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Writer's pictureJon Lui

Shin Ha Kyun is brilliant in new sinister lawyer drama "Evilive"

Dark, brooding, and full of rage, Shin Ha Kyun crosses over to the dark side of the law in the new crime drama Evilive! We break down three reasons why this drama is perfect to add to your Halloween binge list!



Premiering on October 14, 2023, the new crime thriller from ENA and Genie TV, Evilive has captured our attention coming close to the Halloween season! Starring Shin Ha Kyun, from his amazing role as a "psycho" detective who tries to catch a serial killer in a small town in Beyond Evil (2021), Evilive is a must-watch!


Synopsis


Han Dong Soo (Shina Ha Kyun) is a case-by-case lawyer who picks up cases every day when visiting the prison system. He is rational and reasonable, like any normal human, but has an evil dark side. Han Beom Jae (Shin Jae Ha Taxi Driver 2 2023) is Han Dong Soo's half-brother and works part-time at a second-hand repair computer shop. He is also a case broker, bringing new cases to Han Dong Soo to work on. The two get struck by an unusual case of a former star high school baseball player turned gangster for a crime organization and their worlds get turned upside down.



Here are our three reasons why Evilive should be at the top of your Halloween watch list!


1. Shin Ha Kyun is a master of his craft!


Shin Ha Kyun plays a sinister lawyer Han Dong Soo (ENA)
Shin Ha Kyun plays a sinister lawyer Han Dong Soo (ENA)

Only two episodes into this new drama and all we can say is "wow"! Shin Ha Kyun is truly a master at anti-hero roles! Similar to his role in Beyond Evil where he is a two-faced detective, the same goes for his new role in Evilive. At times, his character, Han Dong Soo, is cheerful and a regular father, but a switch gets turned on when faced with a domestic issue with his wife and her supervisor and he goes nuts! Watching someone with such talent and skill is truly a breath of fresh air in the world of K-dramas!


2. A complex but stunning storyline


Faced with several cases ongoing at the same time, such as the dispute between his wife and her work supervisor, Han Dong Soo feels guilty for not being able to support his family with the mediocre cases that he picks. That being said, he takes on a case that might put him over his head as his half-brother Han Beom Jae introduces him to a gambling ring run by a criminal enterprise.


Kim Young Kwang as the ex-high school baseball player turned gangster Seo Do Young (ENA)
Kim Young Kwang as the ex-high school baseball player turned gangster Seo Do Young (ENA)

As usual, to avoid any suspicion, this criminal organization is very complex, and difficult to pinpoint the ring leader. Therefore Han Dong Soo and Han Beom Jae switch into detective mode and try to get under the crime organization's skin and disrupt their dealings. The story draws us more into the character development and the interaction between the brothers as they try to solve this case. Although complex, it is definitely worth the watch!


3. Character development is sensational!


Shin Jae Ha plays Han Beom Jae, Han Dong Soo's half-brother (ENA)
Shin Jae Ha plays Han Beom Jae, Han Dong Soo's half-brother (ENA)

It is very hard to state a K-drama has good character development, but this one definitely takes the time to explain the details of each character's motivations and actions. From his wife's reasoning for borrowing money to help with his mother's accident at the senior home to his relationship with his half-brother, we can feel empathy for Han Dong Soo as he is trying his best for his family and himself.


Shin Ha Kyun is a master at developing his characters and setting them up for the "big bang" as we are hooked and want to see more! Let us know if Evilive has gotten you to sit at the edge of your seat as we wait eagerly for next week's episode! Comment below!


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