Secret Forest - 2017 - 8/10
AKA - Stranger // 비밀의
Exemplary K-drama, well-deserving of critical acclaim and viewer praise.
On surface, a murder mystery of a once powerful influence peddler, now fallen.
He still “knows” valuable secrets, and his willingness to barter proves his undoing.
The prosecutor starts digging, as does a keen eyed police detective.
Insular cortex surgery as a child, means prosecutor Hwang Shi Mok has limited emotions but sharper analytical prowess. Which he will need as the plot unfolds a thicket of villains, smiling, powerful, duplicitous.
Each episode boasts fresh narrative, with every character uncertain of those around them.
The detail to plotting is matched by strong, understated performances.
Best of all, the series (and writer) shows respect for viewer intelligence.
The heart of this is corruption, as it seeps from individual to group to organization.
Corruption in practice, or corruption observed and tolerated. Decadence.
Memorable series that builds to a rich and poignant conclusion.
