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Time Magazine
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Magazine
Breaking Down the Explosive Ending of 'Good Boy'
Good Boy, an action police dramedy about a group of former Korean Olympians who become cops, was one of the most highly-anticipated K-dramas of the year. Starring Park Bo-gum (When Life Gives You Tangerines) as boxer Yoon Dong-ju and with the The Good Bad Mother director Shim Na-yeon behind the camera, the drama was poised to be one of 2025's big hits. While Good Boy has done well domestically on Korean broadcaster JTBC and internationally on Amazon Prime Video (where it has been in the streamer's Global Top Ten for its entire run), narratively, the cop drama never quite found its rhythm. The series started its action intensity high, with explosions, fist fights, hit-and-run accidents, and department moles in the first episode, but didn't have anywhere to go from there. The show revealed its main villain, corrupt customs officer Min Ju-yeong (Oh Jung-se) from the jump, robbing the detective work done by the Special Criminal Investigation Team (SCIT) of most of its suspense and other character backstories, such as the Olympic origins of the main characters, never paid off outside of the action scenes. The show's central romance—between Dong-ju and former shooting prodigy Ji Han-na (Kim So-hyun)—felt more obligatory than inspired. At 16 episodes, Good Boy spent most of its season in a redundant cat-and-mouse cycle that didn't resolve itself until season's end. But at least we got some killer fight sequences along the way. The show was at its best when it was letting Dong-ju, Han-na, and the rest of their team—including fencer Kim Jong-hyeon (Lee Sang-yi), wrestler Go Man-sik (Heo Sung-tae), and discus thrower Shin Jae-hong (Tae Won-seok)—use their very specific skillsets in elaborate, sometimes gloriously absurd fight sequences. This was the case in the final episode, titled 'We Are the Champions,' which sees the SCIT squad finally taking down Ju-yeong for good. Let's break down the explosive ending of Good Boy. Ju-yeong's villainous backstory and present Like most of the characters in Good Boy, villain Ju-yeong doesn't get a backstory that complexifies his actions. Prior to becoming the evil mastermind controlling Insung City, he was just a part-time customs officer. When he is recruited by Oh Dollar, the gangster who ran organized crime in Insung before Ju-yeong, he quickly turns corrupt, shamelessly doing whatever he needs to do to make the most money. Later, when he was tasked with digitizing reams of customs documents, he came upon a cache of files proving corruption from some of Insung's most powerful business leaders and officials. Rather than report the misdeeds, Ju-yeong decides to use them. He bribes the people incriminated in the documents, and then uses his influence to take out any of the criminal organization competitors in the city—including his gangster mentor, Oh Dollar. Twenty years later, when Good Boy is primarily set, Ju-yeong's control of the city reaches into its highest echelons. He uses his power to sell Candy, a highly addictive drug, with criminals-with-more-of-a-conscience Leo (Ko Jun) and Drug Mom, aka Kim Yeon-ha (Lee Ho-jung), as minion-partners. Ju-yeong tries to burn it all down Heading into the Good Boy series finale, the SCIT team has Ju-yeong on the ropes. Unable to smuggle shipments of Candy out of the city, Ju-yeong's deal with the yakuza falls through. The Japanese criminal organization puts a hit out on Ju-yeong, and gangsters flock to the city to take him out. Furious, Ju-yeong plans to destroy the city, along with all of his high-profile accomplices. First, he sends out four trucks armed with explosives. They detonate, sending the city into a blackout. The Insung Police are able to bring things back under control, when Ju-yeong strikes again. He lures the city's officials to his hotel in downtown Insung. He's rigged the sprinkler system to emit a toxic chemical that also ignites when it comes in contact with water. Dong-ju and the rest of the SCIT team are able to stop anyone from dying, but Ju-yeong's girlfriend, a fellow customs officer named Kim Yu-na, slips away in the process. She meets Ju-yeong at the docks, thinking they are going to escape the country together. However, he has just been using her as a distraction. He has a truck standing by, ready to take her out as she walks across the street. Though she seems to survive, Ju-yeong doesn't care either way. He only cares about his money, and himself. Dong-ju finally takes Ju-yeong down Before Ju-yeong can get onto a boat, he is intercepted by the yakuza. They are trying to kill him when Dong-ju and Jong-hyeon arrive. Desperate to arrest Ju-yeong and have him face a trial for his crimes, they are put in the ironic situation of having to protect Ju-yeong. He slips away in the chaos, and Dong-ju eventually catches up with him on the rooftop deck of a nearby ferry. 'What kind of life have you lived that you kill someone like it's nothing?' Dong-ju asks Ju-yeong. When Ju-yeong half-heartedly mentions the early deaths of his parents, Dong-ju doesn't have any sympathy. He is an orphan, too. 'A scumbag like you doesn't get to make excuses,' he says, proceeding to beat Ju-yeong into submission. While the series presents it as justice or perhaps Dong-ju's job, it feels far more like brutal, unrestrained vengeance. Ju-yeong manages to throw himself over the edge of the boat into the water below. He would rather die in the water than let Dong-ju win. A determined Dong-ju follows, handcuffing himself to Ju-yeong and dragging him to shore. The rest of the SCIT team is proudly waiting, and Ju-yeong is brought to jail. Dong-ju somehow avoids permanent brain damage Forget law enforcement outcomes—the big question heading into the Good Boy finale was: will Dong-ju suffer permanent brain damage from the beatings he took in literally every episode of this series? At the end of Episode 14, Dong-ju lost his vision, going 'punch-drunk' following a confrontation with his former coach turned Ju-yeong's minion Oh Jong-gu (Jung Man-sik). Jong-hyeon finds him, and convinces him to go to the hospital and actually get sustained treatment. After that, there is a team effort to keep him away from the action. Unfortunately, Dong-ju has never met a fist he didn't think it was a good idea to throw his head against. He gets in several more fights before the series' end, and also is in close proximity to several massive explosions. Absurdly, Dong-ju finishes the series without permanent injury. In the final episode, we see him telling Han-na that his physical therapy is working, implying he has recovered completely. Does Ju-yeong die? After Ju-yeong's arrest, Dong-ju visits him in jail. Ju-yeong, who still has dirt on men in high places, doesn't think he will be in jail for much longer. Dong-ju doesn't seem particularly worried. That night, a man dressed as a guard comes into Ju-yeong's cell and chokes him. We don't see Ju-yeong die, leaving the door open for a second season with the villain back out on the streets. We also don't see the identity of the choker— could it be one of the 'good' guys, taking justice into their own hands? Does Good Boy have a happy ending? The SCIT team are recognized as heroes, awarded medals for their work apprehending Ju-yeong. Dong-ju, who has reunited with his surrogate mom Jung Mi-ja (Seo Jung-yeon) and is now in a relationship with longtime crush Han-na, seems very happy. Han-na is training to be part of the Special Operation Unit, and is in a good place with her mom. Jong-hyeon has decided to try professional fencing again. Jae-hong is happy with his wife and children. Man-sik discovers his wife didn't cheat on him, but rather his vasectomy failed—he is going to be a father again! The show ends with a final shot of Dong-ju, running on Haeundae Beach as the sunsets. He is in his Team Korea jacket, with a big smile on his face. For Dong-ju, it is definitely a happy ending.
India Today
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Good Boy review: Park Bo-gum-led K-drama is goofy, gutsy, and packed with potential
Athletes turned cops, an absurdly botched sting operation, a villain named Golden Bunny, and Park Bo-gum with the face of an angel and fists of fury—Good Boy arrives with a punchy by Shim Na-yeon (The Good Bad Mother, Beyond Evil), the Korean series kicks off with a high-octane 90-minute premiere that introduces a ragtag squad of former Olympic medallists recruited through a special program to join the police force. With medals in tow but credibility in question, these ex-athletes must prove themselves in a field where physical prowess isn't the only requirement—and where they're constantly undermined by their the centre of this action-comedy is Yoon Dong-ju (Park Bo-gum), a boxing gold medallist whose unwavering idealism and doe-eyed sincerity quickly earn him the moniker of the 'good boy.' Demoted to rookie status and teamed up with wrestling veteran Min Joo-yeong (a hilarious Heo Sung-tae), Dong-ju is determined to do right—even if that means accidentally fumbling a major mission or getting winded mid-chase. Bo-gum, fresh off his stellar performance in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines', strikes a brilliant balance between cheeky underdog and earnest hero. His comic timing lands without undercutting the character's heart, making Dong-ju instantly there's Kim So-hyun's Ji Han-na, an Olympic shooter now relegated to office errands—much to her frustration. Calm, composed and no-nonsense, she plays the perfect foil to Dong-ju's awkward crush, and her action scenes prove she's no desk officer. Rounding out the romantic triangle is Lee Sang-yi's Kim Jong-hyeon, her ex and a silver medallist who joins the internal audit team. Sang-yi, charming as ever, makes his entrance with flair, and when paired with Bo-gum, the two generate a competitive energy that's pure not laugh-out-loud funny, the series leans into its absurd premise with a wink. The pilot's main plot is an undercover mission to capture criminals and polish the police department's tarnished image. The plot, hence, is both plot device and comic gold. From Joo-yeong missing a crucial moment because he's peeing, to Dong-ju struggling with his cardio, the show isn't afraid to poke fun at its heroes. But when the action kicks in, you better be ready for a well-executed punch. The action offers innovative fighting techniques, relying on hand-to-hand combat, fencing techniques, street chases to tense home invasions. advertisement What 'Good Boy' gets especially right is the tone. There's enough camaraderie and character chemistry to keep the plot afloat, even when the pacing occasionally stumbles. It's not overly serious, but it's not slapstick either. It finds its footing in a sweet spot that is light on its feet, but ready to punch when just two episodes, the character arcs and innocence of them will compel you to root for this team of misfits. If future episodes double down on the kinetic energy and lean further into its fun, Good Boy might just be the action-comedy K-drama to watch this Boy is goofy, gutsy, and packed with potential. Come for Park Bo-gum's heartthrob heroics, stay for the action, the bromance, and the hope that this underdog squad finally gets their review is based on the first two episodes.3.5 out of 5 stars to Good Boy. You May Also Like
Indian Express
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Good Boy first Impression: Don't be fooled by ‘Pouty' Park Bo Gum, he's delivering career-best punches
When Park Bo Gum pitched Kim So Hyun a project years ago, he probably knew Good Boy would be their perfect screen comeback, an action-comedy loaded with fistfights, marking his post-military return. With heavy hitters like Lee Sang Yi, Heo Sung Tae, and Oh Jung Se on board, expectations were high after When Life Gives You Tangerines, where Bo Gum's brief role still made him the talk of the town. After watching two episodes of Good Boy, it's clear this K-drama isn't trying to please everyone, especially those used to the actor's lover-boy image. The show has sparked mixed reactions, from grumbling about convoluted plots to complaints about a shaky, slow start. But here's why I think it's worth sticking around for. Surprisingly, Sim Na Yeon's directorial doesn't quite follow the synopsis teased during promotions. Given her past hits like The Good Bad Mother and Moment at Eighteen, playing it safe was never on the table. With such a cast, a run-of-the-mill drama would've been a major disappointment, and thankfully, this isn't one of those. The story follows former national athletes Yoon Dong Joo, Ji Ha Na, Kim Jong Hyun, Go Man Sik, and Shin Jae Hong, who join the police force through a special recruitment policy. Some chose this path; others, like our lead Park Bo Gum's Dong Joo, a former boxing gold medalist falsely accused of using banned substances, were pushed into it. Together, they are on a journey to showcase their athletic skills to work against criminals while dealing with judgmental colleagues, corrupt officials, and a relentless fight to serve justice where it was denied. There's a love triangle, initially seeming like a one-on-one between Ji Ha Na and Dong Joo, but it turns out Ji Ha Na is the reason why her former flame, Jong Hyun, joined the force. So, our hero is about to juggle one more problem: a rival who's just as skilled, and just as handsome. Also read: Park Bo Gum made a request to Kim So Hyun years ago: 'Remember this when the time comes'; the story behind Good Boy casting It's a feel-good ride to see Bo Gum, who debuted nearly 15 years ago in thrillers like Blind, later delivered action-comedy punches in Runway Cop, Hard Day, Bridal Mask and before casually slipping into his soft-boy era, now return to his action roots right at the peak of his career. His character in Good Boy is getting the side-eye, partly thanks to his recent hit overshadowing things a bit. Audiences are struggling to digest the comedic start, thinking maybe funny just isn't his thing. Fair. But action lands. And since Good Boy sticks to elements of crime, sports, romance, and good old friendship drama, Bo Gum fits right in. Maybe comedy isn't his strongest suit, but the way he throws a punch with grin, taking down 15 goons in one go (felt excessive though) with a chiseled physique carved like it's seen hours at the gym, it's hard to remember this is the same guy who played Gwan Sik, the soft-spoken husband from Tangerines with eyes dripped in love. Also read: Good Boy: After When Life Gives You Tangerines, Park Bo-gum returns as police officer tasked with taking down a crime syndicate Kim So Hyun as Ji Ha Na was solid enough to convince us that Bo Gum's casting instincts were spot on. Honestly, it's hard to imagine anyone else pulling off the role of a sharp-shooting athlete with that kind of finesse. Her character's bold and straight-up, so we're not exactly counting on a 12-episode hand-hold or the classic 16-episode kiss. What stings a little is seeing Lee Sang Yi stuck in a supporting role when his grounded acting easily deserves lead status. Oh Jung Se popped up in the final ten minutes, but the way the tone shifted, you can already tell the story's heading somewhere darker. Despite a slow, stretched-out start that makes you want to hit pause and choose a nap over the movie-length premiere, the pace thankfully picks up not long after. You can feel the Western influence creeping in, from moodier visuals to the cinematic undertones, that's a shift from the usual K-drama aesthetic. That said, the thousand-cuts-per-minute camera was a pain to watch. The comedy lands in parts, but the over-the-top goofiness inside the police station could've been toned down. Good Boy might have gone a bit overboard trying to juggle every genre it could find, and while the individual performances are solid, it's the chemistry between them that's lacking. Park Bo Gum and Heo Sung Tae's mentor-protégé bond feels forced at times. And Bo Gum's behaviour around Kim So Hyun's character is borderline obsessive, unnecessarily pouty, and just… meh. But just when you're about to roll your eyes, the show throws in a moment, like Shin Jae Jong flinging a sewer lid like it's the Olympics again, or Han Na nailing a headshot mid-chaos. MAX's OST sneaks in at the right time and lifts the mood. There's still more to come from the rest of the squad. The Prime video original isn't here to race anyone, it's here to take its own lane. Let's see if it holds that ground in Episode 3.
Indian Express
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Good Boy: After When Life Gives You Tangerines, Park Bo-gum returns as police officer tasked with taking down a crime syndicate
It's good news for K-drama fans. A new multi-genre Korean series, titled Good Boy, was announced on Tuesday. The show will star Park Bo-gum, Kim So-hyun, Lee Sang-yi, Heo Sung-tae, and Tae Won-seok in lead roles. It is directed by Sim Na-yeon, who is known for hit series Beyond Evil and The Good Bad Mother. The show will be a blend of comedy, action, crime investigation, and romance as it tells the story of former medal-winning athletes who become police officers and fight criminals. They form a ragtag team determined to take down the forces behind a large crime group. The show will feature Park Bo-gum, who is enjoying the success of When Life Gives You Tangerines, as he transforms into a lovable character, Yun Dong-ju. The audience will see Dong-ju get involved in fistfights during his school years. Later, he learns professional boxing and goes on to win a gold medal. However, his boxing career is cut short due to an unfair expulsion, and he makes a fresh start by becoming a police officer. The show will also feature a romantic arc between Dong-ju and Ji Han-na, played by Kim So-hyun. Kim So-hyun's Ji Han-na is a police officer who was once a shooting prodigy but had to leave the sport after facing a controversy that led her to lose focus at the most crucial moment in her shooting career. Eventually, a stress-induced condition and frequent dizziness forced her to retire from her once-promising shooting career. She later joined the police force and now works in the special team alongside Dong-ju. Interestingly, her ex-boyfriend Jong-hyeon, played by Lee Sang-yi, is also part of the same team. Spice Up Our Love and No Gain No Love star Lee Sang-yi plays silver medalist Kim Jong-hyeon in the show. Formerly a fencer, Jong-hyeon works hard to graduate from the police academy, driven by his desire to reunite with his former girlfriend, Han-na. Heo Sung-tae, known for his roles in Squid Game and Decoy, plays team leader Ko Man-sik. Finally, actor Tae Won-seok portrays the gentle giant Shin Jae-hong. Good Boy is written by Lee Dae-il, who previously penned Life on Mars and Bring It On, Ghost. The series will launch on Prime Video on May 31, with weekly episodes streaming on Saturday and Sunday.
