I seldom watch TV, but I do enjoy unwinding with a good K-drama or documentary after a stressful day. Recently, I stumbled upon Awaken (also known as "Day and Night") on Netflix. It caught my eye because the lead actor, Namkoong Min, reminded me a bit of Jang Hyuk, especially with a haircut similar to Jang Hyuk's character in Bad Papa. Plus, I have a soft spot for investigation thrillers.
Awaken has 16 episodes, and I initially thought it would take me about a month to get through them. However, I was completely hooked and ended up binge-watching the entire series in just a week 😅. The gripping storyline, combined with the cast's compelling performance, made it impossible to stop watching.
This riveting kdrama was aired in late 2020 and it takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride of mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements. In this drama, nobody and nothing are what they seem. It’s filled with mind games, mysteries, and an eerie atmosphere that keeps you feeling the suspense throughout the show.
The first three episodes are a bit slow, but once the story finds its groove, it delivers one surprise after another. In this review, I'll discuss the plot, characters, and overall impact of the show.
🎬 Plot Overview 🎬
Awaken centers around a series of mysterious events connected to a tragedy that occurred in a small village 28 years ago. The plot follows Do Jung-woo (Namkoong Min), a brilliant and carefree cop, and his Special Investigation team as they unravel the secrets behind a string of seemingly unrelated crimes. The story seamlessly combines together elements of supernatural phenomena and psychological drama, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
🎬 The Main Characters 🎬
Before watching Awaken I wasn't familiar with any of the cast members, so I had no high expectations and decided to watch it purely for entertainment. However, I did some background research on the main cast to gauge their acting skills and see how well they might deliver the plot.
- Do Jung-woo (Namkoong Min)
Awaken was my introduction to Namkoong Min, and after doing some research on his portfolio, I was thoroughly impressed. Over the past few years, he has made a significant impact on the kdrama industry, winning three Daesangs (Grand Awards) in just four years. Namkoong Min is particularly selective about his projects, showcasing his versatility by taking on roles in various genres, including romance, historical dramas, thrillers, and even playing a couple of villains. His diverse range of performances highlights his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft.
Namkoong Min delivers a stellar performance as Do Jung-woo in Awaken. As a detective, Jung-woo is both brilliant and mysterious, with a free-spirited approach to life that hides a deeply troubled past. His exceptional investigative skills and unorthodox methods often put him at odds with traditional law enforcement, but his dedication to uncovering the truth is unshakeable. Jung-woo is haunted by a profound sense of guilt and a drive for redemption, adding layers to his character. Namkoong Min’s nuanced performance highlights Jung-woo's brilliance and underlying trauma, making his journey both compelling and relatable. I just love how Namkoong Min portrays this character and I have to admit, I fell in love with Jung-woo. There's something in the way he walks, talks, and carries himself so nonchalantly while hiding his true feelings and motives...so attractive 😆
- Gong Hye-won (Kim Seol-hyun)
Kim Seol-hyun is a former member of the South Korean kpop girl group AOA. She made her debut as an actress in 2015. She was still a rookie actress when she landed a role in this drama. I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow when I saw a newcomer being cast as the female lead. I must confess, I harbor some judgment towards kpop idols transitioning to the acting industry. I just can't shake the feeling that these idols merely aim to milk the industry with their pretty faces with zero talent 🤦♀.
Kim Seol-hyun portrays Gong Hye-won, a dedicated and strong-willed detective in the Special Investigation team. Despite being labeled a "nut job" due to her intense work ethic, Hye-won's seemingly soft exterior belies her true strength. She is quick to act when laws are broken and she is not afraid to use her fists to uphold justice. Her strong character brings a refreshing dynamism to the series. Hye-won's determination and moral integrity complement Jung-woo's more mysterious persona, creating a balanced and engaging partnership.
After watching this drama, I concluded that Kim Seol-hyun can act but her portrayal occasionally lacks nuance, resulting in moments where her character feels stiff and ineffective. She needs to work more on her facial expressions to deliver more believable emotions. With more acting experience she probably would be a good actress.
- Jamie Layton (Lee Chung-ah)
Lee Chung-ah debuted as an actress in 2002 by playing supporting roles in films. She has an impressive portfolio as an actress and also has won several awards including Best Actress.
Lee Chung-ah portrays Jamie Layton, a forensic profiler and FBI agent invited by South Korea's police force to aid Jung-woo's Special Investigation team in solving a series of puzzling cases. Jamie exhibits impressive analytical skills and strong commitment to her work. Despite her professional appearance, she wrestles with deep emotions and inner conflicts. She feels a mysterious connection to Jung-woo, which intensifies as their relationship develops throughout the series creating tension and anticipation. As the drama unfolds, their shared traumatic past is gradually revealed deepening the complexity of their bond.
I really like how Chung-ah plays Jamie Layton. She and Jung-woo have a strong bond, not necessarily romantic, but based on understanding and intelligence. Even though they might not have met before, they seem to get each other really well. This makes their connection interesting and adds depth to the story.
🎬 Themes and Execution 🎬
Awaken explores the themes of trauma, revenge, redemption, and the consequences of past actions. This is a unique drama that includes the elements of supernatural or shall I say psychic abilities along with a crime thriller. The series does an excellent job of maintaining suspense and gradually revealing secrets, ensuring that viewers remain invested from start to finish. The show's production quality is top-notch, with atmospheric cinematography and a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack that enhances the overall viewing experience and mood. The direction by Kim Jung-hyun is precise, effectively balancing the complex plot and character development.
🎬 Strengths 🎬
- Strong Performances
All the cast members did a great job, but there's no denying that Namkoong Min's performance largely contributes to the success of the drama. His powerful acting adds depth and authenticity to both the characters and the plotlines.
- Complex Plot
The storyline is very interesting, keeping viewers guessing and engaged throughout.
- High Production Value
Exceptional cinematography and music elevate the viewing experience and make the show more impactful.
🎬 Weaknesses 🎬
- Pacing Issues
At times, the series' pacing can feel uneven, with certain episodes moving slower than others.
- Confusing
The complex plot may be challenging for some viewers to follow, especially with its multiple twists and many additional characters and let's face it, it's not always easy to differentiate Korean names.
🎬 Extra Observations 🎬
- 1) Jung-woo and Hye-won
This thriller doesn't feature a fully developed romance, and I appreciate that. Adding an unnecessary romantic arc would have felt awkward. However, it's clear that Hye-won has the hots for Jung-woo. She occasionally wears her heart on her sleeve, and he is well aware of her feelings. Yet, as an enigmatic character, Jung-woo keeps his emotions guarded. He likely refrains from reciprocating her love because he can't envision a future for them together, and responding to her affection would be cruel given his ulterior motives. He subtly rejected her feelings during their car ride scene in episode 3:
Hye-won: Are you crazy? Do you want to get us killed?
Jung-woo: I just wanted to see you smile.
Hye-won: Then do something funny, not something that could kill us.
Jung-woo: I don't think I can do that. I doubt that I can do that in the future, either.
He outright rejected her in episode 5:
Jung-woo: Date someone else. Find someone you can rely on. Don't like me. I'm not interested in you.
However, he can't help but show subtle affection towards her throughout the show:
- Cupping her cheek tenderly in episode 11:
Jung-woo: However...if that crosses your mind, come to me then.
Their non-verbal communication throughout the show: staring, glancing, reading each other minds in unshakeable mutual trust.
Hugging her briefly on the pretext to snatch her phone away. That hug was intentional to comfort her. This scene occurs right after Hye-won expresses her concerns to him. He knows she kept vigil, crying and worried sick, while he was lying unconscious in the hospital bed. (Episode 7)
- In the final scene, Jung-woo appears to Hye-won albeit only his back, walking away, assuring her that he is alive and well. (Episode 16)
I was rooting for these two, and it pains me to see Hye-won's love unrequited. However, I appreciate the showmakers for the very subtle hints of romance between them. These hints were not obvious and could easily be overlooked.
- 2) The twins' dad
I don't want to give away any spoilers, but if you've watched or are currently watching this drama and are curious about the twins' dad, here's my guess. In episode 15, there's a scene where the twins are having nightmares and are comforted by their evil mom and a male scientist. They proceeded to discuss the kids' condition:
Male scientist looking displeased: That's what happens when they get injected with drugs in utero.
Evil mom: I did it for the sake of the experiment's success.
Male scientist shaking his head in disgust: Don't give me that.
This scene could have been achieved without the male scientist's emotional reaction. He disapproved of her unethical choices, but why? Well, unless he was someone related to the kids...
These are just my guesses, but I think it's not far-fetched 😉.
🎬 Conclusion 🎬
This has been a very long post. I just got carried away 😂. In conclusion, Awaken is a standout kdrama that combines mystery, suspense, and supernatural elements with stellar performances, particularly from Namkoong Min. Despite some pacing issues, the series' complex plot and high production value make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. Whether you're a long-time kdrama enthusiast or new to the scene, Awaken promises an unforgettable viewing experience that will keep you hooked until the very end.
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