'Woo Young-woo' star Park Eun-bin delivers in 'Hyper Knife' as psychopath doctor
Riding the wave of back-to-back hits with popular Korean dramas such as 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo' and "Castaway Diva," Park Eun-bin solidifies her star power with "Hyper Knife," a new Disney+ series in which she takes on her most unique role yet -- as a psychopathic killer doctor.
An eight-part medical crime drama, "Hyper Knife" follows Se-ok (Park), a brilliant neurosurgeon forced into the shadows as an illicit doctor-for-hire after losing her medical license.
An intense chain of events is set off when Se-ok is revisited by Deok-hee (Sul Kyung-gu), her former mentor and the very man who revoked her license.
Despite their bitter history, Deok-hee, now suffering from a debilitating illness, pleads with Se-ok to operate on him, insisting that she is the only one capable of treating him.
The first two episodes of "Hyper Knife" are driven less by plot and more by its compelling characters, with Park at the helm.
In "Hyper Knife," Park delivers a vivid character unlike any other in her previous works. A stark departure from the warm-hearted attorney in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," in "Hyper Knife," Park now seamlessly embodies a powerfully emotional, self-centered person who prioritizes her own feelings over human life.
Se-ok wrestles with anger management issues, bouts of rage and intense happiness while retaining a childlike innocence, indulging in sweets and ice cream -- a contrast that makes her feel almost lifted from cartoons.
In a role brimming with complexity, Park delivers a career-defining performance. Park's petite frame and delicate features belie Se-ok's psychopathic and inhumane qualities, making for a haunting portrayal.
A standout moment involves a scene where Se-ok, abandoned by her mentor, sobs in pouring rain -- a performance powerful enough to erase any trace of her past roles.
Meanwhile, the chemistry between Park and Sul is fascinating. Their dynamic as a cold yet brilliant mentor and a deeply flawed, yet exceptionally gifted protege pops on screen. The push-pull relationship between them introduced through flashbacks, with Sul's character begrudgingly acknowledging Se-ok's genius, creates an interesting interplay.
Where "Hyper Knife" falters is in its credibility. The show's immersive qualities are slightly undercut through unrealistic details, such as Se-ok carrying out multiple illegal surgeries without consequence, effortlessly evading the law while also moonlighting as a licensed pharmacist by day.
The supporting cast enriches the series, with Yoon Chan-young as Young-joo, a man indebted to Se-ok who remains fiercely loyal to her. His unwavering concern adds humanity to the story, as well as a touch of humor to the dark storyline -- although his unquestionable devotion to Se-ok, who murders people without a second thought, strains credibility.
The first two episodes of "Hyper Knife" are currently available for streaming on Disney+. Two episodes will drop every Wednesday.
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