Park and Sul boast fascinating chemistry as mentor and protege, but the series' credibility is strained
Riding the wave of back-to-back hits such as popular Korean series “Extraordinary Attorney Woo” and "Castaway Diva," Park Eun-bin solidifies her star power with a new Disney+ series that's driven less by plot and more by its compelling characters.
In "Hyper Knife," Park delivers a vivid character unlike any other in her previous works. A stark departure from the warm-hearted attorney in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," in "Hyper Knife," Park seamlessly embodies a powerfully emotional, self-centered person who prioritizes her own feelings over human life.
The eight-part medical crime drama follows Se-ok (Park), a brilliant neurosurgeon forced into the shadows as an illicit doctor-for-hire after losing her medical license.
Se-ok is revisited by Deok-hee (Sul Kyung-gu), her former mentor and the very man who revoked her license.
Despite their bitter history, Deok-hee, now suffering from a debilitating illness, pleads with Se-ok to operate on him, insisting that she is the only one capable of treating him.
Throughout the series, Se-ok wrestles with anger management issues, bouts of rage and intense happiness while retaining a childlike innocence, indulging in sweets and ice cream — a contrast that makes her feel almost lifted from cartoons.
In a role brimming with complexity, Park delivers a career-defining performance. Park’s petite frame and delicate features belie Se-ok's psychopathic and inhumane qualities, making for a haunting portrayal.
A standout moment involves a scene where Se-ok, abandoned by her mentor, sobs in pouring rain — a performance powerful enough to erase any trace of her past roles.
Meanwhile, the chemistry between Park and Sul is fascinating. Their dynamic as a cold yet brilliant mentor and a deeply flawed, yet exceptionally gifted protege pops on screen. The push-pull relationship between them introduced through flashbacks, with Sul’s character begrudgingly acknowledging Se-ok’s genius, creates an interesting interplay.
Where "Hyper Knife" falters is in its credibility. The show's immersive qualities are slightly undercut by unrealistic details, such as Se-ok carrying out multiple illegal surgeries without consequence, effortlessly evading the law while moonlighting as a licensed pharmacist by day.
The supporting cast enriches the series, with Yoon Chan-young as Young-joo, a man indebted to Se-ok who remains fiercely loyal to her. His unwavering concern adds humanity to the story, as well as a touch of humor to the dark storyline — although his unquestionable devotion to Se-ok, who murders people without a second thought, strains credibility.
The first two episodes of "Hyper Knife" are currently available for streaming on Disney+, with two new episodes to drop every Wednesday.
yoonseo.3348@heraldcorp.com
