L : The mirror of live and evil
Started this drama without any prior knowledge about the plot so I did not know what to expect. Mostly, trusted Shin Hakyun's acting as he always delivers the characters and so far, I really enjoyed watching his dramas ─ and Evilive was not an exception. So, I'm glad to not miss it as not only I enjoyed watching how the storyline and characters' developments unfold but also discovered new talented acting people.While I must admit the story is not completely new or unique, it surely delivered its own twists and perspectives. For me, what made it really good drama to watch was acting. Not only main roles but also side characters showed good acting skills and pulled you into the story. The portrayal of dynamics was phenomenal. However, I have to admit Shin Hakyun and Kim Youngkwang truly stole the spotlights with their portrayals of their characters.
Throughout the 10 episodes, we saw how human greed works through characters, how they change and how someone can welcome their inner demons with a tempting whisper from a criminal and suppressed anger. The shift in personality was too realistic and it was nice to watch the constant moving between the grey and dark area throughout character development.
Also wanted to point out how it took me a while to notice there is only one L in Evilive because the letter is acting as a mirror. Evil and Live spell each other backwards, and L is both the door and mirror ─ which is such a witty name. It perfectly represents the story and characters.
I'm glad I didn't miss this drama and gave it a chance ─ and I definitely recommend it.
link to edit : https://youtu.be/h6z05B475cI
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Wow, the finale!!
A struggling lawyer with a secret dark side gets pulled into the dark world of a notorious criminal. But what leads him to the line of evil and will he survive the ordeal of events?Evilive is a noir-themed kdrama with a dark vibe, focuses on the advent of online gambling. Those who love watching ambiguous characters dive deep into crime, with suspenseful and thrilling events will love watching it. I was rushing in head first without watching any trailer/teaser because I already know these men have proven themselves from their previous roles. Anyone who've watched them know how ‘good’ Shin Ha Kyun, Shin Jae Ha and Kim Young Kwang are when they are bad.
Evilive does not disappoint. The first scene bait is intriguing and you discover what really happen sooner than you think. They set up its character well: their inner struggle and what are at stakes, such as their family, marriage and most importantly... their moral values.
I was having a big fun with the friendships and bromance among our leads. Ha Kyun and Jae Ha's characters are supporting each other like siblings, while Ha Kyun's and Young Kwang's characters are like enemies to bromance relationships, they both don’t trust each other but they stick together throughout. My only nitpick is that cinematography and action are of mediocre quality, but it doesn't matter much as the premise is very strong, the plot has rarely any dull moment, the characters are peculiar, the storytelling takes you deep into the world of law, crime suspects and unexpected twists and turns, none of it disappoints... To enjoy the drama to the fullest, I recommend you to binge this.
-Nov 2023, Yovita
Find me on Instagram: @kdramajudge
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Diving into Darkness
Alright, buckle up, because "Evilive" is a wild ride into the shadows of morality that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about good and evil. Han Dong Soo, the straight-laced lawyer, takes a detour into the criminal underworld, and let me tell you, it's a journey you won't forget.Picture this: Dong Soo, the seemingly rational guy, starts visiting prisoners randomly, and damn! He's knee-deep in crime, facing the demons in his own mind. The internal conflict is real, and you can almost see the battle between his usual calm self and the darkness lurking within. It's like watching a moral tightrope walk, and I couldn't look away.
Now, the relationship between Dong Soo and his half-brother, Beom Jae, is the emotional heart of the story. Beom Jae serving as a case broker adds a layer of family drama that hits hard. When Beom Jae realizes Dong Soo ain't the same brother anymore, especially with this shady case involving Seo Do Young, you can cut the tension with a knife.
Seo Do Young, oh boy, he's a piece of work. The #2 crime guy with a baseball player past and a charming exterior that hides his dark side. It's like peeling an onion, layer by layer, and you never know what you'll find. The mystery surrounding him keeps you guessing, and his charisma is downright chilling.
The pacing is spot-on, keeping me on the edge of my seat as Dong Soo and company navigate this morally messed-up world. The psychological toll of crossing lines is in your face, making you question justice and morality alongside the characters.
Sure, there are moments where the plot could use a bit more seasoning, and some characters could use a sprinkle more development. But let me tell you, these nitpicks don't dull the impact of the show. It's a gripping exploration of the human mind, morality, and the blurry line between right and wrong.
"Evilive" is a must-watch for anyone who loves a dark and thrilling story that sticks with you. With a cast that knocks it out of the park and a plot that keeps you guessing, this series left me wierdly wrecked in the best possible way.
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Evil for evil
A series about a lawyer who faces a corrupt law firm and gangs after he gets involved with a gang member and provides legal advice. He and his brother witness a crime scene. They are forced to help the criminal clean up the crime scene, so Soo Dong begins to exploit them until they become partners in the business. Because of one wrong referee’s decision, life changes for the worse, so he farms. The seed of evil was seeded within him until he became a monster. He was trying to get rid of the monster that frightened him. The lawyer was able to get rid of Moon Sang and tried to betray Seodong and get rid of him, but the opposite results appeared. He discovered Seodong and killed his brother. They were two monsters fighting, and killing became easy for the lawyer just to get rid of them. Seodong gave orders to someone to kill the policeman after he gave the policeman false information that Seodong would transport the body, which is the only way to catch him red-handed, but they killed the policeman to implicate Seodong and get rid of him, of course. The plot is wonderful and made me surprised by the lawyer’s decisions and how he changed, and after losing everything he felt remorse. The dialogues were wonderful. The acting was great. Very good, wonderful series worth watchingWas this review helpful to you?
Left Feeling Unsure
There are multiple factors that I really appreciate about the series and other factors that watered it down. Foremost, most of the actors did a good job in their roles, particularly our two main protagonists. It would have stepped up a notch if they provided more depth to the character's backstories. Although there were hints and minor flashbacks, it wasn't enough to really draw you in to any of them in particular.Although the pacing was initially slower than what I'm accustomed to for this type of genre, it did create that essence of realism. The series did a good job transitioning Han Dan Soo's character from a struggling lawyer who kept getting screwed over by trying to do the "right" thing to finally getting fed up and deciding to utilize his skills to fight corruption by becoming corrupted. After all, those who have a conscious and have experienced something similar in life, would be able to generally relate to these multiple decision-making crossroads. It also secondarily depicts the realism of how people feel when they are being used, or when they are the ones putting in the "hard work" only to help others reap the large rewards. So there are multiple scenes where it has you questioning yourself on what you would do in their shoes.
However in the last three or so episodes, the pacing paradoxically became both too dragged while the plot felt overly rushed. It's hard to explain except that I started to lose interest in the heavy-handed shifting of the backstabbing between the various parties. So while the ending wasn't bad, it also felt rushed because of how slow the build-up was to it. If the positive factors weren't there for the overall wrap-up of the series, I would have given it a lower score. It's otherwise still an enjoyable watch but not one worth re-watching again.
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Villain of the year!!!
Now, I don't think Dong Soo even deserve this title. He is a monster, not even a villain! While catching monster, he became the biggest monster of all. Ugh, it's frustrating, although I'm not surprised since he does have the most evil look among them lol..I'm not happy with the ending. I'm disappointed that the storyline had his brother asked Dong Soo to let go when he died instead of asking him to turn himself in. SO unfair ending.
Now, I understand the story is as such that Dong Soo turned evil because of his circumstances, bla bla.. But, it's a fact that he has a choice. He chose to be evil, and for that, there's no excuse of any of his behaviors.
I want a Season 2 just to watch Han Dong Soo put into justice.!!!
I'd rather Dong Soo died instead of Seo Do Young.
He is the one who I believe deserve the villain of the year!!! At least, Seo Do Young is consistent in his evilness. He has boundary such as not to mess with police. While he's on alert, he hasn't been plotting to betray Dong Soo, until he had to. That, he has my respect. Plus, he is the MOST CHARMING VILLAIN of the year!
I mean, that jacket and baggy trouser and sandal, boy, only he can carry it (that's the only jacket he wear for first 5 episodes lol)
Oh mo, I'm SO impressed by his acting. From his built, his gaze, his look, his walk, his talk, he is the gangsta of the year. I want another series just featuring him as sexy mafia head!
And our poor baby Agi...the brother who get caught in the war of villains. My heart breaks for him everytime he is in pain. His acting also impressed me a lot. There was even a scene where his voice shook so much when he cried. He is SOOO good and he has grown so much in his acting since I last saw him on Taxi Driver.
This is how thriller should be done guys. Rarely, we have 3 great actors put into one show, this is top notch!
It nailed it in casting, acting, pacing, timing, storyline, plot. everything, EXCEPT the ending
Still, it keeps me entertained throughout, worth a watch!
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Greed leads to Evil
Although the plot is not unique, it is certainly interesting and a fun journey. It makes you want to keep coming back for more. I started Evilive for Shin Ha Kyun who I enjoyed seeing in Beyond Evil. However, Kim Young Kwang is a total treat to watch and is perfect as a gangster that keeps you guessing.Don't let the 18+ rating turn you away from this. Although there is some gore, it doesn't drag into the series once it starts going and it is more to do with the journey of the two leads and how they impact each other. Although, Shin Jae Ha doesn't have a huge role, you will find yourself concerned for him and feel connected with his character within this complicated situation. His brother plays an exceptionally smart character that has a knack for quick thinking in difficult and dangerous situations.
This series doesn't represent the fight between good versus evil but rather how one defines greed and whether there is room for an acceptable evil.
All actors have done a remarkable job. Bae Na Ra is another eye candy and I will be looking out for him in future projects.
The opening theme for Evilive, In the Darkest Night, is lovely and the other OST, Prayer, is quite soothing.
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Dark themes, intense for some; gripping for fans of complex characters and suspenseful storytelling.
"Evilive" takes you on an electrifying rollercoaster through the shady lanes of morality, and believe me, it's a ride you won't soon forget. Meet Han Dong Soo, your go-to lawyer with a touch of the dark side. He's like your everyday guy, randomly picking prisoners to visit, but little do you know, there's a whole world of chaos waiting for him.Picture this: Dong Soo, the calm and collected lawyer, takes a detour into the criminal world. It's like watching your neighbor suddenly become a secret agent, but with more suits and fewer gadgets. The best part? He's not alone. Enter his half-brother Han Beom Jae, the Robin to his Batman, navigating the chaos together and serving some serious sibling goals.
Now, let's talk about Seo Do Young, our charming ex-baseball player turned #2 crime guy. Think of him as the James Bond of the underworld, but with a twist of unpredictability. Behind that handsome smile lies a world of madness, making every encounter with him a thrilling and mysterious experience.
But it's not all dark and brooding. The bromance between Dong Soo and Beom Jae is the emotional anchor of the show. They've got each other's backs like peanut butter and jelly, or in this case, more like legal advice and shady cases. The family drama adds a sprinkle of humor, making you wish you had a half-brother to navigate the ups and downs of life.
The pacing is like a well-tuned dance, keeping you on your toes with unexpected twists and turns. It's not just about the legal drama; it's a journey into the human psyche, with moments that make you question everything. And let's not forget the sprinkle of mystery – Seo Do Young is the puzzle piece that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Sure, there might be moments where you wish for a bit more spice in the plot, and some characters could use a makeover, but trust me, these are just minor hiccups in a drama that's serving up a buffet of excitement.
"Evilive" isn't just a drama; it's a wild, humanized, and surprisingly fun exploration of morality, family, and the blurry line between good and evil. With a cast that delivers performances hotter than a summer barbecue and a plot that's more twisted than a pretzel, this series will have you hooked from the first episode. It's the kind of show that leaves you weirdly wrecked, but in the best and most entertaining way possible. So grab your popcorn, maybe a legal pad, and buckle up for a ride you'll want to share with everyone – because "Evilive" is not just a show; it's an experience.
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prompts reflection on the delicate dance between morality and desperation
A gripping 10-episode Kdrama, unravels the compelling tale of a struggling lawyer teetering on the edge of morality. The narrative deftly explores the intricate relationship between financial desperation and the allure of easy money, cleverly depicting how one's circumstances can push them towards morally ambiguous choices.
The protagonist, a lawyer harboring a secret dark side, becomes entangled in the shadowy world of a notorious criminal. The storyline masterfully navigates the thin line between right and wrong, questioning whether redemption is possible once one succumbs to the temptations of the forbidden. The drama raises thought-provoking questions about the lengths individuals may go to rescue their families from financial peril.
The cast delivers stellar performances, adding depth and authenticity to their characters. The story unfolds seamlessly, avoiding the pitfalls of unnecessary elongation, making it a refreshing departure from typical dragging dramas. With just 10 episodes, manages to captivate its audience with a well-paced and engaging narrative.
This drama serves as a cautionary tale, exploring the consequences of succumbing to the allure of illicit gains when faced with financial hardships. This Kdrama not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the delicate dance between morality and desperation.
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a drawn-out missed chance.
one that dives into the psychological undercurrents of a human being and how a person can transform, or perhaps simply reveal a side that was always there. It carries strong Dostoyevsky-esque echoes, especially in its attempt to explore human complexity and moral ambiguity.Yet despite the brilliance of the idea, the execution falls short. The pacing is painfully slow, and the story never fully deepens where it matters most. Seo Do-young’s backstory offers no real insight into why he is the way he is; it reduces him to something close to “pure evil,” stripped of psychological weight. If that was an intentional choice, it still comes across as shallow, almost superstitious, rather than profound.
Also the conversations between the characters feel light, almost fragile, as though the writers hesitated to let words carry consequence. With sharper, more deliberate dialogue, the psychological tension could have been far more compelling. Instead, the show settles for atmosphere over substance, turning what could have been a disturbing character study into a slow, missed opportunity.
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Solid execution with "Logical" Ending
There's been multiple promising thrillers with less-than-ideal endings, so I've been holding off on this one (still recovering with WTH endings from other dramas).Script isn't completely unique, but the execution and pacing was solid. No overly absurd twists and not overly gore.
Short 11 episodes, there won't be any supporting character development and most of the bad characters were just one dimensional. The focus will be entirely on the leads.
Amazing pair up:
Shin Ha Kyun (previously in Beyond Evil) had a similar vibe, but I enjoy his character in this one way better. His character transition from a beat down lawyer to morally twisted vigilante is spot on.
Kim Young Kwang (coming from Somebody) is the perfect choice for Seo Do Young. He's charismatic, psychotic & calculating all at the same time.
A partnership that started out from fear develops into a promising business codependence. There were hints of friendship and trust at times but as the greed & ambition expands, it leads to the ultimate ending.
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This review may contain spoilers
who's the real devil?
I've watched some crime kdramas but this one was quite different. In other series you see a criminal in the end and you get surprised by it. But this series is a complete character development that you see through the show. You see how the devil is made slowly. One decision can effect your whole life and even your loved ones' lives. At first you think it's all about an attractive devil called Seo do-yeong but in the end you realize that the real devil is that simple lawyer who turned into a devil even worse than see do-yeong. It's so realistic you know. It's amazing to show that how power and money can attract people to do all of these devilish stuff.In the end, I also remembered a quote from one of the Christopher Nolan's movies which was interesting for me to share with you.
"You either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain"
it completely describes han dong-soo...
I don't even mention the great act of shin ha-kyun and Kim young-kwang cause it's so obvious that they did their best.
Also, I wanna say that the OST of this series was the best. It suits the story and the characters so well. I'm still listening to them!
I really recommend this series to those who want to experience a special feeling and want to sink into the story and keep wondering about it.
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