Edited by Young Jun Yang
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Crime dramas set in Gangnam are nothing new. From violent crimes to political conspiracies among the elite, the genre has explored a variety of narratives, often dismissed as exaggerated works of fiction. However, things changed when the high-profile criminal case involving celebrities in Gangnam’s nightclub came to light a few years ago. The scandal—even stranger than fiction—shocked the public, prompting the media to lean into Gangnam’s seedy underbelly as a backdrop for stories. Disney Plus’s Gangnam B-Side is one such example.
A series of women go missing in Gangnam’s nightlife district, and all clues point to nightclub employee Kim Jae Hee (BIBI). When she suddenly vanishes, both club affiliates and the “shadow” figures protecting them begin a frantic search for her. Among them are Yoon Gil Ho (Ji Chang Wook), who has close ties to Jae Hee; Detective Kang Dong Woo (Jo Woo Jin), who was demoted after exposing his colleagues’ corruption; and Prosecutor Min Seo Jin (Ha Yoon Kyung), each with their own reasons for chasing her down. As they inch closer to the truth, they’re forced to confront the sinister reality lurking behind Gangnam’s glittering facade.
The premise undeniably feels familiar. As mentioned earlier, the story taps into a well-worn genre that has gained traction in recent years. Adding to this sense of déjà vu, Ji Chang Wook and BIBI also starred in The Worst of Evil, another Disney Plus crime drama released last year. It’s no wonder some viewers might mistake Gangnam B-Side for a spin-off or sequel before actually watching it.
Breaking away from the fatigue of recycled tropes and overlapping casts was undoubtedly one of the show’s biggest challenges. Gangnam B-Side tackles this by leaning on its fast-paced storytelling and strong performances, and so far, the effort appears to be paying off.
The series leaves a refreshing impression with its brisk momentum and action-packed sequences. The plot charges forward relentlessly, while the action delivers adrenaline-pumping intensity. To maintain this pace, the show makes bold decisions, trimming unnecessary backstories and skipping subplots that could disrupt the flow. Even provocative depictions, a staple of the genre, are noticeably toned down. While this approach sacrifices some depth and logic, the show still has room to flesh out its gaps in the episodes ahead. For now, the performances carry the weight.
Jo Woo Jin breathes life into Kang Dong Woo, a principled detective whose sharp gaze hints at both unwavering determination and the warmth of a father willing to do anything for his daughter. He also adds levity with his occasional dry humor. Ji Chang Wook shines once again with his “raw charisma,” fully embodying the brash and headstrong Yoon Gil Ho. His fleeting “tender” glances—reminiscent of a romance movie—add a surprising contrast that momentarily lifts the show’s heavy atmosphere. Meanwhile, BIBI and Ha Yoon Kyung inject energy into the series, showcasing both familiar strengths and fresh sides to their acting.
Yet, beneath the surface of the thrilling pace and stellar performances lies a lingering sense of complacency. The setup of a top K-pop idol embroiled in serious crimes feels plausible given real-world parallels, but reducing the villains to yet another cliché of psychopathic masterminds feels like a lazy choice. Over-the-top dialogue and contrived actions from the antagonists, coupled with overused depictions of Gangnam’s nightlife, risk pulling viewers out of the story. For a public already inundated with daily reports of real-world violent crimes, the repeated use of these themes in media only adds to fatigue. At times, it’s hard not to think, “Is there really nothing left to tell without ‘Gangnam,’ ‘drugs,’ ‘sex crimes,’ and ‘murder’?”
As Gangnam B-Side charges into its second half, it’s clear the show is entering new territory. While there are definitely some predictable and disappointing aspects, its sharp pacing and standout performances have delivered more entertainment than expected so far. Whether the show can maintain its momentum and carve out a unique identity in the crowded crime genre, or succumb to an overambitious start and fizzle out into a disappointing ending, remains to be seen. For now, it’s worth sticking around to find out. (7/10)
>> ‘Gangnam B-Side’ Takes Busan by Storm, Critics and Audiences Rave
Editor Yang Young Jun: There is at least one good part in every movie or TV series. A media geek who isn’t picky with genres.
