This review may contain spoilers
Slow, Dark, and Thought-Provoking
Evilive tells the story of lawyer Han Dong Su’s descent into darkness, as he awakens the hidden demon within and transforms into someone with virtually no limits when committing crimes. What makes the series intriguing is not just his transformation, but also the way it portrays a cast of characters who are all “bad” in their own ways. It leaves viewers asking: what truly defines evil, and how do these flawed individuals differ from one another?
Han Dong Su begins as a timid lawyer, careful never to cross certain lines even while defending criminals to make a living after being unfairly dismissed from his previous workplace. His life takes a sharp turn when he becomes entangled with Seo Do Young, the second-in-command of a powerful gangster group who has been betrayed by his own people. Seo Do Young offers Han Dong Su a hefty sum to uncover the evidence he needs. At first, Han Dong Su refuses, fearing the danger involved, but cornered by his circumstances, he takes the risk, only to find himself pulled far deeper than he ever imagined.
While nearly every character in this drama is morally compromised, the one I find the most evil is undoubtedly Han Dong Su. He begins as a pathetic loser, but gradually transforms into a despicable figure, betraying Seo Do Young and ultimately killing him to seize everything he once had, the businesses, the house, the gang, and even his allies. Seo Do Young is far from innocent himself, but at least he has a bottom line. He doesn’t harm people without reason, and as long as others don’t cross him, he leaves them alone. What makes his downfall even more tragic is that he genuinely believed in Han Dong Su’s potential, supporting him and even entrusting him with the gambling business.
Han Beom Jae is probably the only character I genuinely pitied in this drama. Unlike his brother, he still carried a tiny bit of conscience, he knew when to stop, even after all the crimes he had committed with his brother. And yet, the most heartbreaking part is that his goodness couldn’t save him. Tragically, in the end, he becomes a victim of his brother’s greed, dying while begging him to stop.
In terms of acting, the cast truly shines. Each performer is completely in their element, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. While the story itself may have its flaws here and there, the actors elevate the material with strong, convincing performances that make the characters feel real and engaging.
As for the ending, I honestly didn’t see it coming. I thought Han Dong Su might finally change for the better after losing his brother and being left by his wife. But by that point, he was already too far gone, beyond saving and the only path left for him was to fully embrace the very evil he once feared.
Overall, Evilive is a decent watch. It’s a slow-paced drama, but that slowness gives you room to reflect on deeper questions, especially about morality and how far people can fall once they cross the line.
Han Dong Su begins as a timid lawyer, careful never to cross certain lines even while defending criminals to make a living after being unfairly dismissed from his previous workplace. His life takes a sharp turn when he becomes entangled with Seo Do Young, the second-in-command of a powerful gangster group who has been betrayed by his own people. Seo Do Young offers Han Dong Su a hefty sum to uncover the evidence he needs. At first, Han Dong Su refuses, fearing the danger involved, but cornered by his circumstances, he takes the risk, only to find himself pulled far deeper than he ever imagined.
While nearly every character in this drama is morally compromised, the one I find the most evil is undoubtedly Han Dong Su. He begins as a pathetic loser, but gradually transforms into a despicable figure, betraying Seo Do Young and ultimately killing him to seize everything he once had, the businesses, the house, the gang, and even his allies. Seo Do Young is far from innocent himself, but at least he has a bottom line. He doesn’t harm people without reason, and as long as others don’t cross him, he leaves them alone. What makes his downfall even more tragic is that he genuinely believed in Han Dong Su’s potential, supporting him and even entrusting him with the gambling business.
Han Beom Jae is probably the only character I genuinely pitied in this drama. Unlike his brother, he still carried a tiny bit of conscience, he knew when to stop, even after all the crimes he had committed with his brother. And yet, the most heartbreaking part is that his goodness couldn’t save him. Tragically, in the end, he becomes a victim of his brother’s greed, dying while begging him to stop.
In terms of acting, the cast truly shines. Each performer is completely in their element, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. While the story itself may have its flaws here and there, the actors elevate the material with strong, convincing performances that make the characters feel real and engaging.
As for the ending, I honestly didn’t see it coming. I thought Han Dong Su might finally change for the better after losing his brother and being left by his wife. But by that point, he was already too far gone, beyond saving and the only path left for him was to fully embrace the very evil he once feared.
Overall, Evilive is a decent watch. It’s a slow-paced drama, but that slowness gives you room to reflect on deeper questions, especially about morality and how far people can fall once they cross the line.
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