion they could have make a LOVE- HATE TO DEAD relationship for the female lead and Choi Mu Jin or Do Gang Jae. The role Jung Tae Ju aka Lee Hak Joo (the right hand of Choi Mu Jin) was very good and loyal.

There was to many parts that got me very confused:
1. Why did Choi Mu Jin the Gang's Leader treats Oh Hye Jin SO..... well, even though she betrayed him? Aren't she supposed to die immediately according to Mu Jin's personality (hate and kill everyone that betrayed him, no matter who it is)?! Somehow I thought he likes her. Why would you motivate and help someone to kill you. At the beginning maybe Choi Mu Jin thought of her father saved him and Oh Hye Jin discipline and determination, but later on it turns weird. Like why didn't he kill the girl and killed Pildo instead, so he could wait for her to come to kill ??
2. The love between Oh Hye Jin and Pildo was not very clear at least FEMALE LEAD didn't so much love towards him, is more like loving someone that understand or have been trough what you've experience. But it could also be a bestfriend type of relationship.
3. The last fight scene: Female Lead shoot so many times, but didn't load her gun at all. How is it possible?

I must say I STAYED till the END of this drama, because of the ACTING!

Acting: THE ACTING WAS ON POINT. First I thought why did they choose an actor that don't look like a gangster, more like a good, happy guy to act the father of the female lead. Then the first thing that catch my eye was the acting of Chang Ryul/ Jang Yool aka DO GANG JAE............ Man this guy is a kind guy but VERY GREEDY FOR POWER that made him so BAD and his CHOICES in life only to climb higher. He was too ambitious, but make so much bad choices. His acting was ON FIRE, one of the best in the drama. I couldn't believe he was a Support Role instead of a Main Character. Wish to see more of this character. First time wanting a "bad" guy/ villain to not die in the serie to continue to look at his AMAZING acting. DO GANG JAE' s look and charisma reminds me of Shin Se Gi (from Kill Me Heal Me).

Everyone praises the female lead. For me personally Han So Hee did a great job, acting the FL character's feeling and life. The only thing that bothers me alot was her cute, baby, delicate female look and face. She doesn't look strong or tough enough for me and reminds me a lot of Song Hye Kyo (in Descendants of the sun). A Strong Female character but just the look is not sharp enough. Actress Lee Si Young would have been a good choice for this role, but consider the age differences it's not very realistic to cast her. Park Hee Soon aka the Leader of Dongcheon was also very good. I felt like Ahn Bo Hyun's role could have been played by anyone since the role it's not that special.

Rewatch Value: I would definitely watch it again. In fact when I finished the serie, I immediately rewatched the first 5 episodes. In particular the acting of Do Gang Jae and Choi Min Ju.

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