Usually I steer well clear from medical dramas themed dramas. They always start off well and then I get bored around the 6th episode. However, I was told by others that Yongpal is not strictly speaking a 'medical' drama but one that was more about revenge. So I decided to give it a go. Instantly I was sucked into a world of revenge, power, chaebols, crimes and a side of doctor drama. At first I loved it, it was different to what I usually watched and it had a lot of action and the story was unique. It was intense and had me on the edge of my seat.
Over time the writers seemed to have lost what the story was supposed to be about. From about the 6th episode things started going downhill and instead the drama started taking a new direction. Which is fine if you create an appropriate set up to do this. But this never happened, it felt as though the first couple of episodes was spent setting an amazing scene for the drama and after a while the writer were like "hmm nah". Which is a shame because the first episodes were the best ones. It was clean and slick and the story was there.
In terms of characters and cast, Joo Won was essentially carrying this drama. This drama highlighted why he is such an amazing actor. Every emotion that passed on his face was resonated in his body language and tone of voice. You found yourself rooting for this doctor who looked at patients as though they were bags of money from the very first episode. My only experience of watching Joo Won was in Ojakgyo Brothers (which he was amazing in) and so went in having high expectations in his acting. He made a great doctor, was very charismatic and had that loveable rogue feel. My only criticism was that towards the end he became slightly meek and I found myself expecting more from him. However I'll pin this on the writers, not on Joo Won.
Kim Tae Hee on the other hand was a bit of a mixed bag for me. When she had her whole revenge/cold thing going on her acting seemed to be okay. Her acting wasn't consistent enough for me to think she was an amazing actress and at times she was slightly lukewarm. The chemistry between Yeojin and Taehyun was lovely and sweet and made me smile. The director made the kiss scenes look beautiful.
I really enjoyed the music in this drama and the soundtrack really brought out the emotions. My favourite one would definitely be Nightmare- Yong Junghyun (BEAST) and Heo Ga Yoon (4 minute). Ga Yoons voice sounded beautiful in this song and she has a lovely tone.
Overall, Yongpal started off strong with Joo Won displaying his amazing acting skills. The initial episodes and set up was amazing and left me wanting more. Eventually the strong start fizzled out with only a scattering of 'edge of the seat' moments in the drama.
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