Retaliação (2019)

Twists, and explosions that left me wanting more.

This is one of those dramas that is pretty much guaranteed to keep you on your toes, and is most definitely an easy binge as the pace is fast the twists are endless (some more predictable than others), the possible outcomes in every episode are like 8 and each episode ends with a cliffhanger making you feel that need to click on that next episode button.

Add to that the acting (not only abs) of Lee Seung Gi, the endless charm och Bae Suzy (acting too), the cold second male lead and a bunch of fun not ridiculous characters and you have a really good drama. This is not a romance, but much like in Big Mouth (same writers), the romance in this is top, top, both chemistry and sweet scenes and would have made a great romance drama if they would have given the romance more time and episodes... but that said this definitely satisfied my need for romance.


Though I am not a fan of second seasons this is a drama that desperately needs one, making me lower the score a bit, other things that lowered the score where some unrealistic stuff, some stereotypes, and things that made me role my eyes. However the story it self is really interesting and considering all the twists and details, pretty impressive. The characters are mostly complex. The explosions and scenery is lovely...

Definitely a fun drama!

P.s. it is another drama I watched with my hubby that he actually enjoyed and wanted to binge. I also dropped it mid episode the first time I started it but picked it up a few years later and got hooked from the start. So If you are not feeling it right away you may just need a break. Also pay attention to the details, they matter more than you think.

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It's really interesting to write something about lobbyist, corruption and selling of weapons to the government body because this is actually happening in the real world. A lot of car brands and aircraft companies actually manufacture weapons and they often compete to bid for the contract. Besides military supplies, there are a lot of things that the government needs which require the same bidding process. Yet in this process, there is such bribery and corruption taking place. I am surprised that the screenwriter actually know such sensitive information. This drama has portrayed an exaggerated version of reality with all the plot to kill competitors. The action scenes are really good, almost comparable to Hollywood movies. However, there were way too many plot twists (Jessical initially being portrayed as the culprit, then decided to mislead the audience that it was the president, then decided to change the culprit to the prime minister and in the end, they made Edward the mastermind.) that it actually didn't make sense any more. The plot is weak because of the multiple plot twists. If there isn't any season 2, they just spent way too many episodes filming multiple plot twists that they didn't have time for a proper ending. If you rewatch it, there are way too many plot holes.

The idea of the story is great, the action scenes and filming location justify its high budget. But sorry, the plot is very weak with way too many bullshit plot twists that didn't make any sense anymore. Nevertheless, I still highly recommend this drama if you are sick of typical Romcom Kdramas and want something new.

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I didn't watch this show when it was airing because I was afraid it was overrated and wouldn't meet my expectations and I'm glad i gave it a try because this drama just proved me wrong!

If I were to describe Vagabond now, I'd say it is a well packaged action drama. From casts, acting, directing, and even production, everything and everyone has been top notch! Watching only the first episode, you'd already get the gist of how high the quality and budget for this drama must be. The action scenes , and the many plot twists in this drama were intense and enough to make you want more of it. Aside from the action scenes, there are some comedy, romance, and politics mixed into the show too, which i think makes the show more interesting.

The unique characters for this drama is another thing to look forward to from this show. I loved how the way the show slowly revealed the true personalities and intention of the characters. It definitely made everything more intense. Also the chemistry of the characters were just amazing. Watching Shin Sung Rok as a skilled and righteous NIS agent was just so endearing. I was sad he wasn't given much focus on the story but still loved his character! The main reason why I watched it was because of him. Watching him shoot away with a gun, he is just perfect for the role! <3

Seung Gi's chemistry with Suzy was great too, but I liked how aside from the few cute moments for the leads, the scriptwriter didn't add any more than what is shown, because it could have been seen unnecessary and forced.

Overall, Vagabond was an entertaining and refreshing drama to watch. It kept me on my seat tense, curious, and furious with every episode. The only problems I have with this show are: the information overload I got with the many characters introduced to us, the cliffhanger at the end, and they way they ended the show without taking down the real bad guy, nor a closure for the side characters.

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Vagabond is one of the most unrealistic but best action drama I've experienced so far. I love the storyline although there is something like too many plot twists. But overall the performances were great. it was one of Bae Suzy's work in a while so it was nice seeing her on-screen again and my first time watching Lee Seungi and he gave a very good impression depicting his character.
The storyline centers around a man who lost his nephew on a plane crash and a woman working for the Korean Secret Service, together they uncover the mystery and corruption that caused the plane crash, opening the blinds to a bigger picture, bigger than them. I loved the scenery of the drama I think they invested a lot of time and money into making it look and good as It should be and it seriously paid off. if you're looking for a drama to get you up and down and still make you laugh then you should definitely watch Vagabond

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Hmmm okay. This was a jooourney.
First of all, I want to address that I rank shows purely based on my personal enjoyment of it. Even if a drama is objectively bad, if I had a good time watching it, it'll probably be a 9 or + .
Vagabond might be my favorite drama from the last couple of years. I genuinely connected with the characters and story. I couldn't stop watching, something that rarely happens to me with any type of show. By episode 11, I could feel my heart in my throat (is that an expression in English or is it only of Spanish? lol). I was literally running out of breath by some scenes and situations.
I loved the main characters (Hae-ri and Dal-geon). I really didn't care about Tae-ung but he was ok I guess. Actors who portrayed evil characters did it amazingly. I hated them so much, lol. Even side characters were great, my favorite one was Lily. The lack of romance was an extra point for me (I don't mind it, but I was super focused on the plot and I think adding a lot of romance would have ruined it)
Talking about the plot, there were so many plot twists it was hard to follow but I dig it. I like how you never knew who was actually good and who was actually bad in the story. The drama itself was really expensive, btw, and I love when dramas are based on multiple locations (in this case, Morocco).
Of course the drama was not perfect, I noticed a couple of small plotholes and things that didn't make sense. The ending was very open, the last scene being the beginning of the first episode... that was cool though. But so many things aren't finished. I'm assuming they wrote this ending with a second season in mind, but there's nothing confirmed yet? That kinda worries me. I need to know what happens between these two. Will they be able to take revenge on Edward? Will Hae-ri discover that Dal-geon is not dead? Will they end up together? Will we ever know? That's the question lol.

I'm giving this a 10 out of my enjoyment. The plot is not a 10 though, but still. If there isn't any future seasons then I'm sad to say I'll have to lower my score.

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Action Drama That Got Me Into Korean Drama

They said, you never forget your first. This is the case for Vagabond. An action series without romance but can still make me have a good cry. I immediately wanted to see more of Lee Seung Gi and Bae Suzy. This is the effect of Vagabond to me. For that I gave the score 10 even when I think the story is not special. What I don't like is the cliffhanger. I watched Vagabond in June 2020 and I wrote this in July 2021. Seriously, how long does it take for us to know what happened?

It is an action drama. I am not looking for a great story. I need action at a good pace, beautiful fighting scenes and tolerable actions. The fighting scenes are not necessarily new but they are good enough to entertain me and make me want to see more of them. Having said that, I won't comment much about the story.

Lee Seung Gi is definitely working hard for this. Later I learned more about him and I got to better appreciate his work in Vagabond. His movement, expression and body language feels right. As for Bae Suzy, in early scenes, I underestimated her role. As the stories continue, I grow to like her character and how she portrayed Go Hae Ri. That first scene where she drove and entered the meeting room is stuck in my mind, even after a year. Such a simple scene but it set the tone for Go Hae Ri. The chemistry between the two is visible. I like them.

I can't comment about the music. None that I can remember. That's not really a good sign, no?

I have rewatched this a couple of times, sometimes just some episodes. That tells how much I like it. I don't think this applies for many people though. But yes, watch it if you are a fan of LSG or Bae Suzy. This is a good action movie to binge watch after finishing a deadline.

First watch: 15 July 2020

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I watched this drama after binge watching about 30 other top Korean dramas recommended on the internet and this one really blew my mind. I am not even a real big fan of action dramas so it's amazing how Vagabond left a big impression. It's quite the masterpiece. The storyline and acting quality is top notch. This is not an average Korean drama and is most definitely on par with a Hollywood blockbuster. Fast paced and intense, every episode leaves you wanting to watch the other. It is also easy to recommed this drama to anyone (male or female) who has not watched k dramas because it has something for everyone (romance/ action/ suspense).

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Absolute Thrill Ride Despite Flaws!

When it comes to a series that has all of the twists and turns, the action sequences, and the intrigue like "24," you really can't go wrong with "Vagabond."

Much like "24," nothing in Vagabond is as it seems. Characters aren't as they appear to be, and those that you figured to be the "villains," you suddenly find everything turned around.

A Korean airliner is taken down by terrorists, and the absolute distraught uncle, Cha Dal Geon, is determined to find out why as well as who is behind it. Of course, at first, nobody believes him until small pieces begin to fall into place. Geon is given some credibility as a movie stuntman who also teaches martial arts classes. However, he quickly finds out that martial arts rarely beats out a special forces soldier. I liked that they put some limitations on Geon. However, I was occasionally frustrated by how he took the lead in NIS investigations. That part was lacking in realism. I understand that he has a vested interest, but I doubt that NIS would give him such free reign and latitude. Still, Lee Seung-gi brings a character with a lot of charisma as well as genuine feeling to the role. He was excellent.

Go Hae Ri is the "rookie" NIS agent stationed in Morocco. I had a harder time with her character. Suzy Bae is a good--but not great--actress. She seemed to find a hard time treading the line between depicting an agent who is inexperienced but trained. There were times when I just didn't find her depiction believable. I was hoping more for a seasoned actress like Doona Bae (Stanger) who brings intelligence and presence to her roles. Half the time Go Hae Ri doesn't seem to know what she's doing. And too often, she took a backseat to Geon, when she is the field agent! If you're stationed in Morocco as a field agent, you can't be that green. I thought the writers could have done a better job here. Bae also needs to broaden her range. Too often, she has an almost blank expression or the same expression in most of her scenes. I also quickly tired of her "16-year-old" reactions to the small, intimate moments with Geon. If there is a "weak link" in the cast, it's definitely Suzy Bae!

There were a number of character errors in the series. Never implement a character error in order to move the plot. That's a rookie mistake, and it was used several times in this series to the point when you can't help but shake your head at such carelessness.

Several times, Go Hae Ri or Geon would return to their homes even when they know that they are targets. Do you really think an NIS agent would make this kind of a mistake?

There was an instant when Go Hae Ri is assigned to protect Geon. She's drugged and knocked out. When she comes to, she immediately goes to the bathroom rather than checking to see if Geon is in danger...or even worse, not knowing if the assassin is even still in the building! If she has enough state of mind to easily make her way to the bathroom, I doubt she was disoriented.

Another instant is when we have a sniper trying to take out a target. Geon and Hae Ri are protecting him. We already know that the sniper has orders to kill anyone, including Geon and Hae Ri. And yet, a professional assassin decides not to shoot them in order to kill her target?! I don't know many assassins who have such a conscience. It made no sense.

I also wondered if male prison guards are allowed to work at female prisons in Korea.

In any case, don't let these minor flaws prevent you from watching this adrenalin-boost of a series! There's scarcely a dull moment, and the rest of the cast, especially Kyeong-Yeong Lee (Edward Park) is nothing short of fantastic! I've seen him in several other series, and he's always tremendous!

What really got me, however, was the season-ending cliff-hanger! So unlike most of the Korean series I've seen where I now have to wait for Season 2! I absolutely can't wait!

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Excellent thriller with Bond-worthy moments...

Vagabond is an action-packed thriller with a twist in each episode that’ll keep you on the edge of your seats. The two leads are well cast both excellent and have good chemistry, and production value is high. The Moroccan scenes are stunning specifically the roof-top chase scene in ep1 which is Bond-worthy.

Lee Seung Gi is excellent as Cha Dal Gun, a hapless stuntman turned accidental hero. Even though it is hard to believe Dal Gun could escape the numerous and relentless attempts on his life by trained assassins and mercenaries, Lee is convincing because he plays it straight. He doesn’t play it as a thrill-seeker or someone looking for recognition; instead he’s a grieving uncle driven to uncover the truth behind the plane crash that killed his nephew.

Bae Suzy is also excellent as rookie NIS agent Go Hae Ri who reluctantly helps Dal Gun because of her sympathy for the bereaved families in particular Dal Gun’s after seeing his nephew Hoon’s affectionate video. Moon Woo Jin is an intelligent young actor and his Cha Hoon is sweet and has an old soul.

The series ends where it began and while the Dal Gun and Hae Ri appear to be nearing the truth, the mystery is unsolved. Will there be a second season? While I personally don’t believe there’s enough material for a full second season and it’ll be very hard to keep the quality of the story-telling and action to the same level, I hope there’ll be another 2-3 episodes to bring the story to a logical end and give viewers some closure.

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Unraveling Chemistry and Intense Thrills

Vagabond, a captivating Korean drama, takes viewers on an exhilarating journey filled with suspense, action, and romance. The undeniable chemistry between Lee Seung-gi and Suzy Bae, the main leads of the series known as Cha Dal-gun and Go Hae-ri, adds a layer of depth to the already thrilling narrative.

The story centers around Cha Dal-gun (Lee Seung-gi), who undergoes a transformation into an awakened tiger following the tragic death of his nephew in a mysterious plane crash. As an orphan who raised his nephew singlehandedly, Cha Dal-gun's grief is further intensified by the massive cover-up of the incident. Motivated by a burning desire for justice, he embarks on a relentless journey to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.

Go Hae-ri (Suzy Bae), on the other hand, is the eldest daughter of a deceased marine who had dreams of leading a normal life as a civil servant to support her family. Fate, however, intervenes and she finds herself as a dedicated agent of the National Intelligence Service (NIS). As Cha Dal-gun and Go Hae-ri's paths intertwine, they discover a complex and tangled web of corruption lurking behind the plane crash, linking their lives together in an unexpected way.

Lee Seung-gi delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance as Cha Dal-gun, showcasing the character's determination and grief with authenticity. His portrayal captures the audience's attention, drawing them into his world of relentless pursuit. Suzy Bae shines as Go Hae-ri, seamlessly transitioning from a woman seeking a normal life to a skilled and resolute NIS agent. The chemistry between Lee Seung-gi and Suzy Bae is undeniable, elevating the tension and emotional depth of the series.

The narrative of Vagabond is a masterclass in suspense and intrigue. From the very first episode to the last, viewers are kept on the edge of their seats, gripped by the intricate plot filled with unexpected twists and turns. The series strikes a perfect balance between intense action sequences and heartfelt character development, ensuring that audiences remain fully invested in the fates of the protagonists.

However, one aspect that leaves viewers eagerly yearning for more is the cliffhanger ending of the first season. The anticipation for a second season has been mounting since the series originally aired in 2019. The lack of news regarding a continuation of the story has left fans, including myself, feeling both frustrated and hopeful for a resolution to the captivating storyline.

Given the love and support Vagabond has garnered over the years, starting a petition or reaching out to the responsible parties, such as Netflix, could be a proactive way for fans to express their desire for a second season. The dedication and enthusiasm of fans should not be underestimated, and voicing the collective eagerness for a continuation may help pave the way for the return of this thrilling series.

In conclusion, Vagabond is an enthralling Korean drama that seamlessly blends suspense, action, and romance ( few romance scenes but each of them bring butterflies, S2 will definitely show the missing piece of puzzle ) . Lee Seung-gi and Suzy Bae's remarkable on-screen chemistry adds an extra layer of allure to the series. While the cliffhanger ending leaves viewers yearning for more, the impact and popularity of Vagabond are testaments to its quality. Let's hope that the passionate fan base's enthusiasm can bring about the long-awaited second season, satisfying our craving for the continuation of this exceptional series. This drama is my all time Favourite.

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