Have you ever thought your life could turn upside down in a single night? One Ordinary Day, a Korean drama adapted from the British series Criminal Justice, plunges us into a world where truth is turned on its head. When an ordinary college student becomes the prime suspect in a brutal murder, the powerful performances of Kim Soo-hyun and Cha Seung-won not only tell a story of a twisted justice system but also question the meaning of truth and justice.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers for the Ending)
Kim Hyun-soo (Kim Soo-hyun) is a college student with a simple life. One night, he meets a mysterious woman and spends time with her. But the next morning, he wakes up to find her brutally murdered, and he is immediately arrested as the prime suspect. All evidence points to him: fingerprints, DNA, CCTV footage. Hyun-soo's hope fades as no one believes he is innocent.
However, a glimmer of light appears when Shin Joong-han (Cha Seung-won), a seemingly incompetent lawyer, decides to take the case. He is an unknown lawyer working in a small office, but he is the only one willing to listen to Hyun-soo's story. Together, they must navigate a justice system full of prejudice and societal pressure to uncover the truth hidden behind the horrific murder.
Acting and Characters
Kim Soo-hyun as Kim Hyun-soo portrays a transformation from an innocent young man to someone crushed by the world. His eyes filled with fear and despair evoke sympathy and support from the audience. His subtle gestures and trembling voice create remarkable realism.
Cha Seung-won as Shin Joong-han, a quirky lawyer who seems untrustworthy but has the ability to turn the game around, adds color and humor to the tense series. The relationship between him and Hyun-soo evolves from distrust to a complex bond of trust.
Supporting actors like Kim Sung-kyu as Do Ji-tae, a mysterious prison guard, and Kim Shin-rok as Ahn Tae-young, a strict prosecutor, add depth to the story. Every character has their own goals and motivations; no one is purely good or evil.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Director Kim Sung-hoon (from Confidential Assignment) masterfully controls the pacing. The story moves neither too fast nor too slow. He uses flashback techniques and clever editing to build suspense and tension.
The cinematography features muted tones, using light and shadow to convey the darkness of the justice system and the characters' minds. Prison scenes are shot with narrow angles, creating a sense of claustrophobia and despair, while courtroom scenes are brightly lit yet cold, reflecting injustice.
The score by Jo Young-wook enhances the emotions effectively. The melancholic piano in Hyun-soo's hopeless moments and the thrilling music during truth revelations immerse the audience in the story.
Editorial Analysis
One Ordinary Day is not just a typical crime drama; it critiques a failed justice system. The way media and society judge people based on appearances and superficial evidence reflects real-world issues: police bias, prosecutors eager to close cases quickly, and the public believing news without verification.
The series also questions 'truth': what is it really—the evidence presented or what actually happened? Hyun-soo must fight to prove his innocence in a world that refuses to listen, a theme that resonates emotionally with viewers.
The narrative focuses on building background and gradually revealing secrets, allowing the series to take its time and delve into legal details. Although some episodes may feel drawn out, overall it adds realism and substance.
Verdict
One Ordinary Day is a must-watch for fans of intense legal dramas and stellar acting. Despite minor flaws in pacing, it is a memorable work that makes you question justice in society. Fans of series like Signal or Stranger will likely enjoy this one.
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👍 Pros
- +Kim Soo-hyun and Cha Seung-won's performances are outstanding, captivating the audience.
- +Complex and realistic script that questions justice.
- +High-quality cinematography and music create an intense atmosphere.
👎 Cons
- −Some parts of the story progress slowly, which may bore some viewers.
- −Only 8 episodes might be too short to fully resolve certain plot points.
Top Cast
FAQ
No, it's not a true story, but it is adapted from the British series Criminal Justice (2008), which was inspired by several crime cases.
The series has 8 episodes in one season. It is available on VIU and Netflix (in some countries).
Kim Soo-hyun's performance is excellent. He convincingly portrays a character in despair and confusion. Many consider it one of his best works.
There are some crime and violence scenes, but not excessively brutal. Suitable for general audiences who enjoy investigative dramas.
