Gangnam B-Side (2024)

The Immortal Pimp

The drama should’ve been titled “The Immortal Pimp” 😌👌 because that’s the most accurate summary of the entire series.

Now, let me start by saying I love Ji Chang Wook—he’s one of my favorite Korean actors. But even his charm couldn’t save this mess of a show. This drama is painfully average at best, and honestly, calling it average feels like I’m being generous. Where do I even begin?

First, the characters. Or should I say, cardboard cutouts masquerading as people. There’s absolutely zero character depth, and development? Forget about it. The leads are so one-dimensional it’s almost impressive. They seem to have two modes: evil or dumb—there’s no in-between. It’s like the writers got bored halfway through and decided, "Let’s make everyone insufferable." The only person I remotely cared about was the prosecutor. The rest? I wouldn’t have blinked if they all fell off a cliff.

Then there’s the storytelling. What storytelling, you ask? Exactly. The plot is an incoherent, jumbled mess. It’s like someone threw a bunch of clichés, random violence, and melodrama into a blender and hit "puree." Speaking of violence, it’s completely senseless and over the top. Instead of adding tension, it just feels like a cheap gimmick to shock the audience.

Oh, and let’s talk about those "fights," because apparently, this drama secretly moonlights as a fantasy. Our male leads here are basically superhuman. Fighting dozens of thugs at once, etting stabbed multiple times in the stomach, slashed in the arm, hit with metal pipes? Child’s play. At one point, I half-expected him to regenerate Wolverine-style or start glowing like Iron Man. I mean, seriously, is this supposed to be gritty crime drama or Super Pimp vs. the World? The sheer absurdity of these scenes makes you wonder if someone in the writer’s room mistakenly thought they were working on a Marvel script.

The one redeeming factor should’ve been the cast, right? I mean, the lineup is stacked. But nope, not even they could salvage this train wreck. It’s like watching a group of world-class chefs trying to make a gourmet meal with expired instant noodles.

Re-watch value? Zero. Not even a second glance. For anyone curious about this show, let me save you some time: skip it. Do yourself a favor and watch The Worst of Evil instead if you didn't yet.

Honestly, the only thing this drama succeeded in was making me reconsider my life choices for sticking with it until the end.

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A Gritty Crime Thriller Where Revenge and Corruption Collide

*Gangnam B-Side* (as of Episode 6) has proven to be a gripping and intricate drama, blending intense character development, dark themes, and a maze of morally complex choices. Set in the underbelly of Gangnam, it explores the dangerous world of power, corruption, and the exploitation of vulnerable people. The show does a great job of painting its characters as deeply flawed yet compelling, particularly with its leads, who are constantly caught in the tension between seeking revenge and protecting those they care about.
The central plot revolves around the criminal activities of Gangnam Trading, led by Joon-seo and various other powerful figures, including Choi and Tak. The illegal trafficking of drugs like Neon and the exploitation of escorts add a sense of urgency and suspense to the narrative. Characters like Dong-woo and Gil-ho have become somewhat tragic figures, driven by guilt, revenge, and a sense of justice, though often falling short in their attempts to protect others.
The pacing has been relatively well-balanced, with the first few episodes establishing key relationships and tensions, while episodes 4 through 6 really ramp up the stakes. There’s a delicate interplay of personal vendettas and larger criminal conspiracies, and the show delves deep into the emotional toll these secrets take on its characters. Episode 6, in particular, marks a turning point with a huge revelation regarding Gil-ho’s past and his identity, which adds another layer of mystery to his motivations.
The themes of power, betrayal, and guilt are consistently explored throughout the episodes, with each character’s arc being carefully developed. While the show can be dark and at times a little slow in its buildup, it rewards patience with intense moments and twists that keep the viewer invested. The cinematography, particularly the use of neon lights and the atmospheric tension of the scenes, also contributes significantly to the show’s tone.
There are hints of resolution in the near future, but with two episodes remaining, it seems that *Gangnam B-Side* still has plenty of dramatic developments to unfold. The final episodes are likely to tie together the fates of its main characters, who have been caught in a web of crime and vengeance, though it’s unclear who will come out on top in the end.
In short, *Gangnam B-Side* is a tense and thrilling watch that pulls you into its gritty world of crime and power, while exploring complex character dynamics and deep emotional stakes. If you're a fan of dark crime dramas that blend mystery with intense personal conflicts, this show is definitely worth a watch.

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