A gripping reimagining of the BBC’s Criminal Justice, One Ordinary Day dives into the dark corners of crime and punishment in South Korea. Blending psychological tension with raw human drama, the series offers a haunting exploration of justice, truth, and survival.
Plot Summary
Kim Hyun-soo (Kim Soo-hyun), an ordinary college student, sees his life spiral into chaos when he becomes the prime suspect in a murder case after a night gone wrong. With overwhelming evidence stacked against him, Hyun-soo faces a legal system that seems determined to condemn him.
Enter Shin Joong-han (Cha Seung-won), a shabby but sharp defense lawyer who takes the case nobody else wants. Together, the unlikely pair battles corruption, prejudice, and despair, as Hyun-soo’s innocence and humanity hang by a thread.
Highlights
- Kim Soo-hyun delivers one of his most powerful performances, capturing both vulnerability and resilience as a man crushed by circumstances beyond his control.
- Cha Seung-won brings grit and charisma, playing a morally complex lawyer who proves that redemption can come from unexpected places.
- Intense prison sequences and courtroom battles keep viewers on edge, balancing raw realism with emotional depth.
- Atmospheric cinematography and tight pacing heighten the claustrophobic sense of fear and injustice.
What Could Be Better
- The heavy themes may feel emotionally draining for viewers expecting lighter K-drama tones.
- Some secondary characters could have used more development to deepen the broader legal and social context.
Verdict
One Ordinary Day is a dark, unflinching legal thriller that strips away illusions of safety and fairness, revealing the harsh realities of crime and punishment. While emotionally heavy, its gripping performances and layered storytelling make it a standout entry in the Korean drama crime-thriller genre.