The tvN drama that ended in 2023 is receiving renewed attention on Netflix Korea.
'Delightfully Deceitful,' starring Chun Woo Hee and Kim Dong Wook, recently re-released on Netflix, and the series has made an unexpected comeback, climbing into the top 3 of Netflix Korea's 'Today's Series' chart on July 25.
Nearly two years after its original broadcast, the drama is being rediscovered by viewers. Its belated popularity is being cited as a prime example of a high-quality production and strong acting performances finally receiving the spotlight they deserve through an OTT platform.
The protagonist, Lee Ro Um (played by Chun Woo Hee), is a genius con artist with almost no capacity for empathy. On the other hand, Han Moo Young (played by Kim Dong Wook) is a lawyer who is overly empathetic to the pain of others, even requiring psychiatric treatment. The drama centers on these two polar opposites joining forces to punish evil. While the story begins with a personal revenge plot, it gradually expands to address injustices suffered by marginalized individuals and exposes the corruption of powerful entities like large corporations and political institutions.
This is not just another con-artist drama or revenge thriller. It masterfully weaves together elements of heist films, romance, and mystery, keeping viewers deeply engaged. A particularly notable directorial choice is the use of direct monologues to the camera by the character Lee Ro Um, enhancing the drama's unique identity.
Several factors have contributed to the explosive response following the drama’s Netflix release. First, its concise 16-episode format is perfectly suited for binge-watching on OTT platforms. The fast-paced narrative that doesn’t rely on heavy exposition, along with plot twists in every episode, maximizes viewer engagement. Additionally, the strong chemistry between Chun Woo Hee and Kim Dong Wook effectively ties together the emotional and suspenseful arcs of the story, drawing viewers deeper into the evolving dynamics between the characters.
While the drama gained a loyal fanbase during its original run on cable, it didn't stand out in traditional TV ratings. However, Netflix has provided a new stage where well-made, non-mainstream dramas can gain belated recognition through word-of-mouth and algorithmic recommendations. 'Delightfully Deceitful' is a prime example.
The story doesn't stop at delivering personal revenge. It sheds light on the injustices suffered by vulnerable individuals who are overlooked by legal and institutional systems. Lee Ro Um and Han Moo Young take on the flawed system itself, seeking justice on behalf of those neglected. While it's a revenge tale, it maintains a strong human narrative; though it’s a mystery, it highlights structural issues in society.
Director Lee Soo Hyun and writer Han Woo Joo’s collaboration is also regarded as stable and effective. With Studio Dragon handling production, the drama maintains a high standard of visual quality and narrative structure.
'Delightfully Deceitful' is having a significantly greater impact post-release on Netflix than it did during its initial broadcast. Viewers across different age groups and countries are responding to its characters and storyline, with scenes, quotes, and clips being widely shared and discussed on social media.
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