Bai Lu and Wang Xing Yue's upcoming C-drama is more than just a mystery thriller
Ever since the news of D.P. being renewed for a second season made headlines, fans of the drama have been eagerly looking forward to its release with bated breath. With D.P. Season 2's premiere just around the corner, the wait has become unendurable.
In the excitement of this upcoming release, let's delve into some of the reasons why D.P. Season 2 is an absolute must-watch.
1. A Story That Tugs at Your Heartstrings
Bullying is endemic in Korean hierarchies, and K-dramas have especially stressed this point. Be it schools, offices, or the military, the higher-ups and powerful can be as merciless as they are portrayed. And D.P., though it takes artistic liberty for dramatic twists, is actually inspired by true incidents.
D.P. presents the story of the Deserter Pursuit team chasing army deserters. The drama zooms on the bleak side of military service in South Korea - soldiers hazed and bullied to an extreme extent, an unromanticized theme, making it a true eye-opener.
It is a fictional drama inspired by the webtoon D.P. Dog's Day, authored by Kim Bo Tong. He collaborated with director and screenwriter Han Jun Hee, and the result was an award-winning series. The story delves into Kim's personal encounters during his mandatory military service and stories inspired by real-life incidents.
When the first season was released back in 2021, it evoked nostalgia in many Koreans who recalled their difficult military days. Calling it "brutally honest", "naked truth", and "unembellished reality", people applauded the series for bringing the need-to-be-addressed issues out in the world.
Moreover, apart from the domestic audience, the drama stirred international viewers as well. The poignant stories of soldiers standing in the face of their harsh realities thawed even the most stoic.
The plot of the series, though intricate, is well-paced and cathartic. So if you are looking for a heavy drama with an impactful message, D.P. Season 2 will prove to be a perfect pick.
2. Talented Actors
No matter how good a script may be, if the actors fail to properly do their part, the production won't deliver the intended emotional impact, drastically influencing the overall quality.
And a drama like D.P. demands nothing short of a dedicated and competent cast skilled enough to get into the complex characters (while bringing their own flair), and portray their emotional depths and developments, all while maintaining balance. And to say the least, the D.P. actors did justice to their characters.
D.P. Season 2 features a talented ensemble of Jung Hae In, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Sung Kyun, and Son Suk Ku, along with Kim Ji Hyun, Go Kyung Pyo, Ji Jin Hee, Yoo Soo Bin joining in Season 2.
In Season 1, the cast delivered power-packed performances, keeping viewers hooked throughout. From hearty laughter to sad tears to heart-pounding tension and lava-hot fury, they evoked an array of emotions in audiences.
For their acting prowess, the stars won numerous awards, including Top Excellence Award, Actor in an OTT Drama at APAN Star Awards and Best Actor in a leading role at Asian Academy Creative Awards (Jung Hae In), Best Supporting Actor at Baeksang Arts Awards (Jo Hyun Chul), Best New Actor at Baeksang Arts Awards and Blue Dragon Series Awards (Koo Kyo Hwan), and not to forget several nominations too.
The story was beautifully carried by the actors with almost no exaggerated or over-the-top performances. With just the right amount of emotions and precise and nuanced expressions, they breathed souls into the fictional beings.
What's also worth mentioning is the excellent cinematography. Actors' flawless portrayals, well-choreographed action and chases, and beautiful visuals, were skillfully put together and edited. Moreover, the attention-to-detail approach to sound design added to the immersive experience. Overall, director Han Jun Hee and his team deftly steered the ebb and flow of the story.
3. Electrifying Bromance
If you are tired of watching cliche rom-coms, a fresh bromance drama like D.P. Season 2 will be your escape. From playful banter to having each others' backs, Joon Ho and Ho Yul are bros forever.
Ho Yul, despite being a senior to Joon Ho, is playful, impish, and childlike, while Joon Ho is quiet, calm, composed, and quite inflexible at times.
But, despite having dissimilar personalities, Joon Ho and Ho Yul perfectly complement each other as the Deserter Pursuit team. The unlikely pairing of two men gives way to rib-tickling humor.
4. High Ratings
Ratings can sometimes be deceiving, but that's not the case with D.P. The first season of the series has been well-received by both international and domestic fans. It has been rated 8.8 on MDL (as of the time of writing this article) and has received positive reviews from numerous critics.
Moreover, The New York Times listed D.P. as one of the best TV shows of 2021, describing it as "a sensitive and forthright examination of how violent, sadistic bullying and rigid hierarchies drive young South Korean men to go to almost any length to escape military time".
If that's not all, the first season also bagged some prestigious accolades like the Best Drama Award at Baeksang Arts Awards and Blue Dragon Series Awards.
5. Artistically-Choreographed Action Sequences
While D.P. doesn't pride itself on being a high-octane action drama, it certainly does have sufficient action to keep the thrill alive.
What's interesting to note is the action scenes are beautifully choreographed with fewer cuts, making them look smooth and not patchy.
So, while you may not see planes crashing into buildings, crazy shootouts, or the hero hanging off of a car running at 180 mph amid a chase, the brief yet power-packed action sequences will surely hold your interest.
Catch the premiere of D.P. Season 2 on July 28th, only on Netflix.
