The Day of Abduction (2023)
Starring Yoon Kye-sang, Park Sung-hoon, Yu-na
Mixing dark humor, thriller tension, and unexpected heart, The Day of Abduction is a bold twist on familiar K-drama formulas. It blends the “old three treasures” of classic dramas—amnesia, terminal illness, and traffic accidents—with modern obsessions like revenge, chaebol families, and plot-driven thrills.
Plot Summary:
Kim Myung-jun (Yoon Kye-sang) is a desperate father whose young daughter is battling leukemia. Overwhelmed by mounting medical bills, he’s approached by his estranged ex-wife with a disturbing proposal: kidnap a young girl and demand ransom from her wealthy parents.
Though timid and reluctant, Myung-jun eventually agrees—only to have fate intervene in a way no one expects. A little girl collapses right in front of his car. She’s the exact target he was supposed to kidnap. In a panic, he takes her with him. But things get even more complicated when the girl wakes up with no memory of who she is.
As they navigate false identities, murder plots, and buried secrets, the unlikely pair forms a bond—and what began as a crime spirals into a deep mystery involving powerful families and long-hidden truths.
What Makes It Stand Out:
- A rare blend of suspense, dark comedy, and emotional depth
- Yoon Kye-sang delivers a layered, sympathetic performance as a reluctant kidnapper with a heart
- Smartly written dialogue and strong chemistry between the leads
- Each episode ends with a twist—building tension and addictiveness with every turn
- Based on the bestselling novel by South Korea’s “Queen of Thriller,” Jeong Hae-yeon
What Could Be Better:
- Some plot developments rely on coincidence and may stretch believability
- The tonal shifts between thriller, comedy, and drama can feel jarring for viewers expecting a single-genre experience
Verdict:
The Day of Abduction is a standout in the K-drama thriller genre—unexpectedly heartfelt, consistently suspenseful, and refreshingly original. With strong ratings, a rising reputation, and an impressive 8.1 Douban and 9.2 IMDb score, it’s proof that blending old-school drama tropes with modern storytelling can still strike gold.